Colleen Fox, PhD, CSAC, CPS, CCS
Director of Adolescent Services, Hina Mauka Teen CARE
Colleen has been with Hina Mauka since 1997 and became the Director of Adolescent Services in 2002. Colleen brings her experiences counseling adolescents, promoting best practices, and collaborating with other organizations to her work at Hina Mauka. Click to see moreClick to see less
Prior to her experience at Hina Mauka, Colleen worked with women and their children at the Salvation Army Family Treatment Services. Seeing the impact of substance abuse on children inspired a desire to help youth and their families. She had the opportunity to learn about the substance abuse community through her experiences coordinating the Independent Peer Review process for substance abuse agencies receiving federal funding as well as her work at the Hawai‘i State Legislature. Colleen is a graduate of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and is certified as a substance abuse counselor, prevention specialist, clinical supervisor, and program administrator. Colleen grew up in New York along the shores of Lake Erie and has lived in Hawai‘i for over thirty years. In her free time Colleen enjoys spending time with her family and her cats Stella and Winston.
(she/her/hers)
MaryElizabeth Pacheco, LMHC, CSAC, CPS, CCS
Clinical Director, Hina Mauka Teen CARE
Mary has been honored to be a part of the Hina Mauka Teen CARE team since 2000. Mary is certified as a substance abuse counselor, prevention specialist, and clinical supervisor. Her mission ever since has been to be of service to help the youth of Hawai’i nei find hope, health, and healing.Click to see moreClick to see less
Prior to joining Hina Mauka, Mary was an early childhood educator. Understanding the effects and impact of substance use on the family, she attended Chaminade University of Honolulu where she graduated with her master’s in counseling psychology. Mary is a certified trainer of the Adolescent Drug Abuse Diagnosis assessment, ASIST Suicide Prevention, and SAMHSA’s Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training. Mary serves as the Independent Peer Review Coordinator contracted with the Department of Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division. Mary was born and raised in Hawai’i. She, her husband, their three children along with their five dogs live on the windward side of O‘ahu. During Mary’s free time, she enjoys attending church services, working on cars, reading, and having a great time just being with her family.
Anna Marie Elderts, BA
Administrative Supervisor, Hina Mauka Teen CARE
Anna Marie joined the Teen CARE team in 2005. Anna Marie was born and raised on O‘ahu, but lived on Kaua‘i for several years early in her career. Previously Anna Marie worked as the branch manager for the Windward Community Federal Credit Union.Click to see moreClick to see less
She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She also has experience in accounting and customer service. Anna Marie has three children and lives on the Windward side of O‘ahu with her husband, children, and their dogs.
Nicole Benton-Hayden, MA/OC, CSAC, CPS, CCS
Clinical Supervisor, Hina Mauka Teen CARE
Even as a teen, Nicole wanted to reach out to others in a motivating and compassionate manner. Her favorite part of Teen CARE is that she gets to work with aspiring youth who are making positive changes in their lives. Click to see moreClick to see less
Nicole graduated from Hawai‘i Pacific University in 2008 with her bachelor’s degree in psychology and in 2010 graduated from Hawai‘i Pacific University with her master’s degree. She is certified as a substance abuse counselor, prevention specialist, and clinical supervisor. In her free time, Nicole enjoys hiking, swimming, reading, the beach, and spending time with her family.
Debbie Pennuto, MA, CSAC
Clinical Supervisor, Hina Mauka Teen CARE
Debbie joined Teen CARE in 2006 because she has a passion for helping those who struggle with substance abuse. Debbie has a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and is certified as a substance abuse counselor.Click to see moreClick to see less
Prior to joining Teen CARE Debbie served as the Director of Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, where she worked for seven years. Debbie served in the Army as a Sergeant. Upon completion of her service, Debbie spent several years conducting programs for elementary age youth though Kama`aina Kids.
Debbie has visited various countries in Europe and has lived in Germany for a total of 6 years. Debbie enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs.
Creson Fujii, MSW, CSAC
Clinical Supervisor, Teen CARE Kauai
Creson was born and raised on Kauai and moved to O`ahu after graduating from high school. While on Oahu, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Also while on O’ahu, she gained experience working with young people, focusing on building a foundation of trust and communication. Click to see moreClick to see less
Creson moved back to Kauai in 2016, seeking out a position where she could continue to help youth. Creson and her husband have three children who every day teach them something new about life. When not working, Creson likes to catch up on TV drama, spend time with her family at the beach, park, have cookouts, and plan for their next travel adventure.
