Meet Trey
I'm originally from a suburb of Chicago and am the oldest child in my family, born in the early 1980s. I earned a bachelor's in elementary education from Indiana University, including a semester abroad in Australia. Having taught both domestically and internationally, I consider myself a lifelong learner and educator. In 2011 I moved from Chicago to Hawai‘i to pursue a master’s in Social Work at Hawai‘i Pacific University.
At that time, I didn’t know a single person in Hawai’i. I knew that by bringing my dog Jack, we would be okay. Since entering the field of Social Work, I’ve interned and worked at seven non-profits on Oahu. These experiences were immensely valuable, yet I ultimately desired to run my own business and be my own boss. Now, I run a private practice as a coach and counselor, doing work that I’m truly passionate about.
Working with diverse individuals, I’ve had the honor of listening to each person’s unique story. Presently my speciality is gender. I possess a profound understanding of gender and take pleasure in assisting those questioning their gender, transitioning their gender, or navigating other gender-related topics.
It is also deeply fulfilling connecting with individuals who want to make significant leaps in their life and are striving for personal growth. I enjoy coaching those brimming with motivation, ready to envision an inspiring future, and daring to dream big to elevate their lives to the next level.
Additionally, I've recently published a book on gender called,
which is accessible through the link above. This book is primarily aimed for doctors and therapists assisting gender-diverse individuals, although I hope its insights can benefit everyone. It includes some of my own stories relating to my gender journey as well.
My passions include traveling, public speaking, writing, meditation, and yoga. Being in nature, spending time with family and friends, and living a simple, abundant, and mindful life deeply gratify me.
I'm thrilled we've connected today and look forward to deepening our bond in the future. I'm sending much love, light and aloha your way.
Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
Co-Active Training Institute Life Coaching Certificate 2022
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Hawaii 2016
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, Hawaii 2016
Masters in Social Work 2013
Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu, Hawaii
Bridge-Linguatec Certificate 2006
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Council of International Education Exchange (CIEE) Certificate 2005
Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education 2003
Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
Overseas Studies, Psychology and Sociology 2002
Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
WORK EXPERIENCE
Private Practice, Life Coach and Licensed Clinical Social Worker 03/20 - present
Honolulu, Hawaii
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Provides 1:1 coaching and counseling to adults via telehealth.
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Specialize in gender and sexuality.
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Supervise and mentor LSW intern (Jan 2023–present), supporting clinical skill development and LCSW exam preparation.
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Conduct intakes, ongoing assessments, and treatment planning.
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Develop and implement marketing strategies to grow a successful private practice.
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Maintain compliant electronic clinical documentation while collaborating with insurance companies using SimplePractice Management Software.
The Lavender Clinic, Licensed Clinical Social Worker 01/17 - 02/20
Honolulu, Hawaii
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Provide 1:1 therapy to individuals, couples, and families, specializing in LGBTQIA+ mental health.
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Develop clinical assessment documents and update treatment plans as needed.
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Wrote mental health letters supporting gender affirmation surgery.
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Supervised a pre-licensed clinician preparing to launch a private practice.
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Delivered crisis counseling services on-site in Kauai.
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Facilitated support groups for LGBTQIA+ youth (ages 12–18).
Po’ailani Inc., Primary Counselor 09/14 - 04/16
Kaneohe, Hawaii
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Provided substance abuse counseling at a 16-bed, all-male residential program for individuals with co-occurring severe mental illness and substance use disorders.
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Conducted weekly 1:1 individual therapy sessions with eight clients and oversaw progress for all sixteen residents from intake to discharge.
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Developed and updated clinical documentation including crisis and safety plans, master problem indexes and treatment plans.
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Prepared and facilitated educational, task, and process groups including a men’s group, cognitive restructuring, dual diagnosis, vocational rehabilitation, smoking cessation, anger management and 12-step recovery.
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Maintained current insurance authorizations for all eight clients.
Honolulu Community Action Program, Family Advocate 07/13 - 01/14
Honolulu, Hawaii
Life Foundation, Social Work Intern 01/13 - 05/13
Honolulu, Hawaii
TJ Mahoney and Associates, Social Work Intern 01/12 - 01/13
Honolulu, Hawaii
Private Teacher, Early Intervention 05/10 - 08/11
Chicago, Illinois
Namaste Charter School, 6th Grade Humanities Teacher/1st Grade One-on-One Teacher 08/08 - 03/10
Chicago, Illinois
Private Teacher, Early Intervention 05/07 - 05/08 Chicago, Illinois
Varee Chiang Mai Kindergarten English Teacher 10/04-05/05
Chiang Mai, Thailand
VOLUNTEER WORK
Kokua Market, Hawaii Youth Coalition, AIDS Walk
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Rainbow Town Hall: "Exploring Māhū, LGBTQIA+ and DEI"
2/25, Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii News Now: "Rainbow Town Hall Pre-Discussion"
2/25, Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii State Harm Reduction Conference Rainbow Resilience: "Trauma and Resilience"
1/25, Honolulu, Hawaii
Virtual FDIC
"Gender Inclusivity in the Workplace"
6/23, Atlanta, Georgia
Transgender Day of Remembrance
11/22, Honolulu, Hawaii
Virtual The Benefits of Meditation:
“My Personal Journey”
7/22, Honolulu, Hawaii
Virtual Kalihi Palama:
“Best Mental Health Practices for the LGBTQIA+ Population, Emphasizing Gender”
3/22, Honolulu, Hawaii
Virtual Celebrating Pride:
“Inclusivity in the Workplace”
6/21, Chicago, Illinois
Virtual Transgender Day of Remembrance
11/20, Honolulu, Hawaii
Virtual Rainbow Town Hall:
“Safe and Stable Housing for the LGBTQIA+ Community”
10/20, Honolulu, Hawaii
Virtual Rainbow Town Hall:
“Mental Health and Stigma in the LGBTQIA+ Community”
10/20, Honolulu, Hawaii
American Association of University Women:
“LGBTQ+ Women's Topics of Today”
11/19, Honolulu, Hawaii
Higashi Hongwanji:
“Buddhism, the Younger Generation and Engaging the World”
07/19, Honolulu. Hawaii
Chaminade University:
“Human Sexuality”
06/19, Honolulu, Hawaii
Kaiser High School:
“Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Collaboration”
05/19, Honolulu, Hawaii
First Unitarian Church of Honolulu:
“Transgender Awareness”
11/18, Honolulu, Hawaii
Good Wise and Wonderful Podcast:
“The Transgender Journey”
05/18, Honolulu, Hawaii
Pacific Buddhist Academy 21st Century Buddhism:
“Perspectives From Today’s Youth”
05/18, Honolulu, Hawaii
Bobby Benson Treatment Facility:
“Counseling Transgender Youth with Substance Abuse Issues”
12/17, Kahuku, Hawaii
Windward Community College:
“The Transgender Journey and Coming Out Process”
11/17, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Hawaii State Hospital:
“Best Mental Health Treatment for Transgender Patients”
11/16, Kaneohe, Hawaii
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
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Strong communication, public speaking, networking and leadership abilities.
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Experienced in individual, couples and family counseling.
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Proficient with both Apple and PC platforms, skilled with Microsoft Office Suite, (Word, Power Point, Excel) Google Workspace and internet based research.
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Experienced with electronic health records EHR systems, including SimplePractice, WITS, Practice Fusion, AdvancedMD and Elation Health.
HONORS AND AFFILIATIONS
Waikiki Toastmasters, President, 2024-present
Waikiki Toastmasters, Ambassador of Aloha Award, 2024
Waikiki Toastmasters Club Member, 2022-present
Board of Directors at The Lavender Clinic, 2020-2021
Airbnb Super Host, 2019
No Ka ‘Oi Best of the Best Therapist, 2017
Phi Alpha National Honor Society, 2012
Kappa Delta Pi Honorary Society, 2003
Pi Lambda Theta Honorary Society, 2002
National Collegiate Scholars Association, 2002