In Hilo, where families are deeply connected and generations often come together to raise young children, Easterseals Hawaii is honored to play a meaningful role in that circle of care. Through Early Intervention (EI) services, our team supports keiki with developmental delays by walking alongside families as they navigate challenges, celebrate progress and build brighter futures.
One of the people at the heart of this work is Angela, an occupational therapist who has been part of Easterseals Hawaii’s Hilo team for over 11 years.
Angela’s path into this field began with a desire to help children. “My brother actually suggested I look into occupational therapy,” she says. “Once I started, I knew I had found my place. Helping kids learn new skills, watching them grow—it’s incredibly rewarding.”
After years working in EI services in Alaska, Angela moved to Hilo and quickly felt a sense of belonging. What drew her in was more than the beauty of the Big Island, it was the strength of the community. “Families here are so involved,” she says. “It’s not just the parents. It’s the grandparents, the aunties, the uncles… everyone plays a role in helping these children thrive. Being part of that is something I feel grateful for every day.”
At Easterseals Hawaii, Angela works closely with parents and caregivers, using a collaborative, coaching-based approach to create care plans tailored to each child’s needs. “We work as a team, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, all alongside the families. That kind of support system makes all the difference.”
But the need in Hilo continues to grow. Many families are referred for services they can’t easily access, often traveling long distances—or even flying to Oahu—for therapy or medical evaluations. “We do everything we can, but the referrals keep coming in. These families are doing everything they can to support their children, we want to make sure they have what they need, right here at home.”
Outside of her work, Angela lives on a sustainable farm, raising chickens and growing food that she shares with a local co-op. That same spirit of care and community shows up in everything she does, from her therapy sessions to the relationships she builds with families.
“There’s nothing like seeing a child take their first steps or say their first word,” she says. “To know you’ve helped make that moment possible, it’s something you carry with you forever.”
Angela’s story is just one example of what makes Easterseals Hawaii so special to families in Hilo. It’s a reflection of the dedication, compassion, and deep-rooted commitment our team brings to every family we serve. And with the continued support of donors, partners and new team members, we can keep meeting this growing need and help more keiki reach their full potential.
If you’re a Speech Language Pathologist, Physical Therapist, or Early Interventionist who’s ready to make a difference in the Hilo community, we’d love to hear from you. Visit eastersealshawaii.org to learn more.
