ACUPUNCTURE

Jeffrey A. Tice, DACM, DAc - Co-Owner
Dr. Tice began his journey into healthcare at the age of twelve with Reiki training. His education continued in high school when he overcame a debilitating battle with Crohn’s disease utilizing holistic and natural healing practices. Further studies with a BA in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, an MS in Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe, and a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Pacific College of Health and Science in San Diego, led him to begin practicing Classical and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  He believes in the full cycle of education: see one, do one, teach one; and therefore served as faculty of TCM at the World Medicine Institute in Honolulu. He currently teaches at Institute of Clinical Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Honolulu. Dr. Tice employs his broad knowledge and varied personal experience in supporting his patients with their integrative healthcare needs. When not practicing or teaching, Dr. Tice plays soccer and enjoys being in nature with his wife and business partner.

David Moats, LAc

David’s path to medicine began in his twenties after coping with chronic pain and digestive disorders, when he utilized many aspects of TCM to restore his health and revive his spirit. He graduated from Southwest Acupuncture College, in Boulder, Colorado with a Master’s of Science in Oriental Medicine. David uses his trained eye to diagnose and treat; and having experienced health challenges himself, he can understand the process one goes through in healing. He believes success should be measured by the quality of a person’s life, their capacity to do meaningful rewarding work, their ability to deeply connect with others, and the depth of their happiness. In his practice David provides kind, compassionate care, and uses assertive, yet gentle methods. He has a passion for teaching mental health optimization techniques, utilizing his training as a certified Heart Intelligence Coach. Born in Newport Beach, California, David enjoys playing soccer, swimming in waterfalls, ecstatic dance, hiking, and surfing.  He absolutely adores spending time with his two children. 

MASSAGE THERAPY

Dean Nicklaw, LMT

Through the combination of his experience and the consistent quality of his therapeutic massage work in Maui over four decades, Dean has a reputation for giving all of his attention and the very best of his skills to each of his clients, which also accounts for his professional success. Dean has obtained the highest level of authentication as a Licensed Massage Therapist in the State of Hawaii. He is an expert in anatomy, physiology, body systems, massage theory, clinical situations, pathology and massage assessment. Dean is recognized for his experience in the application of massage and bodywork and specialized massage techniques for the effective treatment of injuries due to auto accidents, injuries on the job and similar conditions.  His credentials authorize him to work with physicians anywhere in Hawaii to provide you the therapeutic massage treatment indicated by your physician’s diagnosis and prescription.

Melia Maria, M.S., LMT, YT - Lifestyle Program Coordinator

Melia Maria has an M.S. degree in Gerontology, a certification in Yoga Therapy, and over three decades of professional practice as a massage therapist specializing in soft tissue pain and dysfunction. As Lifestyle Program Coordinator at Longevity Health Center, Melia helps design and teach many of the lifestyle classes. She also offers a limited availability of specialty massage treatments addressing pain.

Extensive experience treating and coaching on health issues such as abdominal distress, stress management, and health promotion, Melia takes every opportunity to offer tips and educational help to patients – whether in the treatment room, classroom, or a chance meeting in the hallway! Paying special attention to factors of aging and emotional well-being, Melia applies a compassionate disposition to all her clinic services.
Melia passionately spends her free time appreciating nature, fawning over her fur babies, taking siestas, and exploring new plants to eat!

Stephanie Okafuji, LMT

Born on Maui, Stephanie finally has the opportunity to give back to the island community by completing the UH Maui Massage Therapy program through a grant she earned. Stephanie applies her educational knowledge and hands-on training to give others an opportunity to grow and learn about themselves through her treatments.

Stephanie also studied Liberal Arts and Nurse Aid Training at UH Maui and acquired a Certificate in Lomilomi, in addition to her Massage Therapy licensure.

In the treatment room, Stephanie utilizes Swedish Massage and Lomilomi modalities to loosen muscle tension and inflammation. She applies deep tissue practices and assisted body stretches for muscle pain relief.

​Stephanie relaxes her own body, mind, and soul by immersing herself in the beauty of nature. She also enjoys doing DIY crafting and considers herself a real connoisseur of food!

Tyerell Baldonado- Kaleiopu, LMT

Tyerell was born and raised on Maui. He incorporates his deep connection to his own Hawaiian ancestry, along with inspirational philosophies of Mana Lomi into all his treatments. Ty believes that the body holds stories that sometimes people cannot articulate. Through experiences of his own hardships, he offers a space where people can be seen, felt, and heard with compassion throughout their massage experience.

As an athlete, Ty’s understanding of biomechanics makes him a well-rounded source of knowledge, both on the table and in consultation. Well versed in therapies of deep tissue, Swedish Massage, and Mana Lomi, Ty’s treatments address muscle pain relief with attention to relaxing the nervous system and increasing circulation.​

In his after hours, Ty enjoys spending time in nature, exercising, reading, and hanging out with friends.

Monica Berney, M.S., LMT, YT

Monica Berney has a MS in Health Science and is a certified Yoga teacher. Prior to becoming a massage therapist, she worked as a fitness professional in NYC, Los Angeles, and Maui.

Monica considers the whole person when treating her patients. She approaches her sessions with compassion, empathy and genuine care. Monica’s keen insight of the body allows her to quickly assess areas of muscular and postural imbalance, tension, and tightness, so that massage techniques are intentional and effective. She uses modalities from Swedish, lomi lomi, neuromuscular, manual lymphatic drainage, and from those taught by her beloved teachers.
​
During her free time, Monica enjoys spending time with her son, taking long walks, singing, yoga, hiking, and watching the sunrise. 

Amara Pederson, LMT

Amara has a passion for helping people and finds it very rewarding to help others feel better. She has been trained in various massage modalities such as Lomi Lomi, deep tissue, and Swedish. Amara enjoys learning and continues to develop her skills to better help her patients. As a massage therapist, she uses a variety of techniques to cater to each individual's needs.

Amara has also been a dental assistant for the past four years and is currently studying to become a dental hygienist. When Amara isn’t at work she enjoys working out, reading, traveling, self-care, painting, and spending time with her family and friends. ​

NUTRITION

Jeffrey A. Tice, DACM, DAc - Co-Owner

Click here to read more about Dr. Tice.

STAFF
Faith Tengan
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." ~Mahatma Gandhi
​
A lifelong resident of Maui, Faith has been working as a healthcare office professional for over thirty years. She continually strives to provide excellent customer service to all those seeking the services offered at Longevity Health Center.
Tere Rapoza
Tere’s first experience at Longevity Health Center was as a patient.  She became a member of the LHC family two years ago, as a part-time Front Desk Receptionist.  

She was first introduced to Alternative Medicine at sixteen. While attending high school, she worked part-time as a Chiropractic Assistant. For the past 32 years, she has evolved in various positions in the Chiropractic and Medical setting.

“I am excited to be a part of the Longevity Health Center family. It is truly wonderful to witness how the patients’ lives are enriched by what is offered here. It is also an honor and a privilege to work with such knowledgeable, friendly, courteous, compassionate and caring people. Longevity Health Center is a great place to begin your journey into healing and wellness.”

During her time off, she looks forward to being at home with her family. She entertains thoughts of working out, going on hikes and traveling the world...and someday she will. “May your heart, mind and soul be filled with peace, love and forgiveness, as you emanate the spirit of Aloha.”
Joyce Tamori - Co-Owner
As co-owner of Longevity Health Center, Joyce supports this local, small business by leveraging her 20+ years of healthcare finance experience to support care provided to our community. In her spare time, she enjoys culturally exploring new places and spending time with her two nephews.