EKAHI ORNISH - Key Persons
Allison Guard has a Bachelor Degree from UCSB and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from University of Hawaii. She is very excited to be a part of the 'Ekahi Team helping people to learn and live a holistic approach to health and well-being that is based in scientific research. She is motivated by the participants and strives to support them as "transform" their lives using their own will power and determination She grew up in Northern California and moved to Hawaii in 1995 with her husband. They have two boys whom they love to spend time with. In her free time Ali enjoys playing tennis, beach volleyball, yoga, the ocean hiking, yoga, gardening, reading and crafts. She wants you to be remember to be kind to yourself and disciplined in your journey.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Liaison and Account Manager
Dan Tanigawa has a BA in Communications from the University of Hawaii and an MBA from the University of California San Diego. Dan started working in software companies in Southern California and also worked at a medical billing and software company on Oahu. He is interested in health and wellness and enjoys seeing the progress of the participants as they go through the programs.
"Your present is my presence." - Dan
Dr. Kevin Lum is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, the University of San Diego, and the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. He has previously worked in the Kuakini Emergency Room and ‘Ekahi Urgent Care in Waipahu. He would like to see a change in the approach of how health care is being delivered to people focused on preventing disease rather than "putting a band-aid on it." He wants to see others take charge of their own lives. Dr. Lum enjoys playing soccer, coaching, and running. He hopes that he can bring energy to lift those up when they are down, along with providing all the support and assistance that he can to ensure success of the participants.
Jessica Wilkins has a Master of Science in Nutrition and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She has previously worked as health coach and personal trainer, and also has 15 years of customer service experience. Jessica has a passion for holistic health and the plant-based lifestyle, so she is inspired and excited to work with the ‘Ekahi Ornish team to help people improve their lives! Jessica enjoys powerlifting, hiking, being in nature, yoga, meditation, cooking, traveling, activism, and helping people feel great about themselves.
Job Titles:
- Product Manager - Technology Innovations
Kyle joined ‘Ekahi Health in 2018 as a Technology Intern, implementing and developing technology solutions to increase connectivity, improve current processes and assist in any technology advancements. He was later appointed as Product Manager - Technology Innovations, and is responsible for leading technology innovations and implementation of ‘Ekahi Health's technology solutions. Prior to joining ‘Ekahi Health, Kyle co-founded a digital health company, HealthTechApps, Inc., which has made a huge impact on reducing concussion re-injuries for student athletes and helping physicians make better decisions with better data. Along with his startup, Kyle has worked as a Technology Developer for theStrategist, Inc., a health insurance consulting company based in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Kyle is attending the University of Hawaii at Mānoa to pursue a degree in Management and Entrepreneurship. He also enjoys cooking, hanging out with friends and family, working out at the gym and canoe paddling.
"The only limit, is the one you set yourself." - Felix Baumgartner
Job Titles:
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Marymay Hardy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, with a Master's in Counseling Psychology from Chaminade University and a Bachelor's in Psychology from De La Salle University-Manila. Prior to joining ‘Ekahi Health, she served as director of quality assurance and training at Hawaii Behavioral Health. Ms. Hardy also has extensive experience in counseling parents, children and families.
Robert Walker has a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from the State University of New York at Geneseo and a Master of Science in pathology from the Sackler Institute of Biomedical Sciences at New York University School of Medicine. He also received his Master of Business Administration from the New York University Stern School of Business. Prior to joining ‘Ekahi Health in 2016 as marketing manager, Robert was the director of marketing and audience generation at Physicians' Education Resource and marketing manager at UMT Consulting Group in New York City. As program director at ‘Ekahi Health, he is responsible for the business management of the wellness and prevention programs at ‘Ekahi health, including developing and executing strategies for financial growth and participant recruitment. Robert is passionate about greater good of our community. Robert enjoys spending his free time with his family traveling, swimming, and walking his dogs.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Liaison and Account Manager
Shauna Graner has a BA in Psychology from the University of Hawaii. Currently, she is enrolled as an MPA candidate in the Masters of Public Administration program, and is also pursuing a Certificate in Non-Profit Management at the University of Hawaii. Her professional background entails 19 years of administrative and sales support experience.
As a community-builder and keenly active proponent for 100% plant-based nutrition and lifestyles within her communities, she lives each day in deep gratitude to be able to work in a revolutionary establishment like the Ekahi Ornish Lifestyle Medicine program. This is because she gets to witness and be a part of the numerous and momentous transformations of the program participants here every day, as well as how powerfully those positive shifts emanate out to their loved ones and communities.