By working together, we can find the answers
Meet our founder
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
ASSESSMENT, THERAPY, COACHING, CONSULTATION
Meet our team
Katherin Acosta Mena Benach
Her role includes developing digital content that aligns with the clinic’s mission while ensuring that clinicians, trainees, and staff have the necessary systems in place to work effectively and efficiently. Her management style emphasizes collaboration, workflow optimization, and the integration of creative solutions to enhance client engagement.
Originally from Havana, Cuba, Katherin brings a culturally informed approach to her work, emphasizing inclusivity and connection with the diverse Hawaiian community. Recently accepted into the HELP program at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, she is embarking on her first year as a college student, pursuing a degree in psychology. Her long-term goal is to provide direct therapy services, contributing to better mental health access and support for those in Hawaii.
Practice Manager
Social Media, Creative Counselor, Administration, Scheduling, Billing
Kahilya Thomas
Kahilya leads the clinic's administrative team, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently. Her responsibilities include overseeing billing processes, managing client scheduling, maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations, and optimizing office workflows. Kahilya’s two decades of healthcare experience make her adept at navigating complex billing procedures, managing patient relations, and streamlining administrative tasks, all while supporting clinical staff in delivering quality care.
With an associate degree in Medical Assisting and certifications in Medical Office Administration and Medical Billing, Kahilya brings a comprehensive skill set to the clinic. Her proficiency in healthcare management, paired with her knowledge of psychological services, allows her to adapt administrative processes to the specific needs of neuropsychological testing environments. This expertise contributes to improved patient access, seamless clinic operations, and an enhanced overall experience for clients and families seeking services at Assess Hawaii
Administrative Director
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
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
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.
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
