Staff
Vonn Ramos
Executive Director
Vonn Ramos serves as the Executive Director of Hale ʻŌpio Kaua‘i. With expertise in family resources, therapy, human resources, and substance abuse counseling, Vonn leads the organization’s operations and development with a focus on excellence and care.
Outside the office, Vonn enjoys volunteering through the Lions Club and is an active member of Aloha Church. Known for loving “VONN”cations, he’s also a proud pet parent to three dogs and over 20 lovebirds.
Priti "Maya" Tayal
Community Programs Director
Priti Tayal serves as the Community Programs Director at Hale ʻŌpio Kaua‘i and oversees a wide range of programs that focus on youth development, education, and prevention services. She moved to Kauai from Philadelphia where she worked as a college professor of Psychology and Criminal Justice, a mental health therapist and supervisor of various programs that serviced the community and foster youth. She has over 20 years experience in the mental health and community service fields. In her free time, Priti enjoys traveling, fishing, and camping — always exploring the outdoors and soaking in nature’s beauty.
Jennifer Estacio
Street Outreach Program: Community Empowerment Specialist, Kukui-ʻIhi Program Assistant
Jennifer Estacio serves as a Community Empowerment Specialist and Kukui-ʻIhi Program Assistant at Hale ʻŌpio Kaua‘i. Her work focuses on outreach and support for youth experiencing housing instability or transitioning from foster care.
She’s looking forward to learning how to make hakus and is excited to dive into shell picking.
Gracia Stark
Therapist
Gracia Stark is a Therapist working across Intensive In-Home, Therapeutic Family Homes, and Independent Living Skills programs to support youth in reaching their personal goals. When she’s not working with young people, Gracia loves water sports and spending time outdoors.
Tamara Lawrence
Therapist, Professional Parent, Youth Project Coordinator for Ho`okele Coalition
Tamara Lawrence serves as a Therapist and Project Coordinator for the Ho‘okele Coalition. She supports both treatment services and coalition efforts that strengthen adult and youth connections in the community. During her senior project, Tamara expressed her dream to return home to Kauaʻi after college and give back to the island — and now she’s doing just that!
Tiare Luka
Treatment Programs Administrative Assistant
Tiare Luka is the Administrative Assistant and plays a key role in keeping operations running smoothly for therapeutic services. And if there’s sushi nearby? Count her in — it’s her absolute favorite!
Leticia "Letty" Ruiz
Diversion Programs Coordinator
Leticia “Letty” Ruiz serves as the Diversion Programs Coordinator and brings over 20 years of combined experience in banking and health care, now using that background to support restorative and educational youth programs across the island.
Letty proudly serves the youth and families of Kaua‘i. Her role has taught her compassion, patience, and how to model empowerment so youth can grow into better versions of themselves.
Sheryl Igaya
CPD Administrative Assistant and Administrative Specialist
Sheryl Igaya supports the administrative backbone of all community programs. She brings years of steady organization and team support to everything she does.
Sheryl enjoys riding quads — even though it’s been a while, the thrill of adventure still sticks with her.
Philip Morgan
Therapist
Philip Morgan provides support through in-home and out-of-home treatment services, working closely with youth and families to navigate emotional challenges. He enjoys photography and paddling, has over 22 years counseling experience including in school-based counseling for emotionally and behaviorally disordered adolescents, individual, and group. Fun fact? Philip says: “Not fun at all.”
Kristi Sumida
Treatment Program Director
Kristi Sumida supervises a wide range of treatment programs. Born and raised on Kauai, Kristi is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with an emphasis in Mental Health. Kristi provides therapy to adolescents and families in the Hale `Opio Treatment Programs.
Shalyn Rosek
Therapist
Shalyn Rosek supports youth through Intensive In-Home and Independent Living Skills programs, helping them navigate life transitions and emotional growth.
She loves adventuring with her family — her favorite way to recharge and stay inspired.
Matthew Fons
Intake Coordinator, Therapist
Matthew Fons provides intake assessments and therapeutic services across multiple programs focused on behavioral health. When not working, he enjoys surfing and lobster diving — staying grounded in the ocean.
Justin Maronn
Controller
Justin Maronn oversees financial operations and budgeting across all programs, helping to ensure sustainable impact and smooth internal systems. He calls himself a “professional” disc golfer — which basically means he’s a self-declared nerd for plastic that flies through the air.
Shanti Kay Manzano
Clinical Director
Shanti Kay Manzano oversees the clinical direction and quality of care within the treatment department, ensuring youth receive professional and compassionate services. She’s happiest when she’s in the ocean — a true island soul at heart.
Jeannette Markham
Therapist
Jeannette Markham supports youth and families through the Intensive In-Home program, helping clients work through challenges in a comfortable home setting.
In her downtime, she loves line dancing and curling up with Hallmark movies — a mix of movement and heartfelt stories.
Courteney Martin
Therapist, Ho`okele Coalition Project Coordinator (Adult)
Kimi Nagahisa
Community Empowerment Specialist
Paula Schultz
Nurse Consultant
Christie Numazawa
Community Empowerment Specialist
Helene “Rhye” Daub
`IHI Case Manager