By working together, we can find the answers
Meet our Assess Hawai'‘i Team
President, Director of Clinical Training, & Founder of Assess Hawai’i
Dr. Pedro Luis Benach
Dr. Benach is a first generation Cuban-American who aspires to help others in their life journeys. He has received advanced specialized training in the evaluation and treatment of neurodevelopmental, neuropsychological, neurocognitive, and psychological disorders. He took an untraditional route and attended community college for two years and then transferred to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa where he completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology. Thereafter, he obtained his Master degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University of Hawai‘i and completed his Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Hawai‘i School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu.
Dr. Benach holds a position as an Associate Professor of Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Therapies, Humanistic and Existential Therapies, and Introduction to Psychological Theories at Fielding Graduate University School of Psychology, which is a regionally APA accredited PhD program in Clinical Psychology. He also serves as the Chair of the Hawai’i Psychological Association’s (HPA) Child and Adolescent Committee (CHAT).
With over a decade of studies in the field of psychology, Dr. Benach welcomes individuals and families who seek comprehensive answers and individualized recommendations that accurately address their important questions and needs.
When Dr. Benach isn’t dedicating his time to his clients or students, he is commonly found enjoying the ocean, exploring various surf breaks, spending time with family and friends, discovering new food recipes, attending community events, and attempting to read books for leisure.
Dr. Benach currently holds active licenses to practice psychology in the states of Hawai’i and Colorado.
Hawaii License Number: PSY-2075
Colorado License Number: PSY.0006047
Katherin Acosta Mena Benach
As the Director of Operations and Human Resources Manager at Assess Hawaii, Katherin plays a vital role in ensuring that the clinic operates efficiently and in alignment with its mission to provide high-quality psychological care. She manages internal systems that support clinicians, trainees, and administrative staff, with a strong focus on collaboration, workflow optimization, and staff well-being. In addition to her HR responsibilities, Katherin leads the creation of digital content that enhances client engagement and reflects the clinic’s values. Her leadership style blends creative problem-solving with a people-centered approach, fostering a productive and supportive work environment.
Originally from Havana, Cuba, Katherin brings a culturally informed and inclusive perspective to her work, building meaningful connections with Hawaii’s diverse community. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology and plans to obtain a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree upon completion. Her long-term goal is to provide direct therapy services and expand access to mental health care across the islands.
Director of Operations - Human Resources Manager
Director of Clinical Services & Co-Clinical Training Director
Dr. Angeline Dickson
Dr. Angeline Dickson, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience in mental health. Dr. Dickson is dedicated to creating a supportive, non-judgmental, and compassionate environment where healing and self-awareness can thrive. Her positive, strength-based approach fosters a collaborative process, helping clients overcome a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, mood disorders, and relationship issues. Through evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and family counseling, she empowers individuals to achieve their personal goals and rediscover their inner strength. Dr. Dickson’s commitment extends to training the next generation of mental health professionals, offering supervision and guidance to master’s and doctoral students.
Hawaii License Number PSY-2064
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Clinical Supervisor
Dr. Alistair Taylor
Dr. Alistair Taylor is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Hawaii. He graduated from an APA-accredited program at Chaminade University in 2021 and has been practicing clinical psychology since then. Dr. Taylor gained experience with psychological assessments during a year-long rotation at Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience conducting testing on patients with traumatic brain injury, dementia, and neurodevelopmental disorders. He gained additional assessment experience on his year-long doctoral internship at Potomac Behavioral Solutions in Virginia. His interests include developing an understanding of the intersections of neurobiological and environmental (family, cultural, and socioeconomic factors for example) factors that shape the human brain and behavior. While analytical, his role as a clinical psychologist is rooted in empathy for the client and their life challenges. Dr. Taylor has a lifelong history as an athlete and health enthusiast, and also offers personal growth coaching as well as teaching on health topics via webinars linked from his site.
If you would like to understand more about growth coaching, please visit the following page: www.drtaylorevolutioncoaching.com
Hawaii License Number PSY-2064
Meet our Doctoral Trainees
All trainees at Assess Hawai’i are supervises by licensed clinicians
Intervention Practicum Student
Nancy Eastwood
Nancy is a PhD practicum student at Fielding Graduate University. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Harvard University in Humanities. While working toward her master’s degree in Psychology at Harvard, Nancy switched her studies to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology with a focus in Neuropsychology. As a practicum student, Nancy has comprehensive training in cognitive assessments and psychological disorders to help piece together the complexity of cognitive capabilities and individual experiences. Nancy is an adjunct professor of psychology at Brigham Young University-Hawaii, where she is passionate about helping students along their academic journeys. Nancy also finds solace in the beauty of the outdoors. Daily walks, quality time spent with her family, hiking, and ocean swimming rejuvenate her. For Nancy, a connection to the Earth provides tranquility, inspiration, and healing. She recently completed her diagnostic practicum year at Assess Hawaii and has stayed on for her intervention practicum training.
Diagnostic Practicum Student
Ariel will begin her training at Assess Hawai’i on September 1, 2026
Ariel Wong
Ariel is a student in the PsyD Clinical Psychology program at the Hawaiʻi School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Certificate in Ethnic Studies from the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa. Ariel is excited to collaborate with the local community, build meaningful relationships, and give back while continuing to grow and learn professionally. In her free time, Ariel enjoys learning new arts and crafts as well as spending time with her family, friends, and dogs.
Diagnostic Practicum Student
Daniel will begin his training at Assess Hawai’i on September 1, 2026
Daniel Baon
Daniel is a student in the PsyD Clinical Psychology program at the Hawai‘i School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu. He was born in the Philippines and moved to Waipahu, Hawai'i when he was 6 years old. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. Daniel is excited to be able to work and give back to his local community. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, practicing the keyboard, and exercising in his free time
Diagnostic Practicum Student
William will begin his training at Assess Hawai’i on September 1, 2026
William Porter
William is a current student at the Hawaii School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University. He is originally from Cleveland, Ohio but received two Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa (UHM) in Psychology and Biology. His passion to help others is evident with a background as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) and Corpsman in the U.S. Navy. In his free time, he enjoys weightlifting and spending time with his dogs. His future goals include opening a clinic and continuing to serve the community in Hawai'i.
Previous Diagnostic Student-Volunteer
Taylor-Ann Takatani
Taylor is a student in the PsyD Clinical Psychology program at the Hawai‘i School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu. She was born and raised in Maui, Hawai’i and earned her Bachelor degree in Psychology from Chapman University. Taylor is excited to return home and further her education in Hawai’i and work with her local community. In her free time, Taylor enjoys the ocean, trying new cuisines, and spending quality with her family and friends
Administrative and Billing Department
Our administrative and billing staff play a vital role in ensuring that Assess Hawaii operates with professionalism, efficiency, and care. They manage front office operations, coordinate scheduling, and maintain clear communication with clients, clinicians, and external partners. The team is responsible for verifying insurance benefits, submitting claims, processing payments, and resolving billing inquiries in a timely and respectful manner. They ensure compliance with HIPAA and other regulatory standards while handling sensitive information with the highest level of discretion. By maintaining accurate records, optimizing workflows, and supporting day-to-day clinic operations, our administrative and billing staff help create a seamless experience for every client who walks through our doors