Our Team
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Hawaii Staff Listing
Ed Nishioka
President and CEO
“I have worked, supported and volunteered to help youth programs for nearly four decades. Helping local families with children experiencing serious medical issues is been something I am very passionate about and this is why working at RMHC is truly my dream job.”
Ed Nishioka is the President and CEO of the Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaii. In his role as president, he oversees all operations, functions and administration of the organization. He previously worked for the Boy Scouts of America, Aloha Council and Marcus Mariota’s Motiv8 Foundation. He was the owner of marketing and events company for more than 25 years and was appointed by Mayors Fasi and Hannemann to cabinet positions in City and County of Honolulu and currently serves on 5 Boards including Straub Medical Center, Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii, American Fundraising Professionals, Aloha Chapter and Southern Oregon University.
Nishioka received his M.A. in Instructional Technology/Information and Communication Studies from California State University at Chico and B.S from Southern Oregon University where he competed on the Track and Field team.
Kathy Matsukawa
Director of Administration
“There is nothing more fulfilling than helping kiddos and their families during a time of need. I believe everyone deserves the support of a village and I am humbled to be a part of RMHC, which provides that support to so many wonderful families. “Do good. Be a good person. Be happy.” is my motto and this House allows me to do that every day. I truly believe in the mission.”
Kathy is the Director of Finance who newly came on board at the end of November 2023. Prior to that she worked seventeen years at a magazine company for Japanese tourists and residents. She was born and raised on the Windward side of Oahu, graduated from J.B. Castle High School and went on to receive her degree in Japanese and Business from the University of Oregon. She values integrity and honesty and believes in hard work, continual growth and loyalty. She loves her family and friends, traveling and dogs, dogs, dogs! She also eats oatmeal every day, Monday-Friday, except on special occasions 😊
Dazja Gianessi
Director of Programs
“RMHC-HI felt like home the moment I stepped on its ground. There’s a magic that emulates through the cause and purpose of our mission. Being apart of that cause is incredibly humbling and I couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of the RMHC Ohana.”
For the last decade Dazja has been working with Hawaii’s youth from after school care to teaching and directing preschool. She found a passion being able to have a positive impact on children. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs.
Zara Bagasol
Special Events, Projects, and Volunteer Manager
“I am so grateful to be able to work on such a wonderful team for a meaningful mission. ”
Zara is born and raised in Hawaii. She is passionate about helping her community and has worked in non-profits for the past 5 years. Outside of work she loves to spend time with her family and play music.
Tyler Choy
Electronic Media, Marketing & Public Relations Manager
“I love the positive environment here and that we’re doing something to provide practical help to families with a need.”
Tyler has over twenty years of experience working with print and electronic media. He enjoys spending time with his dog (and the rest of his family), collecting toy dinosaurs and drawing.
Patrick Flynn
Part Time Guest Services Coordinator
“Bringing comfort to families who find themselves in need, quite often unexpectedly, is a challenge that we embrace here at RMHC-Hawaii. The relief we bring to families can be measured in the smiles and the gratitude shown by our guests. Our successes are a result of a hardworking, dedicated staff, and a ‘team approach’ mentality that is promoted and fostered by our leadership.”
Patrick is a native New Yorker who now lives on Oahu with his wife and family. His favorite pastime is enjoying the endless beauty that Hawaii offers and paddling out in the ocean with friends in a four seat outrigger canoe.
Hannah Kakowski
Marketing Coordinator
“Being able to combine creativity and storytelling with a mission that truly matters means so much to me. I’m grateful to be part of a team that makes such a meaningful impact for families every day and I feel so honored to play a small role in sharing the stories that make this house so special”
Hannah grew up in a military family but now calls the North Shore home, where she has spent the last 5 years living with her husband and their golden retriever, Rip. She recently graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Marketing, and loves being able to use creativity to support meaningful causes. When not at the house, she can be found reading, baking or spending time at the beach with her pup.
Kimi Kaniaupio
Part Time Guest Services Coordinator
“I was born and raised in Waipahu, Hawaii, and had the opportunity to attend college in Colorado and Kansas, where I also played collegiate soccer. I earned my bachelors degree in health and human performance and have worked in various fitness, wellness, and physical and occupational therapy clinics. Eventually, I returned home to help with my family’s business. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, working out, cooking/baking, playing video games and singing karaoke-enthusiastically even if not always in tune.”
Joey Kergall
Administrative Assistant
“When you support a mission and have the opportunity to do good for people, it’s incredibly motivating to make a positive impact in their lives.”
Joey Kergall was born and raised on the windward side of Oahu. After 25+ years of experience in the Travel & Tourism industry, she found her home at Ronald McDonald House Charities-Hawaii. Joey and her husband have very active twin boys. They enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Chantel Kualapai
Hospitality Program Coordinator
“Having the compassion to support parents when their child is in crisis is something I always hope to be able to share. I hope my contribution to their experience here at the Ronald McDonald House is always a positive one.”
I was born and raised on the West side of Oahu and have over 30 years of non-profit organization and social work experience. My career started at the Emergency Cardiovascular Care Regional Manager with the American Heart Association of Hawaii and Kahi Mohala Behavioral Health Hospital in various roles such as Adult & Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program Administrative Assistant, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Coordinator, Healing Forces Program Administrative Assistant, and Admissions/Call Center Coordinator. This opportunity led me to start my Bachelor of Social Work degree at UH Manoa. I recently held a substitute counselor position at Barbers Point Elementary School. Through the last 15 years of my career, I held a Part-time Guest Services position at the Ronald McDonald House Hawaii before recently accepting a full-time position of Hospitality Cart Coordinator.
Lisa Levine
Fund Development Manager
“After personally experiencing the impact of having a seriously ill and hospitalized child, joining this wonderful organization was so meaningful. It has enabled me to use my passions and expertise to help many more families facing similar challenges.
Every day, I witness the difference we are making in the lives of families who, through no fault of their own, are facing a medical crisis. They may be facing tough times, but what’s truly inspiring is that the Ronald McDonald House is a community filled with optimism, compassion, and care.”
Lisa joined the Ronald McDonald House team in 2012, dedicated to growing the organization’s giving programs. With over 25 years in the nonprofit sector, Lisa is committed to building sustainable sources of support and care for families and children in need. Beyond her busy job, she finds joy in gardening, experimenting with new recipes, and adventuring with her family.
Casey Metrose
Outreach & Business Development Manager
“I believe what you do for work should have meaning and purpose and being part of the RMHC family provides me with that. The Aloha Spirit can be felt throughout RMHC. Aloha Spirit means taking care of our people and our community and that is why I decided to be a part of this incredible RMHC team. I am passionate about our mission, and I want to see RMHC grow and strengthen so we can be a resource for families for many years to come. Several families are in need of our support and resources and I’m so grateful for this opportunity to help bring joy and comfort to these wonderful families.”
Casey has supported the public sector through non-profit work with the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and the Hawaiian Humane Society. She is pursuing her Master’s in Public Administration at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with a target graduation date of December 2025. Casey wants to advance community engagement and provide a healthy and happy space for all people here at RMHC.
Lani Nelson
Part Time Guest Services Coordinator
“I’m from Waipahu, Hawaii, and before joining RMHC, I was the Director of Housekeeping at a Hilton Grand Vacations property in Waikiki. I eventually decide to step away from that position to focus on what makes me happiest. In my free time, I love getting outdoors, camping, and I also run a small Instagram page called @heavenly_bouqcakes where I create flower cupcakes in bouquet form – it’s my creative escape!”
Jhelyn Pascual
Part Time Guest Services Coordinator
“The mission and values of RMHC align with my own. I believe in kindness, service, and creating a supportive environment for those in need. My journey with this organization has been wonderful and I am grateful that I will continue this journey with them.”
Jhelyn first started with RMHC as an intern. She is anticipating graduating with her Bachelors Degree in Public Administration in December 2025. She enjoys going on adventures with friends and family.
Erica-Joy Sunn
Guest Services Manager
“RMHC’s mission is one the speaks to my heart and truly inspires me. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to ease families daily struggles, lend a listening ear, while mixing in a bit of laughter to help create a ‘home away from home’.”
Liana Vossen
Part Time Guest Services Coordinator
“I always felt like my work should have purpose and meaning and have a positive impact. I know my work here with RMHC, is exactly that! The reward for me is that I get to be a part of something firsthand to ensure the families we make a connection with are provided for and taken care of and it’s one less worry on their minds so they can focus all their energy towards their family member and loved one.”
Born and raised on the Westside of Oahu, naturally loves the beaches we have some of the best out there! She has two grown Sons, Daughter in law and a beautiful Granddaughter. When she is not visiting them, she spends her spare time reading, going to the movies, dance, or step class, and enjoying the outdoors.
