Our dedicated team at Akari provides compassionate, personalized care to guide you on your path to recovery and wellness.
Yuko Tsushima is the Founder of Akari Wellness and Treatment Hub. A Japanese entrepreneur who has lived and worked in the Philippines for more than 17 years, she has built and managed several businesses while developing a deep understanding of the local community and the challenges faced by individuals and families seeking support.
Through both personal and professional experiences, Yuko recognized the growing need for compassionate, person-centered care for those affected by addiction, mental health challenges, and major life transitions. This vision led her to establish Akari as a place where individuals can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and build a foundation for lasting change.
She believes that recovery extends beyond treatment alone. True healing involves restoring confidence, rebuilding relationships, developing healthy routines, and creating a meaningful life with purpose and connection. Through Akari, Yuko remains committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where every individual is given the opportunity to heal, grow, and move forward with hope.
With over three decades of continuous sobriety and service, Jerry Leonor stands as one of the most respected and time-honored figures in the Philippine recovery community. A pillar of the 12-Step Program and a mentor to countless individuals on their path to sobriety, Jerry brings both a deep understanding of structured recovery and a profound commitment to the inner journey of healing.
Jerry’s experience spans some of the most reputable treatment centers in the country. He spent 8 years with New Beginnings in Manila, followed by 9 years with New Day Recovery Center in Davao, where he played a key role in guiding clients through early and sustained recovery. He was instrumental in the founding and growth of Pathway to Recovery, shaping it into a supportive space for those seeking a second chance at life.
In 2024, Jerry expanded his approach to include Refuge Recovery, offering free community sessions for newcomers seeking a non-theistic, mindfulness-based path. By 2025, he also began integrating teachings from A Course of Miracles, helping individuals develop a deeper, more personal spiritual foundation—especially those seeking recovery beyond traditional frameworks.
Jerry’s approach is both compassionate and incisive. He brings a rich, lived understanding of various recovery paths, a deep spiritual insight, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of connection, presence, and personal responsibility.
At the core of his work is a simple truth: he has walked the path himself. And today, he continues to guide others with humility, wisdom, and a deep reverence for the process of healing.
With over 20 years of experience, Benjie Cabinian is a seasoned Consultant and Family Therapist, offering guidance and support to families affected by addiction and other challenges.
Joe is a central figure at Akari, leading both our clients and team with consistency, experience, and genuine care.
With 9 years of sobriety and over 8 years of experience in addiction treatment settings, he brings both professional expertise and lived understanding to every individual he supports. His approach is calm, grounded, and deeply client-centered.
He has been trained under the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Program through the Universal Treatment Curriculum for Substance Use Disorders, and is an active member of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP). His work is guided by global best practices, while always remaining personal and human.
Joe plays a key role in guiding each client’s recovery journey, while bringing the team together to work as one—creating a strong sense of trust, alignment, and consistency in care.
At Akari, Joe is known for his unwavering commitment.
He supports clients not only in staying sober, but in rebuilding their lives with clarity, stability, and purpose.
I am Dr. Allyn Ralph B. Hiyas, a physician whose journey in medicine has been shaped by a blend of public service, clinical practice, teaching, and research. I first served as the Medical Officer of MCSAPO from 2023 to 2024, an experience that strengthened my dedication to community-oriented healthcare. Since 2023, I have continued to practice as a DOH fully accredited physician, steadily expanding my roles across various institutions.
In 2024, I began serving as a General Physician in the Pediatric Department of Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital, a role I held until 2025. This opportunity deepened my exposure to pediatric care and further enriched my clinical foundation. By 2025, I also joined Barili District Hospital, and shortly after, I began working with Akari, broadening my professional horizons even more.
My passion for teaching led me to become a part-time faculty member at Cebu Doctors’ University in 2025, where I now help shape the next generation of healthcare professionals. Beyond the bedside and classroom, I also engage in meaningful research. I co-authored the study “Enrollment of Females in Randomized Trials for Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists: A Systematic Review,” collaborating with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to advocate for better representation in clinical trials.
Outside of medicine, I am a devoted cat lover, raising eight cats together with my girlfriend, our little furry family that brings warmth and joy into our everyday life.
Dr. Fe A. Costales is a board-certified Psychiatrist with extensive experience in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Board of Psychiatry, a Fellow of the Philippine Psychiatric Association, and a Fellow of the Philippine College of Addiction Medicine. She is also a DOH-Accredited Physician.
With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Costales is dedicated to helping individuals achieve improved mental health, emotional well-being, and long-term recovery. She believes that effective treatment begins with understanding each person’s unique experiences, challenges, and strengths.
Through comprehensive psychiatric care, evidence-based treatment, and ongoing support, Dr. Costales works closely with individuals and their families to promote healing, resilience, and a better quality of life.
Cristina S. Sembrano is a DOH-Accredited and PRC-Licensed Psychologist and Psychometrician dedicated to supporting individuals in their journey toward mental wellness, personal growth, and recovery. With her professional training and clinical experience, she provides compassionate, evidence-based psychological care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
Cristina believes that healing begins with understanding, trust, and a safe space where individuals feel heard and supported. Her approach focuses on helping clients develop self-awareness, strengthen coping skills, and build resilience as they navigate life’s challenges.
Through psychological assessment, counseling, and therapeutic support, Cristina is committed to empowering individuals to achieve improved mental health, emotional well-being, and a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment.
20+ years of experience as a social work practitioner and educator
Trained in:
Trauma Informed Care
Community Resiliency Model
Motivational Interviewing
Bereavement Counseling
Case Management
Volunteer Management
Others
Mary Christine is a Registered Nurse who is passionate about providing compassionate care and supporting individuals in their journey toward recovery and wellness.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and successfully passed the Nurse Licensure Examination in 2025. Her clinical training includes experience in hospital wards, operating rooms, and maternity settings across several healthcare institutions in Cebu, where she developed strong patient care, communication, and teamwork skills.
Known for her caring nature, positive attitude, and dedication to learning, Mary Christine strives to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel respected, understood, and encouraged throughout their recovery process. She believes that genuine compassion, patience, and professional care play an important role in helping people achieve lasting positive change.
At Akari, she is committed to supporting each client’s physical, emotional, and overall well-being while contributing to a nurturing and recovery-focused community.
Dave is a highly respected recovery coach who has earned deep trust from the clients she supports.
With over a decade of experience and international certifications (ICARS, ICRC), she offers both professional structure and personal insight—grounded in her own long-term recovery journey.
Her presence brings stability, understanding, and guidance, helping clients feel supported not only in their recovery process, but also as individuals.
At Akari, Dave plays a key role in creating an environment where trust, connection, and meaningful progress can take place.
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Certifications & Experience
• International Certified Addiction Recovery Specialist (ICARS)
• International Certified Recovery Coach (ICRC)
• 10+ years in addiction treatment and recovery support
• Experience in case management, recovery coaching, and program facilitation
• Facilitator of Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Programs
• Member: ISSUP & Philippine Mental Health Association
• Volunteer: Asian Recovery Network
• In long-term recovery (11 years)
• Special focus: Women & LGBTQIA+ clients
Anna Loreen Cadiz brings both professional experience and lived recovery experience to her role as a Recovery Coach. Having maintained over nine years of sustained recovery, she is passionate about helping individuals find hope, purpose, and stability as they navigate their own recovery journey.
Her background includes working with the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council of Minglanilla, Cebu, where she helped develop and implement community-based recovery programs, aftercare services, psychoeducational initiatives, and recovery support systems. She has also been actively involved in drug awareness and prevention programs within schools and workplaces.
Known for her empathy, encouragement, and commitment to personal growth, Anna believes that recovery is possible when individuals are supported with understanding, connection, and practical guidance. She is dedicated to helping clients build confidence, strengthen resilience, and create meaningful lives in recovery.
Alexandra is a Registered Psychometrician who brings a compassionate and people-centered approach to supporting individuals on their recovery journey.
With a degree in Psychology and experience in counseling support, substance use intervention, and mental health settings, she is passionate about helping individuals feel heard, understood, and supported during challenging times. Her background includes working with individuals affected by substance use concerns, assisting in counseling services, and participating in community-based mental health initiatives.
Known for her calm presence, active listening skills, and genuine empathy, Alexandra believes that meaningful recovery begins with trust, connection, and a safe space for personal growth. She is committed to helping each individual build confidence, develop healthy coping strategies, and move forward toward a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Jan Paolo is a dedicated Peer Support Specialist who is passionate about helping individuals navigate the challenges of recovery with compassion, understanding, and encouragement. Drawing from his experience in recovery support and wellness coaching, he works closely with clients to promote personal growth, resilience, and lasting positive change.
He believes that recovery is a journey best supported through connection, trust, and consistent guidance. Known for his empathetic approach and genuine commitment to helping others, Jan Paolo strives to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered to build healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Jose is an experienced culinary professional with more than 10 years of experience in Western and Asian cuisine. Throughout his career, he has worked in restaurants, resorts, and food service establishments, developing expertise in food preparation, kitchen operations, menu development, and team leadership.
Known for his creativity, attention to detail, and passion for cooking, Jose believes that nutritious and well-prepared meals play an important role in supporting overall health and well-being. His approach combines quality ingredients, proper nutrition, and thoughtful presentation to create meals that are both satisfying and nourishing.
He is dedicated to creating meals that bring comfort, encourage healthy habits, and contribute to a positive and supportive environment for those on their wellness journey.
James has been supporting Akari, playing an important role in maintaining the daily living environment for our clients.
From cleaning and laundry to general maintenance, he ensures that everything runs smoothly and comfortably. His steady presence and reliability help create a sense of stability and care throughout the facility.
At Akari, healing is supported not only by programs, but also by people like James who take care of the space every day.