Meet Dawn Martin

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dawn Martin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dawn, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Burnout was the force that brought me to my knees, but it also opened my eyes to the purpose I had been searching for. For years, I felt like a zombie, going through the motions in my roles within non-profits, for-profit organizations, and state agencies. Creativity, focus, and passion had been replaced by exhaustion and a sense of futility. My work, driven by policies that prioritized financial metrics over meaningful therapeutic outcomes, felt hollow. I was simply surviving each day, barely showing up for myself, my family, or my work.

The breaking point came during a phone call with my boss, a moment that forever changed my trajectory. I was frantically advocating for my staff and fighting for better care for our clients, pouring every ounce of myself into a system that seemed indifferent to the human lives it was meant to serve. My four-year-old son overheard the conversation. In the midst of my chaos, he walked up to me with pure love in his eyes and said, “It’s okay, Mommy. I will take care of you. You don’t need to talk to that person anymore.”

His words cut through the noise and pierced my heart. In that moment, I saw everything with clarity. I realized how deeply I had been neglecting what truly mattered: my own well-being, my family, and the values that had once driven me. Right there on that call, I made a decision that would define my future. I quit my job.

The next six months were a period of profound healing and self-discovery. I stepped away from my professional life to focus on my mental health. During this time, I engaged in a microdosing protocol and integration practices, allowing myself the space to reflect and reconnect with my purpose. Psychedelics became a teacher for me, opening doors to self-awareness, creativity, and healing that I hadn’t accessed before. They showed me the importance of addressing mental health in a way that honors the complexity of human experience, and they inspired me to create spaces where others could explore these possibilities as well.

This healing journey led me to establish my own private practice, a space intentionally designed to align with my values and serve clients in a holistic, human-centered way. Here, I integrate emerging therapeutic modalities, including psychedelic-assisted therapy, somatic work, and transpersonal psychology. My practice is not just about addressing symptoms; it’s about honoring the whole person—their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs—and helping them find balance and meaning in their lives.

A significant part of my purpose has also become fostering education and dialogue around psychedelics. I am deeply committed to creating safe, non-judgmental environments where clients and therapists alike can explore the potential of psychedelics for healing. These conversations include their pros, cons, cultural relevance, and the critical roles of intention and integration. It’s essential to approach these tools with ethical responsibility and to provide the education and support needed for informed decision-making. By doing so, I aim to destigmatize these powerful tools and help others understand their potential for personal and collective wellness.

My purpose extends beyond individual client work to mentoring the next generation of therapists. I developed supervision programs for students and pre-licensed therapists, emphasizing the importance of holistic care, integrity, and self-awareness. I encourage these aspiring professionals to explore innovative practices ethically and thoughtfully, helping them cultivate a mindset that supports both their clients and their own growth.

Ultimately, my journey has been about transformation—not just for myself, but for the systems and individuals I now serve. Witnessing others thrive, overcome obstacles, and realize their potential is what drives me. My story began with burnout and disconnection, but it has become one of renewal and purpose, fueled by a commitment to create spaces where healing and growth are truly possible for all.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

At the heart of my work lies a deep passion for holistic, client-centered care, which I bring to life through two distinct yet interconnected ventures: Kula Mana Wellness and the Hawaii Institute of Integrated Behavioral Health (HIIBH). These platforms allow me to serve individuals, families, and the broader community in meaningful and innovative ways, driven by a commitment to healing, connection, and collaboration.

Kula Mana Wellness
Kula Mana Wellness (www.kulamana.org) embodies a vision of holistic healing rooted in the elements, cultural relevance, and a deep respect for the land and community. At Kula Mana, we focus on creating balance and fostering connection through a range of services and offerings. Our approach is uniquely shaped by the synergy between myself and my business partner, Anela. I bring a clinical background in program development, crafting services that reflect the needs and desires of our community, while Anela enriches our work with her spiritual and culturally focused expertise.

What makes Kula Mana Wellness truly special is our diverse array of offerings that engage individuals of all ages. We host regular somatic breathwork sessions designed to help clients connect deeply with their bodies and emotions. For our younger community members, we organize keiki (children) events, including nature hikes, intuitive art sessions, and elemental play, all aimed at nurturing a connection to self and the environment.

Celebrations like the solstice bring together families and community members to honor seasonal shifts and deepen their connection to the ʻāina (land). Additionally, we offer educational events to teach participants about the healing power of connecting with nature and the potential of plant medicines and psychedelics as tools for transformation. Our retreats provide opportunities for rest, healing, and education, creating a space for individuals to step away from daily life and immerse themselves in practices that restore balance and vitality.

Hawaii Institute of Integrated Behavioral Health (HIIBH)
HIIBH (www.hiibh.com) was developed to address a significant gap in services for pre-licensed therapists in Hawaii. Many individuals graduating with their master’s degrees face an unclear path to licensure due to the challenges of finding effective supervision. In Hawaii, pre-licensed therapists are not able to bill for services, which creates barriers to accessing quality supervision, education, and support during this critical stage of professional development.

Having experienced this gap firsthand after earning my master’s degree in Hawaii, I recognized the impact it had on the future of therapy in our state. The only viable option for gaining clinical hours and education often lies within nonprofit organizations, where supervisors wear multiple hats, are overworked, and lack the time to provide meaningful mentorship. This not only affects the quality of care supervisees can provide to future clients but also pushes many therapists to leave Hawaii to complete their licensure requirements. Unfortunately, many do not return, leaving our community with fewer local therapists who understand the unique qualities of Hawaii’s people and culture.

In response to this, I developed HIIBH (www.hiibh.com), and my focus shifts to education, training, and creating a supportive community for mental health professionals. HIIBH serves as a hub for innovation in holistic mental health care, offering a space where pre-licensed therapists and seasoned practitioners alike can grow, learn, and connect. Through my role as an educator and supervisor, I support emerging therapists in exploring integrative modalities and building the skills needed to provide client-centered care.

One of the unique aspects of HIIBH is our emphasis on psychedelics as healing tools. We provide safe, non-judgmental environments for discussions about psychedelics, including their potential benefits, ethical considerations, and integration into therapy. Our experiential trainings, such as those focused on ketamine as a wellness tool, offer hands-on learning opportunities that bridge the gap between theory and practice.

In addition to supporting individual practitioners, HIIBH fosters a sense of community through our Practitioner Networking Events. These gatherings bring together a diverse array of healers to share resources, insights, and mini-trainings on topics ranging from holistic healing modalities to best practices in client care. By strengthening our community connections, we ensure that no one works in isolation and that our collective efforts benefit clients and the community as a whole.

Ongoing Learning and Healing
I believe that education is a lifelong journey. Learning does not end with a degree or certification; it continues through experiences, conversations, and the wisdom shared by others. This mindset keeps me open to new ideas and approaches, constantly evolving in my practice and teaching. My ongoing healing journey is also an essential part of my work. By continuing to explore my own growth and balance, I ensure that I can show up authentically and effectively for my clients and colleagues. This personal commitment to healing informs every aspect of my professional life, from the services I offer to the way I engage with the community.

Looking Ahead
Both Kula Mana Wellness and HIIBH reflect my commitment to creating spaces where healing, learning, and connection can flourish. Whether it’s through somatic practices, cultural celebrations, or professional networking, my goal is to support individuals and practitioners in finding balance, purpose, and well-being.

Looking ahead, we have several exciting initiatives on the horizon, including expanded retreats, new training modules on holistic care and psychedelics, and additional keiki-focused events. These offerings continue to build on our mission to serve the community in ways that honor its unique cultural and environmental context.

I am proud of the work we are doing and grateful to be part of a community of healers and educators who share a vision for holistic, integrative care. Together, we are building a foundation for lasting change—for individuals, families, and the broader community.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, three key qualities have been pivotal in guiding me to where I am today:

Resilience
My drive, focus, and tenacity in pursuing meaningful change have been foundational. Even in the face of systemic challenges and personal obstacles, I remained determined to create spaces for holistic and client-centered care. Resilience is not just about persistence but about knowing when to adapt, push forward, and trust in your ability to make a difference.

Advice for developing resilience: Start by believing in your vision and staying anchored to your “why.” Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and allow yourself to evolve with each experience. Build a strong support network to help you navigate setbacks and celebrate wins.

Self-Awareness
The ability to pause, reflect, and look inward has been transformative. Taking time to understand what is truly important—both in my personal and professional life—helped me align with my values and purpose. Learning from my children, my partner, my mentors, and even my plant medicine allies has deepened my capacity for self-awareness and humbleness.

Advice for cultivating self-awareness: Make time for self-reflection through journaling, mindfulness, or quiet moments of rest. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and listen to their insights. Be gentle with yourself, especially when you’re navigating uncharted territory, and trust your intuition as a guide.

Intuition and Trust
Trusting my intuition and the unfolding of life has been a vital skill. It’s not about knowing every answer but about having faith in the process and staying open to what is to come. This trust has allowed me to listen deeply—to myself, to others, and to the needs of my community—and has guided me toward making impactful decisions.

Advice for strengthening intuition and trust: Create space in your life to pause, rest, and digest your experiences. You don’t always need to be “on.” Practice listening to your inner voice and learning from the wisdom of your body. Surround yourself with a community that supports your journey, and know that it’s okay to seek help and mentorship along the way.

For Those Early in Their Journey
If you’re just beginning your path, my advice is to do your own healing work. This might mean exploring therapy, practicing self-care, or delving into tools that help you connect with yourself on a deeper level. Listen to those who are important to you, and actively seek out mentors and supervisors who can help you grow. Be a lifelong learner and remain open to new ideas, especially those that challenge your current perspectives.

Most importantly, believe that you already have the tools you need within you. Trust in your ability to navigate this journey, and know that you don’t have to do it alone. Use your community and resources to support you, and remember to practice active listening and intentional pauses. Balance action with rest, and approach yourself and others with compassion. We are all learning, growing, and figuring this out together.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to practices that ground and center me. First and foremost, I remind myself to be kind to myself and allow space for pausing. Taking a break to refocus my attention on what truly matters is essential. Staying present and mindful helps me realign with my priorities and integrate lessons I’ve learned along the way.

I also embrace being a humble learner, recognizing that I don’t and won’t have all the answers. Reaching out to my supports—my tribe of family, friends, and colleagues—is a vital part of my process. We lean on each other, sharing strength and understanding. Spending time with my family is particularly grounding; we laugh, giggle, and sometimes cry together, knowing that all emotions are important and valid.

My advice to anyone feeling overwhelmed is to be gentle with yourself. Find moments to pause and rest, knowing that you don’t always need to be “on.” Listen to your intuition and trust that you have the tools within you to navigate challenging times. Seek support from your community, whether it’s family, friends, or mentors, and create space to reconnect with what truly matters. Balance action with rest, and approach yourself and others with compassion.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kualmana.org & www.hiibh.com
• Instagram: @kula_mana & @hawaii_integrated_bh