Meet the Team
Charlie Ishikawa, M.S.P.H.
Founder and Principal
Charles Ishikawa is Kahuina's founder, president and principal consultant. With more than 22 years of practical experiences that spans local, state and federal agencies, Charlie’s work has improved the health of our nation with integrity and compassion. He is an award-winning epidemiologist, a master facilitator, and an expert in managing change through community and stakeholder initiatives that set national public health informatics practices and policies. Kahuina Consulting is an extension of his core values. Mr. Ishikawa holds a Masters of Science in Public Health from Emory University.
Marcus Rennick, M.P.H.
Senior Director
Marcus Rennick leans on his experiences as an applied epidemiologist and informatician to ground his work in promoting practical public health strategies. Marcus’ work spans health conditions and domains from asthma to zoonotic diseases based on his past life as a local disease detective. He advanced cooperation on system interoperability between state public health executives, EHR developers, and federal health leaders as a director at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Marcus earned his Master of Public Health concentrating in epidemiology and international health from Boston University (Boston, MA) in 2008 and holds a supplemental certificate in public health informatics from Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis.
Sara Chang, M.P.H.
Director
Sara Chang brings together her skills in coordination and facilitation as a manager for Kahuina Consulting. A drive to dissect and dismantle health inequities drew Sara to public health and work around the world – from HIV/AIDS training and counseling in South Africa to health education for mothers and children in Mexico. Previously, Sara worked for the National Association of County & City Health Officials, the Boston Public Health Commission, and correctional facilities in Massachusetts and Washington, DC. She graduated from Oregon State University with a Master of Public Health in Management and Policy.
Sarah Scott, M.P.H.
Manager
Sarah Scott’s background in academic research, decision analysis, and policy evaluation informs her role as a senior consultant with Kahuina. A firm belief that circumstances should not dictate access to healthcare has driven Sarah to pursue a career in international public health. Whether supporting private/public partnerships for malaria control in Uganda or developing national Hepatitis strategies across the globe, Sarah believes in the value of partnerships to make data-driven decisions. Prior to joining Kahuina, Sarah served as a Research Consultant for the National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Beijing, China and as a Technical Specialist for the Centers for Disease Analysis Foundation in Colorado. She holds a Master of Science in Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Orin Heintschel, M.P.H.
Senior Consultant
Orin Heintschel is a public health professional and epidemiologist, currently serving as a consultant for Kahuina Consulting, where he provides subject matter expertise, project coordination, and logistical support. Orin embarked on a career in public health driven by his desire to discover systemic solutions that ensure equitable opportunities for all individuals to thrive. Prior to joining Kahuina, Orin worked in local public health as an infectious disease epidemiologist and in quality and strategic management roles. He earned a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from Texas A&M University.
Alayna Effron, Ed.D, MSc., C.H.E.S.
Senior Consultant
Alayna Effron commands nearly two decades of experience in health education, health communications and technical assistance. She is committed to advancing public health initiatives that foster education and heighten awareness about the myriad health issues facing communities and individuals nationwide. Dr. Effron has leveraged her expertise in research, adult learning theory, and program design to address gaps in health disparities at community and state levels and across diverse healthcare systems. Specialization includes workforce training, resource development, and strategic planning. Through engaging with diverse stakeholders and cultivating new partnerships, Dr. Effron holds a Doctorate in Health Education from Columbia University, an M.Sc and B.S. in Public Health and Health Promotion from Indiana University, Bloomington, and is a Certified Health Education Specialist with the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.
Elyssa Stoops, M.P.H.
Senior Consultant
Elyssa Stoops’ expertise are in epidemiological surveillance, data analysis, and public health program management. Her professional commitment to advancing global health equity is driven by her personal experiences growing up in the US healthcare system. Elyssa’s interest in implementing results-based strategies while fostering collaborative partnerships with diverse stakeholders has taken her across the world, from scaling up HIV surveillance systems in Zambia to managing large-scale infectious disease programs in Ghana. Elyssa holds a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Gabriella Khawly, M.P.H.
Consultant
Gabriella Khawly is an applied epidemiologist who uses her skills in data communication and analysis, facilitation, and community engagement as a Public Health Associate for Kahuina Consulting. Gabby’s passion for public health stems from her belief in equitable access to health as a human right and her commitment to addressing the social determinants of health. She brings a wealth of experience from managing and implementing local and federal surveillance projects, conducting academic public health research, and supporting community-based organizations. Gabby’s work is centered on advancing health equity and evidence-based approaches to improving population health. She holds a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and Health Policy & Practice from Columbia University.
Laura Robles-Torres M.P.H.
Associate
Laura Robles-Torres is a public health data analyst and evaluator who applies her expertise in statistics, data modernization, and program evaluation to strengthen public health programs and systems. She brings experience across state and local health departments, clinical settings, and academic research, including vital events analysis and reporting, patient care coordination, and population health research. Originally from Puerto Rico, Laura enjoys collaborating with cross-sector partners to advance effective, evidence-based public health practice, particularly in efforts that uplift communities disproportionately impacted by health inequities. She holds a Master of Public Health in Population and Family Health, with a specialization in Public Health Data Science and Biostatistics.