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
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
Meet our Doctoral Trainees
All trainees at Assess Hawai’i are supervised by licensed clinicians
Predoctoral Intern
Ryan Panzarella
Ryan is a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at the Hawaiʻi School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University. He is completing his predoctoral internship at Assess Hawaiʻi under the supervision of Dr. Benach and Dr. Philhower. Born in Wahiawa and raised across Europe and the Middle East, he came to psychology by way of West Point, studies in music therapy and philosophy at Berklee College of Music, and a first career in project management. Ryan has trained in inpatient psychiatric hospitals and at The Queen's Medical Center, he has provided assessment and therapy to children, adolescents, and adults dealing with severe and persistent mental illness.
Ryan believes well-being is rooted in authentic connection, a theme at the heart of his research on solitude and connection in the digital age. He sees the balance of both improvisation and evidence-based activity as the foundation for flexible, creative care that honors each person's culture, story, and strengths. In every evaluation, he aims to answer the questions that matter most and to give feedback that is clear, compassionate, and genuinely useful.
Outside the office, Ryan is passionate about expressive arts and his 9 year old rhodesian ridgeback.
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