Meet Your Maui Cancer Team

Medical Oncologist

Cecilia Choi, MD

Dr. Cecilia Choi is a board-certified medical oncologist. She has a Master's degree in Gerontology (study of the aging process) and received certification as a Gerontology Nurse Practitioner from the Univ of California, Los Angeles. She completed her medical training at the American University of Integrative Science and has her MD degree with certification in Medical Oncology. She has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field, including clinical, education, research, and health system administration.

Dr. Choi is a cancer survivor and has dedicated her life to helping cancer patients. She lives in Makawao with her husband, daughter, and two dogs, Loki and Lychee. She is a member of
Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine and Society of Integrative Oncology.

Nurse Practitioner

Jessica Bullock, APRN

I moved to Maui in 2017 to pursue my passion of caring for the people of Maui and becoming a part of the community. I have greatly cherished the unique Hawaiian culture and diverse populations that helped to broaden my perspective on life and the true meaning of ohana. I am currently enrolled at University of Hawaii Maui College pursuing a degree in Hawaiian studies to better understand my community better. I look forward to serving you and your ‘ohana.+

After years as a registered nurse in various settings, I became a Nurse Practitioner to provide patient-centered care and be a part of strengthening the community by strengthening the people of the community. I earned a Master’s Degree of Nursing Practice degree from Walden University after completing my initial nursing degrees between Clemson University and Greenville Technical College. My healthcare approach emphasizes empathy, compassionate care, collaboration, and shared decision-making to ensure strong patient relationships and adherence to treatment plans that are designed based on evidence based practice and patient preferences. I am dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes for our patients and their families. 

I have a strong commitment to personal and professional growth. I have additional training in the field of mental health with a plan of pursuing a second board certification as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner to help meet the needs of our patients.  In my free time, I enjoy time with family, beach days, hiking, comedy shows (watching and performing), and billiards.

Nurse Practitioner

Mikiala “Miki” Maynard, APRN

Born and raised on Maui, I cherish our unique Hawaiian culture and diverse populations. After years in hospitality, I became a Nurse Practitioner to provide patient-centered care and clinical excellence.

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I hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, with a strong foundation in advanced health assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment. My healthcare approach emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and shared decision-making, ensuring strong patient relationships and adherence to evidence-based guidelines.

Dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes, I am committed to continuous learning and professional growth. In my free time, I enjoy family, cooking, napping, and reading. I look forward to serving you and your ‘ohana.

Director of Clinical Services

Chelsea Yamashige, RN BSN

Chelsea is a founding member of Maui Care Physicians and brings an extraordinary depth of commitment and expertise to our oncology team. Her journey to nursing began after a career in engineering, a field where she developed strong analytical skills and a meticulous approach—qualities she now channels into providing compassionate, highly skilled care in oncology.

Chelsea’s nursing path started at Maui College, where she earned her RN certification, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Boise State University. She began her career on a neuro-cardiac unit in acute care, gaining invaluable experience in managing complex patient needs. Inspired by the memory of her father, who battled cancer, Chelsea felt a calling to work in oncology, where she could make a direct and meaningful impact on patients facing similar challenges.

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Beyond her dedication to patient care, Chelsea finds joy in spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved cats, and she has a special talent for cultivating succulents.

Medical Assistant

Dorothea "Thea" DeLaCruz, MA

I graduated with my B.S. Biology at University of California, Riverside. I have worked in the Maui emergency department as a medical scribe for the past 2 years. My interest in oncology stems from my dear aunty who recently passed during her battle with cancer. I am also a volunteer for American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and I love advocating for cancer patients and their families. I am in the process of applying to medical school so that I can become an Oncologist, and hopefully come back to Maui to serve the community. In my free time I love to surf, paint, cook, read, and watch movies.

Operations Manager & Treatment Coordinator

Neau Paleka, MA

Neau is our Operation Manager and was born and raised here on Maui.  She has worked in healthcare since 2015 and loves helping people and seeing our community strive for the best.  Her passion is to support our community by providing the best healthcare possible and supporting them through the different seasons of life.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending it with family, adventuring at the beach, or doing some hiking. 

Oncology Technician & Financial Manager

Danny Goto, Financial Manager

Danny is our financial manager and doubles as a pharmacy technician for Maui Care. He has been working in and alongside healthcare since 2018. He was born and raised on Maui and loves the beauty of the Valley isle. He is excited to provide support to Maui Care Physicians and provide a much needed service to the community. His free time is spent spending time with the family and loves to drive with the windows down to feel the Hawaiian ‘A/C’.

Patient Coordinator and Administrative Assistant

Jayanne Jefferys, Patient Coordinator

Jayanne is our Patient Coordinator, welcoming our Patients with warmth and Aloha. Maui is a part of her bloodstream for over thirty years, reveling in the close knit family community. Jayanne has spent her life helping people get things done while holding their hand. At Maui Care Physicians, Jayanne is hyper focused on helping our Patients navigate the Medical system. Understanding the additional burdens our Patients carry, she loves to be a source of comfort and logistical support. A typical day off for Jayanne may include foreign movies, a novel on the beach, researching the best Italian food on Maui, and definitely petting every animal she sees.

Remote Medical Assistant

Tom Christopher Chan, RN

Tom is a registered nurse in the Philippines and has been working in the medical field in various capacities since 2014. He is HIPAA certified, and previously worked with health insurance as a grievance/complaints case coordinator. Involved in community outreaches to help, uplift, and support those who are deprived of certain services. Tom enjoys surfing, fire dancing and going to the beach on his spare time. 

Remote Medical Assistant

Joannes Niccolo Miguel "Nicz" Pestelos, MA

I have 10 years of experience in the health insurance industry, where I specialized in claims processing and insurance verification. I am HIPAA certified and have a solid understanding of maintaining privacy and confidentiality in the healthcare environment. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, as well as outdoor activities like camping and going to the beach.

Remote Medical Assistant

Ma Sheimay Candice P. Castro, MA

Mae is a Registered Medical Laboratory Scientist in the Philippines. She has been working in the medical field for over fifteen years, specializing in Hematology, Clinical Microscopy, Blood Banking, and Transfusion Medicine. She has worked in institutions accredited by The Joint Commission International and is a HIPAA-certified Medical Assistant. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to explore different cultures and places whenever her schedule allows. Mae is passionate about her work and ready to serve with care, professionalism and a joyful heart.

Remote Medical Assistant

Joshua Panes, Pharmacist

Josh is a registered pharmacist in the Philippines and has been working as a remote assistant in US medical facilities for more than a year. He graduated his bachelor's degree in Pharmacy as Magna Cumlaude and with high distinction. Joshua is also a chess varsity in his high school and college. This allowed him to have free education at both education levels in exchange for bringing multiple medals and awards for his schools. If there is free time, he still joins chess tournaments to keep up with his peers and colleagues in chess. He is a HIPAA certified medical virtual assistant exploring the US healthcare system. Guided by the principle of being patient-centered, he will always be ready to help you.