Pacific Quest
Hilo, HI

It's been an exciting year of growth at Pacific Quest! PQ invites you to welcome new members of our family. Since June 2009, we have hired four new and fantastic additions to our program.

In our sixth year, we are fortunate to be in need of the services provided by Mark Agosto, MBA, who has joined us as Business and Outreach Director with an office in San Clemente, CA. Mark's position was created to enhance community awareness and referrals to educational consultants, develop a more defined model and plan for Pacific Quest, and assist with financial affairs. Mark earned his MBA at Boston University, and worked for 10 years as a consultant for small businesses. Mike McKinney and Mark have been close friends for over 20 years, so we are confident that we are simply expanding our PQ family.

Mike Sullivan, MACP, joined us as a fourth therapist. He received his Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from University of Washington, and has served as a field instructor and mentor for adolescents in various programs. Mike is fascinated by the research and new innovations in this industry and involving adolescents. He has recently created PQ's first BLOG, a detailed and updated look at the many facets what we are doing and how it relates to the community at large. Check it out at: weblog.pacificquest.org.

Scott Ricci joined PQ in August as our Garden and Facilities Director. Scott has studied and taught gardening and permaculture extensively for 10 years. Passion for the land, ecology, and sustainability is the driving force behind his dedication to sharing it with the students. In his short time here, Scott has provided a clear purpose for our work here, and given the students metaphors and connections to the garden. Scott refers to his new position as his "dream job"; living and working in a community that strives to better our selves, community and world.

Martha Bouchard, MS returned to us as Malama and Outings Coordinator. Martha is in charge of the final component of the program, involving transition and community service, as well as leading all off site outings around the island. After becoming a master instructor at PQ, Martha took time to earn a Masters of Science in Environmental Education. Part of her degree involved traveling around the island of Hawaii, studying the intricacies of the weather, ecology and history. Martha is enthusiastic to share her knowledge and enhance the students' experience at PQ.

We would love to hear from you!