Imua Family Services Expands to Molokai

Imua Family Services News Release

Imua Family Services is pleased to announce a new chapter in the agency’s rich 69 year history. As of July 2015, Imua Family Services will be providing Infant and Child Development Services to families and children on the island of Molokai, making the organization’s services available County wide with ongoing services on Maui and Lanai. Families on the island will be able to access Care Coordination Services, Speech Language Pathology, Occupational and Physical Therapy, Special Instruction, and General Education Training for keiki birth through 3.

Imua Family Services, through a contract with the State of Hawaii Department of Health Early Intervention Section, will open an office at the Molokai Community Health Center (MCHC).

“Molokai Community Health Center, the community as well as Council Member Stacy Crivello have been so gracious, supportive and helpful to us as we prepare to join their professional team of providers,” says Dean Wong, Executive Director. “We at Imua Family Services are thrilled to be sharing a cumulative 144 years of early childhood expertise with Molokai.”

Imua Family Services is proud to have Molokai resident Amanda Meatyard as the Assistant to the Program Director and Care Coordinator. Meatyard earned her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at University of Hawaii Manoa and brings 10 years of experience in early intervention including a stint with MCHC’s Ikaika Program. Joining her will be Chelsea Kapuni, Family Trainer. A graduate of Molokai High School, Kapuni earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2012 from Chaminade University.

With a focus on holistic and family-centered care, the program emphasizes the importance of meeting children where they are developmentally and emotionally. Every child’s journey is unique, and the services offered reflect this understanding—integrating individualized therapy plans that address both the child’s strengths and challenges. Whether it’s through Speech Language Pathology to support communication, Occupational Therapy to enhance sensory and motor development, or Physical Therapy to improve mobility, the goal remains the same.

In addition to these core services, the inclusion of Carolina Behavior & Beyond into the broader network of support offers families even more specialized care, particularly for those navigating developmental or behavioral challenges. Through behavior consultation and applied strategies, families are empowered with tools that complement traditional therapies. The collaboration between professionals ensures that every child receives well-rounded, evidence-based support rooted in compassion and respect for individual potential.

The Infant and Child Development Program will be under the direct supervision of Program Director Dr. Bobbie-Jo Moniz-Tadeo Ed.D, M.Ed, B.A who brings the team a wealth of resources as a Professor of Practice for Argosy University and an Instructor of Early Childhood at UH Maui College.

“It gives us great joy to know that we are doing everything we can and reaching all areas of Maui County. It is our goal to leave no rock or stone unturned, that every child born in our communities has the opportunities to reach their full potential in life,” said Wong.

To contact the Molokai office, call 553-3276.