Testimonials

Malia is a touchstone of compassion and grace. She has the courage not only to lead, but to lead by example which she does with love and a generosity of spirit that is unparalleled. Her work with families comes from the heart. When you are welcomed into Malia's home, you come as a friend and leave as family.

Naomi B. Knoble, M.Ed. Marriage and Family Therapist

Before Malia had come into my life I was an angry girl and had no trust for anyone including myself. I had so much hurt and pain that I never could face, I was unmotivated and on a path that wouldn't have gotten me anywhere. Malia not only changed my life but enhanced the person inside that I now reveal to all. When all I saw was darkness Malia showed me the light, she was there in time of need but always holding me accountable and helping me face my fears along the way. Malia inspired me from deep within to be motivated; she showed my how to become a powerful woman, and that honesty and trust is part of that. For all that I am today and all that I will be forever it is and will be because Malia is in my life.

Former Student

I have worked in the past with Malia Mullahey with adolescents and families in crisis. Malia is a mentor who is willing to take on the most difficult situation with a young person and create positive changes. Malia seems to have a knack for counseling young women, who, in particular suffer with severe eating disorders, substance abuse, and bi-polar disorders. The greatest testimony is not my own, but the many, many young lives she has helped shape and transform over her 20 years of service to others. Malia is a creative soul, who is always looking for the best way to deliver. She is intuitive, honest, compassionate, and loving, so her approach is gentle yet straight forward.

Malia utilizes her own background and years of experience and acquired skills to help young people overcome past traumas that traditional therapy has failed to do. Malia is an "out of the box" thinker, she has the wisdom and insight to really see the problem, and then create scenarios for successful change. She is loved by the young lives she touches, she is unafraid of doing the work so many others only can label, diagnose, or treat with medications. If you are looking for someone who is uniquely gifted in spiritually-healing yourself or your young adult, you have found your woman.

Bill Hoffman
Program Director
Mount Bachelor Academy

I had been to several unsuccessful programs before I crossed paths with Malia Mullahey. Being in the presence of this energetically powerful and dynamic teacher was like taking a deep breath. She made it safe to finally let my guard down. This woman was real, compassionate, no-nonsense, and in tuned with exactly what I needed to learn in order to shed my prior skin and grow to be the strong woman I am today.

Malia was the first person in the three years I had been attempting treatment for my intense cutting problems, drug abuse, and physiological issues who possessed the unconditional patience, stamina, consistency, and the immeasurable intelligence needed to break through my rough exterior and help me recognize for myself how to change and be true to my heart. She instilled in me tools in which to communicate, to be accountable, to freely love myself, and to strongly walk through my world with radiating self confidence and joy.

Malia was able to lead me to awareness of my embedded destructive patterns and help me break through them. She showed me the fulfilment that comes from working hard, pursuing purpose, and simply enjoying the pleasures of being alive. I am unable to ever return to the lifestyle I was living before meeting this incredible healer because of the lessons I learned from her and because of the extraordinary levels of understanding I came to about myself and the world around me under her guidance.

When introduced to her, our mutual friend joked, "When there's no hope, just go to Malia." That statement has rang true for many situations and for many different people. In the beginning of knowing her I believed that the reason I was able to extensively benefit from working with her was because we shared a deep connection, and though true, over the years of witnessing her work with others, I realized that her talent lies in the fact that she can do that with everyone she meets. Her incredible intuition and perception allows her to see right to the heart of anyone who comes to her for guidance and to pinpoint exactly what that individual needs in order to grow. Her practice is immeasurable due to the fact that each person she works with is different and Malia is able to constantly adapt to them personally.

After my work with Malia, she had me read an anonymous quote which still rings in my head to this day. "I have changed, I can not change back, I have come this far forever." I am now able to own my talents, diligently pursue my passions, and participate in healthy relationships. I have the confidence to stand up for justice, use my voice, and to take care of myself.

Without Malia, I would not be the person I am today yet at the same time, she has always made it very clear that it was I who did the work and I who formed my impermeable sense of self. I find myself today in my fourth year of college pursuing a career in photo journalism, surrounded by good friends, and in a wonderful relationship. I happily discover new experiences and adventures every day and I know that I would have never been able to recognize and accept them as well as I do if I had never met my constant friend and mentor, Malia Mullahey.

Former Student

When I was 14 I met Malia for the first time, and like most 14 year olds you meet, I was lost. A scared little girl trapped in a body of a young woman looking for a place where I felt I belonged, a place where I could be OK being me: I found that place with her, in her. If you could imagine what I believe may be the biggest heart, the purest love, and the most innocent bond between a child and a grown woman.

Like most young adults I shut out the two people in my life that deep down I knew would unconditionally love me, my parents. Sometimes we’re so blinded by our own anger, our own sadness, that we lose sight of what’s most important, the one thing that brings us back to who we are: Love. With Malia, that love is endless and always unconditional.

I was asked to write something so that people could better understand what Malia does. You could call her a therapist, a guidance counselor, but those words do her no justice. Malia is a mother, a mentor, and a friend. It may sound like I hold her on a pedestal, and in many ways I might, but I know in my heart that without her I may no longer be here. She found her way into my heart and I found my way to hers, and with that love she helped me grow.

No person can fix another. You can take away another person’s pain, their mistakes, but you can only influence them, teach them, you can give them the choice: live or die. Sometimes all it takes is one person to remind you that there is something better, something stronger, Malia has been that person for me. She has lived many lives, overcoming her own obstacles, taking a piece from all her triumphs and finding a way to filter them to help our youth, our women.

I’m about to turn 23 years old and still have days where I’m that 14 year old girl that wondered into Malia’s office. I went to her, and from the moment she put her arms around me, I allow myself to remember that this too shall pass. She taught me that no matter how hard, how scared, how lost I feel that if you love — and let others love you — you will be OK. She has taught me to have compassion and live with forgiveness, to be honest with yourself and others, and that it’s ok to make mistakes if you use them to better yourself. Like any relationship, we have our ups and downs, but I always find my way back to her, because I know her arms are always open. I hope with my few words that however reads this can get a glimpse of what I know is a women.

Malia, speaking for many young girls around the world, thank you for being all that you are and for all that you teach.

Former Student

My daughter got to Malia Mullahey after a long, complex, painful journey through two potentially life-threatening conditions — bi-polar disorder and adolescence! The pain and turmoil we all went through was indescribable. We lived through medication changes, substance abuse, hospitalizations and the terror of not knowing whether the gifted, precious daughter we adored would be able to hang on long enough through hideous biological depressions to get to a point of maturity to want to take care of herself adequately.

Years after the onset of her illness, she is flourishing in college and practicing self-care that would be the envy of many 40 year olds. She is a shining, young adult version of the wonderful child she was. Massive credit is due to my daughter’s own courage, her inner resources and the prayers of many friends. But a huge amount of this wonderful shift into maturity is due to Malia Mullahey.

Malia has a tenacious love for these amazing, difficult kids she deals with. I don’t know anyone else who could do what she does - the work has agonizing moments. She has a massive backlog of experience with kids with all sorts of mental illnesses and drug and alcohol issues, both at the Mount Bachelor Academy and during the years she has had girls in her home. I have spent much of my life collecting elegant degrees from snappy universities. Malia hasn’t. I wondered if it was safe to send my daughter to Bend since she didn’t have the academic hardware. Within a month or two, I saw that she did brilliant work that was absolutely on target. Where the MDs, PhDs and MSWs had tried and succeeded only partially, Malia waded in, gave my daughter space and feedback, freedom and structure. It took a long time. It worked beautifully.

During the time my daughter was at Malia’s, my phone calls with Malia were wonderful. I felt in the loop and yet buffered from the emotional chaos of living with my daughter at that point. I was clear that there was no way that I could help my daughter by trying to bring her home and over-protecting her. She needed a loving, supportive, honest place where she could make the two-steps-forward-three-steps-back-four steps-forward moves of growing up with some intense challenges. Malia provided that for her.

Malia has an innate intuition for these young adults, in addition to her experience, dogged persistence and loving realism. Most of the kids keep in touch with her for years after. I know that my beloved daughter and I will love Malia and be grateful to her for the rest of our lives.

If you have a daughter who is going through anything similar and if I can be helpful to you in your thinking through options, please ask Malia to put you in contact with me.

Parent of Former Student

I believe everything happens for a reason. People come into your life and no matter how much sorrow or joy they bring you some may leave. In the end they were all part of the bigger picture, which is your life. I also believe that some people may have to be left behind in order for you to grow and continue on your path.

I believe in God, Mary, and the Angels who guide, protect and love us when we don’t let others in. I believe they are always with me, healing me and keeping me safe, guiding me the whole way.

I believe in my family and the relationships that are growing everyday. I believe that family is not just blood but spirits that find each other along our life journey. I believe in the intimacy and true love between not only two lovers but between family members.

I believe in myself, my word and my ability to do amazing things. I believe that my power of words and my power as a woman can affect hundreds, but only if I keep my power and not let anybody bring me down, especially myself.

Former Student

I call my friend Malia the “kid whisperer.” Where ever she goes, children, teenagers, and young adults are drawn to her. Whether in a restaurant, a grocery store, or walking down the street, I'’ve see kids look at her with wonder and curiosity - —they want to talk to her. I used to be amazed by this, but now I just expect this to happen anytime I meet Malia for a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. It'’s beautiful to watch.

I was visiting Malia at the Ohana House when one of the girls jokingly asked her “"What are you Malia, a human lie detector?"” It was great to see everyone laughing, as Malia had recently uncovered the truth about this particular young woman’'s recent shoplifting. Malia’'s laughter is infectious and she laughs often. It’s true that she does have an uncanny ability not just to know when a student isn’t being honest, but also when they carry the burden of long-past events that they have never spoken to anyone. She compassionately leads her girls towards the truth and helps them find the self-worth at their core, and they willingly follow her, even when they don'’t fully believe they have anything of value to find. If a young woman has the tiniest spark of desire to change, Malia can see it, and can help the young woman fan it to an unstoppable flame.

In the eight years I have known Malia first as a coworker and now as a personal friend, I have witnessed her help young adults make changes that are nothing short of miraculous. If I had a child of my own who was struggling, Malia is the first person I would turn to for help.

Former Colleague

Working with Malia has been the absolute best thing for my son. She is warm, kind and loving but straight forward and honest which is exactly what these kids need. I think because of it, what she says has more meaning - she is respected, loved and heard by the youth she works with. She really gets through to them!

As the parent of a child Malia works with, she is often a sounding board for me too, she really does understand because she has experienced exactly what we as parents have. It is really nice to feel someone truly does understand and cares about my mental well-being too.

Parent of Current Student

I met Malia when I enrolled at Mount Bachelor Academy in the spring of 2000.

The counselors at MBA were called 'mentors' according to the vernacular of the program. This was most true with Malia, and I could not have needed her more than the time that I was a student there.

My reasons for going to an emotional growth boarding school were as varied as they were many. Principally, and in retrospect, I feel that I've had to deal with some sort of depressive mood condition since Kindergarten and until late last year when things finally seemed to turn around.

My family life at age 16 was a battleground. My mother and I fought until the windows rattled. My sisters cried themselves to sleep. I sat alone through darker nights than I care to remember. We had no more options, and we had no more time.

Malia scared me when I met her. She walks into a room with such a presence that conversation ceases. She is the single most powerful person I know. She is so finely in tune and has such a depth of wisdom about the emotional gauntlets we 'at-risk' kids are locked into that she can tell who we are long before we can. She stayed by my side until I met myself, after six years.

She is no longer my counselor by title or contract, she no longer occupies any sort of authoritative position in my life. She is much less a mother than an aunt, a best friend. She trusts me and my decisions (whether she likes them or not) and she always returns my phone calls. I've made a conscious effort the last year or so to phone her when I've nothing negative to talk about. I love those calls.

I met her last summer at Laguna Beach with my best friend Danielle, also an MBA alum. As we sat on a bench watching for the green flare at the moment the sun set, we knew we'd arrived. I know how close I've come to giving up, how many times I have fallen down, and I know that when that part of my life was the most unbearable, Malia held me.

Danielle and I discovered that we were exactly who Malia always insisted we were.

No one laughs like Malia. No one hugs like Malia. No one shouts like Malia. No one cries like Malia. Her arms are the safest place for a sad kid to be.

Former Student

My parents most precious investment
In me…
She's smart with a heart
That's blessed with
Testaments of life's lessons absorbed
Within her presence
My life fell together like the pieces
In the game of Tetris

Possibly the best gift
My mentor and teacher
Beautiful woman with whom
I've formed the bond of endless friendship

A different system
Of ancient of the earth type wisdom

We've shared fun times
Sometimes harsh
But always from the heart with your opinions

By me
You always respected
To you
I'm always receptive
Like family
Lotta memories and smiles curiously collected

Styles eclectic
I'm indebted
For the
Real advice I receive when my
Real life gets hectic

Turn to you
When I'm turning blue and I need help

Keep me believing
Cause you embody aspects and qualitities
I want to have
IN myself

So Senorita Malia Mullahey
Eternal gratitude for waking me up
When I daydream
You maybe saved me
And from heart to yours
You get my highest rating

So I love you
You're beautiful
Overwhelming gratefulness from the depth of my being
To find the real me comes reality
Loving kindness kind of lightness
Compassion is my action in all my dealings

So now gotta go
Cause to live is to give
Spread beauty like its contagious
Just wanted write you a lil note
So you know that you’re the greatest!!!

Former Student

I guess I will start by proclaiming that my innocence was completely lost by the age of three. I was sexually abused and beaten. My mom was and still is abusing drugs and alcohol sometimes right in front of me. My parents abandoned me and my mom shot herself in front of me when I was a child. My grandparents raised me until I was nine and then I went to live with my dad moving from state to state in complete poverty. I then moved back to Houston with my grandmother and found out a year later that my dad was burned alive in a fire. They say it was probably because he was high. I think I was in complete shock for years after hearing this news and became numb to the world and myself. I began to feel that the world was such a cold unlivable place with so much sadness and hate.

My feelings were, "Who wanted me and where did I fit in with the world?" This intensified as I grew older and self-pity and loneliness became extremely prevalent. Situations at home became so chaotic I chose to attend boarding school. I played all-state varsity volleyball my freshman and sophomore year in high school and made some great friends. Unfortunately I would begin my slow digression into drug use and I was expelled because of it. When I met Malia I had so many tears to cry and she opened her arms to a forgotten girl. Having not been able to remember the color of my fathers eyes and dealing with a drug addicted mother, Malia became a sort of parent to me providing what no one else would, unconditional love and devotion.

Throughout my teenage and young adult years Malia and I have kept a close relationship with each other. My connection with her is one that I hold dear to my heart. Throughout the trials and tribulations that my life bestowed upon me she was there when everyone else called it quits. I feel that Malia's honesty, compassion, and empathy come from a place in her heart that genuinely wants to give like no other. She has been through some of the roughest obstacles life can put up. Through her counseling and dedication to me I am now able to be a functioning part of society. I owe my life to her and am thankful for every moment of her time she spends with me. I am currently living in Bend starting my life over again and keeping in close contact with Malia so that clarity can become the new definition of my life.

The wings of an apparition cover my body. The feeling of protection slowly seeps into an empty soul. Loneliness backs off and wants no more of me. I begin to rise above it all with a smile on my face.

Former Student