“Having the program online made my decision even easier because it meant I could still work while obtaining my degree.”

Hometown

Wailuku, Maui

Department

Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science

Related Degrees

• MS, KRS: Rehab

What drew you to your current program?
I really like working with those who have disabilities and knew I wanted to work somewhere in that field. Once finding the rehabilitation counseling program*, I knew it was the right fit for me.

Where do you work?
Since January 2014, I have been working for Hawaiʻi Behavioral Health as a skills trainer, working with children who have autism or other disabilities.

How did you become interested in the field of rehabilitation counseling?
I became interested after working with children who have disabilities through the DOE, YMCA, Trumpet, and currently Hawaiʻi Behavioral Health. When I heard about this program, I was instantly interested and thought that I should also try working with adults. Once I started the program, I realized that it was exactly what I was looking for.

Was the format of the program (online) a factor in your decision? 
Having the program online made my decision even easier because it meant I could still work while obtaining my degree.

How has the rehabilitation counseling program and faculty helped you along the way?
The KRS program has helped me tremendously through all of my constant questions and concerns about what to do or how to do it.

What are you future plans/goals in the field?
I look forward to graduating with my master’s and working for the state as a rehabilitation counselor. I’m excited to see what the future has in store for me.

*The Hawai‘i Rehabilitation Counseling program (HRC) prepares graduate students to become successful practitioners and administrators in the field of vocational rehabilitation. This 48-credit distance education program leads to a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology & Rehabilitation Science with a specialization in Rehabilitation Counseling. The HRC program requires 3 years of enrollment (6 credits/semester) in a hybrid online environment. Get to know the program’s director, Kathryn K. Yamamoto.