Established in 2002 by Dr Ira and Alia Zunin
A husband and wife duo, Dr Zunin is a preventative medical physician and his wife Alia is an acupuncturist. Their dream was to see a clinic serving the population by bringing together both modern medicine and traditional healing art professionals so all may benefit from the best of what medicine can provide.
To date, Manakai O Malama has provided health care to over half a million individuals. We have over 25 different professionals working together in a collaborative medical environment. Manakai O Malama has always accepted all insurances to ensure equal access to care under existing laws.
Manakai O Malama Integrative Healthcare Group and Rehabilitation Center offers a full range of modern and traditional medical services in a personal and supportive environment where patient-centered approaches emphasize the unique needs of each patient. Health and well-being of each patient are at the core of what we do. Each patient’s path to wellbeing is unique and individual approached must be applied to achieve optimal health.
Integrative healthcare is the practice of combining modern medicine and traditional healing approaches in the every-day practice of medicine. At Manakai our focus is on collaboration between our patients and their multidisciplinary team, working together as partners to promote healing and optimal health.
Our Mission: Manakai O Malama Integrative Healthcare Group and Rehabilitation Center is dedicated to bringing together the best of modern medicine and traditional healing arts in partnership for health using a collaborative, multi-disciplinary, culturally sensitive whole patient approach.
Our Vision: By fulfilling its mission, Manakai O Malama Integrative Healthcare Group and Rehabilitation Center will impact a change in the culture of medicine in Hawaii
Meet Our Team
Dr. Ira Zunin, MD, MPH
Primary Care and Preventive Medicine | Occupational Health and Integrative Medicine | Pain Management
Dr. Zunin has been practicing medicine in Hawaii since 1993. He is the medical director of Manakai O Malama Integrative Healthcare Group and Rehabilitation Center and maintains a full-time integrative clinical practice specializing in occupational health, preventive medicine and chronic pain.
He earned his medical degree from the UCLA School of Medicine. He completed a residency in Preventive Medicine in Hawaii and also earned a Master’s Degree in Occupational and Environmental Health. After further experience in the field, he earned Specialty Board Certification in General Preventive Medicine and Public Health and has served as Assistant Clinical Professor at the School of Public Health at the University of Hawaii. He is also certified by the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners, the American Board of Ambulatory Medicine and the American Association of Medical Review Officers.
In addition to his practice at Manakai O Malama, Dr. Zunin lectures locally, nationally and internationally on a variety of aspects of health and wellness with a particular focus on integrative medicine. He is frequently featured in the media and writes a regular column, Health and Wellness in the Honolulu Star Advertiser.
Dr. Yefim Levy, Internal Medicine
Dr. Levy is a board certified Internist with over 25 years in practice. Dr. Levy operated a successful private practice in Detroit, Michigan until relocating to Honolulu in 2017. Through his work in private practice and hospital based care, Dr. Levy is highly experienced in managing patients with basic primary care needs to patients with complex chronic and acute medical conditions. Dr. Levy was born in Russia and is fluent in both English and Russian.
Christopher ‘Scott’ Acree, PA-C, General
Practice, Pain Management
Christopher Acree, Scott, as he prefers to go by, is a Board Certified Physician’s Assistant in Primary Care and Special Recognition for Surgery. He joined the Manakai O Malama team in December 2013. He specializes in general medicine, chronic pain management as well as minor outpatient procedures. He earned his degree in 1998 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center with a BS in Physician Assistant Studies. He served in the United States Air Force from 1996 – 2003 where he achieved the rank of Captain, serving as a linguist and later a Certified Physician’s Assistant.
He speaks Japanese, Spanish and Vietnamese conversationally. Having moved to Hawaii in June 2009, he has embraced the local culture stating, “The social differences of the local Hawaiians are very unique and allow excellent experience in dealing with people from different ethnic backgrounds of the many pacific islands.”
Julie Rizzolo, FNP
Family Nurse Practitioner
Julie Rizzolo is a Family Nurse Practitioner, FNP, that is certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She graduated from Simmons College in 2018 with her FNP degree. Prior to becoming a FNP, Julie was an ICU nurse in the Washington D.C area for over 5 years specializing in Trauma and Transplant services. Her nursing degree was received in 2008 from Northeastern University in Boston, MA.
She moved to Hawaii in May 2018 and has been embracing the local culture since then. She enjoys hiking, cooking, snorkeling, and enjoying the beautiful weather.
Dr. Landon Ka lauʻae naʻi i nā lā ino Opunui, ND
As a local boy and Kamehameha graduate, Dr. Opunui left the islands to pursue his Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Science at Loyola Marymount University while competing as a 4 year NCAA Division I athlete in the sport of rowing. Dr. Opunui is a firm believer in the naturopathic principle of Docere (Doctor as Teacher) and agrees wholeheartedly that in order to effectively teach, one must practice what they preach. Dr. Opunui strives to exemplify health promoting behavior and balance as a competitive endurance athlete having finished 5 Ironman triathlons. Health promotion counseling is at the forefront of successful naturopathic healing which consists of educating patients on how various determinants of health such as genetics, diet, lifestyle, environment, mental and emotional well-being, and ones sense of purpose in life creates the framework for health and one’s capacity to live and be well.
With an interest in cardiometabolic disease, endocrine disorders, autoimmune disease, GI pathologies, mood disorders, oncology and Native Hawaiian health, Dr. Opunui is honored to return to the place he calls home with the responsibility of serving the health needs of his community as a naturopathic physician.
Dr Venesh Sharma
Naturopath
Dr. Venesh Sharma earned his medical degree from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, Oregon, and also earned a Master’s Degree in Integrative Medicine Research (MSiMR). While completing a mentorship with the SIBO Center in Portland he gained an interest in the human microbiome, gut health, and became fascinated in how it affects every other system in the body. His approach to treating people and not just diseases through whole-body systems approaches has been proven effective with evidence-based medicine and ancient wisdom.
After graduating from UH Mānoa with a degree in Psychology, Dr. Sharma worked in education and the non-profit sector for a number of years before dedicating his career to medicine. Dr. Sharma ultimately fell in love with naturopathic medicine after working in clinical research and pharmaceuticals. In addition to his dedication to being a healer, Dr. Sharma enjoys time in and around the ocean, whether it be sailing, surfing, diving, or just going to the beach. He believes that returning to self, spending time in nature, and aligning with the natural world is part of the core principles of being a naturopath, among many other things.
Dr Julie Takishima-Lacasa, PhD
Julie Yurie Takishima-Lacasa, Ph.D., obtained her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and is a National Register Health Service Psychologist. In her practice she specializes in providing integrated behavioral health services in primary care settings. As a generalist, she treats a broad range of mental health problems and disorders across the developmental spectrum, with an emphasis on working closely with medical providers to address behavioral factors in chronic illness care, physical symptoms associated with stress, and health behavior change. Julie also has specialized training in the treatment of eating and personality disorders. In her research position at the University of Hawai‘i she focuses on addressing disparities in the accessibility and utilization of effective, culturally informed behavioral health services for at-risk, rural communities of Hawai‘i. Julie is also very active in local and national legislative advocacy for the profession of psychology and the communities psychologists serve. Julie was born in Japan, and was raised between the U.S. and her country of birth. In her free time, Julie is an avid trail runner and surfer.
Dr Kiran Syed, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Kiran Syed graduated from Alliant International University San Diego in 2014 with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Prior to pursuing her doctoral degree, she worked as a psychological associate in a chronic pain management program in Houston, TX. After completing her pre-doctoral internship at Asian Americans For Community Involvement in San Jose, CA, she moved to Honolulu, HI for her post-doctoral fellowship at Kapiolani Child Protection Center. Dr. Syed has worked with an array of clinical populations, mostly in integrated medical settings alongside physicians, chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, physical therapists, and nurses. Her areas of interest include health psychology, environmental psychology, geropsychology, post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep disorders, and bereavement. She uses an integrative approach to treatment, utilizing various forms of psychotherapeutic interventions as needed during each patient’s emotional journey to wellness.
Dr. Zeal Okogeri, DC
Chiropractor
Dr. Zeal Okogeri earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Southern California University of Health Sciences and has practiced for 15 years. He specializes in diversified chiropractic technique.
Hilary Valentine, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Hilary attended Boston University and graduated with a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2007. Upon completion of her degree she moved to Hawaii. Since 2007 she has worked in a variety of settings including inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and community settings. Her passion lies in work with clients with chronic conditions, as well as using OT to promote health and wellness in all of her clients’ lives. Hilary uses an integrative and holistic approach to therapy with concentration on close collaboration with the client to achieve their desired goals. Hilary is also trained as a health and wellness coach through Wellcoaches.
Peggy Fye, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Peggy Fye has over 20 years experience as an occupational therapist. She has specialized in manual therapy for 15 years, with extensive experience in gentle techniques including Craniosacral, Strain/Counterstrain, Mobilizations with Movement, Muscle Energy, Myofascial Release, and Trigger point therapy. She enjoys treating chronic pain conditions, and can treat patients of all ages because the therapies are so gentle. She also believes in teaching self strategies to so that patients can participate with their own healing.
Lora Linehan, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Lora is a recent graduate from the OTA program at Kapiolani Community College. She decided to pursue occupational therapy to help people on their road to being and feeling the best they can be. Lora has found a passion in the health and wellness setting believing that true recovery comes from treating the whole person.
Lora is originally from Massachusetts, but has lived on Oahu since 2003. She is also a licensed massage therapist and has a B.S. in Apparel Product Design and Merchandising from UH Manoa.
Steve Thomas, DPT
Physical Therapist
Steve Thomas has been practicing physical therapy since 2004 when he graduated from the University of North Dakota. In 2007, he continued his education and graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Steve’s focus is general orthopedics, but, because of his experience as both a high school and collegiate athlete, he has a passion for treating sports medicine patients as well.
Lia Yamamoto, DPT
Physical Therapist
Lia has been practicing physical therapy since 2005 after graduating from Pacific University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Born and raised on Maui, Lia has been greatly enjoying her recent return back to Hawaii after practicing in Portland, Oregon for over 10 years. She is certified in ASTYM soft tissue therapy, and enjoys helping people return to activity, sport, and work.
Fabienne Wade, PT
Physical Therapist
Fabienne earned a Bachelors in Science in physical therapy from State University of New York in Buffalo in 1983. She moved to Hawaii that same year where she began to practice physical therapy full-time. In 1997 she opened a physical therapy practice in Guam and spent the next three years there serving as the lead physical therapist. She has since moved back to Oahu permanently and lives on the North Shore. Fabienne specializes in the treatment of orthopedic injuries, with particular expertise in spine rehabilitation. She also works closely with patients to encourage them to move forward in their lives, beyond the pain and disability they have been dealing with.
Nani Ishii, PTA
Physical Therapist
Nani earned her PTA license from Oregon State University and a PTA certificate from Kapiolani Community College in 1996. She has 15 years of experience in outpatient rehabilitation and offers particular expertise in orthopedics. Nani was born and raised was on Oahu where she first became interested in integrative healthcare.
Alia Zunin, LAC
Acupuncturist
Born and raised in Ireland, Alia received her Social Work degree from Trinity College, Dublin. Ten years in California exploring various healing and life enhancing arts led her to the study of acupuncture. She moved to Hawaii in 1993 where she received her Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine from Tai Hsuan Foundation. She currently lives in Honolulu and practices acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine at Manakai O Malama.
Tara Mattes, LAC
Acupuncture
Tara Mattes graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.A in World Religions and Biology. Upon graduation her career took her to various parts of the world where she eventually encountered acupuncture. Determined to learn more about this art, she was fortunate enough to land in Hawaii where she choose to study under Taoist Master, Dr. Chang Yi Hsiang, Ph. D. at the Tai Hsuan College of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. She has had a wide variety of experience from women’s health, addiction and recovery, to pain management. She currently practices at Manakai O Malama.
Lucia Chung, LAC
Acupuncture
Lucia Chung graduated with a Masters of Chinese Medicine in Honolulu in 2008 and has been in practice since. She believes body, mind and soul are one, and that this unity can be accessed through energetic pathways. Lucia incorporates acupuncture, cupping and tuina modalities into her treatments to assist healing.
Andrea Ipsaro, LAC/ LMT
Acupuncturist
Andrea Ipsaro Furst is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Massage Therapist. She earned a Masters of Science degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Institute of Clinical Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and a Massage Certification from the New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics. She also has a Bachelors degree in Sociology from the University of New Mexico.
With acupuncture and massage, Andrea specializes in treatment of acute and chronic pain, emotional/mental health, and preventative medicine. She strongly supports the integration of Eastern and Western medicine to treat injuries, illness, and to maintain overall health and well-being to create the best patient outcomes possible. In her free time, Andrea loves spending time with her family and being outside in nature.
Noel Eto, LMT
Massage Therapist
Licensed and practicing massage therapy for over 35 years, Noel has studied Shiatsu, Swedish massage, Reiki-2nd degree, reflexology, cranial sacral therapy and trigger point therapy.
Noel received her Physical Therapist Assistant degree in 2001 to expand medical knowledge and increase manual skills. Also a disciple of Wu Style T’ai Chi Ch’uan Master Patricia Leong.
Lama Wangchuck
Massage Therapist
Born in Tibet and trained in India as Tibetan Buddhist monk, Lama was assigned by his elder brother His Eminence the 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche to teach meditation in Hawaii. He has followed these instructions over the past 21 years. In 2012 he pursued his education in massage therapy, acquiring his license in 2014. Since that time Lama has worked at Manakai O Malama as a medical massage therapist providing his patients with a variety of massage techniques including Swedish, Shiatsu, and Lomi Lomi massage techniques with goal of reducing pain, increasing circulation and improving range of motion. Lama incorporates his training as a monk and meditation leader into his massage sessions, providing patients with a unique experience.