Steve Paquette
Program Administrator - Admissions Director
Steve oversees the day to day operations of Big Island Recovery. He has broad management experience and is skilled in family education and intervention. Steve combines expertise, passion and dedication in providing recovery support services with a practical, down-to-earth approach. He possesses and enduring optimism which he says derives from witnessing hundreds of successful recoveries. "Everyone has the potential to heal, to grow, to find happiness and serenity". During his leisure time he enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking and motorcycle riding.
Rodger Kollmorgen, M.D., Ph.D., J.D.
Psychiatrist
Following medical school at Wayne State University, Dr. Kollmorgen interned at St. Francis Hospital in Honolulu, and completed his psychiatric residency at the University of Minnesota. A decorated veteran, he served as Division Psychiatrist for the 9th Infantry in Viet Nam in 1968-1969, and later as Chief of Psychiatry at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point. At the University of Minnesota, he received his Ph.D. in Psychology, and his J.D. from the William Mitchell College of Law in 1987. Dr. Kollmorgen has additional Board qualifications in Addiction Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry, and is certified in Addiction Medicine by the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Before returning to Hawaii in 2004, Dr. Kollmorgen practiced general and forensic psychiatry, and clinical psychology. His professional interests include Psychopharmacology, Addiction Medicine, and Forensic Psychiatric consultation to the Bench and the legal profession.
Steven Denzer, M.D., FACP
Medical Specialist (Internal Medicine, Hospitalist, Addiction Medicine)
Dr. Denzer is a respected and credentialed specialist in Internal Medicine, with an active practice in Kona since 1986. He is certified in Addiction Medicine by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and was a founding member of the Hawaii Society of Addiction Medicine. In addition to the assessment, intervention and treatment of chemical dependency, Dr. Denzer has professional expertise in treating the medical complications of alcohol and drug use. He has extensive experience in Critical Care and Hospital Medicine, and serves as the Medical Director of Kona Community Hospital's Hospitalist Program. He has additional qualifications in Geriatric Medicine, and Hospice and Palliative Care. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of San Francisco, and his medical degree from the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine - where he is now a faculty member.
Dr. Denzer's other interests include parenting, rare palms, wilderness survival, ultra-light backpacking and axolotl husbandry.
Ms. Liz Pearne
Activities Director
Liz was born in Los Gatos, California, where athletics and sports kept her entertained and happy as a youngster. She grew up riding horses, and became an accomplished rider, but tennis was her true passion. She played competitively in high school and college, and is still coaching and teaching tennis. She is rate a 4.5 tennis player through the USTA. She enjoys the Hawaii state sport of outrigger canoe paddling, and is a member of a competitive team.
When Liz moved to Hawaii, she attended Culinary School, received an AS degree in food service, and eventually became knowledgeable in the local sports, eateries and activities available to visitors on the Big Island. This made her a natural to join Big Island Recovery.
She is committed to encouraging and working with clients entering recovery, and looks forward to helping them get healthy and enjoying all life has to offer.
Ms. Victoria Aoki
Certified Yoga Instructor
Victoria has studied yoga for thirteen years and has been a teacher for six years. She is trained in a variety of styles, including Iyengar, Anusara, Ashtanga and Purna Yoga. She leads classes with a gentle approach, honoring each individual's pace while emphasizing safe alignment of the body, using props when needed, to maximize yoga's benefits. She is experienced in the introduction of yoga to all age groups, and in her teaching accommodates newcomers, elders and those with physical limitations so anyone can appreciate and enjoy this ancient philosophy...
Victoria explains that "The benefits of yoga are many, including a stronger, more flexible and healthier body. Yoga also helps to create emotional balance and mental clarity as it is calming, focuses the mind and deepens the awareness of and appreciation for our bodies. The practice of yoga results in a greater union of body, mind and spirit".
Victoria uses a light, heart centered approach to this beautiful art, allowing joy to arise in each moment.
