Staff Spotlight: Meet Kiki, Our Chief Happiness Officer

At Imua Family Services, we believe every great team needs heart, compassion… and occasionally, four paws and a wagging tail.

We are thrilled to officially introduce our newest “staff member,” Kiki — our 1.5-year-old Irish Cream Golden Retriever and full-time Chief Happiness Officer. Born on June 24, 2024, Kiki may be young, but she has already mastered the fine art of brightening a room simply by walking into it.

Kiki joins us not just as a furry friend, but as an intentional addition to our workplace culture. Studies show that having dogs in the office can reduce stress, boost morale, and strengthen connection among coworkers. Around here, we like to say she’s part wellness coordinator, part morale booster, and part professional break reminder. When the day gets busy, Kiki is always ready to encourage a quick stretch, a deep breath, or a much-needed smile.

During office hours, you’ll most often find her upstairs with staff, making her rounds for gentle pets and occasional belly rub inspections. If invited, she may head downstairs for special visits. In the evenings, Kiki calls the Imua Discovery Garden home — that’s where she sleeps, eats, and keeps watch over her cozy corner of campus.

And of course, we couldn’t resist sharing a little about her name. In Hawaiian, “keiki” means child, while “kiki” can mean to move quickly or spout — fitting for a golden girl who can dash down the hallway in record time when she hears the treat jar open. In Japanese, Kiki can symbolize radiance or sound, depending on the characters used — both beautifully suited for a pup who radiates joy and whose happy tail thumps announce her arrival before she’s even in the room.

Most importantly, Kiki reminds us of something simple but powerful: joy matters. As we serve children and families across Maui County, it’s essential that we also care for one another. Her presence helps create a calm, welcoming atmosphere that allows our team to recharge so we can continue showing up fully for our community.

So if you stop by the office and see a flash of golden fur or feel a gentle nudge at your side, don’t worry — that’s just Kiki, hard at work.

Welcome to the team, Kiki. We’re paws-itively lucky to have you.