MAY 2020 | MEET OUR FELLOW: MICHELLE ISHIDA
MEET OUR FELLOW Michelle Ishida, LSW HISTORY: Michelle was born and raised in East Honolulu, spending lots of time at the beach, on the ocean paddling and playing tennis. She is an only child, and proudly dispels the only child syndrome as a myth! Michelle has been married to her high school sweetheart for the last fourteen years and are raising two spirited kiddos together. When they are not usually at the baseball field or dance studio, they enjoy hiking, going to the beach, watching Star Wars or Harry Potter movies and You Tube channels (of cute bunnies or Dude Perfect) together. GOALS: Actually, do my yoga video/program that I bought more than once. Finish painting the inside of my house, which we started over four years ago! Be more consistent in getting 8,000 steps in most days of the week. Become a better listener by not talking so much! Start saving for retirement Figure out if I want to obtain my LCSW Continue to practice gratitude!
WORK: While working as psychology research assistant and coordinator for Mary Rothbart, Ph.D. and Mike Posner, Ph.D. in their attention and temperament lab while studying Psychology at the University of Oregon, Michelle realized she wanted to go into the field of Social Work to continue to work with children and their families. She returned home to Hawaii to receive a Master of Social Work from UH Manoa. While a graduate student, Michelle interned at Kaiser Outpatient Clinic as a medical social worker working with isolated seniors, adults with mental health needs, and assisting family’s access much needed community resources. She also interned at Punahou School as a school social worker. Michelle facilitated social skill, bereavement, and a variety of other small groups with elementary age children. For the past 16 years, Michelle has worked as a Care Coordinator for Easterseals, Early Intervention in the East Honolulu community. Things have changed through the years with the different models of practice, therapists, and state procedures, but her love for making a positive impact in each individual family unit drives her to continue working and supporting children with special needs and their families. HOPES: I hope that family units in our country can survive during the challenges from the COVID-19 shutdown, re-assess what is truly important to them, develop new strategies for themselves in face of adversity, and come out on the other side stronger. I also hope to find an inspirational quote to share with others!
Always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. - A.A. Milne