Meet Our Board!

Kellie Johnsen LMFT, CST

Kellie is the founder and president of Holding Space Hawaii. As a sexual health expert and educator, Kellie is a systems thinker and knows that everyone deserves a supportive environment to explore taboo topics. She believes that it is in the context of our relationships that we experience growth and healing. "The 2020 pandemic highlighted our need for community; we were all separated, and social media just wasn't safe for sharing hard things."

With more than 15 years of experience in innovation, experimentation, and test and evaluation for the Department of Defense, along with a strong nonprofit background, Kellie brings a practical perspective to sexual health and wellness. Today, she is a psychotherapist in private practice specializing in non-traditional relationships and is dedicated to building community to support those in and out of uniform.

Guy White LMT

As a co-founder of Holding Space Hawaii, Guy is deeply committed to the organization's mission of transformative unity and reshaping perceptions surrounding taboo topics. With a multifaceted background as a Death Educator, End-of-Life Doula, Grief Coach, Licensed Massage Therapist, and Yoga Teacher, Guy brings a unique blend of expertise to the organization.

Guy's core belief is that all individuals deserve the opportunity for a "good death." Through death education, end-of-life planning, and advocacy, he strives to create better outcomes for the dying and their families. He is passionate about honoring grief by moving with it and allowing individuals to fully experience this profound human emotion.

At Holding Space Hawaii, Guy's focus is on creating a supportive environment where individuals can receive physical, emotional, and spiritual support on their end of life journey. He is dedicated to providing compassionate care and guidance to those navigating this sacred transition, helping them find peace and meaning in their final moments.

Join Guy in the collective journey to foster understanding, healing, and growth as he holds space for individuals facing the end of life with dignity and grace.

Elspeth Maile Alau

Maile is a native Hawaiian Organizational Development practitioner. She spent over 20 years working in nonprofits in Hawaiʻi, supporting many different organizations, including the YWCA, Habitat for Humanity, and Chaminade University. She currently works as an Organizational Development Advisor for American Savings Bank, helping to guide the culture of the organization and providing leadership development and essential skills training.

Maile is a lover of food, coffee, furry animals, and her ʻohana. She is deeply connected to her Hawaiian heritage through food, as making lūʻau has been her family's cultural practice for four generations. She is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all spaces and is excited for the work of Holding Space Hawaiʻi to make an impact on our community.

Alexis McDonald (Ali)

Ali is a passionate staff writer, editor, and educator. She combines her love for storytelling with her commitment to community engagement, primarily through her work with children in various teaching positions over the past seven years. Her work reflects a deep appreciation for nature, education, community engagement, and creative expression. Based in Hawai'i, she utilizes her creative talents with a commitment to fostering education and environmental awareness. Her aim is to contribute meaningfully to her community, creating a positive and lasting impact. She is dedicated to using her skills and passions to inspire others and foster

Arron Johnsen