About our staff

HMSA & Quest , BCBS, UHA, HMAA insurance accepted

About our staff

HMSA & Quest , BCBS, UHA, HMAA insurance accepted

JOSEPH DELORENZO

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Read More

Aloha! I am excited to meet you and begin this journey with you. While I can help guide different mental health issues my specialty is Trauma and Grief in ages 15 to end of life. The trauma and grief issues I work with the most are religious trauma/grief, spiritual trauma/grief, and Pre/Perinatal trauma/grief. I also work very closely with Post-Partum Depression (PPD) and Existential Dread. Some places I have worked in or closely with include psychiatric hospitals, OBGYN offices, jail, juvenile correction programs, veteran clinics, in-home therapy, schools, and trauma private practices.

I can tell you that this is not a time to be alone. With trauma, grief, and existential issues you may feel alone, anxious, depressed, angry, or other emotions. You will find techniques I have been using for numerous years will allow you to feel whole again. Walking this path with you is one of my greatest passions. I look forward to watching you be complete again.

Specialties: Trauma & Grief
Certification: Psychedelic Assisted Therapist (PAT), Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual (CCTSI)
Training: Somatic Experiencing, EMDR

LAVON PETERSEN

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Read More

Aloha, my name is LaVon, and I want to first say great job on taking the first and necessary step with addressing your current challenges. Therapy can provide you with the space you need to safely and openly explore your experiences of trauma, conflict, loss and more. Addressing these experiences in therapy without the stigmas and fear of judgment can be useful in alleviating stress, anxiety, anger, depression, and navigating post symptoms of trauma and grief.

The relationship that ensues between the client and therapist along with the client’s strengths, insight, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, facilitates growth toward goal achievement. As a person who has lived experiences, I understand that life can be sometimes difficult to manage.

I believe a person’s time in therapy should be used to promote overall wellness and improvement in their quality of life. This is why I use an integrative approach that includes mindfulness and meditation as a tool to assist clients in developing a mind-body connection to support resiliency and healing. I also use other modalities such as Narrative therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotion Focused Techniques (EFT), Solution Focused, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems, and more, suited for your needs.

The space created when working with me is inviting, safe, and non-judgmental. I help clients find healing as they work through life challenges and transitions such as trauma, relationships/marital, grief, and other mental health needs. I am passionate about helping people tap into their greatest Self.

Specialties: Trauma & Grief

Certifications: Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual (CCTSI), Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment Level I, Dialectical & Behavioral Therapy, Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGIP), Integrative Somatic Parts Work Certificate (Level 1, 2, & 3)

Training: Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Intensive Trauma Treatment Course

Aubrey Jenks

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Read More

Aloha, my name is Aubrey and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) here on O’ahu. I am so glad that you are taking this first step toward creating lokahi (balance) in your life.

Developing lokahi is very important during challenging times. The road to lokahi involves different things for different people but it requires being willing to adapt and change so that you can grow.

I am here to help you gain the necessary skills and confidence to deal with barriers and develop lokahi between your mental, physical, spiritual, relationship, and career health.

I have a background in helping people with many different challenges including loss, trauma, anxiety, emotional distress, depression, and dealing with everyday stress. These life experiences can affect all aspects of life but I believe that every person can find their own peace and lokahi and I look forward to helping you get there.

Specialty: Trauma

Training: EMDR

Dorthea Caldwell

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Read More

Aloha! Trust, Acceptance, Honesty, and Connection are the foundational tools I use in approaching grief and loss in life. As one who has experienced the many up and downs that come with life transitions, I come not only with the skills and theories of a Mental Health Professional. I also hold dear what it means to be the person to guide vulnerability as you bravely share your story. My post-graduate training in Mental Health Counseling is from Long Island University. It has provided me with a wide professional scope that led me to my specialties which are addressing grief, loss, and transitional life stages. My approach is humanistic at its core, with incorporation of an eclectic array of theoretical techniques. Creating a safe and open environment, where you can see and explore yourself beyond the pain is my passion and focus. Whenever the time comes, I look forward to connecting with you and walking the road of a healing journey. In the meantime, Aloha Nui Loa.

Specialties: Grief, Loss, Transitional Life Stages

Certifications: Grief Treatment

Core Skill: Emotional-focused therapy

Tatiana Macias

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Read More

Aloha, Thank you for choosing Sunrise Therapy as I am excited to start this journey with you. In my experience I have walked with many different people that has given me the skills to guide children, teens, couples, families, and individuals through many life’s challenges. I can offer a safe, warm, and positive environment for maximum healing and growth. This will allow you to move forward for any situation life may give you. I am allowed to promote these items as I have Level 1 Gottman Training (couples therapy), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and am trained in infant/child parenting.

Do not walk this journey alone. Whatever issue you are going through should be guided by a professional. I am prepared to help you through this journey in the most empathic way possible. A big Mahalo for getting this far in finding a therapist. I look forward to meeting you soon!

Specialties: Trauma, Marital/Couples Relationships, Families

Certifications: Gottman Level 1, Clinical Trauma Specialist

Khwanhatai Achuka

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Read More

My own journey as a first-generation college student and immigrant taught me what it means to navigate unfamiliar systems and how powerful it can be to feel truly seen and supported. These early experiences continue to shape my work as a therapist. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of supporting first responders, service members and their families, healthcare professionals, and women navigating hormonal shifts, fertility journeys, and the emotional weight of post-birth control recovery. I’m especially passionate about walking alongside those moving through life transitions, identity exploration, and the quiet overwhelm that so often comes with being the strong one.

My approach is rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and guided by a social justice lens. I hold space for all parts of you, your questions, your grief, your resilience and believe healing happens when we feel safe enough to be our full selves. My hope is to offer a space that feels warm, grounding, and deeply nurturing, where you can exhale, reconnect, and move forward with more clarity and compassion for yourself.

Training: Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Concentrations: Trauma, Grief, Perinatal/Postnatal challenges

Heidi Lahl

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

Read More

I believe that we all deserve a safe space to process our experiences, and my primary goal is to provide you that space. I provide a person-centered approach that emphasizes helping my clients build self-compassion, as I believe that it is only from a place of self-compassion that we can feel grounded within ourselves enough to develop a compassionate relationship with others around us. My approach is warm, down-to-earth, trauma informed, and practical, and I believe that we are all on a healing journey and see myself as a fellow traveler. It is an honor to walk by your side.

I believe that deeper, sustained healing comes from exploring the root causes of suffering and untangling the patterns that keep us stuck. The process of therapy may feel difficult at moments, but it can also be filled with creativity, relief, and discovery.

I take joy in exploring and discovering pockets of freedom and resilience alongside my clients. I utilize a trauma informed, culturally humble approach grounded in attachment, psychodynamic, and somatic approaches to healing. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and take the next step in your healing.

Specializing:

Grief, LGBTQ+, religious trauma, couples

Training:

Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT)

Jaidyn McLain

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Read More

Aloha, my name is Jaidyn McLain and I am a Licensed Social Worker in Hawaii. I am grateful to have known my purpose and passion of being a therapist since late childhood. It is an honor to be able to use my strengths, educational background, and real life experience in a career I so deeply value.

I noticed the lack of resources and increased demand of social services which is what led to my calling to move to the island this past year. In February of 2021, 37.6% of adults in Hawaii reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. I am passionate about helping others live a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Mental health involves not only emotional and psychological well-being but also social and spiritual health.

I received my bachelors in Psychology and Sociology at Flagler College in St. Augustine Florida and received a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work at Florida Atlantic University.

Some areas I have worked with individuals on include substance use, anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, emotional distress, relationship issues, daily stress, self-esteem issues, and trauma.

With such a deep respect and awe for these islands, the people, and the beauty that makes up such a wonderful community, it is with such a grateful heart to contribute to the mental health field and offer professional services.

Focus: Trauma, Grief, Addictions

Certifications: Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual (CCTSI)

Jenna Mercado

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Read More

Aloha. I feel honored to connect and hold space for your healing.

As a holistic therapist, I specialize in listening to the whole person (mind, body, spirit) and helping others listen to themselves. I highly value building safe therapeutic relationships through non-judgmental regard, humor, nurturing support, and personal empowerment. I provide strengths-based and trauma-informed guidance, grounded in cultural humility and respect for diversity of human experiences. Each session is tailored to fit individual needs and is co-created with you, guided by the principle that your deepest, most powerful medicine comes from within.

I am a Licensed Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. I have clinical experience working with folks who have serious mental illness diagnoses. My specialization areas are PTSD and psychosis. I also am trained in spiritual healing arts and seek to bridge Western therapy and spirituality for those who are open to multidimensional care.

Certification: Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual (CCTSI)

Trained In: Somatic Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

Katherine Kekeisen

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Read More

Aloha! Katie — a licensed social worker, proud Boston native, and busy mama to two keiki.

With a background in clinical social work from Boston Childrens Hospital and advanced training from Boston University and Salem State University, I specialize in supporting families through the emotional journey of parenthood.

Now based in beautiful Hawaii, I focus on helping parents and supporting perinatal mental health, including postpartum anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. I believe that no one should walk this path alone. Every family is unique, and every story matters.

Together, we’ll explore the highs and lows of new parenthood, building confidence and uncovering the tools you already have within you. You are the best parent for your child and I’m here to help you feel that truth every step of the way.

When I’m not working, I’m surfing, playing on the beach with my family, or hiking through the islands’ beautiful trails with my sweet pup.

Focus: Perinatal & Postpartum Mental Health, Child Development, Family Systems & Military- Connected Children & Families

Certifications: Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy

Core Skill: Person-Centered Therapy

Angela Mulligan

Marriage & Family Therapy Intern

Read More

My journey to becoming a therapist began during a period of deep personal growth at a holistic retreat center. There, I first discovered the profound power of human potential and the innate wisdom we each carry within. As I immersed myself in personal development and community work, I witnessed how transformative it can be when people reconnect with their inner guidance and take meaningful steps toward becoming the truest version of themselves.

This calling inspired me to pursue formal training in Marriage and Family Therapy, where I specialized in evidence-based approaches that honor both the individual and the relationships that shape our lives. I take a systems-based perspective, recognizing how we are all connected — and how healing often unfolds in the context of those connections.

In my work, I partner with individuals, couples, and families to uncover deeper levels of trust, connection, and mutual support. Whether we are working together to repair bonds, reclaim your identity beyond trauma, or strengthen your parenting with practical tools and compassionate understanding, I’m here to walk alongside you with empathy and care.

Today, my practice blends the action-oriented empowerment of coaching with the depth and insight of therapeutic healing. This unique approach allows clients to cultivate greater self-awareness, develop emotional resilience, and create more fulfilling relationships—all in a warm, supportive space where their stories are safe and honored.

Focus: Marriage and Family Therapy, Trauma, and Grief

Training: Reiki Master, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye-movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Gender Affirming training

Core Skill: Person-Centered Therapy, Integrative, Growth Focus

Memphis Sandoval

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)

Read More

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in perinatal mental health. I provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy for individuals before, during pregnancy and the postpartum period. I am passionate about supporting women and families through pregnancy, postpartum, and every aspect of parenthood. My clinical focus includes perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), postpartum psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety, emotional adjustment to pregnancy and birth, and healing from birth trauma or unexpected experiences. I use a collaborative approach to create a safe space.

When you come to an initial psychiatric evaluation with me, you can expect a thoughtful, compassionate, and comprehensive assessment. I take the time to understand your full story, relevant history, and carefully evaluate your symptoms, and engage in open dialogue about your concerns. Together, we discuss diagnoses and identify meaningful treatment goals.

I believe every person’s experience is unique, and providing culturally sensitive, respectful care is a priority in my work. I focus on education and collaboration, giving clients the tools to feel informed, empowered, and hopeful about their treatment. I strive to create a stigma-free space where you can feel safe, seen, and free to be yourself.

Kaitlynn Felipe

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Read More

Aloha, I’m Kaitlynn Felipe. I was born and raised on Oʻahu and am Kanaka ʻōiwi, Indigenous to the islands of Hawaiʻi. My cultural identity and lived experience deeply inform my work, especially in serving Hawaiʻi’s communities. I believe healing is rooted in relationship — to self, to ʻohana, to culture, and to place.

My approach to therapy is grounded, relational, and integrative. I draw from strengths-based and cognitive-behavioral frameworks while holding space for the deeper layers of identity, ancestry, and lived experience that shape who we are. I am especially mindful of how historical and generational trauma can live in both the mind and body, influencing how we move through relationships, parenthood, and intimacy. In our work together, I strive to create a space that feels safe, collaborative, and honest — where growth can unfold at a pace that honors your story.

In addition, I focus on supporting parents through the perinatal and postpartum seasons, including anxiety, depression, and mood-related challenges. No one should navigate this alone. Together, we explore both the beauty and the overwhelm of parenthood, strengthening confidence and reconnecting you to the intuition and tools already within you.

I am a Licensed Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a Licensed Massage Therapist in Hawaiʻi, specializing in traditional Native Hawaiian healing practices, including lomi lomi. I am certified in Sexual Health Therapy and am currently pursuing advanced training in Maternal Mental Health.

I married my high school sweetheart from the island of Maui, who serves in the United States Space Force. I am also a mother to a wonderful son and a proud Pūnana Leo parent — roles that continue to deepen my understanding of community, kuleana, and generational healing.

When I’m not working, I truly enjoy time at home with ʻohana, swimming, and intentional movement, traveling to Maui, and being involved with my son’s school activities.

Focus:

Perinatal & Postpartum Mental Health

Sexual Health & Sex Therapy

LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care
Historical & Generational Trauma

ROSE ROMBAWA

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Read More

Aloha / Aho / Greetings, I was born of the Kona District on Oʻahu to the Kapālama ahupuaʻa, and raised as a Special Forces Army Brat across the U.S., until returning to assist in the full-time end-of-life care for my Tutu (grandmother) after high school. I am Kanaka ʻOiwi, Jiwere Nút’atchi, and Rarámurí. I am a wife, mother of two, and daughter of a combat veteran. I have my Master’s and License in Social Work with a specialization in Behavioral Mental Health. My research background includes policy and implementation for populations affected by severe mental illness, houselessness, commercial sexual exploitation, and the importance of indigenous centered healing practices. In my professional background I have predominantly served local youth, families, and communities moving through Western systems in Hawaii. I’ve especially worked with adjudicated youth, individuals dealing with substance misuse, and severe trauma developing programs and providing therapeutic relief.

I use a strengths-based and trauma-informed therapeutic approach rooted in local style values. Together, we’ll examine the connections between the internal systems of your mind, body, and feelings with the connections between the external systems of your life, history, family, and work. We’ll build tools, techniques, and pathways to disrupt unhealthy or harmful patterns and ground you in the wisdom of your own power, truth, and healing.

Rüdiger Rückmann

Poetry Healer

Read More

As a professional poet and instructor, I have always believed in the transformative power of the written word. As Robert Frost beautifully said, “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” In my virtual individual and group sessions—offered in English and German—I create a warm, welcoming space where participants can explore poetry as a path to self-understanding, healing, and growth. Together, we deepen our connection to language, build confidence in self-expression, and discover how putting feelings into words can bring clarity, calm, and stress relief.

My own journey began early: I published my first poem at seven and went on to win nine national writing awards before finishing high school. I later studied with Hayden Carruth and Tess Gallagher, who invited me to study privately in the home she shared with Raymond Carver. My work has been featured at Baltimore Artscape and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and I’ve led workshops for organizations such as Samaritan Counseling Center and Transcend Integration. Above all, I love helping others discover their own voice through poetry.

OUR BOARD MEMBERS

JOSEPH DELORENZO, LMHC

(ex officio Board Member)

Read More

“I am extremely excited about starting this Non-Profit journey, I truly believe in our mission. Mental Health should not be a privilege for those who can get it or afford it.

Mental Health should be a human right. This person’s new right (mental health treatment) will not only make them a healthier, more whole person, but spread throughout the entire community, making the world a more loving, caring place.”

Natalie Spautz, LMFT

Read More

Healthcare and access to it is a human right. We all deserve dignity, support and connection. By joining TI’s board, I aim to help bridge anti-oppressive and decolonized values with mental health and finances.

With the shared goal to build an organization that is responsive to the needs of the people in Hawai’i, we are honored to support individual, relational and collective healing through blending psychology and earth based practices.

STEVEN JAMES, PH.D.

Read More

“I am excited for the chance to be a part of such a meaningful endeavor that has the power to transform the way we view mental health in Hawaiʻi. It is past time we embrace the need for holistic mental health and wellbeing, not just as a reaction to crisis, but as tools for living more whole and fulfilling lives.”

JENNA SCHNEIDER MERCADO, LSW

Read More

“May all people have full access to decolonized mental healthcare, thereby growing humanity’s capacity to bring healing, compassionate awareness to our personal and collective shadows. May we continually remember our deep and enduring connection to the earth, solidifying the inner knowing that we are always supported and never alone.”

Rüdiger Rückmann

Board Secretary

Read More

“Because mental health wellness has changed my own life and many friends and family I care deeply about, I am deeply invested in Transcend Integration’s mission to promote and provide affordable and accessible care. I am grateful to be part of such an inspiring nonprofit organization.”

About our staff

About our staff

JOSEPH DELORENZO

LAVON PETERSEN

Aubrey Jenks

Dorthea Caldwell

Tatiana Macias

Khwanhatai Achuka

Heidi Lahl

Jaidyn McLain

Jenna Mercado

Katherine Kekeisen

Angela Mulligan

Memphis Sandoval

Kaitlynn Felipe

ROSE ROMBAWA

Rüdiger Rückmann

OUR BOARD MEMBERS

JOSEPH DELORENZO, LMHC

Natalie Spautz, LMFT

STEVEN JAMES, PH.D.

JENNA SCHNEIDER MERCADO, LSW

Rüdiger Rückmann

LAVON PETERSEN, LCSW