A Story from Hawaii: Michelle and Sharky

As a Trainer for One Circle Foundation, I have the incredible opportunity to travel to different communities and share our models of structured support groups. The people I meet along the way are always amazing, and Michelle Maliniak is no exception.

During my recent trip to Hilo, Hawaii, I had the pleasure of providing the Girls Circle Facilitator Training to educators who are deeply committed to supporting the youth in their community. Michelle stood out immediately among the crowd. Her willingness to break the ice and share her thoughts and experiences during our activities was truly inspiring. Her confidence and warm presence put everyone at ease.

But it was Michelle's personal journey that truly stood out. Like many of us, she initially found herself on a career path that didn't align with her purpose in life. Through the trials and triumphs of her own life, Michelle's purpose revealed itself to her. She realized that her passion lies in supporting and empowering young people, and it was through this realization that she found her true calling.

Michelle embodies so many of the values that One Circle Foundation holds dear. Here is her story.

• Danielle Sutherland, Manager of Outreach and Engagement 

Michelle & Sharky

I was adopted into a military family. After I graduated with a degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona I decided to do public service in the fire department. I was the first female firefighter in my hometown of Sierra Vista, but then joined the fire department in Tucson. I was a firefighter/Haz Mat Technician and Ladder Truck Engineer for over 22 years. While on the job I saw a need for mental health awareness and education. I went back to school and got a Masters in Counseling and became a Licensed Professional Counselor and had a private practice for over a decade after retirement. 

When the COVID pandemic happened my brother got sick and passed. He was the last family member I had. I thought about what my parents would want me to do. I put my resume out and was hired as a Military Child Counselor in Yuma. I sold all my belongings in Tucson, bought an RV and moved to Yuma. After a couple years of riding motorcycles and living in an RV, Hawaii called! They needed Behavioral Health Specialists on the Big Island. So I packed up again and started working for the Department of Education. I love riding motorcycles, but now I live in a very remote area. I really needed a car for groceries and to take a break from the rain. A co-worker told me about a webiste where you can find VW's for sale, I saw Sharky and it was love at first sight! He was in pretty bad shape, no wipers, mirrors, signals, fenders, four different tires, and he was slammed to the ground. I had a vision and found Mr. Wayne Shimitzu who also loved bugs. He took the vision and Sharky was born! I loved the shark design and we got the original design that the Flying Tigers had on their airplanes during WW2. I had no idea how popular Sharky would become. People were always waving and stopping to talk about him. It was a great way to get to know the local people. Plus my keiki at school loved Sharky too! I created a game and when the keiki told me about their "Sharky Sightings" I would give them a shark sticker. At the end of this year, the family with the most sightings will win a pizza party! 

I also created Sharky's website: www.sharkyskash4keiki.com to provide ways to donate to help families who can't afford healthy snacks or supplies for their keiki at school. The site is also a blog providing free mental health and wellness education for keiki and families. I also have a YouTube channel with mental health education for adults and children that is connected to the website. My dream is to raise awareness about what is needed to help our children grow healthy brains and have a better quality of life. Would you please help? Hawaii is in a state of emergency due to the tragic Maui fire. I will be using most of the donations to help families and children on Maui relocate and start over. There will be a lot of families relocating to the Big Island and there will be an even greater need for people to show love and Aloha with supplies, education, and counseling.  

Please donate! Sharky and I will be sending Aloha, Hope, and a dash of fun your way while you help others in need. 

Mahalo!