BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Joel Stiles, Chairman
Stacey Palau, Vice Chair
Stacey Palau, Vice Chair
Dr. Joel Stiles is a licensed clinical psychologist who currently serves as the Clinical Director of New Life. He began his career at New Life in 2001 as an addiction therapist and later completed his Bachelors at Bethany College. He obtained a Masters in Marital and Family Therapy from Western Seminary, and completed a masters in Clinical Psychology and a Ph.D. with an emphasis in Forensic Psychology at Palo Alto University.
As a Clinical Psychologist Joel previously worked for Santa Cruz County Integrated Behavioral Health delivering services in a primary care setting and providing consultation with medical providers. He previously worked for Monterey County Children’s Behavioral Health where he provided evaluations and reports for the Dependency Court. In 2013 he worked with the Juvenile Court system evaluating and treating youth charged with sex offenses.
Stacey Palau, Vice Chair
Stacey Palau, Vice Chair
Stacey Palau, Vice Chair
Stacey Palau brings year of experience in non-profit leadership and administration and currently serves as the CEO of New Life, where she has worked since 2018. Formerly, Stacey served as the Director of the Salvation Army Transitional Housing Program in Watsonville. In 2004, Stacey and her husband founded Grace Children’s Home orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico where they served as the Directors for 10 years.
Stacey possesses a Master of Arts in Education and has taught in the Addiction Studies program at William Jessup University, where she also completed the Addiction Studies program. Additionally, she brings bilingual and bi-cultural expertise to support the participants of New Life.
Joe Esposito, Secretary
Stacey Palau, Vice Chair
Joe Esposito, Secretary
Joe is a longtime supporter of NLCS, having interned as part of his Addiction Studies curriculum in 2008-2009. He is also a board member of Addictive Behavioral Ministries International (ABMI), an organization that aims to direct addiction recovery resources globally. His interests center around topics involving wellness initiatives and technology.
COO
Rhonda Hamilton
Rhonda began her career as a Registered Nurse in 1986 with a commitment to providing whole person care to patients. She graduated with a Masters degree in Advanced Nursing Practice in 2010 and began a career in family practice where I managed the care of families and people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. She has a wealth of clinical experience alongside devoted years in volunteering in humanitarian efforts in developing nations and has expertise in community development.
Rhonda has lived on the Big Island since 2018, previously serving the community as an Urgent Care Provider, Primary Care Provider and Interim Medical Director for our clinic.
GROUP PRACTICE MANAGER
Elisha de Carvalho
Elisha began her career in healthcare at the reception desk of the clinic and has grown through the ranks to become the Practice Manager. Her journey through various roles has given her a comprehensive understanding of clinic operations and patient care. Today, she oversees the daily management of all our services, ensuring that every patient receives compassionate, high-quality care.
Elisha's work is driven by a genuine love for the people of Kona and a strong sense of family—both at home and within the clinic. She brings heart, dedication, and a community-first mindset to everything she does, making her a trusted leader and advocate for both patients and staff.
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Anton Smith
Bringing over 35 years of healthcare leadership experience to his role as Director of Finance, after previously serving as our CEO. With a deep understanding of healthcare operations and a strategic financial mindset, Anton is passionate about stewarding resources in ways that strengthen both our organization and the communities we serve.
Now calling Hawaiʻi home, Anton is committed to investing in people and building sustainable, mission-driven impact. Outside of work, he cherishes time with his family—enjoying long walks, discovering new restaurants, and supporting local small businesses.
HUMAN RESOURCES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Marisa Norris
Having called Kona home for more than 15 years, Marisa brings a deep appreciation for the people and values that shape our island community. With a background in executive support, HR leadership, and operational strategy, she brings structure, creativity, and relational leadership to drive meaningful, sustainable growth.
At the core of her role is a belief that business development is more than expansion—it’s about connection, stewardship, and service. By aligning our internal culture with external partnerships, Marisa strives to help Transformation Health Network fulfill its purpose of bringing whole-person, Christ-centered care to Hawai‘i Island.
Accepting Primary Care Patients!
URGENT CARE HOURS:
Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM
IV THERAPY HOURS:
Mon-Fri 9AM-1PM
Call to Schedule or Walk-In for Availability.
Mention "THANKFUL10" for $10 off any IV Infusion
PRIMARY CARE:
Accepting New Patients! Stop by or download your New Patient Packet to get started.