top of page

About

Behavior Analysis No Ka Oi, Inc. (BANKO) provides comprehensive treatment services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Our care extends beyond the clinic walls—we bring support into children’s natural environments, including the home, school, and community, to ensure learning and growth happen where it matters most. We recognize that every child, family, and setting is unique. That’s why our programs are individually tailored—designed to meet the specific needs, strengths, and goals of each child while supporting the family as an essential part of the process. At BANKO, we are committed to fostering meaningful progress, empowering families, and helping children thrive across all areas of life.

Executive Team

Dr. Walton is the Executive Director at Behavior Analysis No Ka Oi, Inc. She was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and has been working with children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities for over 25 years. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University, her Master's Degree in Psychology from the University of Nevada Reno's Behavior Analysis Program under the direction of Dr. Jim Carr, and her Ph.D. in Psychology in West Virginia University's Behavior Analysis Program under the direction of Dr. Philip Chase.  In addition, she respecialized in Clinical Psychology at the University of Hawai'i and completed her clinical internship at the Department of Veterans Affairs. She consulted to the Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Division for approximately 15 years and assisted people with co-occurring developmental disabilities and mental illness transition out of inpatient settings. She also currently works part-time at Kapiolani Medical Center’s intensive pediatric feeding program. In her free time, she enjoys rescuing animals, running, and practicing yoga.

Dr. Christine K Walton, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA
Executive Director
201908141501696884108832013faith_edited.

Faith is the Director of Operations at Behavior Analysis No Ka Oi, Inc. and was born and raised on the Leeward Coast of Oʻahu. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 15 years of experience working with children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Faith earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She recently completed her Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, with a research focus on Organizational Behavior Management (OBM). Beyond her professional work, Faith enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing at the beach, and traveling.

Dr. Faith Kahakeli'i, Ph.D., BCBA, LBA
Director of Operations
IMG_3686_edited_edited.png

Hannah was born and raised in Connecticut and moved to Massachusetts in 2009 for undergrad and graduate school. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Regis College in 2016. After working as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in Boston for a year, she moved to Oahu in 2017 and has been working at BANKO as a BCBA since then. In 2020, Hannah was promoted to the coordinator of training, supervising those accruing fieldwork hours to be certified as a BCBA. In 2025, she was promoted to the Director of Training and Development and she is also now a Clinical Supervisor. In her free time, Hannah likes to spend time with friends and family (and her cat, Rhombus), try out new foods/restaurants, run, cycle and play flag football. 

Hannah Greenwood, M.S., BCBA, LBA
Director of Training & Development/Clinical Supervisor
IMG_7966_edited.jpg

Celina is the Counseling and Groups Coordinator at BANKO and became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in 2019. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Hawaii Pacific University in 2013, her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Chaminade University in 2016, and completed the behavior analysis course sequence from the University of West Florida. Celina has always had a passion for working with children and has worked with children with disabilities and special needs since 2013. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with family and friends.

Celina Garces, M.S., LMHC, BCBA, LBA
Director of Counseling & Special Populations/Clinical Supervisor

Supervisors

Rachel is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who grew up in Hawaii and earned her B.A. in Sociology from the University of Hawaii and her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2017.  Before traveling to Orlando to pursue ABA, she worked in Hawaii as an RBT for 5 years and previously as an after-school care leader for 4 years.  She enjoys swimming, photography, gardening, shopping, and spending time with friends and family.  She also loves animals and is interested in local rescue groups and preservation of endemic Hawaiian species (plant and animal).

IMG_1711.jpg
Rachel Bressem, M.S., BCBA, LBA

Kennedy is Board Certified Behavior Analyst. He was born in Los Angeles, California but raised in Hawaii. He received a Master of Arts degree in Professional Behavior Analysis at Florida Institute of Technology in 2021. Prior to becoming a BCBA, Kennedy worked as a RBT for 5 years gaining experience with different age groups and settings in the field of ABA. Kennedy went to Mid-Pacific Institute for high school and completed his undergraduate degree at Creighton University. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, video games, going to the beach, watching sports, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He is also a dog dad to a mini goldendoodle named Oakely. 

Kennedy Spencer, M.A., BCBA, LBA

Jessica was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. She graduated from Pacific University (Forest Grove, Oregon) in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and Learning/Psychology. After taking a year off to gain more experience in the field of ABA, she started a Master of Education in Special Education with a BCBA track through an online program with University of Hawaii at Manoa. Jessica will continue her studies through an online program with Arizona State University and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Special Education with a concentration in ABA while working towards her BCBA certification as a behavior analyst. She has worked in various elementary and middle schools as a volunteer, tutor, teacher’s aide, skills trainer/paraprofessional. She admires children’s curiosity to learn and being a part of their journey to grow as individuals. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys music, dancing, singing, eating, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.

Jessica Noochan, M.A., BCBA, LBA

Kylie was born and raised on the west side of Oahu and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Seattle University. After graduating, Kylie returned home where she received her Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in children and families from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She completed her BCBA coursework through UC Santa Barbara. Kylie started working as an RBT at BANKO in 2017 and became a BCBA at BANKO in 2022. In her free time, Kylie enjoys sports, board games, video games, singing, dancing, and spending time with family and friends. She is also a dog mom to a mini goldendoodle named Oakley.

Kylie Teramoto, M.S.W., LSW, BCBA, LBA
image0_edited.png
Staff Photo_edited_edited.jpg
Brandace Collins, M.Ed. BCBA, LBA

Brandace brings over nine years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and around 20 years of experience volunteering and working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Born and raised on Oʻahu, Brandace earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and her graduate degree in Educational Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Southern Maine. Before returning home to Hawaiʻi, she built a clinical foundation working in the Seattle area.

 

Brandace’s experience is in early intervention, with a strong focus on building language, social skills, and school readiness. Her work has included collaborating with local preschools, where she provided training to teachers to strengthen classroom routines, communication systems, and proactive behavior supports. She is dedicated to providing a compassionate, safe, and joyful environment where clients feel supported to grow and excited to learn. She is equally passionate about supervising current BCBA students, helping to shape kind, ethical and skilled practitioners.

As an active member of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science and the Hawaiʻi Association for Behavior Analysis, Brandace stays connected through research, collaboration, and involvement with other professionals. Outside of her clinical work, Brandace enjoys urban gardening and leads a non-profit organization that uplifts and provides resources for an underserved community.

IMG_3215 (2)_edited.jpg

Judith is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She was born and raised on the north shore of Oahu, before relocating to the mainland. Judith earned her B.S. in Psychology from The State University of New York at Stony Brook, in 2004 and An Advanced Certification degree in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders, from Brooklyn College in 2011. Since 2007, Judith has worked as an Applied Behavioral Analyst (ABA) Therapist/Teacher, at private schools designed for children with ASD that focused on increasing appropriate social interactions and skill acquisition for children with autism. Judith returned to Hawaii in 2014, where she later earned her Master’s degree in Exceptional Students Education with a focus in applied behavior Analysis from the University of West Florida in 2018. She returns on island to join the BANKO team with much excitement and enthusiasm. Judith continues her passion to serve children with special needs. Her hobbies involve spending time with family, hiking, reading, swimming, singing, and dancing. 

Judith Ojukwu, M.S. BCBA, LBA
IMG_1641.heic
Mia Onorato, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

Mia was born and raised in Massachusetts. In 2016 she earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in International Development Studies at Calvin University, formerly known as Calvin College. Mia fell in love with the islands while on a vacation with her family. After graduating from Calvin, she accepted a position to work as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer in Honolulu, HI. She entered the field of ABA working as a paraprofessional in local schools and earned her RBT credentials. Mia graduated from Arizona State University with a master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis and is now a behavior analyst. She loves spending time outdoors, eating, crafting, traveling, and fostering cats. Her newest passion and venture is making jewelry!

IMG_0279.JPG

Betsy has a strong background in behavioral analysis, dedicated to helping individuals with autism spectrum disorders for over 13 years. Betsy started as a “direct provider” in Arizona, servicing individuals with disabilities in a home group setting. She then became a Paraprofessional and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Since April 2019, Betsy has been a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She specializes in techniques like IISCA, PFA, and SBT to address severe problem behaviors. Betsy earned a master’s degree in psychology with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University in September 2018. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in social sciences with a concentration in Psychology from the University of Hawaii West Oahu and an associate’s degree in liberal science from Leeward Community College. With her solid education and hands-on experience, Betsy is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those they work with, using their skills and knowledge to support and improve outcomes for their clients. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, going to the beach and working out. In the future, she looks forward to furthering her education by pursuing a Ph.D. in neuroscience. Betsy is very passionate about this field and believes that further academic advancement will enable her to contribute significantly to research and development in this field, thus enabling her to continue to help those in need. She is dedicated to expanding her knowledge and skills through this academic endeavor.

Betsy Marquez, M.S., BCBA, LBA 
IMG_9475.jpeg
Leia Reynolds, M.A., BCBA

Leia is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst who was born in Japan but grew up in Hawaii. She received her Bachelors in Psychology at UH Manoa, and a Masters in Science in Criminology with Forensic Psychology from Middlesex University in London, before continuing her education at Endicott College in Massachusetts, gaining her Masters in Behavior Analysis. In the future, she aims to combine these fields to work with at-risk youth. In her free time, she likes to read, exercise, sing, and learn about new topics.

Independent Contractors

IMG_2406 (1)joni.JPG

Joni is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who received her Bachelor of Social Work from University of Portland and her Master of Social Work, with the concentration area of Child and Family, from University of Hawaii, Manoa. She has worked at BANKO as a Lead Techinician for several years, and had 6 years of experience working with children and teenagers in various settings prior to joining the BANKO 'ohana. Joni was a part-time teacher at an alternative learning center, an after school care group leader, and a basketball and softball coach. In her free time, she enjoys boxing for fitness, watching movies, outdoor activities with friends and family, and taking her dog to the park.

Joni Wong, M.S.W., BCBA, LBA

Dr. Anastasia Keller-Collins is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  Her interests lie in providing education and supervision for students and professionals in behavior analysis, assessment, program design and development, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She received her B.A. in Recreation Therapy from San Francisco State University, her M.A. in Special Education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and her Doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has a diverse and varied work experience, including programming and intervention for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism, mental health, and aging in clinical, home, and community settings. Her passion lies in disseminating information and empowering others to live a rich and meaningful life by increasing skills that are the most important for individual success.  

Dr. Anastasia Keller-Collins,
Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA

Registered Behavior Technicians

IMG_0185.jpg

Logan was born and raised in Waipahu, Hawaii.  He attended Saint Louis High School and was involved in the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program and the National Honors Society.  After High School, he graduated from Creighton University (Omaha, Nebraska) with a Bachelors of Arts in Healthy Lifestyle Management.  He worked in the Mainland for 2 years and returned to Hawaii where he transitioned into the field of Behavior Analysis as an RBT at BANKO.  In his freetime, Logan enjoys art activities, exercise, hiking, but most all spending time with family and friends.

Logan Gonzaga, B.A., RBT
IMG_8298.JPG

Kimberly was raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. She earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Hawaii Pacific University in 2023. Kimberly discovered her passion for working with children while completing her practicum with the YMCA, where she volunteered at their Kalihi branch, Dole Middle School, and Moanalua Middle School. She created and performed activities to do with the students to teach them about the importance of mental health. Kimberly enjoyed getting to know her students and learning from them. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with the children and families at BANKO. She can’t wait to explore the field of ABA and use her skills to the best of her ability. In her free time, Kimberly enjoys spending time with her best friends and watching sunsets on the beach.

Kimberly Payawal, BA
IMG_2974.JPEG
Cheyenne Chavez, B.A., RBT

Cheyenne was born in Tucson, Arizona. She has been living in Hawai’i since she was ten years old. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in American Studies from University of Hawai’i at Manoa. Cheyenne has been working with children with autism and other disabilities since 2010 as a Special Education Assistant in Hawai’i public schools. As a mother of three, Cheyenne spends most of her free time with her children. They enjoy listening to music, watching sunsets, family game nights, spending time at home with their pets, and visiting with family and friends. In the near future Cheyenne plans to return to school, working towards earning her BCBA

IMG_1788 (1).jpg
Tay Spencer, B.A., RBT

Taylor was born in Los Angeles, California but had the pleasure of being raised in Honolulu, Hawai'i. He graduated from Saint Louis High School and then attended Creighton University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. He joined the field of ABA his first year out of college and fell in love with it ever since.  He has about 2 years of experience working with children with Autism ranging from 4-16, with plans of applying to Graduate school to further his education and become a BCBA.  In his off time, he tries to enjoy his passions which are, but not limited to, going to the gym, jogging, drawing, hiking, swimming at the beach and occasionally binge new shows!

IMG_3694_edited.jpg

Leia was born and raised on the island of Oʻahu. She graduated from Chapman University in 2024 with a double major in Political Science and Psychology. Before that, she earned her Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies from Kapiʻolani Community College in 2022 and is a graduate of Kalani High School, Class of 2020.

Before beginning her journey in Applied Behavior Analysis, Leia worked as a barista at Starbucks for four years. She has always loved working with children and is excited to continue growing in the ABA field. When with her kiddos, Leia strives to bring positivity, kindness, and encouragement—helping every child believe that nothing is impossible. 

 

In her free time, Leia enjoys spending time with loved ones, going to the beach, and finding new matcha spots around the island!

Leia Hernandez BS, RBT
Screenshot 2025-07-09 at 5.01.29 PM.png

Kyla was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai’i. In May 2025, she graduated from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Minor in Sociology. As a dance teacher, Kyla has worked with children of all ages and has found her passion for teaching. She loves being able to inspire the next generation of young dancers and have a positive impact on their lives. In her free time, Kyla loves reading, shopping, going to Pilates, and spending time with her friends and family.

---

Kyla Billena, BA, RBT

IMG_0885-preview.HEIC
Synphany Peskin, RBT

Synphany was born and raised on the north shore of Oahu. She attended high school in Kahuku before moving to California for a few years. She is now at UH Manoa pursuing a degree in Biology. She has held a variety of positions in healthcare and the service industry over the years, but has always loved working with kids. She is a cat mom to Harold and Maude that she rescued in Manoa last spring. In her free time Synphany's favorite things to do are, hike, roller skate, run, and read. 

IMG_2968.JPEG

Shelby was born in Chester, Pennsylvania, but spent half of her childhood growing up on a farm in Palmetto, Louisiana. She relocated from Ohio to Hawai’i in February 2022. She earned her Bachelors of Arts in Secondary Education and Performing Arts from Capital University in Bexley, Ohio. Shelby has worked with children with disabilities and autism since 2014 with the DOE in Columbus, Ohio, as a Paraprofessional and a Substitute teacher in Special Education classrooms. She has also worked with several students in the Columbus, Ohio area through the Boys and Girls Club serving as a mentor and summer camp counselor and also CIArt Institute as a mentor, art instructor, creative writing instructor and acting coach. She has traveled extensively on tour performing various productions, entertaining audiences of all ages. Shelby has a passion for theatre arts, poetry and mixed media art. Her hobbies include listening to music, sewing, writing poetry, attending stage plays, watching documentaries and creating art.

Shelby Holden, B.A., RBT
IMG_5729.jpeg
Chayanna Heraldez, BA, RBT

Chayanna was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado. She accepted a softball scholarship at the

University of Delaware, where she graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education

with a concentration in Special Education. Upon completion, she worked in a first-grade

classroom with students with severe disabilities and autism in Delaware. She wanted to

continue learning how to better support students with autism and continued her teaching career

at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. After 3 years as a teacher, Chayanna

stepped away from the classroom to start a family, raise her son, and begin to pursue a career

in the field of ABA. Chayanna is currently in the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Special

Education Master's program with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis to become a BCBA upon

completion. In her free time, Chayanna loves to hike the island with her son, partake in CrossFit

workouts as a family, and read books on her Kindle.

image0.jpeg

Madison was born and raised on Oahu. In December 2023, she graduated from University of Hawaii at Manoa with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She is currently in the Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology program at Chaminade University. Madison has worked as a paraprofessional tutor at Waipahu High School for the past 2 years. During her free time she enjoys golfing, fishing, shopping, and spending time with her friends and family.

Madison Kawakami, BA, RBT
IMG_0086_edited.png

Kara was born and raised on the west side of Oahu, Hawaii. She attended California State

University of Sacramento for her undergraduate studies and graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor

of Science in Family Studies and Human Development. She moved back home to Hawaii and

will be pursuing her master's in Social Work and the University of Hawaii. Before joining the

BANKO team, Kara gained valuable experience working with youth ages 2 to 24 in both school

and nonprofit settings. She focused on fostering academic success, positive character

development, good citizenship, and healthy lifestyles for youth. Outside of her professional life,

Kara loves hiking, trying new restaurants, shopping, and exploring the island, all while enjoying

quality time with loved ones and friends.

Kara Oandasan, BS, RBT
image0 2.jpeg

Sara was born and raised in Oahu, and she's lived in Ewa Beach her whole life.  For high school, she graduated from Damien Memorial School.  Afterwards, she attended Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff before transferring back home to UH where she's pursuing a degree in Sociology.  Her hobbies include pottery, crochet, and casual cooking, but she always loves to share her time with friends and family.

Sara Alejo, BS, RBT
IMG_8452_edited.png

Destiny was born in California and lived in Colorado for a year before moving to Hawaii. Destiny is in school

to get her psychology degree at University of Hawai’i at Manoa and plan on continuing my

educational career. Destiny helped raise her nephew at the age of 15 and ever since has been a

natural with kids. Destiny has had many jobs since the age of 15 including lifeguarding, babysitting,

working in the service industry and working at a yoga studio. In her free time, she loves reading a

good book, going to the beach, thrifting, practicing yoga and watching movies/tv.

Destiny Weber, RBT

Gento was born in Japan and raised in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. He graduated from Kalani High School and

went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Japanese from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. During his

time at UH, he was an active member of the marching band for four years, playing the trumpet—a passion

he continues to enjoy today. He has a strong background in customer service, having worked at Teddy’s

Bigger Burgers for one year and at The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Waikiki for three years. These

experiences helped him develop strong communication skills and a deep appreciation for meaningful,

people-centered work. In his free time, he enjoys spending quality time with his family watching TV

shows, and staying active by playing volleyball. His love for working with children is what led him to the

field of Applied Behavior Analysis. As a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), Gento is excited to

continue learning and growing—both professionally and personally—as he supports and makes a positive

impact in the lives of the children and families he works with.

Gento Fujiki,, B.A., RBT
Screenshot 2025-07-09 at 3.57.03 PM.png
IMG_1849.HEIC

Kenna was born in South Korea and adopted at six months and brought to a small town in Iowa. She graduated from Creighton University in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Kenna has been interested in Autism services throughout college, becoming a RBT her sophomore year in college and continuing after she graduated. During college, she has helped out with a variety of research projects that worked with children with autism and feeding disorders. Kenna moved to Hawaii after getting accepted into the PSY.D. Clinical Psychology program at Chaminade University. In her free time, she loves to read, play with her cat, Opal, and try new coffee shops.

Kenna Soppe, RBT
Screenshot 2024-08-21 at 5.20.34 PM.png

Ellie is one of four kids in her family. She was born in Birmingham, AL and raised in Edwards, CO. She graduated high school from Vail Mountain School in Vail, CO in 2022 and took a year of classes at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, but is now taking time off. She plans to go back to hopefully study special education. Her hobbies include hiking, going to the beach, hanging out with friends, and playing soccer. If she was not working at Behavior Analysis No Ka Oi, Inc she would likely be pursuing another career working with children.

Ellie Campbell

Office Manager

IMG_2531 2.heic
Anuhea Brash, 
Office Manager

Anuhea was born in Waianae growing up in a country lifestyle but went to school in Kaimuki. Her immediate family consists of her parents, two older brothers, and a younger brother. Anuhea favors poke because she grew up around fishermen. Her biggest accomplishment is having the opportunity to sail on Hokule`a from Sand Island to Waimea Bay for the 2018 Eddie Aikau opening ceremony and having another opportunity to share information about the wa`a with the Leeward Coast. Before coming to BANKO Anuhea worked in the cargo industry full time for a year while also being a part time machine operator at the house printshop for the State Legislature. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family, going to the beach to fish and swim, hiking/off-roading in the mountains, and cooking.

Office Assistant

IMG_5344.JPG
Jacey Fernandez, B.A.
Office Assistant

Jacey was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. She moved across several states in the mainland due to her dad’s military service. After graduating Patterson High School in California, she moved back to Oahu to attend Hawaii Pacific University. Jacey holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and is eager to dive into the field of behavior analysis at BANKO. During her free time, she likes to sing, dance, play the ukulele, and go hiking.

Furry Friends

IMG_7205.jpeg
Rusty C.A.T.

Rusty is BANKO's rescue kitty. She was living in an empty lot behind the clinic as a feral cat. Rusty enjoys getting her ears scratched and interacting with our BANKO friends. 

bottom of page