Cheri Tarutani, LCSW
I've been a child welfare social worker, a custody evaluator, and a child welfare mediator. I've seen the effects of families that are overwhelmed with the legal system. I don't believe court systems are great interventions for healing or helping families in the long run. Parents are the best people to make decisions for their children. Having the court decide the fate of a child should be a last resort. I want to help families to overcome their challenges in a less adversarial way, one that helps them now and for the future.
For the sake of children, I would love the opportunity to help parents heal and move forward.
Cheri's approach is based on a social work perspective and restorative justice principles. Cheri's experience includes:
For the sake of children, I would love the opportunity to help parents heal and move forward.
Cheri's approach is based on a social work perspective and restorative justice principles. Cheri's experience includes:
- Child Welfare Services Social Worker, Designated Family Drug Court Social Worker
- Mediator for child welfare cases
- Custody Evaluator, Parenting Coordinator, Custody Guardian Ad Litem
- Project Manager, Hawaii Child Welfare Education Collaboration
- Faculty/Instructor, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work
Independent Contractors: Visitation Supervisors
Dionne "Malia" Ishimura, MSW - Visitation Supervisor
My name is Dionne "Malia" Ishimura, I grew up in Kalihi on O`ahu. I have been working with children and families for over a decade in various roles, some of which include: skills trainer for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities, parenting educator, and social worker. I have a passion for working with children and families that are involved in legal systems, such as child welfare or family court. I respect cultural and spiritual values in ensuring the safety and well-being of children and families. In my practice, I come from a place of peace and healing with the goal of helping others feel pono (in balance) in their lives and with their relationships.
Malia holds a Masters in Social Work from the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work and received specialized training through the Hawai`i Child Welfare Education Collaboration. She is also a group facilitator for individuals addressing intimate partner violence.
Malia holds a Masters in Social Work from the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work and received specialized training through the Hawai`i Child Welfare Education Collaboration. She is also a group facilitator for individuals addressing intimate partner violence.
Kim Soito, LSW - Visitation Supervisor
Kim has a background in Education and Social Work. She has experience as both a teacher and a child welfare services social worker. Kim possesses a strong background in child development and is observant to detail. Kim provides supervised visitation for parents involved in the Family Court System. Her education and experience provide an experience where she can provide helpful feedback while ensuring the safety of the children. Supervised visits happen in the least restrictive environment where children will feel the most comfortable, but conversations and interactions can be closely monitored. Feedback is given to both parents in efforts to eliminate the need for supervision.
Kim received her Bachelor's Degree in General and Special Education and her Masters Degree in Social Work at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Hawaii. She also serves on the Events Board for the National Association of Social Workers Hawaii Chapter and has been an active member since 2016.
Kim received her Bachelor's Degree in General and Special Education and her Masters Degree in Social Work at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Hawaii. She also serves on the Events Board for the National Association of Social Workers Hawaii Chapter and has been an active member since 2016.
Bruce Wallace, MSW - Visitation Supervisor
My name is Bruce Wallace and I was born and raised in Waianae, Oahu. My experience as a social worker in public child welfare provides me the best skills to supervise visits. I have been working with families involved with the court system and understand family dynamics and how children are impacted. I am also a group facilitator for Child and Family Services and work with perpetrators of domestic violence.
Bruce received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He was a graduate of the Hawaii Child Welfare Education Collaboration, which provided specialized training in the field of child welfare.
Bruce received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He was a graduate of the Hawaii Child Welfare Education Collaboration, which provided specialized training in the field of child welfare.