Dustin Platter is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and the founder of Ho’okele, which he established four years ago. With a specialization in working with adolescents and adults, Dustin holds a Master’s in Special Education and a K-12 General and Special Education Teaching Credential. His extensive teaching experience spans four states and two countries, providing him with a unique and diverse perspective. Outside of his professional life, Dustin enjoys playing backgammon, running, swimming, and surfing. However, he acknowledges that the demands of family, animals, and chores often leave him cherishing the simple pleasure of an audiobook. Dustin’s current professional goal is to expand access to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to families residing in rural communities, ensuring that quality care reaches those who need it most.

Courtney Moreno contributes four years of dedicated experience as a Registered Behavior Technician to Ho’okele, where she has made a significant impact over the last three. Her rich cultural heritage, blending Native Hawaiian and New Zealand Maori roots, deeply influences her empathetic approach. Beyond her professional life, she actively engages in swimming, hiking, painting, yoga, and pilates. Courtney shows commitment to personal and professional development in her pursuit of a Bachelor’s of Psychology and her journey toward BCaBA certification, with aspirations to become a BCBA.

Yanli Liu serves as the Operations Assistant for Ho’okele, expertly managing accounts and assisting with tax returns. Balancing her academic pursuits with her professional dedication, she is currently earning her degree. Her passion for exploring diverse cuisines and cultures through food and travel broadens her perspective. Yanli’s career aspiration is to grow alongside Ho’okele, making a positive and lasting contribution.

Kalyssa Most brings six years of experience as a Registered Behavior Technician to Ho’okele, making a quick positive impact. Equipped with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Child Development, her passion for working with children is clear. She balances her professional life with surfing, hiking, running, and beach activities. Originally intending to become a child psychologist, she fell in love with ABA. Kalyssa plans to earn her Master’s, become a BCBA, and establish a clinic in the southern U.S. to increase access to services.

Yohanna Lisbeth Bueno is a dynamic Registered Behavior Technician, bringing a wealth of diverse experience to Ho’okele. Her background includes 13+ years in the medical field, and expertise in construction/plumbing operations. Yohanna's holistic approach is reflected in her certifications as a yoga instructor and Reiki practitioner. A passionate foodie and environmental advocate, she also enjoys cooking, hiking, and fitness. Driven to expand her ABA knowledge and raise autism awareness, she is committed to positively impacting her community.

Early in his career Daniel found his feet in leardership roles progressing quickly to management. He has successfully overseen fit out projects throughtout Australia which lead to him establishing Finch Kitchens and Joinery in 2004 as a 25 years old.  Daniel continued to further his formal education and business management skills to relaunch a Finch Projects in 2013.  Daniel boast an impressive 20 years industry experience as well as qualification including Certifcates IV in Frontline Management, Trade Certifcate in Cabinet Making and Certifcate II in Emergency Medical Service.  Daniel has enormous respect for customer service and has the belief that there is no great compliment than a recommendation from a client.

Rachel Vanzandt, a highly skilled BCBA at Ho’okele, specializes in individualized treatment plans and social skills groups. Her 13 years of experience are backed by a Master’s in Special Education (ABA focus), a Bachelor’s in Psychology, and an Associate’s in Child Development. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, snorkeling, yoga, and travel. While not a fan of seafood, she loves veggie rolls. Rachel’s goal is to continue her education and excel as a BCBA.

Shauna Paul is a seasoned Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with five years of dedicated service at Ho’okele. She was the first employee of Ho’okele and has played a pivotal role in shaping the company into what it is today. Her unique background includes managing a ranch and cutting horse operation, showcasing her diverse skillset and leadership abilities. Outside of her professional life, Shauna enjoys the thrill of show cutting horses, the tranquility of snorkeling, and the excitement of big game fishing. Currently, Shauna is focused on advancing her expertise by pursuing a Level 6 certification in Skills Based Treatment and specializing in verbal behavior through an ESDM Certification, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and providing the highest quality of care.

Cristina-Maria Ward is a dedicated Registered Behavior Technician with two years of experience at Ho’okele, bringing a unique and diverse background to her role. Holding a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Legal Psychology from Romania, Cristina is bilingual and hails from Transylvania, the legendary home of Dracula. Her passions extend beyond her professional life, encompassing travel, music, reading, outdoor activities, swimming, and movies. Cristina’s commitment to service is evident in her extensive volunteer and practical training experiences, including work with the Association of Psychology Students in Romania, the General Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection, and the Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children. She is also a certified Lifeguard and holds certifications in Basic Life Support, First Aid, Oxygen Administration, and Bloodborne Pathogens. Currently pursuing her BCBA, Cristina aims to deepen her knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to provide exceptional services to clients, focusing on improving skills and behaviors through evidence-based strategies, reducing challenging behaviors, and fostering strong collaboration with families and other professionals to enhance their quality of life.

Zac Sanger serves as a Registered Behavior Technician with two years of valuable experience at Ho’okele. His background includes working with children diagnosed with Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), demonstrating his commitment to supporting individuals with unique needs. Zac's passion for helping others succeed is evident in his work and personal pursuits. He finds balance and rejuvenation through pickleball, yoga, meditation, and self-care practices. Additionally, he is deeply interested in studying social behavior and group dynamics. Currently pursuing his Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification, Zac strives for continuous personal and professional growth, seeking new experiences and developing skills that will positively impact society.

Stevie Hendrix is a Registered Behavior Technician with 3.5 years of experience, including two valuable years at Ho’okele. Her qualifications include an RBT certification, a TEFL certification, an Associate’s Degree in Child Development, and Basic Life Support certification. Demonstrating a lifelong passion for learning and teaching, Stevie famously trained her cat to fetch the newspaper at the age of five. In her free time, she enjoys trail running, hiking, cooking, studying foreign languages, tackling crossword puzzles, and reading. Currently, Stevie is thriving in her RBT role and is committed to deepening her professional development within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Amanda Lipinski is a highly experienced Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 12 years in the field, including a decade as a BCBA, and one year of dedicated service at Ho’okele. Her passion for the outdoors is evident in her leisure activities, which include swimming, hiking, kayaking, reading, and a continuous pursuit of learning new things. Amanda is committed to furthering her education and acquiring additional coursework and certifications, with a specific focus on becoming certified in Practical Functional Assessments and Skills Based Treatment, enhancing her ability to provide exceptional care.

Tiffani Cheng is a Registered Behavior Technician who joined Ho’okele in August 2024. A California native, Tiffani recently relocated to Kona, bringing her passion and expertise to the team. She holds a Bachelor’s of Psychology from California State University, East Bay, where she also showcased her athletic abilities as a soccer player for two years. Her love for soccer, a shared interest with her father, has been a lifelong pursuit. Outside of her professional life, Tiffani enjoys the simple pleasures of good food, relaxing at the beach, shopping, and spending quality time with close friends and family. Currently, Tiffani is focused on progressing in her role as an RBT and is enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie ahead.

Ellen Kim serves as a committed Registered Behavior Technician with five years of experience, including one year and three months at Ho’okele. She brings specialized expertise in Non-Verbal Communication and DIR/Floortime, complemented by her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development. Known for her playful sense of humor, Ellen shares that she expects her dog to maintain a tidy environment by cleaning up after himself. Outside of work, Ellen enjoys staying active with hiking and working out, indulging in shopping, and exploring new destinations through travel. Her professional aspirations include continued growth within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), coupled with a personal pursuit of health and prosperity.

Erika Horne is a Registered Behavior Technician and our Scheduling Coordinator. With one year of experience in the field at Ho’okele, Erika brings a unique background, having previously worked in conservation. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and exploring the wonders of Hawai’i island with her dog. Erika is passionate about her role as an RBT and looks forward to her future in the field.