Allison H.K. Higa, MHS, PA-C, is a Physician Assistant who has a passion for improving healthcare outcomes through preventative health initiatives and patient engagement. She has cared for the whole age range of patients, from pediatric to geriatric, and has also become involved in administrative responsibilities.

Born and raised in Mililani she is a proud alumna of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. Allison earned her undergraduate education at Creighton University and went on to attend nationally recognized Duke University’s PA program, where she attended the program on a Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship. She has spent time working at FQHCs on O‘ahu and a university health clinic in North Carolina. Allison is now based at Ko‘olauloa Health Center in Kahuku, O‘ahu.

Currently she splits her time between providing direct patient care and administrative duties – such as improving clinical workflows with the clinic’s new EHR and leading initiatives such as the CDC's Diabetes Prevention Program and Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring. She is also involved in community engagement such as helping the Kahuku High & Intermediate’s Health Services Pathway class, aiding with dental health education at inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and participating in homeless outreach events.

Outside of work she enjoys swimming in the ocean, playing music with friends, and cuddling with her cats.

Catherine Marquette is an accomplished healthcare professional with a diverse background. She began her journey by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Reno, Nevada. Catherine pursued advanced studies as a graduate special student in the School of Medicine, Nurse Practitioner Physician Assistant program at the University of California, Davis.

Early in her career Catherine worked as a Nurse Practitioner in a California rural health clinic and emergency room.

In 1993 she moved to the big Island of Hawaii. She joined Hamakua Health Center as the transition from the planation infirmary to a rural health center and then as a Federally Qualified Community Health Center. As a Nurse Practitioner, she provided essential healthcare services to the community and helped with program development. In 2016 she assumed the role of Medical Director at Hamakua Kohala Health. In July 2023, Catherine's contributions and leadership skills led to her appointment as the Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

She service on the boards of the Hawaii Primary Care Association, Aloha Care and The Pepeekeo Water Association.

She operates a tropical fruit and nut farm, embracing the concept of food as medicine and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Hayley Cheyney Kāne is the Prevention Care Coordinator at Waimānalo Health Center, leveraging three years of experience as a Medical Scribe across Neuro-Oncology, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, and Internal Medicine. In her current role, Hayley orchestrates preventive healthcare initiatives, such as the diabetes prevention program and the self-monitoring blood pressure program driven by her profound understanding of patient needs and medical protocols.

Hayley's career trajectory reflects her unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes and community well-being. Through her meticulous coordination and compassionate approach, she facilitates access to essential preventive care services for individuals in her care.

With a foundation rooted in patient-centric care, Hayley navigates healthcare complexities with empathy and precision. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Physiology from Seattle Pacific University and continuously seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills in the healthcare field.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Hayley finds joy in dancing hula, exploring this pae ‘āina, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Her holistic approach to life mirrors her dedication to promoting holistic wellness within the community and underscores her commitment to making a positive impact in every facet of her work and life.

Kamailei Ynigues is a Hawaii Island Community Health Center (HICHC) Community Health Worker. She had previous experience as a medical assistant with the company before transferring to their health equity team as a CHW. She has a CHW Certificate of Competence from Maui Community College.

You can find Kamailei as a CHW working with Kupuna monthly, doing Health and Wellness checks, including Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose checks, assisting with filling out forms, making appointments with specialists, and booking transportation to and from appointments. She also works with elementary students as an Ohana Navigator, providing resources to individual children and families. She also has experience working with unsheltered individuals by providing hygiene kits and medical follow-ups.

Kamailei believes having community engagements and building relationships will allow people to trust her and accept any assistance needed. She enjoys helping her community in every way she can. She has assisted many Kupuna with understanding recertification for their housing and ensuring they have all the necessary documents. As well as making appointments with specialists for individuals and setting up medical transportation through their medical insurance.

Kamailei recently participated in the Kupuna Collective by providing the first Kupuna support navigator training. Through this training, she was able to raise awareness about what a CHW is, CHW roles and responsibilities, the impact of CHWs on healthy aging, and local efforts to support CHWs as a workforce.

Dr. Kayla Kalamahi’ehi’eokalani Bajo was born and raised in Wahiawa and is a proud graduate of Leilehua High School. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Doctor of Pharmacy from the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy at the University of Hawaii at Hilo in 2022. She previously held the position as Pharmacist-in-Charge before transitioning to her current title as Pharmacy Department Manager at the Wahiawa Center for Community Health where she has roles as both a community pharmacist and a clinical pharmacist. In clinic, Kayla is passionate about delivering tobacco cessation through Wahiawa Health’s Quit Tobacco Program and youth vaping prevention presentations to elementary and middle school students in Wahiawa as a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist. In addition, she also collaborates with Wahiawa Health’s Diabetes Specialty Center as coordinator and educator for the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Program, and acts as the Health and Wellness Education Program Specialist to provide patients with hypertension education and comprehensive medication therapy management. As a community pharmacist, Kayla oversees operations of the Wahiawa Health Pharmacy located in clinic, is heavily involved in the Vaccines for Children Program as VFC Coordinator and assists with prior authorizations for HepC medications in conjunction with family medicine providers. Above all, Kayla enjoys serving the community she was raised in and being able to positively contribute to Wahiawa Health’s mission of providing quality health care with aloha.