Full Life Mission
We empower people with developmental disabilities to achieve and enjoy self-determined lives, supporting lifelong belonging and fulfillment within the Hawai’i Island community.
Full Life Vision
People with developmental disabilities are fully included and valued in their Hawaii Island communities and have the services and supports to achieve their full potential.
Full Life Core Values
We embrace Aloha through empowerment, self-determination, advocacy, belonging, respect, and joy—ensuring all individuals are valued and included.
Curt and Thelma Tyler and their family, like families everywhere, sought to ensure their son would continue to live in a supportive environment where he could enjoy a fulfilling and meaningful quality of life after they were gone. They hoped he could pursue the experiences most important to him while embracing a joyful life. They envisioned him receiving the support needed to sustain his independence. Their goal was for him to live as independently as possible enabling him to remain in his home rather than being forced into institutional care. Above all, they wanted him to belong and thrive within his home community in West Hawai‘i Island.
Charlie’s family wanted to be certain that he lived a happy, safe and full life. However, their journey was fraught with challenges.
Until…In 1999, after working with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Self-Determination Grant in the State of Hawai‘i, the Tyler family partnered with Deann Canuteson and Larry Casper to form Full Life, based on the self-determination model. Because of the Tyler family and Charlie’s support team, Full Life was registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2000 with a clear mission to empower people with disabilities to live full and self-determined lives in their home communities.
Word spread and other families facing similar struggles and wanting the best lives for their loved ones joined Full Life.
Full Life has grown from a small agency to an island-wide support provider with two offices, an Adult Day Health Learning Center, and over 100 employees – all committed to empowering individuals to live a self-determined life.
Since Full Life’s beginnings, Charlie Tyler has inspired the empowerment, belonging, and joy for over 400 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Charlie inspired the employment of thousands of community members seeking meaningful work that makes a difference in their community and in the lives of others. Charlie inspired a president. The values of self-determination, inclusion, and empowerment have reshaped local perceptions and inspired others to adopt similar values.
Charlie Tyler’s legacy at Full Life transformed a personal struggle into a communal triumph but also ignited a movement championing the value of every individual and their right to a Full Life.
Full Life has never wavered from its founding principle of empowering the individuals we support to assert their fundamental human right to authority over their lives. We continue to ensure that each person we serve has the freedoms and supports that were originally provided for the Tylers’ son.
Martha brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the Full Life board. With over 20 years of experience in direct care, program management, and administration, she is a passionate advocate for inclusive communities. Her expertise provides valuable insight into the board’s work. In addition to her board role, Martha dedicates much of her time to promoting the normalization of the Hawaiian language in both formal and informal learning environments.
I have been a Full Life board member since 2023. My father was the medical director at a facility that provides support and services for individuals with intellectual and learning disabilities, which has fueled my passion for helping the developmentally disabled. I also volunteer with numerous other organizations in Kailua Kona, as well as with my church and I am quite passionate about helping my community, always striving to improve it. My wife and I retired here in 2021 after spending our working years in Illinois, where I was a project manager in the telecommunications field.
Kimi’s real estate career started in Kona in 1993. Her genuine care for those she serves is what makes her an excellent choice for your real estate professional. Kimi has a people-first attitude, exceptional listening abilities, and an aptitude for implementation and follow-up. Her past clients and employers consistently rank her as an exceptional business partner. Kimi’s approach to Real Estate is to provide you with the information you need to make an informed home- buying or selling decision. She does her homework, so you don’t have to. As the former VP of Marketing for a leading real estate brand, Kimi has the insight into what it takes to launch your home onto the market, resulting in a higher price and a faster sale. Her background means she works with you to price your home correctly and makes sure you don’t pay too much when you buy a home. Kimi has been certified as a Luxury Home Marketing Specialist by theInstitute of Luxury Home Marketing.
Always one to give back to her community, Kimi serves on the Board of Directors for Full Life Hawaii, a non-profit organization that assists developmentally disabled individuals. She is also on the board of the Kona Crime Prevention Committee. As another way to give back to her community, Kimi is the Big Island affiliate for Homes for Heroes and donates a portion of her commission each time a hero buys or sells a home with her. Heroes include active-duty military and veterans, first responders, teachers, and healthcare workers. In addition, Kimi is the Post Race Director for the IRONMAN World Championships and the Finish Line/Post Race Director for the IRONMAN 70.3.In her spare time, Kimi enjoys volunteering, outrigger canoe paddling, golf, tennis, and working out. She lives in Kailua-Kona with her significant other Robin, a luxury home builder.
Bio coming soon.
Leadership
I am so grateful to be part of Full Life and this incredible community. I’ve dedicated the past 20 years of my career leading nonprofit organizations that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. My passion for empowering others and serving my community started with my experience as a Direct Support Professional. I love working with the dedicated people at Full Life, where they make a difference every day. Outside of work, I enjoy paddling outrigger canoes, being in nature, playing board/card games, and embarking on backpacking trips with my family.
My passion for Full Life stems from a deep belief in the transformative power of community support and collective growth. Having dedicated my career to nurturing and empowering communities, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact that meaningful community development can have on the lives of individuals. Currently, as a graduate student at the University of Hawaiʻi, I am immersed in community-based participatory research, where I continue to explore the rich tapestry of community resilience and engagement. My journey is fueled by a commitment to fostering environments where every voice is heard, and every life is valued.
Aloha! I'm AJ. Since joining Full Life, I have dedicated my focus to creating people-centered approaches and strategies that support our participants, team, and community members. Full Life offers such a uniquely diverse group of people, and I am so lucky to be part of such an incredible team that dedicates its time and resources to the betterment of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I'm proud to align myself with Full Life's mission and values and to partner with people in our beautiful community and on the island to make it a more supportive and inclusive space for all. In my spare time, I care for my family of 16 fur babies, enjoying surfing, paddling, cliff diving, and making art with my partner.
Giving back is a high value for me. Adding my small part to an organization that actively supports our community ticks my boxes. I have lived in Kona since 2003, and I love the beauty of this island. I play tennis, pickleball and golf to keep fit and enjoy connecting with my four children and ten grandchildren. I am grateful for the gift of live and intend to live it to the full!
I’m passionate about encouraging others and helping them thrive. My journey began with a strong commitment to volunteering with nonprofits that support individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. After high school, I joined Full Life as a Direct Support Professional, eventually stepping into the role of Office Manager and adding Payroll Processing to my responsibilities.
I find great joy in working with Full Life’s dedicated staff and is inspired by the happiness of the participants we serve. Outside of work, I cherish time with my family, enjoy cooking, traveling, and having a deep love for the ocean.
Bio Coming Soon
While getting my bachelor’s degree in health promotion and performance I worked with individuals with intellectual disabilities teaching fitness classes and training Special Olympic athletes. After graduating, I worked for Full Life as a DSW until becoming a Program Coordinator. I am passionate about helping our participants work towards their goals and receive the support they need. I have an awesome team of DSWs and admin staff with the same focus! In my free time I enjoy playing beach volleyball, reading, and spending time outdoors.
I am a Program Coordinator with Full Life in West Hawaii, and I assist with employment services and the Learning Center. I have worked professionally in Human Services for about 20 years and am passionate about helping others and serving the community. Born and raised on the Big Island, I love going holoholo all over! I enjoy hiking, fishing, volleyball and sharing Aloha.
I am a Program Coordinator with Full Life in West Hawaii, and I assist with employment services and the Learning Center. I have worked professionally in Human Services for about 20 years and am passionate about helping others and serving the community. Born and raised on the Big Island, I love going holoholo all over! I enjoy hiking, fishing, volleyball and sharing Aloha. Jesslie “Tita” Hook, Employment Specialist
Bio Coming Soon
Working at Full Life is rewarding to me, I help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I get to know their families and we end up being friends and ohana for life.
My career has been full of experiences, from roles as a TV Host, Radio Personality, bartender to personal trainer to name a few, also I’ve spent the last 28 years coaching powerlifting, volunteering and being Area Director for Special Olympics Hawaii. This eclectic background reflects my commitment to fostering connection, inclusivity, and personal growth—principles at the heart of Full Life.
I love weightlifting and powerwalking, love being outdoors for any activity. I have the BEST girlfriends in the world, and we try and meet up every Saturday for “girls’ day”!!!
Hilo Office
Maire was originally a DSW at Full Life and then was hired as the Hilo Office Manager and Program Assistant for the Hilo office, in 2020. Working and supporting our community has been and continues to be a primary focus in her life. She has a BA in English/Drama and Teaching certification from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Maire is a mother to two adult children, and one grandson, who all live in Seattle. She is also an ordained Minister, licensed to officiate marriages and other ceremonies. She has officiated marriages since the early 1990’s and is also a Healer- a 5th Degree Master Level Reiki Practitioner, Shamanic Healer and Certified Hypnotherapist.
Maire has lived in many places- New York State, Colorado, Alaska, Idaho, and Washington state before she settled in Hawaii in 2000, first living on Kaua’i for almost 4 years and moved to Hawai’i Island. Maire lives completely off-grid in Kopua Farmlots outside of Mountain View with her husband, cats, dogs, and assorted chicken and duck friends.
Maire’s interests are enjoying good food, (mostly cooked by her chef husband) some nice red wine, reading, listening to music of all kinds and enjoying quiet evenings on her lanai. Other activities include weightlifting, boxing, gardening, and playing her harp.
Celeste was born in Hau’ula, grew up on Moloka’i but lived most of her life on the Big Island. After high school, she attended UHH and earned a bachelor’s in art in 2000, then earned her secondary teaching certificate in 2003 from UOP. Through the years she has taught at Halau Ku Mana PCS, Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science PCS, Adventure Montessori School in Boulder, CO, and Denison Montessori Elementary School PCS, in Denver, CO. She earned her lower elementary Montessori teaching certificate from MECR in 2019 with the hope of starting a Montessori elementary school out of her home but then the pandemic hit the following year which caused her to put that dream on hold. She was encouraged to apply at Full Life Hawaii in February 2021 and quickly discovered the joy of working with the disabled community. Starting a Montessori elementary school is still a dream for her, but she is fully enjoying life adventures with the participants at Full Life Hawaii.
Kerri Speaker serves as the Program Coordinator dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to reach their fullest potential. With a strong commitment to creating inclusive communities, Kerri brings compassion to their role. They implement personalized support strategies/goals, advocate for participants’ needs and work closely with the support team to foster opportunities out in the community. Known for her dedication and positive approach, Kerri strives to make meaningful impacts in the lives of those they support, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement needed to succeed in achieving their personal and professional goals.
Full life embodies the things I that I am passionate about, compassion, professionalism and making a difference in the lives of people who are differently abled.
I worked as a paraprofessional, educational assistant and a direct support professional prior to attaining my master’s degree in disabilities studies with a focus on vocational rehabilitation counseling. I was instrumental in developing supported employment programs in schools and other agencies. It is my heart’s desire to continue making a difference for as long as I am able.
My personal passion is Special Olympics. I love coaching bocce, softball and track. I can’t think of anything I would rather be doing.
Full Life Hawaii is passionate about serving individuals with developmental disabilities. This mission statement speaks my own personal truth, WE ALL MATTER! As an Employment Specialist at Full Life Hawaii, it brings me great joy to assist individuals seeking employment and transitioning from High School find their own personal opportunity in our community. Having volunteered at Surfers Healing Hawaii, Make-a-Wish, Autism Society of Hawaii it is clear, I’ll never give up!!! When I’m not volunteering or assisting others you’ll find me swimming in our beautiful Pacific Ocean or at home sewing and creating quilts for friends and family.
Sandy, Employment Specialist
Vince Zamora has been dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities for over 14 years at Full Life. With a focus on helping participants join the workforce and achieve personal goals in the arts and sports, Vince is passionate about fostering independence and creativity. Outside of work, he cherishes time with family, enjoys the ocean, and values quality moments with friends.
My nursing career began in 2003 as a Certified nurse’s Aide at Marion Manor, South Boston, Ma. Most of my career has been at the bedside in Hospitals, Rehab, ICF, and SNF.
I also have 10 years of experience in the IT industry as a systems administrator and web-server engineer. I volunteer as a liaison for HealthComm. Emergency communications for Hilo, and Kau hospital. When I became a nurse for Full Life I found myself at different stage in my nursing career. I fell in love with the DD/ID population and have been working with Full Life, the state of Hawaii, and the Department of Health to train and inspire those who impact the lives we serve.
