Jillian Freitas, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with University Health Partners of Hawaiʻi and an Assistant Professor with the Department of Native Hawaiian Health. Dr. Freitas was born and raised in Mililani, Oʻahu, and graduated from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. Ethnically, she identifies as the typical plantation mix – Japanese, Portuguese, Belarussian, and Native Hawaiian – and finds comfort and inspiration in learning more about each of her cultural backgrounds. She obtained her undergraduate degree at Chapman University (Orange, CA) and her doctoral degree in clinical psychology, with an emphasis in child and adolescent psychology, at Pacific University (Hillsboro, OR). She returned home to the islands to complete her pre- and post-doctoral training at Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center before moving to Maui to develop a behavioral health program within the Native Hawaiian Health Care System at Hui No Ke Ola Pono. Now, Dr. Freitas serves the lāhui through both clinical and academic endeavors–as an integrated primary care psychologist at EmPower Health (Queen’s Health Systems) and via curriculum building to support mental health for Native Hawaiian haumāna at UH Mānoa. Dr. Freitas also serves in the JABSOM seat on the statewide Trauma-Informed Care Task Force. She is passionate about the intersection of cultural identity and behavioral health, and understanding the backdrop of social and cultural determinants of health and resilience as a pathway for reducing health disparities. She is also a fierce ally and advocate for trans, non-binary, gender diverse and other LGBTQAI youth and families. She enjoys living in a multigenerational home and exploring nature through the eyes of her young daughter. In her moments of self-care, Dr. Freitas can be found decompressing with a yoga practice, devouring fictional novels, tucking away with a quiet craft project, and rambling through hiking trails with her ʻohana.