Member Spotlight is a new addition to our Newsletter! Each month we will run an article about a church member in order for us all to get to know each other better. If you have someone whom you would like to recommend to be featured in a future Newsletter, please contact the church office.
Thank you, Ellen, for being our very first and for sharing your life with us!
Dr. Ellen Caringer was born in Highland, Illinois, but grew up in Alhambra, a small village of about 500 people near Highland. A favorite childhood memory was her first trip to Hawaii to spend time with her family here. She knew even as a child that Hawaii was where she intended to live as soon as she was able!
Ellen has a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, a Master’s degree in developmental psychology, and a Ph.D. in clinical and developmental psychology with a focus on cross-cultural psychology. After working at Kapiolani Hospital in Honolulu in their counseling department, she then did additional training in the field of neuropsychology. Still working part-time, the her career primarily has had a two-fold focus in clinical child psychology and neuropsychology. A large part of her practice was spent at the intersection of neuropsychology and child psychology, with specific focus on assessment of children with learning disabilities or other brain dysfunctions. She was the only neuropsychologist on Maui for many years and practiced neuropsychology across all age groups.
In her earlier years, she was very active with the Hawaii Psychological Association, which included work at the legislature pursuing or addressing legislation that affected the practice of psychology, and that affected patients and their wellbeing. “I suppose from the time I was a child, I always felt strongly about righting injustices, and had a particular heart for those who were less fortunate: children, animals, and any groups who were vulnerable to unfairness and mistreatment.”
Ellen is married to Takayuki “Taka” Harada. They have 3 daughters from Taka’s first marriage and four hanai children. They have 5 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and grandchildren through their hanai kids as well. In addition to that, they have many nieces and nephews and “friends that are like family.” They are never short of company at their house!
Ellen and Taka first attended Koloa Union Church about two years ago after moving from Maui to Kauai (Taka’s childhood home!). “The church was recommended to us by both of our previous pastors on Maui, and I’m so glad they did! Our first Sunday was so lovely and so peaceful and we so enjoyed hearing Doug sing and seeing RoseTatiana dance and marveling at a pastor who could give a sermon with no notes! (I was wishing my memory worked as well!). I keep coming back for the wonderful sermons, great music, and the wonderful warmth of this church family.”
As anyone who attends our church knows, Ellen is an accomplished pianist and loves to play the piano. She is our regular accompanist and is taking a break these days while her finger heals after surgery. She also chairs the church’s Pastor-Parish Relations Committee. She enjoys reading and learning new things, such as Japanese! She also loves planning trips to Ireland and inviting others to join her and Taka. (The photo above was taken by Kahu Akana on the grounds of Ashford Castle in County Galway.) Be sure to get on her list of future participants if you ever want to see Ireland and meet some of the most wonderful Irish people!
When asked what keeps her grounded, Ellen replied, “Absolutely one of those things is Taka: he is one of the kindest, calmest, human beings I’ve had the good fortune of knowing…and he’s a good cook!” “The second thing that comes to mind is that for many years I have been a meditator. I won’t start the day without it and some prayer time. It’s a gift to myself to take the time to still my mind, be centered, and feel the presence of God…. I would also be remiss if I didn’t say that having the love of animals in our lives is another wonderful grounding experience. They keep us grounded in the present moment, and their unconditional love is a model I aspire to!”
When asked about any interesting facts about her life, Ellen responded, “I had two sets of parents who were good friends with each other. My biological parents in Illinois, Marj & Al Caringer, who gave me an amazing foundation in music; and my hanai parents, Abe and Rose Aiona, who lived on Maui. My hanai father was the former Maui Chief of Police and former Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee, and that was where I got my immersion in Hawaiian culture.
Finally, Ellen is involved with Indivisible, a nation-wide organization that seeks to protect democracy and the rights of groups who are most vulnerable to exploitation or persecution. She is the leader of Hui Aloha O Hawaii, a faith-based statewide chapter of Indivisible which encourages people of all faiths to take action promoting social justice and protecting democracy in the U.S. If you are concerned about the state of democracy in our nation and wonder how you can make a difference regarding the direction that our country is heading, Ellen has some really good suggestions…so be sure to ask her!
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