Lauri Redus
President
Lauri Redus currently lives in Volcano with her husband of 20 years. With 30 years of experience in Healthcare Lauri has spent the last five years growing and managing our Rural Health Clinics here in East Hawaii. Originally from Texarkana, Texas, she has earned BAs from the University of Austin and from Ottawa University. She holds a BS from Belmont University and a MA in Healthcare Management from Western Governors University. She has also worked with various Medical Mission organizations in Haiti, Guatemala, and Africa.
Keli Acquaro
Treasurer
Keli is originally from Kailua on Oʻahu and is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools. After earning her
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Occidental College and her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology
from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Keli moved to Waimea on the Big Island where she has lived for
the past 27 years. She has spent her career in the field of rural community mental health care for children
and adolescents. She has witnessed and participated in transformative change in Hawaii’s youth mental
health system, and has advocated for resources, representation, and grassroots solutions for the Big
Island. She enjoys hula and going for walks with her husband and her poi dog.
Joy Hohnstine
Secretary
Joy moved to Hawaiʻi Island in 2006 and gratefully serves as a member of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education Kaʻū-Keʻau-Pāhoa Complex Area. Originally from New Jersey, she began her career in education as an Educational Aide in New York before pursuing education and adventure in Alaska. She is the proud daughter of public school educators and a public school graduate herself. She holds a BA in English from the College of New Rochelle, and an MA in English Literature and MEd in School Counseling from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Joy hopes to serve this community through continued learning and work focused on wellbeing and connection.
Rev. Eric S. Anderson
Member, Board of Directors
The Rev. Eric S. Anderson has served as Pastor of the Church of the Holy Cross United Church of Christ in Hilo since 2016. Originally from Connecticut, he holds degrees from Cornell University and Andover Newton Theological School and has been an ordained minister since 1988. Throughout his career, Eric has served congregations in Maine and Connecticut and spent seventeen years supporting communications and technology initiatives for the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ. A dedicated community leader, he has served in numerous leadership roles, including Secretary and President of Interfaith Communities in Action, and currently chairs the Committee on Ministry for the Hawaiʻi Island Association of the United Church of Christ. Eric brings a strong commitment to community engagement, collaboration, and service to the Neighborhood Place of Puna Board of Directors, along with extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, faith-based partnerships, and community building.
Lori Ferrin
Member, Board of Directors
Lori Ferrin brings more than 20 years of experience serving individuals and families facing barriers related to homelessness, employment, transportation, and access to community resources. As the owner of LGF Consulting Hawaii, she has worked extensively in program development, community outreach, workforce development, and trauma-informed service delivery. Throughout her career, Lori has specialized in supporting low-income individuals, youth and families experiencing homelessness, older adults, refugees and immigrants, and individuals with limited English proficiency. She has held leadership roles with organizations across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Northwest and has developed and implemented numerous community engagement and support initiatives. Lori also served as Treasurer of Community Alliance Partners, helping guide the coalition’s efforts to strengthen services and housing supports for individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability.