Our Mission
‘Ai Pono Foundation is a local 501(c)(3) community-based organization. Our mission is to provide greater access to financial and educational resources in support of individuals affected by eating disorders.
Guiding Principles
‘Ai Pono
To nourish with ease
By cultivating a deeper and more intuitive connection with their bodies and selves, individuals can discover a lifelong solution to struggles with food and eating.
Kuleana
Responsibility to self and others
As leaders in the field of eating disorder treatment, we feel that it is our responsibility to raise awareness, educate our community, and improve the quality of and access to care.
Lokahi
To exist in unity and harmony
We proudly unite with an expanding community of eating disorder professionals in order to bring the highest quality care and access to care - serving the Hawaiian islands and the nation.
Our Story
sewing the seeds…
The seeds of ‘Ai Pono Treatment Center and Foundation were first planted in the early 1980’s. It was around that time that Hawaii was starting to see a marked increase in the prevalence of eating disorders combined with a serious lack of resources. On a global level, The field of eating disorder treatment was still very much developing - bulimia had just been recognized as a diagnosable disorder and Binge Eating Disorder (now the most commonly diagnosed eating disorder in the United States) had yet to be recognized.
In response to this need, eating psychology pioneers Dr. Anita Johnston and Dr. Steve Orenstein established the first Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) specifically designed to treat eating disorders. Women from all over Hawaii came to seek help for issues with food and eating. It didn’t take long before it became clear that the need for eating disorder education, prevention, and treatment was exceedingly high in Hawaii and there was a proportionality low number of resources.
Strengthening our roots and starting to grow branches…
Dr. Johnston and Dr. Orenstein partnered with Cathy Meyer-Uyehara and Clayton Uyehara to found Hawaii’s first Residential Eating Disorder Treatment Center, and in 2012, ‘Ai Pono Maui first opened its doors. Since then, ‘Ai Pono Hawaii has operated satellite locations in Honolulu and on the Big Island, and recently began offering virtual outpatient programming to reach those in isolation or who otherwise would not have access to much needed services. ‘Ai Pono Hawaii has supported hundreds of women from all ages and walks of life to recover from eating disorders.
‘Ai Pono Foundation was founded in 2018 as a further extension of a collective mission to provide increased and improved care for those struggling with eating disorders in Hawaii and beyond.
While significant progress has been made in the past 4o years to increase eating disorder related awareness and resources in Hawaii, we recognize that there is still work to be done. ‘Ai Pono Foundation is dedicated to increasing awareness, providing education, and improving access to resources and treatment for those affected by eating disorders.
With your support, we continue to diligently to connect with professionals throughout Hawaii, the United States, and the world in order to create an informed community that could work together to provide individuals struggling with eating disorders comprehensive care with consistent quality and messaging.
Board of Directors
Sarina Ponte, LMHC, LAC, CEDS, CIEC
President
Sarina is a licensed therapist specializing in eating disorders. Her professional journey has encompassed diverse treatment settings, including inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient care. Currently, she operates her therapy practice on the island of Maui. Sarina was previously the Founder/President of the Project Heal Denver Chapter. She was also the President of the International Associations of Eating Disorder Professionals Hawaii Chapter. She is excited to use her knowledge and passion to serve the community.
Joanne Parker
Vice President
Originally from Austin, Joanne moved to Maui in 2020. Prior to joining the foundation, she served on the boards of the HFUU Haleakala chapter and the City of Rollingwood Park Commission.
Joanne is thrilled to help The ‘Ai Pono Foundation achieve its mission of providing greater access to educational and financial resources to support those affected by eating disorders.
SAUNDRA YARBOROUGH
Director
Saundra moved to Maui a few years ago from Houston, Texas. She has over thirty years of experience in philanthropy. Prior to her relocation, Saundra worked for Ways and Means, an organization of over 130 women that focused on philanthropy projects and fundraising for the community. During her time with Ways and Means, Saundra served as both President and Vice President.
Saundra is excited to fully engage in the culture and community of Maui and is dedicated to the mission of ‘The Ai Pono Foundation to create new pathways of access to eating disorder care for residents of Hawaii.
Saundra Gaskey Moriyasu, RDN
Director
Saundra is a Registered Dietitian/ Nutritionist who has over 30 years of healthcare experience, including working with those struggling with eating disorders.
Saundra has lived on Maui for 20 years and has served on a variety of boards, including non-profits, community, county and state level organizations. She is committed to increasing awareness of disordered eating in the local community and is excited about working with ‘Ai Pono Foundation.
She enjoys spending time with her young twin boys, walking, swimming, fishing, gardening and cooking.
Helena Erece, PHR
Treasurer
Helena has over twenty-five years of experience in financial management, administration, and human resources.