Mental Health Through Connection
Our mission is to provide accessible, therapeutic mental health support to underserved communities across Hawaiʻi. By fostering creativity, resilience, and well-being, we aim to help individuals connect deeply with themselves, their community, and ʻāina (land, that which provides). We envision a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive through these vital connections.
Nature's Symphony
ButtonCore Values
Accessibility
We ensure mental health support reaches those who need it most.
Safety
We create supportive spaces where everyone feels safe and empowered.
Growth & Adaptability
We encourage personal growth and the ability to navigate life's challenges.
Freedom & Empowerment
We give individuals the tools to manage their mental health journey.
Aloha ʻāina
We foster a deep connection to the land and we revere the healing potential this place holds.
The Challenge in Hawaiʻi
Mental health challenges are prevalent in Hawaiʻi, with limited access to adequate mental health support. Serious Mental Illness (SMI) refers to a group of mental health conditions that can significantly impact a person's daily life. Examples of SMI include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. With over 41,000 adults in Hawaiʻi living with SMI and anxiety, accessible and effective mental health support is crucial.
High Rates
82% of adults in Hawaiʻi have experienced a mental health condition in the past six months.
Source: Hawaiʻi Department of Health Survey (PDF)
Serious Mental Illness (SMI)
17.5% of adults (over 41,000 people) live with SMI.
Limited Access
Only 32% of those needing help receive mental health support.
How We Help
Root & Rise Hawaiʻi addresses these challenges by providing programs that foster creativity, purpose, and competency; build resilience; and cultivate connection and kuleana (responsibility).
Nature & Art as Therapy
This free program offers community-based workshops that combine mindfulness practices with creative expression to promote mental well-being and social connection. These workshops can help participants develop coping skills, build resilience, and foster a sense of belonging.
Expanding Our Impact: Programs in Development
To further address the mental health needs of our community, Root & Rise Hawaiʻi is developing additional programs aimed at providing more comprehensive support:
Wahi Hana Workforce Development
A therapeutic workforce development initiative for adults with SMI. This program will offer supportive employment opportunities, empowering participants with job skill training, self-confidence, and community integration.
Root & Rise Supportive Housing
Affordable housing with coordinated support services for adults with SMI. This program aims to provide stability, improve quality of life, and facilitate community integration by meeting basic needs, promoting life-skill development, and linking residents to therapeutic resources and community-based supports.
Our Story & Growth
Root & Rise Hawaiʻi has engaged over 600 individuals since our inception in September 2021. Established as a 501(c)(3) in May 2023, our operations are carried out by skilled community members and dedicated volunteers, guided by our co-founders and a strong board of directors.
Our journey began with the vision of co-founders Aliza Gebin and Mona Trenae-Maynard to create a supportive community for those facing mental health challenges.
Co-founders
Meet the dedicated team behind Root & Rise Hawaiʻi:
Aliza is passionate about creating and leading programs that address mental health through a creative, whole-person approach, drawing inspiration from ʻāina and community. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Connecticut College and a Certificate in Horticultural Therapy from the AHTA-accredited Chicago Botanic Garden. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit adult mental health, the Hawaiʻi public school system, and child and family services, Aliza brings a wealth of expertise to her work.
From her early roles as a residential assistant at group homes for adults with mental illness to teaching art in public schools and coordinating programs like Vibrant Hawaiʻi’s Art Fellowship, Aliza has consistently integrated nature, self-expression, community connection, and mental health destigmatization into her work. At Root & Rise, she co-creates accessible, meaningful social services for underserved and marginalized communities, grounded in these core values.
Passionate about the native forests of Hawaiʻi, Aliza works with Farm and Forest Hawaiʻi LLC, where she is involved in both labor and administrative roles. She also contributes to a native plant nursery and stewards Pāpā Forest in South Kona, dedicating her time to preserving ʻāina for the benefit of this place and its inhabitants.
Originally from Massachusetts and forever connected to the forest, Aliza has called South Kona home since 2015.
Mona is a passionate co-visionary in reimagining mental health services and has been an invaluable asset to Root & Rise. With over two decades of experience in Kona, Hawaiʻi, Mona’s career in adult mental health began in Seattle in 1992. She has since contributed significantly to the field in Kona through roles such as Case Manager for the Department of Health – Adult Mental Health Division, The Kona Paradise Clubhouse/Hale Aikane, Residential Assistant for Mental Health Kokua and Crisis Mobile Outreach, and Mental Health Worker/Therapist for CARE Hawaiʻi.
Mona empowers adults with mental illness to regain stability, foster independence, and thrive within their communities through a compassionate, skill-building approach that emphasizes community engagement.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications Theory and Practice from Eastern Illinois University, with minors in Women’s Studies, Psychology of Women, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, Mona successfully operated Mon Ami Catering for 20 years, further developing her leadership, communication, and client care skills.
Mona’s dedication to improving mental health services and empowering individuals continues to shape positive outcomes for those she serves.
Our Leadership
Special Education Educator (Retired), Department of Education (MA)
Margaret (Meg) is a retired special educator who focused on building programs and delivering instruction for high school students with disabilities.
One such program focused on Autism Spectrum Disorders, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities, and Anxiety Disorders.
Another was a model for post secondary school transition programming in a suburban community high school coordinating the combined resources of the school, community, and parents, to the benefit of all students with disabilities. Projected annual savings to the district of $250-$350K.
Prior to nearly two decades in educational settings and a decade at home child-rearing, Meg spent a decade in industry analyzing organizational needs, developing strategic plans, designing programs, managing projects, and creating operations manuals for financial, computer, and entertainment industries, and as a management consultant to Fortune 500 companies and governments.
Melody Khodabandeh is a community leader, curator, and paralegal dedicated to grassroots initiatives and expanding resources for underserved communities. As Secretary of Root & Rise Hawai'i, she applies her business strategy, legal advocacy, and nonprofit development expertise to build sustainable, community-driven programs. In December 2022, she co-founded Moonsun Art Gallery, Hawai'i’s first Afro-futurist art space, supporting local artists, cultural storytelling, and economic opportunities.
An advocate for grassroots organizing and ʻāina-based stewardship, Melody is involved in public advocacy, pro-bono legal work, and food sovereignty initiatives. She joined the Mama Medicine Food Forest Program in September 2024 and earned a Professional Fundraising Certificate from Boston University through Changemakers Hawai'i’s Philanthropono program, applying her expertise to local nonprofit initiatives.
Since June 2021, Melody has called Hawai'i home, deepening her connection to its ʻāina (land) and communities. She acknowledges that her work takes place on the ancestral lands of the Kānaka Maoli, the Indigenous people of Hawai’i, and is committed to uplifting Indigenous voices and supporting its stewardship.
With a lifelong dedication to advocacy and community building, Melody works at the intersection of art, law, and social impact, ensuring cultural and economic opportunities remain accessible to all.
Mental Health Advocate, Program Participant, Root & Rise Hawaiʻi
As a member of Root & Rise over the past year, Benji has the opportunity to explore, be a part of his community, and align his values of doing the right thing and enjoying life with others. Benji identifies as somebody with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI).
Benji’s enjoys the simple things in life, such as surrounding himself with family & friends, his love for music, and watching a good game every week.
Benji’s view on life and what he values: Life is as uncomplicated as you make it. Be thankful for the little. The little turn into moments. The moment becoming your life. Live your dream where you are.
Benji grew up on the North Shore of Oahu. He attended Haleiwa Elementary and graduated from Waialua High School, and he grew up with 5 brothers and 1 sister.
Executive Director, ChangeMakers Community Economic Development Corp. Hawaiʻi
Joel Olani Lilly is a visionary leader with over 25 years of experience advancing equity and justice for Native Hawaiian and other underserved communities. With expertise in strategic leadership, philanthropy, and community engagement, she has successfully mobilized over $15 million in funding for initiatives that drive systemic change. As the Founder & Executive Director of Changemakers Community Economic Development Corporation, she leads efforts to promote economic and social justice. Her background includes roles in education, nonprofit management, and policy advocacy, reflecting a deep commitment to community.
Co-Owner and Chief Operations Officer of CoMission LLC
Christian McAdams, Co-Owner and Chief Operations Officer of CoMission LLC, serves as the financial administrator for Root & Rise Hawaiʻi. In this capacity, he works closely with the organization’s co-founders and board to oversee budgeting, grant management, and comprehensive reporting, while also developing long-term growth strategies. Christian has played a pivotal role in securing and managing funds for the Nature & Art as Therapy program. CoMission’s mission is to empower organizations by blending cultural insight, financial expertise, and personalized support to help them thrive.
Outside of his work with Root & Rise Hawaiʻi, Christian serves as the Director of Economic Strategy and Development for ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi, where he drives initiatives to foster economic equity, improve access to financial resources, and advocate for policies that benefit the economic welfare of the community. In this role, Christian works closely with local nonprofits and small businesses, supporting their growth and resilience through strategic planning, resource alignment, and legislative advocacy at both the state and local levels.
With over 15 years of diverse experience in finance and entrepreneurship, Christian combines a pragmatic approach with a strong commitment to social impact. He brings expertise in financial planning, budgeting, and analysis to the organization, helping to ensure robust and sustainable financial strategies for ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi.
Christian has a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Economics from Hawai’i Pacific University, a graduate certificate in nonprofit finance from Cornell University, and multiple professional certificates. He is currently pursuing his Master’s in Economic Development.
Christian previously served the veteran community as a Member Services Representative with Navy Federal Credit Union, taught personal finance courses through his own small business, and worked as a Contract Specialist and Finance Technician in the United States Marine Corps. This breadth of experience underpins Christian’s commitment to strengthening economic opportunity and inclusivity across Hawaiʻi’s communities.