Meet our Assess Hawai'‘i Team
By working together, we can find the answers
Chief of Psychology, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Supervisor, Founder
Dr. Pedro Luis Benach
Dr. Benach is a first generation Cuban-American who aspires to help others in their life journeys. He has received advanced specialized training in the evaluation and treatment of neurodevelopmental, neuropsychological, neurocognitive, and psychological disorders. He took an untraditional route and attended community college for two years and then transferred to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa where he completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology. Thereafter, he obtained his Master degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University of Hawai‘i and completed his Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Hawai‘i School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu.
Dr. Benach holds a position as an Associate Professor of Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Therapies, Humanistic and Existential Therapies, and Introduction to Psychological Theories at Fielding Graduate University School of Psychology, which is a regionally APA accredited PhD program in Clinical Psychology. He also served as the Chair of the Hawai’i Psychological Association’s (HPA) Child and Adolescent Committee (CHAT).
With over a decade of studies in the field of psychology, Dr. Benach welcomes individuals and families who seek comprehensive answers and individualized recommendations that accurately address their important questions and needs.
When Dr. Benach isn’t dedicating his time to his clients or students, he is commonly found enjoying the ocean, exploring various surf breaks, spending time with family and friends, discovering new food recipes, attending community events, and attempting to read books for leisure.
Dr. Benach currently holds active licenses to practice psychology in the states of Hawai’i and Colorado.
Hawaii License Number: PSY-2075
Colorado License Number: PSY.0006047
Katherin Acosta Mena Benach
As the Director of Operations and Human Resources Manager at Assess Hawaii, Katherin plays a vital role in ensuring that the clinic operates efficiently and in alignment with its mission to provide high-quality psychological care. She manages internal systems that support clinicians, trainees, and administrative staff, with a strong focus on collaboration, workflow optimization, and staff well-being. In addition to her HR responsibilities, Katherin leads the creation of digital content that enhances client engagement and reflects the clinic’s values. Her leadership style blends creative problem-solving with a people-centered approach, fostering a productive and supportive work environment.
Originally from Havana, Cuba, Katherin brings a culturally informed and inclusive perspective to her work, building meaningful connections with Hawaii’s diverse community. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology and plans to obtain a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree upon completion. Her long-term goal is to provide direct therapy services and expand access to mental health care across the islands.
Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Co-Founder
Dr. Lianne Philhower
Director of Clinical Training, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Supervisor
Dr. Lianne T. Philhower, Psy.D., MPH, DBTC, is a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Hawaii with over 20 years of experience in clinical training, education, supervision, and professional development. She previously served as Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Training at the Hawaii School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University, where she oversaw APA-aligned clinical training and internship preparation, taught across the curriculum, and supported the professional growth of doctoral trainees. Dr. Philhower brings experience across public health, community mental health, private practice, school consultation, and continuing education. She currently serves as Clinical Training Director at Assess Hawaii, where she continues her commitment to advancing ethical, evidence-based, and developmentally informed psychological practice through mentorship, training, and leadership
Co-Director of Clinical Training, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Supervisor
Dr. Angeline Dickson
Dr. Angeline Dickson, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience in mental health. Dr. Dickson is dedicated to creating a supportive, non-judgmental, and compassionate environment where healing and self-awareness can thrive. Her positive, strength-based approach fosters a collaborative process, helping clients overcome a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, mood disorders, and relationship issues. Through evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and family counseling, she empowers individuals to achieve their personal goals and rediscover their inner strength. Dr. Dickson’s commitment extends to training the next generation of mental health professionals, offering supervision and guidance to master’s and doctoral students.
Hawaii License Number PSY-1714
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Clinical Supervisor
Dr. Alistair Taylor
Dr. Alistair Taylor is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Hawaii. He graduated from an APA-accredited program at Chaminade University in 2021 and has been practicing clinical psychology since then. Dr. Taylor gained experience with psychological assessments during a year-long rotation at Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience conducting testing on patients with traumatic brain injury, dementia, and neurodevelopmental disorders. He gained additional assessment experience on his year-long doctoral internship at Potomac Behavioral Solutions in Virginia. His interests include developing an understanding of the intersections of neurobiological and environmental (family, cultural, and socioeconomic factors for example) factors that shape the human brain and behavior. While analytical, his role as a clinical psychologist is rooted in empathy for the client and their life challenges. Dr. Taylor has a lifelong history as an athlete and health enthusiast, and also offers personal growth coaching as well as teaching on health topics via webinars linked from his site.
If you would like to understand more about growth coaching, please visit the following page: www.drtaylorevolutioncoaching.com
Hawaii License Number PSY-2064
Psychometrician & 3rd Year Doctoral Student
Ariel Wong
Ariel is a student in the PsyD Clinical Psychology program at the Hawaiʻi School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Certificate in Ethnic Studies from the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa. Ariel is excited to collaborate with the local community, build meaningful relationships, and give back while continuing to grow and learn professionally. In her free time, Ariel enjoys learning new arts and crafts as well as spending time with her family, friends, and dogs.
Meet our Doctoral Trainees
All trainees at Assess Hawai’i are supervised by licensed clinicians
Intervention Practicum Students
Mikael French
Mikael is a student in the PsyD Clinical Psychology program at the Hawai‘i School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Minors in Sociology and Communicology at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Mikael is excited to continue working with and learning from community members while developing his professional skills. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, eating good food, and spending time with friends and family.
Walter Lee
I am a third-year PsyD doctoral student at the Hawaii School of Professional Psychology, born and raised in Honolulu. My clinical and research interests center on athletes and their relationship with food, specifically disordered eating, along with the role of culture in food. I am also interested in learning more about neurodevelopmental disorders and working with families and adolescents. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, game nights, exploring new eats, hiking, and graphic design.
Diagnostic Practicum Students
Arianne Karylle Cadiz
Arianne is a doctoral student at the Hawaiʻi School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu, pursuing a PsyD in Clinical Psychology. She earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and her associate degree from Leeward Community College. Born in the Philippines, Arianne moved to Hawaiʻi when she was two years old. She is passionate about serving Pacific Islander and immigrant populations. Arianne hopes to give back to the community that has supported her throughout her life. In her free time, Arianne enjoys crocheting, reading, and cafe hopping.
Kenna Soppe
Kenna was born in South Korea before being adopted and brought to a small town in Iowa. She graduated from Creighton University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with minors in Criminal Justice and Women & Gender Studies. She moved to Hawaii in August 2025 to begin graduate school at the Hawaii School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University. She currently works as a Registered Behavior Analyst and has been certified for about 3 years, working with children and teenagers. She is excited to work with the community while continuing to grow personally and professionally. I enjoy reading, trying new coffee shops, and attending local farmers' markets.
Melanie Le
Melanie is a student in the PsyD Clinical Psychology program at the Hawaiʻi School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Catholic Studies at Seattle University. Melanie is dedicated to giving back and serving the local community of O’ahu where she grew up. She likes hanging out with friends, trying new hobbies and places to eat, volunteering at the public library, and watching movies
Administrative and Billing Department
Our administrative and billing staff play a vital role in ensuring that Assess Hawaii operates with professionalism, efficiency, and care. They manage front office operations, coordinate scheduling, and maintain clear communication with clients, clinicians, and external partners. The team is responsible for verifying insurance benefits, submitting claims, processing payments, and resolving billing inquiries in a timely and respectful manner. They ensure compliance with HIPAA and other regulatory standards while handling sensitive information with the highest level of discretion. By maintaining accurate records, optimizing workflows, and supporting day-to-day clinic operations, our administrative and billing staff help create a seamless experience for every client who walks through our doors