• Increasing awareness of child abuse and neglect prevention.
• Providing services to families and children who are at-risk.
• Advocating public policy to protect children.
• Helping people realize that child abuse is life threatening.

PARENTS, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization that has been serving Hawaii’s families since 1975. We have dedicated ourselves to strengthening our families and communities by using professional educators, counselors, and facilitators to focus on the healthy growth and development of ALL family members. Our purpose is family strengthening, and prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. We provide a full range of prevention, education, and treatment services for men, women, and children. All preventive, education, and treatment services are multi-ethnic, non-judgmental, non-threatening, supportive, and easily accessible. We have over 30 years of experience and remain firmly committed to assisting Hawaii’s Families.

PARENTS, Inc. is a 501(C)(3) tax-exempt organization. Support for our programs comes from public funds, private foundations, businesses, and community individuals.
Email us! Or give us a call at (808) 235-0255.

Why P.A.R.E.N.T.S. Inc is So Effective.

PARENTS, Inc. assists nearly 2,000 family members annually. Our staff provides practical and empowering programs and services which honor the dignity of each family and directly addresses family difficulties and the causes of child abuse and neglect.

The parents who participate in our programs get more than just parenting education. While they are learning better parenting skills, we also emphasize reducing feelings of isolation by forming new and better support systems. Fathers and mothers can learn how to cope better with stress and learn to deal more healthily with their anger. Parents are free to talk about their problems and feelings in a safe, accepting environment. Services are offered at times and locations convenient for the family at little to no cost.

Board of Directors 2011-2012

Kathleen Kreinik, President

Kathi Kreinik, MSW, ACSW, DCSW, BCD, LCSW, graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA in Sociology and the University of Hawaii with an MSW. Kathi is currently retired after more than 45 years as a professional social worker.  She has served as the Executive Director of both the NASW-Hawaii Chapter and Parents Anonymous, Hawaii, which is now called, P.A.R.E.N.T.S, Inc.  She has also worked for the federal government in Family Advocacy. Her specialty is in the areas of child abuse and neglect. Kathi has been married for 39 years and has one daughter and a Sheltie, named, Toffee. Kathi enjoys going to movies, reading, writing and traveling.

Ronaele Whittington, Vice President

Dr. Ronaele Whittington earned social work degrees from the University of Chicago (masters) and the University of Southern California (doctorate). Ronaele is the first author of Peace Begins With me, a non-violent-values curriculum for grades K-6 (supported by a grant from the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii to the Family Peace Center, 1989).  In 1999,  Ronaele served as a Fulbright Senior Scholar to Kyrgyztan. Ronaele retired from social work practice and university teaching in 2010.  Married in 1970, Hank and Ronaele have 4 children and 10 grandchildren. As a hobby, Hank turns and finishes wooden bowls. Ronaele burns designs onto the bowls. With Standard Poodle named Blue Angel, Ronaele attends Art’s Obedience classes.

Michael Steiner, Treasurer

Michael Steiner, CLM, is the Principal of Steiner & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in law firm management.  With more than 20 years experience as a law firm administrator, Michael was an active member of ALA and served as the Vendor Chair and Vice President of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter and as the Business Partner Liaison for the Hawaii Chapter.  Michael works with law firms of all sizes in Hawaii and on the mainland to provide solutions to day-to-day management issues as well as to review, analyze, design and implement broader strategic initiatives. Michael also provides executive oversight and government relations guidance to local non-profit organizations.

Sue Gribbon, Secretary

 Sue Gribbon is currently the Office Manager for a Construction Firm; Church Office Administrator, Kindergarten Teacher Aide; Elementary School Secretary; Elementary Attendance Clerk; and Junior High Administrative Assistant. Sue has been married for 33 years and has 3 Adult children and one 6-year-old grandson. Raising her own children, Sue was involved in her children’s school activities as well as participating in PTA serving as President and Vice President and other various school committees.  Sue also coached soccer, little league, and softball for boys and girls for several years, and taught religious education through her church programs.  Sue loves to work with and she enjoys gardening, swimming, reading, cooking, and playing games with her family, especially her grandson.  Sue strongly believes that children truly learn what they live and that example is the greatest teacher.

Dave Butts, Director

David Butts graduated from Eckerd College with a B.A. degree. He has years of experience in journalism and is currently the Business Editor of the Honolulu Star Advertiser. He is married with two sons, and a baby granddaughter. He loves ocean sports and playing with his new grandchild.

R.K. Castillo, Director

R.K. Castillo recently joined the board as a Director. He spent 10 years traveling the world as a public speaker with YWAM before settling in Hawaii. He is currently the CEO of Purpose Concepts and SEO of Web Design Hawaii, a search engine marketing company. He is married with two adorable little girls. RK enjoys playing with his children and Jiu Jitsu, and working with the poor in Brazil and India helping them to create systems to get out of poverty.

Key Staff

Lisa Groulx, Executive Director
Pua Spencer, Oahu Program Director
Danielle Spain, East Hawaii Program Director