Aunty Rachel "Lahela" Kruse, MSW, CSAC

Cultural Practitioner

Rachel "Lahela" Kruse, MSW, CSAC, is a Cultural Practitioner, currently residing on Hawai'i Island who works closely with those dealing with substance abuse and addiction using traditional healing methods of Ho'oku'u'ka hewa for the individual then implementing Ho'oponopono for the family. Lahela is immersed in a cultural-based approach in working with haumana (students/clients) to get to the core of the individual's trauma by looking at their past so they can face their present and move forward to a healthy and thriving future. She recieved her cultural immersion training from 2 prominent Kupuna (elders) Aunty Pearl Ulunuiokamamalu Kanaka'ole Garmon and Aunty Lynette Kahekili Kahopuiki Paglinawan. Lahela recieved her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Hawai'i, Hilo then obtaining her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. Lahela has been working for 20+ years with youth, adults, and comunity dealing with the struggles of substance abuse.