Hawaii Island Recovery Our Team
Hawaii Island Recovery is comprised of licensed professionals who practice evidence-based therapies to treat addiction, co-occurring disorders, and chronic pain. These include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
Executive Team
James Kayihura
Managing DirectorJimmy’s journey to HIR has been forged from experience, both personal and professional. Combine this with his contagious enthusiasm and expansive vision, Jimmy has been instrumental in shaping HIR into the exceptional program we have become. As Managing Director, Jimmy inspires others with his passion for recovery and exudes the joy and freedom that come with this life-changing decision. Jimmy is a gifted musician and enjoys being active and exploring the natural beauty of the Big Island with his 3 legged dog “ Lucky”.
Stephen H. Denzer, M.D., FACP
Medical Director, Board Certified in Addiction and Internal MedicineAs a Board Certified Addictionologist, Dr. Denzer is on the cutting edge of addiction medicine. Under Dr. Denzer’s direction, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is provided to patients who require medication to ensure a safe and comfortable detoxification. Dr. Denzer is a brilliant physician who is generous with his knowledge and his time and is a dedicated ally to our patients as they heal from their addictions. Dr. Denzer has a great many talents and interests and is a passionate bow hunter and a collector of axolotl.
Gudrun Baumgaertl, PH.D
Finance DirectorGudrun has resided on a Big Island for over 20 years, originally hailing from Germany. Gudrun is a highly accomplished academic and earned a Ph.D. in the Natural Sciences, penning a book on evolutionary theories predating Darwin. In her capacity as Finance Director, Gudrun applies her exacting attention to detail and her outstanding organizational abilities to ensure the smooth operation of HIR. Gudrun has traveled the world and is endlessly curious, and has recently enrolled in a CSAC certification to deepen her understanding of addiction. Gudrun loves to cook and enjoys going to the beach with her beloved canine sidekick “Yani”.
Clinical Team
Krista Walker, J.D., LCSW
Clinical Director & TherapistKrista Walker, J.D., LCSW, has practiced in the field for 15+ years. She has provided expert support in multiple environments including substance abuse treatment centers, prisons, domestic violence and sexual assault agencies, child welfare services, juvenile diversion programs, and group mental health services.
Ms. Walker’s approach to therapy is client-centered, trauma-informed, and solution-based over the course of the life span. She utilizes integrative approaches blending Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Interpersonal Therapy to connect with clients in order to provide a comfortable and safe therapeutic environment. She is skilled in providing group, and individual therapies based on the client’s needs and goals. Through the therapeutic process, Ms. Walker ensures each client receives the expert care they deserve, and safe space they need to heal, grow, and find their own inner strength.
Fernando Manon, MSED., CSAC
TherapistFernando is a founding member of our clinical team and has been with HIR for over a decade. Fernando holds a master’s degree in counseling (MSEd) and is a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). Fernando has extensive training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and is a Certified EMDR therapist and consultant. Fernando is passionate about recovery and believes every addict and alcoholic can heal and join him on the road to “peace, love, and happiness”.
David Molletti, BS, NCACI, CFTP
Operations Coordinator and Family TherapistDavid is a lifetime Alaskan who heeded the call of the Big Island to join the Hawaii Island Recovery team in 2018. David’s professional background is as interesting and diverse as he is, with stints in the music industry, film production and IT management. Embracing his own life in recovery, David was led to his eventual calling as a therapist specializing in addiction. David holds state and national certifications and has extensive training in several treatment modalities, including the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). As a lifelong mind/ body practitioner, his approach to therapy integrates Trauma-Informed Person-Centered Therapy and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy. David enjoys Qi Gong, composing music and screenwriting as personal past times and he toils in the dirt whenever possible, lovingly tending to his fruit trees.
Frank Capatch, LCSW
Veteran Clinical Social WorkerFrank Capatch, LCSW, is a veteran Clinical Social Worker beginning his human services career in 1975. Frank is currently in group private practice; is Program Director for the Green Will Conservancy, which hosts advanced trauma training workshops in Hawaii and provides youth and family services in Hawaii and Summer Programs in W.N.Y. State. (thegreenwill.org) Frank is a certified EMDR Therapist and is an EMDR Consultant in training. Frank has organized and facilitated EMDR Psychotherapy, resiliency and trauma-based trainings for Big Island Clinicians in conjunction with senior faculty of the EMDR Institute. He is past Clinical Field Faculty for Edinboro University Online MSW Program, State University of Pennsylvania; Past Director/Faculty of Social Work, D’Youville College, Buffalo N.Y., is currently a Field Instructor Hawaii School of Social Work at Manoa. As a community educator he offers a wide range of community training and consultation in the subject of “Trauma Informed and Capable Care”.
Daniel Caputo, N.D., L.AC
Naturopath and Acupuncturist“Dr. Dan” is a beloved member of our holistic health team and provides our patients with acupuncture that is targeted to the needs of those in early recovery. Dr. Dan utilizes modalities including Acupuncture to help activate the healing process of the body and support the return to health and balance. Dr. Dan is an athlete and enthusiastic pickle ball player and enjoys spending time with his family exploring the natural beauty of the Big Island.
Kevin E. Deeds, SACIV NAADAC #231284
Utilization ManagerKevin’s genuine care and compassion for patients struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues are manifest in his tireless dedication to serving the patients at Hawaii Island Recovery. Kevin is a substance abuse counselor III with five years of experience in the behavioral health field. He has worked in multiple positions in a residential setting both administrative and clinical. Kevin works as an advocate for our patients and is passionate about Utilization Review and Clinical Assessment. Following the NAADAC and ICDAC exams, he will be pursuing an MSW through UH Manoa. His clinical training and education in the psychology and treatment of substance use and co-occurring disorders have prepared him for his role as Hawaii Island Recovery’s Utilization Manager and Lead Assessment Counselor. Kevin is dedicated to advocating for authorization of treatment at the appropriate level of care for the amount of time necessary to afford our patients the ability to build a foundation of recovery and return to health without the undue burden associated with an insurance company’s willingness to provide you the care you deserve. Kevin has called Big Island home since 2012 and is a humble student of Hawaiian cultural practices, most notably Hula, and is a devoted “dog dad” to his beloved dachshund mix Maté.
“I enjoy counseling patients, helping them navigate the road to recovery early in their journey is a blessing. I also have a deep passion for patient advocation and love obtaining the care our patients need to really “recover” from whatever it is that brought them into our care; Utilization Review is not just my job; patient advocation is my calling”
Nicole Yempuku
Residential Operations & Patient Care CoordinatorNicole has proven herself to be an invaluable member of our Patient Care team since joining HIR in 2018. Nicole studied anthropology in college and spent several years running a busy law practice before immersing herself in the field of addiction treatment. Nicole has a warm and welcoming presence that instantly puts our patients at ease. Her patience, humor, and attention to detail ensure our patients feel heard and their needs are always met. Nicole is pursuing a CSAC certification and is a beloved sister, auntie, and daughter to her extended ohana.
Nick Pettet
Resident Manager & Patient Care CoordinatorNick joined the HIR team in 2021 and hails from Utah. His honest and profound compassion for those struggling with addiction helps him provide impassioned assistance to anyone looking for their next step. His personal experience with the transformative power of recovery shines through in everything that he does. He lives his life in a constant effort to make each day more enjoyable than the last, and uses that outlook to meet our patients with an eye of non-judgment and respect.
Elfriede Nordlohne, LMT
Massage TherapistElfriede began working with HIR patients in 2019 soon after obtaining her Massage Therapy license. Elfriede strives to provide our patients with a personalized massage experience that addresses their specific needs. Whether a patient opts for a soothing massage or deep tissue, Elfriede is committed to helping people to feel better through the application of therapeutic massage techniques.
Hannah Murphy
Primary Massage TherapistHannah is a licensed massage therapist in the state of Hawaii. Her journey started at Aloha Student Massage Academy on the Island of Hawaii. Throughout her education, Hannah studied Swedish, Sports Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascia Release, and Lomi Lomi. Hannah also studies Thai Yoga. “I felt a calling my first year while living on Big Island which is known as the “healing island” to pursue massage, although I have never received a message my entire life.“ Hannah is enthusiastic about sharing the healing of massage therapy with you.
Medical Team
Stephen H. Denzer, M.D., FACP
Medical Director, Board Certified in Addiction and Internal MedicineAs a Board Certified Addictionologist, Dr. Denzer is on the cutting edge of addiction medicine. Under Dr. Denzer’s direction, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is provided to patients who require medication to ensure a safe and comfortable detoxification. Dr. Denzer is a brilliant physician who is generous with his knowledge and his time and is a dedicated ally to our patients as they heal from their addictions. Dr. Denzer has a great many talents and interests and is a passionate bow hunter and a collector of axolotl.
Jemimah Kayihura, AMAA
Medical Assistant“Jem” joined the HIR team in 2020 and hails from Washington state. Jem is a Certified Medical Assistant and applies her attention to detail to her work as a Case Manager. Jem provides the interface between patients, their families, and the care team and is dedicated to ensuring there is a continuity of care that supports each patient’s unique needs.
Kevin Snow
Registered NurseKevin Snow provides medical care to the residents of Hawaii Island Recovery at the residence. The duties include physical examination, vital sign monitoring, and identifying a medical issue that requires further evaluation by the medical doctor. Kevin is a new addition to Hawaii Island Recovery and is excited to be a part of this professional team. Kevin received his Bachelor in Science in Psychology from Virginia Tech in 1987, and his Bachelor in Nursing from Radford University in 1997. He was a variety of experiences including psychiatric, medical/surgical, emergency department, gastroenterology, and cardiology. His experience has included inpatient and outpatient settings. Kevin is an avid reader, scuba diver, and musician, as well as a wedding officiant. Kevin has lived on the big island with his wife since 2011.
Resident Managers
Toby Broido
Resident Manager & AdmissionsHailing from Philadelphia, Toby is a seasoned Resident Manager who made Hawaii his home in 2016. Toby has worked in the field of addiction treatment for several years and brings both enthusiasm and compassion to his job. Toby is a gifted writer and avid reader and plans to pursue a Master’s degree in social work. Toby and his canine companion Page enjoy exploring hard-to-reach places in our diverse island habitat and Toby aspires to play tennis well and recently took up running.
Michael Park
Resident ManagerMicheal leads by example and works quietly and diligently to ensure all Resident Managers provide consistent, compassionate care to our patients. Michael joined the HIR team in 2019 and has over 5 years of experience working in the field of addiction treatment. Michael is a source of wisdom and comfort for our patients and has a natural ability to connect with people in a meaningful way.
Tyler Alcos
Resident ManagerTyler is a self-described “night owl” whose talents are well realized as a Resident Manager on the overnight shift. Tyler is a veteran who joined our team in 2020. Patients appreciate his humor and availability for support (and a strong cup of coffee) in the wee hours.
Laeka Zemach
Resident ManagerLaeka joined the HIR team in 2022, after moving to the Big Island from the San Francisco Bay area. Laeka has a background in social sciences and a passion for social justice. She enjoys working with people from all walks of life and providing compassionate care to anyone who walks through the doors of recovery. Laeka spends her free time practicing yoga and meditation and exploring the island with her rescue dog,
Outpatient Team
Stacey Rodman
Outpatient Care CoordinatiorBIO Coming Soon …
Douglas Moorman
Outpatient TherapistBIO Coming Soon …
Jamie Baculpo
Outpatient TherapistBIO Coming Soon …
Specialists
Sophie Higgins
Quality Assurance Specialist“Quality is never an accident… it represents the wise choice of many alternatives”. This quote succinctly encapsulates Sophie’s approach to her position as Quality Assurance Specialist. Sophie has obtained several advanced degrees, including an MBA, and has many years of work experience in management and leadership. Sophie is a team builder and believes in harnessing the collective intelligence of our staff to accomplish excellence. Sophie has published several books in her native Danish and was drawn to the United States by her passion for American Kenpo Karate. Sophie enjoys exploring the natural beauty of the Big Island and has an affinity for family-centered recovery.
Anthony Firestone
ChefBIO Coming Soon …
Kirk Henry
CrossFit CoachBeginning as a hobby, Kirk’s Cross Fit journey began at age 48 when he endeavored to improve his personal fitness and health. Feeling the positive effects compelled Kirk to involve his family and gradually led to coaching Cross Fit and establishing a Cross Fit facility for our community. Kirk provides a safe, fun, and encouraging environment for our patients to regain their strength and “loves watching our patients get stronger, deal with adversity, push through hard workouts and accomplish their goals”.
”Captain Kirk” https://www.crossfitkona.com/
Jan Seifert
Marketing DirectorJan received his degree in Economics in the Czech Republic. He has worked for Hawaii Island Recovery since 2014. An ever-increasing sense of life purpose to help others has evolved for Jan as he has worked in addiction treatment. He is proud to work for Hawaii Island Recovery because it is a “life-changing program” and in many cases “a life-saving program”. His stated goal is to help as many people as possible with recovery from addiction.