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University of Hawai`i at Mānoa
Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health
Department of Social Work
Mission
Mission
Empowering individuals and communities through strategic pathways & partnerships to expand accessibility to social work degree pathways, foster workforce development, and enhance training initiatives across the US affiliated Pacific Islands
Advisory Board
Advisory Board
Jocelyn Howard, MSW
Kathy Martin, MSW
Emma Reimers-Kurashige, MSW
After graduating from Assumption High School in Majuro, the capital of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Emma moved to Honolulu. She attended Hawai‘i Pacific University, where she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in social work.
Emma is of mixed Marshallese and American heritage. Her father hails from the Likiep, Ebon, and Jaluit atolls, while her mother is from Iowa. Born and raised in Majuro, Emma belongs to the Rimae clan and is fluent in both Marshallese and English. She has fond memories of her childhood, particularly spending time with her grandparents, listening to stories about their youth, learning about WWII, and gaining knowledge of her family’s lineage. Emma’s family has operated a business in the Marshall Islands for three generations, serving the community for over 70 years.
With over 15 years of experience working with children and families, Emma is a cultural educator, providing training across the state to help service providers better understand the Marshallese people, culture, and history.
During her college years, Emma worked with elderly and houseless populations. Her professional career began at Big Brothers Big Sisters as a statewide Enrollment and Match Specialist. She later served as a substance abuse counselor for high school students in the Honolulu area through the YMCA.
In 2009, Emma joined EPIC ‘Ohana Inc. as an ‘Ohana Conference Coordinator. The ‘Ohana Conferences support families involved with Child Welfare Services. Over time, she has taken on various roles within the organization. In 2019, she became the Statewide ‘Ohana Conference Manager. EPIC ‘Ohana, a neutral non-profit, brings together families, child welfare services, and other service providers in facilitated meetings to elevate family voices and promote choice. EPIC organizes over 1,000 conferences each year for families across the state. Emma continues to facilitate and interpret conferences for Marshallese families. She is also a proud co-founder
More than 50 students have gained valuable experiences through a collaboration between the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and the University of Guam (UOG).
For more than a decade, the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa along with its partner, the University of Guam, has been actively addressing the critical demand for social workers in Guam and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).
American Samoa Social Work Degree Partnerships
American Samoa Social Work Degree Partnerships
Led by Thompson School Interim Associate Dean, Meripa Godinet, beginning fall 2025, people residing in American Samoa will have access to the Thompson School's MSW program.
USAPI Social Work Distance Education Degree offerings
USAPI Social Work Distance Education Degree offerings
Current Options
Guam MSW, Advanced Standing & 57 credit 3 year part-time program.
CNMI MSW, Advanced Standing & 57 credit 3 year part-time program.
Fall 2025 Options Individuals residing in American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic Of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands- MSW Advanced Standing & 57 credit 3 year part-time program.
UH Manoa 2022 Provost Strategic Priority Investment Initiative Awardee. Working in partnership to learn more about the strengths and needs of Micronesia connected UH Manoa social work, public health and medicine students through developing community-driven supports.
Questions?
Contact
Theresa Kreif, MSW, LSW
Director of Pacific Pathways & Workforce Development Initiatives
c-808.230.4806
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