The Center's staff of trained professionals guides each young man and woman through an individual treatment program. The staff includes a medical director, clinical psychologist, certified chemical dependency counselors, youth counselors, house managers, an activities coordinator, teachers with appropriate credentials for the educational program, and a full administrative staff.

The staff offers recovery education and individual and group counseling. The primary treatment occurs in same-gender therapeutic groups. This helps to create healthy peer group processes that youths can replicate in their communities. The daily group therapy sessions help each young person see his or her troubles as part of a predictable pattern resulting from drug or alcohol use. More importantly, these groups allow them to begin to process, learn and reinforce healthy ways to cope with life's demands with the support of peers who give positive and healthy feedback.

KEY STAFF MEMBERS:

Morris A. Graham, Ph.D., MBA, R.O.D.P., Executive Director, has over 10 years of experience in the field of addiction and mental health with the Hawaii Department of Health and the Hawaii Judiciary as a clinical psychologist. Morris received his Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Arizona and a Post-Doctorate in Organizational Psychology from Edinburgh University (Scotland) with some 26 years as a Professor of Psychology with Brigham Young University—Hawaii and Utah. He is internationally recognized for his expertise and writings—author of The Horizontal Revolution, Jossey-Bass Publishers. Morris is licensed with the American Psychological Association and the National Institute for Organizational Development.

In his spare time, Morris is active in church work and enjoys ocean swimming and kayaking.

Blossom I. Fonoimoana, PsyD, MSW, LSW, Clinical Director, has been working out in the field since 1992. She received her Bachelor of Social Work from Brigham Young University Hawaii. In 1997 she received her Masters of Social Worker from the University of Hawaii’s School of Social-Work. She has held a CSAC certification and is a licensed social worker in the state of Hawaii. Blossom received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2007 from the Argosy University in Honolulu, Hawaii. Blossom is an alumni of Kamehameha School’s class of 1974. She also has received the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship in her Master’s and Doctoral Programs. She is a Native Hawaiian who was born in Honolulu, raised in Kaneohe, and raised her children in Laie and Kahuku. Blossom has worked at the Bobby Benson Center as a youth counselor from 1992-1995 and as a shift-leader and therapist in 1997-1999. She worked as a therapist and chemical dependency counselor at Marimed Foundation in 1999-2003,and at Child and Family Service as a Director for its group homes, Julia House and Hale Holopono in 2004. From 2005-2008 Blossom coordinated social work services, therapy, case management, tobacco cessation, individual therapy and family therapy with Native Hawaiian Health Systems, Ke Ola Mamo, working predominantly with the Hawaiian population, island-wide. She interned at Hawaii Counseling and Education Center, Kalaheo High School and Pope Elementary School during 2003-2004. She also has practiced at Life Foundation with HIV/AIDS population, Loveland Academy for autistic children, Kamehameha Preschool Kupulani program, and Queen Liliuokalani Children’s Center.

Blossom enjoys bargain-shopping, swap meet, spending time with her family, walking daily, walking on the beach, swimming, good movies, good books, learning new things, traveling, and warm conversations. She also enjoys good relaxation, laughter, humor, good food and heartfelt stories. Blossom is open to new experiences and challenges and has found passion in the field of helping others and behavioral health. She prides herself on being a good listener, being patient, being respectful, doing what’s right and being fair. She is not afraid to take risks when it comes to improving life situations.