Alumni Testimonials

"It has been a wonderful, memorable class. This will always remain with me throughout my life·" And one year later, "With tears in my eyes and deep appreciation for your work, I thank you for gifting me with the knowledge and insight that is part of me and my growth....with that knowledge I have continued to gift disadvantaged children and adults."
-Schantell Taylor, Aesthetician and Massage Therapist

"Overall, this course was life changing, givin
g me a kick start by which I can continue the internal work. I sensed immediately I needed to do this program and yes, it changed my life,...I'm more balanced and focused and at peace. I am becoming more self-accepting and patient, while my self love and self respect are improved. I am closer to launching creative career ideas, more comfortable in my skin, and have better self-esteem."
-Sheea Shafer, MA, Founder of the Holistic Hawaii Association

"I so appreciate and respect your work in supporting women, spirituality, community, and self development....I'm so glad you exist, the Hawaii Wellness Institute exists and I get to enjoy and grow through both of those! ...what a beautiful flourishing Institute it is becoming that will influence many far and wide."
-Jade Young, Doctor of Divinity

"Sunny, your enthusiasm is contagious. It is difficult to be in your presence and not be enthusiastic also. Thank you for all that you shared and taught me."
-Patti Wyneken, Reiki Master

"I enjoyed your teaching style! You made the class fun, interesting, informative and I was amazed at how much I retained! You are just bubbling over with knowledge and that's what made the class. Your enthusiasm was wonderful and everyone was receptive. I am forever learning new things about myself. Thank you for opening that door for me."
-Beverly Cabrera, Custom House

"Before I got involved in this training, I was a woman emerging from....stress, anger and depression....exhaustion and confusion, and I desperately searched for a deeper connection to higher consciousness....Through this training, I gained valuable insight....I am also more accepting of others, and much calmer in mind, body and spirit...I truly enjoyed the training format. It was pehenomenal and very satisfying.
-Pamela Uyeunten, Certified Wellness Counselor

"You have enriched my life, and brought a foundation to my path. I'm grateful."
-Lee Totten, Christian Counselor

"I like everything....The way you teach Sunny and organize or plan your class is great!"
-Rosita Pinkerton, Founder of the Wellness Institute of the Philippines

"The handouts you have given us are incredible, and will be excellent tools for me to use on myself as well as my clientele who share those same issues with me."
-Lisa Mitchell, Certified Wellness Counselor

"The in-class demo sessions done with you were excellent for modeling wellness counseling in a real life situation. I hope you know how valuable your gifts are and how much I appreciate your willingness and ability to share them."
-Marci Lyons, Certified Success Coach

"I am simply voracious for more and more. Your personality, charisma, easy wit and sharing of experiences is unique and wonderful. You have such great knowledge, wisdom and talent."
-Robyn Heckendorf, Realtor

"I really enjoyed this training. I appreciated the flexibility and individualized attention and the intimacy and connection of the group. The Thursday night classes were especially powerful for me in recognizing possible barriers to my success, and gave me confidence, skills, tools and concrete ideas--moved me into action."
-Janet Eblen, Family Support Worker

"I learned so much! I learned how to process my own issues. I learned a lot of how tos, goal setting, setting priorities, etc. There wasn't anything I didn't like."
-Leilani Roth, Certified Wellness Counselor

"I appreciate Sunny's professionalism, love, and enormous time and effort. You are a wonderful teacher. Your sense of humor is appreciated."
-Regina Lee, Nurse

"I love this process. Life still isn't always rosy and I still get hurt and frustrated, but now I have tools and I don't have to be 'stopped' or 'stuck' by setbacks and obstacles and blocks. Thank You, Sunny!"
-Brit Leigh, Beauty Consultant

"Very thorough. I did not expect to learn as much as I did. I loved all the handouts--very easy to understand although they were very deep and meaningful. Sunny really connects with the group--great sense of humor. Sunny's class surpasses any class I have ever taken."
-Shauna Mazza, Certified Wellness Counselor

"...coming up on a year...your training is continuing to bloom within me....not only have you taught me HOW to take responsibility for myself and my life, you've instilled in me the DESIRE to do it! And that is what is in full bloom at the moment. Thank you!!"
-Rachel Ferguson, Certified Wellness Counselor

"The Wellness Counselor course, I feel, truly saved my life! I am now living a whole new existence which I am so grateful for. Thank you for accepting me, just as I was....Each step I am taking, including this one, is adding to my experience of living whole, loving myself, and being here now....I am the work in progress!"
-Dawn Staszkow, Travel Consultant

"I used the UnTherapy process with one of my staff here at the law firm yesterday on the fly (quite informally), with amazing success!! Today she sent me a Thank You card, saying,'...I feel 100% better today."
-Tammy Ford, Attorney

"...the days flew by and my energy level was always high....I loved my classmates--what a wonderful mix....Each week was a new experience as another layer was added....I am a changed person."
-Wendie Wong, Educator

"I've become more conscious about my life and what actions I can take to create the life I want....this class has given me more 'tools' to use in enhancing and building the techniques I have to live at my highest potential."
-Amy Morikami, Contract and Regulatory Officer

"I have more of a passion for living. I have more of an understanding of myself and others. I feel again. I have an inner peace that I have never experienced before....Your guidance has been profound for me.
-Terri Larson, Military Area Medical Office Staffer

"I learned a lot about myself. I learned ways to help myself so I can help others better. Great training. Sunny, your confidence, enjoyment, and faith in the work is a '5' (on a scale of '3')."
-David Patten, Systems Analyst

"I'm not scared or anxious, and unsure (any more). I know that this was the perfect addition to my tools for helping myself and others....I'm becoming a young, confident woman who's growing into her successes and accepting of my talents and abilities to assist others in life."
-Kirsten Belcher, Physical Therapist

"I wish conventional 'higher' education were more (hands-on) like this!!"
-Aulii Canencia, Hogan Entrepreneur

"(Before I got involved in this training) I was very self-reflective and 'driven' in the area of inner growth, but I didn't really honor my emotions and needs....Now I listen to my needs more and honor them....I also feel much more connected to others....All the learning we did about various issues, self-sabotage, co-dependency, etc. helped me to see that we all really have the same 'stuff.'...I really liked the overall format....The teaching style was great--very clear and knowledgeable as well as humorous in a good way."
-Ellen Pyle, Research Assistant

"You are such an inspiring teacher and mentor. I hope that I can emulate your combination of professionalism, sense of humor and smooth style in my practice. I always appreciated your support and candor. Even when I was stuck you pulled me through. I have moved from being a technician to a healer. Thank you for sharing the inner you, your experience and your love for all!"
-Paul Southworth, Social Worker

"Sunny was informative, professional. It was great!! (She) established rapport with all of us, gave us honest and appropriate feedback--and then supported us to keep growing. I loved (her) directness and humor and sincerity. You showed me so many things, you supported me like I had not known for some time. Thank you for having the courage and vision to open Hawaii Wellness Institute."
-Rebecca Cheema, Associate Professor of Kinesiology

"I found the (introductory) afternoon flew by--mesmerizing at times.... Loved the peaceful atmosphere, nature, the sights, the sounds. (You) are an amazing teacher. Joyful, empathetic, more than capable! You have touched my heart, my mind and my soul! I am grateful that our life paths have crossed. My life so much fuller! Issues resolved so easily. I am excited for my new path and journey called life!!"
-Amanda Rowe, Certified Wellness Counselor

"(I loved your) generosity with everything--private life, material, (your) home, time, support,....You helped me to live my dream;
I am going for it."
-Kanti Sofia Bohm, Certified Wellness Counselor

"I have become so much more calm, peaceful, grounded, focused,... accepting of my feelings, balanced, excited about my future. I appreciate your total commitment to your life's passion. I appreciate your intuition, your heart, your compassion, and your transparency. I appreciate your gift of teaching and healing. I encourage you to continue spreading your vision around the world."
-Jeanne Stringfield, Human Resource Director

"Well presented, warm and friendly."
-Donna

"I'm walking out different! I'm excited and hopeful about counseling again. I feel connected and support to other women in similar positions as myself. I was once again inspired by Sunny and was again reminded of her wealth of knowledge, understanding, insight. I am very, very grateful for her voice and awed by the expansiveness of what she has to offer."
-Rachel Ferguson, Certified Wellness Counselor

"We replenished our souls. This session was practical and relevant to our needs and interests. Thank you!"
-Cynthia Yamasaki, Vice President of Human Resources

"A community of support enhances our profession/abilities."
-Wendie Wong, Educator

"I feel rejuvenated and inspired. Honestly, I didn't expect it to be so powerful. I had forgotten how powerful the process is and how insightful and inspiring Sunny is. It was just what I needed!"
-Ellen Pyle, Research Assistant

"This is the most refreshing time. I came to feed my soul and it happened."
-Beverly Cabrera, Custom House

"I loved re-learning the process, seeing it in action, using it on my own issue and the trance! Nice to meet other people from the program too!"
-Roshani Shay, Executive Director of a Nonprofit

"A shot in the arm of inspiration to get back on track or keep on the path of reaching your highest potential."
-Amy Morikami, Contract and Regulatory Officer

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your loving kindness, mentoring, wise guidance and incredible support....May you always know that you have made a profound difference in my life."
-Monica Roberts, Mediastar, Inc.

"You are undoubtedly the most astounding teacher/counselor I have met. It has been my great fortune to be sent to you by your teacher. One of the things I am most grateful for n my life is your presence....You are my Oprah."
-Deborah Stegall, Certified Wellness Counselor

"I appreciate you for letting me feel safe for the first time in three years and putting me in a place to say my darkest secret thoughts without judgment and with support and love."
-Kim Camara, Makeup Artist

"You have been an inspirational role model; someone who I'd like to pattern myself after. You offer hope and encouragement, wisdom and knowledge; you are uplifting!"
-Suzanne Shedletsky, Licensed Massage Therapist

"Your life has such meaning. You have the gift of saving the world one integrated soul at a time....You are a transformer, a magician and UnTherapy is your wand, casting a spell of health and integration over us all.... The world is blessed by your presence. What an honor to know you!"
-Dondra Rose, Licensed Massage Therapist

"I have received most incredible gifts from you out of the kindness and love in your heart. I'm just so lucky to be able to know you and have you a part of my life. Thanks for penetrating my fears with one of your sunny rays of light. Now I can see, and I can soar in the light you've help me to develop for myself."
-Jessica Mowry, Licensed Massage Therapist

“This course was absolutely eye-opening. I feel I accept myself now more, feel like home-returning, feel more grounded and physically more energy. I am becoming True Me, who accepts myself and the experience of the past. I feel comfortable in myself. (sic).”
-Yukiko Mori, Certified Wellness Counselor

“Before this course I didn't feel competent enough to actually make a living doing something I love. I feel more positive about my future than I ever have. I was happy to know that Sunny has been using humor during sessions (and lectures). I never believed therapy of any kind should be serious and boring. I cannot do a job that won't allow for humor. The lectures were very clear and helpful and I liked the handouts. It was nice to know that we could bring our own issues to the table and work on ourselves as we learned counseling techniques. I feel very safe knowing that I can still call Sunny for advice once my business takes off. I am becoming more independent, more secure and more focused. I'm becoming the woman I've always wanted to be. Your name really does say it all! Your insight and wisdom have helped me more than you know. I am amazed at your willingness to share all your gifts. ”
-Flavia Francesquini, Certified Wellness Counselor

“My frame of reference has changed. Now I get to choose what I want, what I value, what I believe in. I'm more accepting regarding making mistakes. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel in my heart. You continue to be a model....You have taught me how to be compassionate and loving toward myself. ”
-Leslie Mueller, Certified Wellness Counselor

“I thoroughly enjoyed the class. I think the format was good and the handouts helpful. I liked having the concrete/practical part in the beginning and the more relaxing counseling at the end. Thank you for the new tools to face the ups and downs of the future with courage and thank you for the inspiration to take my life in a new direction. ”
-Rachel Lenander, Childcare Worker

“I am becoming a better role-model, which gives other people hope and inspiration. I am more capable of loving and nurturing self—and wow—I'm doing it!!! People see it in me, more now than ever before."
-Dawn Gold Reiley, Reiki Master

"I had gone through transformational change in the past year, but was fearful that this new career path was a 'pipe dream.' My confidence in my ability to do this work, my level of commitment has made a quantum leap forward. Fear of the 'pipe dream' is fading more and more each day. In fact, most days it's not a part of my thought process any more!"
-Melelani LLanes

"You are truly an amazing teacher! I liked everything about the classes! This has been a wonderful experience for me--life altering--thank you!"
-Karen O'Neil

"I am nicer to myself. I listen to myself and no longer make myself wrong for having needs. I nurture and love myself more than I ever have. I have passed that love onto others. I listen more and ask questions rather than giving my opinion/advice. I feel that I got exactly wht I needed from the class and I truly enjoyed it. In this class, I truly feel the student gets back what he/she puts into it."
-Jennifer Outland

"My teacher, my mentor, my friend. I am grateful for your presence in my life. You have been patient, honest and kind. Thank you for always believing in and encouraging me. The world is a better place and certainly my life is much enhanced because of you!"
-KC Carlberg

"...a priceless gift of how to truly help others while helping ourselves. I could not be more thrilled."
-Kaethe Kauffman

"...the last eight weeks have changed my life. I felt like I was waiting for a crucial piece of the puzzle to help me realize my dream and there you were holding it. Thank you for offering it in a way that was safe and comfortable."
-Jackie Wah

"You are such an inspiration. I could build a whole home page just talking about you, your classes, the way you see things, and make things look so reachable. You are my role model and I will miss you although I know you are just one phone call away!"
-Malu Miyakawa

"I'm still a work in progress and know I always will be, but I'm much more 'aware' now. I'm trying very hard to give myself what I need instead of always giving to others. The journaling was a big help in recognizing what I was feeling. Also being in such a supportive atmosphere, feeling so safe to speak the truth in our sessions, allowed me to open up and really look at myself. I'm becoming the person I've always wanted to be--someone who likes herself and enjoys her company, and someone who can feel optimistic about the future. I found Sunny's style of teaching compassionate, encouraging and yet patient. If we needed to spend more time on an issue we did. I never felt rushed or left confused."
-Judy Barnhart