Leadership Team
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER
Mike McKinney, BA Political Science
Mike earned his BA from California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo. After a career as a Sales Manager for a medical supply company, he created and operated Creation Design Group, a successful advertising agency. In 1998, looking for further meaning in his work, he began his position with at-risk students at a wilderness program in Idaho. There he discovered his passion for inspiring adolescents and met his wife, Suzanne. Mike later added to his experience with adolescents as Director of the Trails program at Oakley School and Admissions Director at Coral Reef Academy. In 2004 he and his family moved to Hawaii, realizing Mike’s dream to serve children and their families in this unique setting. He is married with two young boys and enjoys fishing, camping, water sports and spending time with his family.
ACADEMIC and PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR, CO-FOUNDER
Suzanne McKinney, MA Special Education
Suzanne earned her BA from the University of Colorado at Boulder and her MA in Special Education from San Francisco State University. She worked as an elementary school teacher and private tutor for six years in the Bay Area. In 1999, she moved to Idaho and began work at a wilderness program in Idaho as Director of Continuing Care, and met her husband, Mike. After moving to Utah, Suzanne worked as an independent educational consultant working with students and families around the country in assessment and placement. Suzanne and Mike moved their family to Hawaii in 2004 to run Pacific Quest. In her current role, she supervises the curriculum and any academic components, and works to spread the word to and care for our diverse clientele. Suzanne has two boys, ages 4 and 6, and enjoys travel, art, yoga, reading and spending time with her family.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER
Chris Kaiser
Before co-founding Pacific Quest, Chris worked as a field instructor, leading student expeditions for a number of schools and programs in Idaho, Utah and Oregon. It was, however, his apprenticeship and experiences with The School of Lost Borders that inspired him to incorporate wilderness rites of passage into a completely unique outdoor program. Chris works closely with every student on their personal Solo in addition to his role overseeing the farming and field operations. Chris enjoys surfing and putting energy into his land here on the Big Island.
THERAPEUTIC DIRECTOR
Anthony (Toby) Mautz, MSW, LCSW
Toby has a BA in Sociology and an MA in Social Work from Boston College. After working for the nonprofit, Residential Treatment Center, for two years in the Boston area, he moved to Salt Lake City where he worked on a grant for the public school system. Toby then served as a primary therapist at a residential treatment center and wilderness program in Utah and went on to become Clinical Director in 2003. Most recently Toby served as Director of Clinical Services for an educational consulting firm, coordinating student and family treatment services. Toby brings years of clinical and managerial experience and sophistication to Pacific Quest’s team. His enthusiasm and innovativeness is a good match for our progressive approach and unique environment.
BUSINESS DIRECTOR
Mark Agosto, MBA
Mark received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a minor in Psychology from California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo and a Masters in Business Administration with Honors from Boston University. After a 15-year career as a successful investment banker and corporate finance professional, Mark joined Pacific Quest as the Business and Outreach Director as well as a part-owner. The position was created to enhance community awareness and referrals to educational consultants, develop a more defined model and plan for Pacific Quest, and assist with financial affairs. He also assists with admissions and marketing. Prior to joining Pacific Quest, Mark was a Managing Director at a leading investment bank where he assisted private and public business owners with their growth strategies. Mark has been married for over 15 years and has three children. He is an avid cyclist, enjoying both road riding and mountain biking. He also enjoys running, skiing, tennis, traveling and spending time with his family.