Palama Settlement is a community placement site for MSW and BSW interns. The Pakolea Program is designed to reinforce Palama’s support of local at-risk youth through productive and culturally-sensitive community engagement. The Pakolea Program prioritizes comprehensive staff development in crisis intervention, care coordination, case management, and culturally grounded mental health practices.
*The program is administered by HD Therapy, Inc., however Spill The Tea Cafe serves as the exclusive referral site for youth clinical therapy services.
“To grow and inspire in a desired direction”
Pakolea Leadership Team
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Sam Aiona
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Haylin Dennison, LCSW
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Matt Lew
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Catherine "Cat" Jara
Palama Settlement Interns
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Jaysa Phelps
BSW Intern - University of Hawaii
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Amber Ruiz
MS Counseling Psychology Intern - Chaminade University
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Daisy Tuulaupua
MSW Intern - University of Hawaii
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Eunice Vallejo
MS Counseling Psychology Intern - Chaminade University
GROUP ACTIVITIES
GROUP ACTIVITIES
Group Engagement Activities are designed to engage youth in different types of expressive arts and recreation to build confidence, inspire creativity and enhance a holistic mindset.
Sept-16-2025
Culinary Arts
Shortbread Cookies
Facilitator:
Amber Ruiz
Oct-23-2025
Recreation
Pakolea “HORSE” Basketball Tournament
Facilitator:
Matt Lew
Oct-3-2025
Expressive Arts
Photo Collages
Facilitator:
Cat Jara
Oct-24-2025
Expressive Arts
Tote-Bag Making
Pre- Trick-or-Treating
Facilitator:
Daisy Tuulaupua
Ongoing (Wednesdays)
Expressive Arts
Painting
Facilitator:
Eunice Vallejo
Oct-7-2025
Expressive Arts
Bead Bracelet and Necklace Making
Facilitator:
Jaysa Phelps
Oct-17-2025
Expressive Arts
Pumpkin Decorating
Facilitator:
Daisy Tuulaupua
Group Engagement Events for November to be posted by end-of-October
Staff Trainings
As part of the Pakolea Program, HD Therapy is providing monthly staff trainings to Palama Settlement’s staff. These trainings are designed to provide staff with tactical approaches and understanding to de-escalate youth in crisis, identify youth with potential behavioral health issues and provide a direct referral pathway for on-site or therapeutic clinical care.
*Staff Trainings are the first Monday of Every Month from 10:30AM - 11:30AM in Room 205.
Click on the pic below to access the full training .pdf files.
