Ku'ulei Deguair, MA

A Word from Aaron Collins, LMFT

I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Ku‘ulei Deguair for over 20 years, dating back to my time as a youth pastor in the early 2000s at Living Waters Assembly of God church. Pastor Ku‘ulei brings extensive experience and training in working with children, teens, families, and adults. Her deep commitment to serving the community reflects her selflessness and dedication in every role she takes on.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed her serve in many capacities—whether it was leading children’s ministry, providing a loving home as a foster parent, or now as a lead pastor. I clearly remember when she first decided to pursue a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)—I was finishing my own degree at the time. I was excited to see how her passion for helping children and families would be further enriched by her MFT training.

Today, I’m thrilled to support her as she prepares for her Hawaii licensing exam and to officially welcome her to the ‘ohana of Akua Family Therapy. Pastor Ku‘ulei is a valuable addition to our team, and I’m confident her skills, experience, and heart for service will have a profound impact on the lives of those she works with.

Sincerely,

Aaron Collins, LMFT

Ku'ulei Deguair's Qualifications: Pastor Ku‘ulei Deguair holds a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University and brings a wealth of experience working with children, teens, families, and adults. Her professional background includes serving as the lead pastor of In HIS Presence Ministry (IHPM). Pastor Ku‘ulei has extensive experience in Hawaiian cultural practices and their integration into her work, as well as teaching inclusion preschool through high school within the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE). Her roles have included counseling and advocating for students and families, training and pre-licensing therapeutic foster/resource families through the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS/CWS) and Department of Health (DOH), and conducting job readiness and life skills training in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR).

Pastor Ku‘ulei’s therapeutic approach is rooted in evidence-based, client-centered methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Structural Therapy, Art and Sand Art Therapy, and Peer Pairing techniques. Her mission is to provide culturally competent mental health therapy that empowers individuals and families to achieve emotional wellness and personal growth. She is deeply committed to reducing the stigma around mental health, promoting psychoeducation and advocacy, and fostering a whole-body approach to healing that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit.

Aloha!
My name is Pastor Julie Ann “Ku‘ulei” Deguair, and I am passionate about supporting individuals and families in their journey toward emotional and spiritual well-being. I chose to pursue a career in mental health to address the growing needs of my community and to provide a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings in a culturally respectful environment.

Over the years, I have worked closely with children, teens, and families in various capacities, including ministry, education, and community services. My heart for serving others has always been the foundation of my work, whether through counseling, advocacy, or creating programs that empower individuals to achieve emotional wellness and personal growth.

Currently, I serve as the lead pastor of In HIS Presence Ministry (IHPM), where we offer Christ-centered support through programs for men, women, youth, children, and elderly/widows, as well as grief groups and Christian AA/NA (Life Recovery). We are also preparing to open My Brother’s Keeper, a home for post-incarcerated men.

I am honored to work alongside the team at Akua Family Therapy to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and provide individuals and families with the tools they need to thrive. My mission is to foster a community where mental health is prioritized and clients feel empowered to pursue healing through a whole-body approach—integrating mind, body, and spirit.