Dr. Matt Brink (Director)

Dr. Brink is a licensed clinical psychologist with a background in treating adolescents and families, specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders.  In his early work he recognized the challenges and deficits in behavioral health care, including quality, sustainability and access to care. He began partnering with community leaders to develop well thought-out, financially sustainable treatment programs that meet the needs of the community. After developing a variety of programs including mental health centers, outpatient clinics, a wilderness therapeutic program and autism treatment facilities, Dr. Brink opened Malama Pono Autism Centers. In his role at Malama Pono he works to develop and deliver high quality outpatient treatment services for individuals with autism and related developmental disabilities across the Hawaiian Islands.

Tanya Gamby, Ph.D. (Medical Consultant)

Tanya Gamby, Ph.D. is a Hawaii licensed psychologist and Past- President of the Hawaii Psychological Association. Dr. Gamby grew up on Kaua’i and then trained and worked with some of the top autism providers in the world. The ABA models that are currently recognized as best practice for children with autism are based on the pioneering work of Dr. Lovaas and his colleagues. Before moving back to Hawaii, Dr. Gamby was the Associate Clinical Director of the Lovaas Institute (and worked directly with Dr. Lovaas); taught ABA classes at UCLA, and was a staff supervisor on the Lovaas Multisite Replication Project. Prior to working at the Lovaas Institute, Dr. Gamby was a clinic supervisor for Dr. Tristram Smith’s ABA clinic in Washington. Dr. Smith is widely recognized and respected for his extensive research and clinical contributions in the autism/ABA field. Dr. Gamby has over twenty years of experience doing ABA/early intervention with children with autism and is excited to be providing quality ABA services to the children of Kaua’i.

Dr. Gamby (along with Lindsey Shepherd, LBA) is co-owner of Autism Services Kaua’i. After years of providing ABA services and serving as consultants to various organizations, Tanya and Lindsey decided to open their dream clinic. They incorporated the best treatment principles and hired the best staff they could find and created a clinic where children are set up for success and the staff is excited to be there.

Ivalee Sinclair (Honorary Board Member)

Honorary board member Ivalee Sinclair has over 40 years’ experience helping students with disabilities. She received the lifetime achievement award from the Mental Health America of Hawaii and served as chairwoman for the Special Education Advisory Council. She was nominated for the Jefferson Award in 2008 and served on the Coalition for Children with Special Needs. She has fought for services for her own children when they were in school.