Welcome - Hawaii Island Recovery

We provide integrated, evidence-based treatment for anyone battling with substance abuse disorders. Our focus is on clinical excellence, extraordinary client care and ongoing research that results in higher success rates and improved lives. Our specialty is bringing freedom and choice back into the lives of those who have alcohol and drug addictions. Our caring and expert staff members are dedicated to offering growth in all areas of life – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Our professionals are all Hawaii residents with a long history of working together as a cohesive team with impeccable credentials.


	Dr. John Hibscher - Psychologist, Director of Clinical Services
	Dr. John Hibscher received both his Masters and Doctorate degrees in Psychology from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Prior to moving to the Big Island in Hawaii in 1997, he had a private practice in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he also consulted to a variety of hospitals, organizations, health facilities, and government agencies. Dr.Hibscher maintains memberships in the American Psychological Association, the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, and the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.

	Dr. Gwendolyn Ross - Psychiatrist
	Dr. Gwendolyn Ross graduated from the University of Delaware, attending medical school at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Ross completed general psychiatry residency, child & adolescent fellowship at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Pittsburgh , PA. , in 1985. Dr. Ross has worked as medical director of a codependency retreat residential rehab, medical director of an outpatient chemical dependency rehab in the Pittsburg area, as well as in a variety of other mental health programs while residing in Pittsburgh. Dr. Ross is on staff at Kona Community Hospital, serving on the psychiatric unit and served as medical director of a private treatment facility in Kona, HI.

	Johnny Fox, MSW-Psychotherapy Specialist
	Johnny Fox, MSW received his Masters in Clinical Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University as well as his BA in Psychology from West Virginia University. Born in Virginia, Johnny has been working in the field of mental health for over 9 years. He has held meaningful roles in a vast array of agencies including Hospice, Child and Family Services, CARE HAWAII and APS Healthcare. Johnny uses a variety of psychological theories and practices to provide quality care to people in the community dealing with mental illness. His unique ability and never-ending positive attitude has helped many people through different walks of life. Johnny currently conducts a Processing Group as well as individual Psychotherapy sessions for Hawaii Island Recovery.

	Verna Chartrand - Program Director
	Verna Chartrand was born and raised in the islands and her pride of the Hawaiian culture and strong family values are evident in all aspects of her personal and professional life. Verna’s deep heartfelt compassion to assist her clients and their loved ones deal with the devastating effects of addiction. She helps her clients, as well as their families, achieve their dreams for a healthy, happy new life and instills spiritual growth in their own recovery. Verna started as a Resident Counselor for BISAC and worked her way to achieving her CSAC Certification in 2004. She has spent many years working collaterally with the court system specializing in domestic violence, probation and parole. She has been actively involved in countless community activities focused on healing and wellness. Verna spearheaded the island’s only existing gender-specific women’s group therapy.

	Linda Henke - Intake Specialist
	Linda Henke holds a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Administration and in Business Management. Her life experiences include successfully completing a 2-year solo world tour visiting 26 countries to further her education in the Travel Industry. She has been living in Hawaii for over 18 years and has a true love and respect for the islands and for the life embracing spirit of aloha. She has witnessed the devastating effects of addiction on the mind, body and spirit of many loved ones and has personally and professionally dedicated her life to helping our clients face the issues driving their addiction to instill renewed hope for a wonderful new life.

	Eliza Wille, M SC - Animal Assisted Psychotherapy Specialist
	Eliza holds a Master's Degree in Social Psychology from the London School of Economics, and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from The University of Hawaii at Manoa. During her undergraduate work, Eliza worked at renowned dolphin research facility through the University of Hawaii Psychology Department. For nearly ten years, Eliza was involved in cognition and learning research with captive dolphins while also particpating in field research on non-captive marine mammals whenever possible. Her understanding of dolphin behavior and her years of facilitating interactions between humans and dolphins, combined with her credentials in psychology uniquely qualify her to oversee our Dolphin Assisted Psychotherapy program. In addition, drawing on years of Equestrian training and involvement with therapeutic horsemanship, Eliza also serves as our Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Specialist. Her familiarity with horses has enabled her to create a safe and enriching therapeutic experience for Hawaii Island Recovery clients.

	Lida Hibscher - Director of Wellness/Healing and Recreational Services
	Lida Hibscher is a retired physician and Reiki Practitioner. She has a love for nature and is experienced in a variety of outdoor activities including climbing, hiking, white water rafting, skiing, etc.