Staff Spotlight: Jenna Taylor

A Passion for Mental Health and Early Intervention

Jenna Taylor has dedicated her career to supporting children and families through mental health services, ensuring that early intervention can make a lasting impact. As a Program Supervisor at Imua Family Services, she plays a vital role in guiding early intervention teams, providing counseling to children and families, and helping to shape programs that promote emotional well-being. With a deep passion for addressing trauma early in life, Jenna believes that supporting children and their families during critical developmental years can prevent long-term challenges and help build stronger futures.

Originally from Hastings, Minnesota, Jenna developed an early interest in psychology and the ways in which life experiences shape individuals. She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Northwestern College before earning her Master’s in Applied Clinical Psychology from the University of South Carolina Aiken. Driven by a commitment to mental health and early intervention, she sought out opportunities to work directly with children and families, knowing that this work could change lives. Seeking a new adventure—and an escape from frigid Minnesota winters—she moved to Hawai‘i, where she found a home at Imua Family Services.

Since joining Imua two and a half years ago, Jenna has become a trusted leader within the organization. She provides essential supervision and support to early intervention staff, ensuring that services are delivered with care and expertise. She also works closely with children and their families, offering individual and family counseling to navigate life’s challenges and build resilience. In addition to her counseling work, she helps manage documentation and data processes, covers meetings for staff when needed, and contributes to community outreach and events. Her ability to seamlessly blend leadership, direct service, and program development makes her an indispensable part of Imua’s mental health team.

Jenna’s professional achievements reflect her dedication to her field. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and holds an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement (IECMH-E), credentials that highlight her expertise in working with young children. She is also in training to become a rostered Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) provider, further strengthening her ability to support families navigating trauma.

Jenna’s passion for community stems from her own upbringing. Raised by her mother alongside a younger sister and two half-brothers, she also shared a close bond with her maternal grandparents, who played an important role in shaping her values. These deep family connections fuel her desire to help other families build strong, healthy relationships.

Outside of work, Jenna is always on the move. She is an avid volleyball coach, dedicating much of her free time to mentoring young athletes through both club and high school programs. When she’s not on the court, she enjoys running, scuba diving, and traveling—always seeking new experiences and challenges.

Through her work at Imua Family Services, Jenna continues to make a profound impact on the children and families she serves. Her commitment to early intervention and mental health ensures that families have the support they need to grow, heal, and thrive.