Biography
Dr. Awana received her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at The American School of Professional Psychology (ASPP) at Argosy University, Hawai`i. Her area of specialization is in diversity, which includes Pacific and Asian populations, marginalized populations, psychology of women, and spirituality. She is an Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology at the Hawai`i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Hawai`i.
At Hawai'i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Hawai`i, Dr. Awana teaches courses in a wide range of topics, including the evaluation and treatment of diverse populations, clinical interviewing, advanced experiential and humanistic existential psychotherapy, transpersonal psychology, the psychology of women, and intervention practicum seminar. She is a member of several committees, including the Faculty Review Committee, the Diversity Committee, and the Employee Satisfaction Committee. Additionally, she is the Chair of the Faculty Search Committee.
Dr. Awana's professional activities include training mental health professionals and providing community and professional presentations. Her clinical experiences included working with children, adolescents, adults and families in Hawai`i. She consults with local agencies in Hawai`i regarding mental health issues and also conducts sessions and seminars regarding spiritual and personal development. In 2011 she collaborated with 2 psychologists in writing a chapter for an APA book on ethnic minority women and spirituality. The title of the chapter is, Transformation through our Circle of Fire. This completed chapter was sent to the APA editors in November of 2011
In 2004, Dr. Awana received the Outstanding Teacher of Psychology Award from the Hawai`i Psychological Association. That same year she was named Honolulu Community Member of the Year at Argosy University. She is a member of the Hawai`i Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association.