Ten inmates at the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) in Kailua have graduated from Windward Community College’s Mental Health Technician Program. The graduation ceremony took place on January 30, 2026, marking a milestone for participants who completed coursework designed to support both personal growth and future employment opportunities.
“It’s an overwhelming sense of pride to have accomplished something like getting your Mental Health Tech certification,” said graduate Tiare Kuehnl.
The program was made possible through a partnership between the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) and Windward Community College’s Puʻuhonua Program. Puʻuhonua offers college courses aimed at equipping incarcerated individuals with practical skills for reentry into society. The curriculum includes three courses: survey of psychology, conflict resolution and mediation, and abnormal psychology. Graduates earned a Mental Health Certificate of Competence, which provides foundational training for those interested in working as mental health technicians.
There is currently high demand for trained mental health technicians in Hawaii. Healthcare organizations, assisted living facilities, and the Hawaiʻi State Hospital are among those seeking qualified candidates to fill these roles.
Mental health technicians work under the supervision of health practitioners to monitor patients’ well-being and assist with daily tasks and medication management.
At the event, DCR Director Tommy Johnson addressed graduates: “The Mental Health Technician Program provides knowledge and job skills to those in our custody and care to prepare them for reentry into the community.” He continued, “The program aligns with our goals of providing support to incarcerated individuals and reducing recidivism. Our community partners play an instrumental role in those efforts.”
DCR Deputy Director Sanna Muñoz also spoke at the ceremony: “By getting to this moment, standing here, you have demonstrated your strength, your courage, your commitment, your dedication, and your resolve. You are remarkable individuals.” She added thanks to educational staff for their shared commitment: “Truly, we thank you for continuing to believe and support our common purpose to transform lives and prepare the women for successful reintegration upon their release.”
Graduates who choose to further their education will see nine credits from this program reflected on their University of Hawaiʻi transcripts.
After receiving her certificate, Kuehnl expressed her intention to pursue a degree in psychology: “I would love to work with people who have mental health issues because it takes a level of patience and understanding.” She noted that her own experiences could provide unique empathy when helping others: “I think I would have an added layer, a unique perspective coming where I came from…to have that kind empathy for somebody else, especially people who are dual diagnosis.” She concluded by thanking DCR: “Working with people to help make the community better is something that I look forward to doing…I feel a sense of fulfilliment in doing something useful with my life.”
Windward Community College Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg attended as an honored guest. Eschenberg said: “We’re really proud of them.” She added: “Today’s graduates bring hope and light to our communities. They are acquiring skills and knowledge that help them now and are vital to the communities they will return to.”
