Our founding board brings together clinical, healthcare, legal, and lived experience to build meaningful support with—and for—Pasifika families.
Our story
From conversation to collective action
The Alofa Collective was established to increase autism awareness, expand access to resources, and create culturally responsive dialogue in Pasifika communities.
We are beginning with San Diego’s Samoan community while welcoming families from across the Pacific Islander diaspora. Our long-term vision is to strengthen community connections, reduce barriers to support, and extend culturally informed education to communities with limited access to services.
Our vision
Care without borders
To create a world where individuals of all abilities and backgrounds—especially in underserved and overlooked communities—can access compassionate, evidence-based mental health and behavioral care.
Mission statement
Inclusive care. Global impact. A legacy of service.
Our mission is to be a neurodiversity-affirming organization dedicated to advancing mental health, wellness, and inclusive care on a global scale. We provide accessible and affordable ABA therapy for the Autistic community, educational assessments, counseling, social skills programs, and parent training to underserved communities worldwide. Through culturally responsive and person-centered services, we aim to close the gap in behavioral and mental healthcare and empower individuals across all stages of life to thrive.
Iva “Alofa” Pisia (right) in American Samoa during a nursing health mission with the Samoa Health Mission Team USA–West Coast.
In honor of Iva “Alofa” Pisia
This work is carried out in honor of Iva “Alofa” Pisia, a devoted nurse who served her community with tireless compassion and unwavering commitment. Her legacy of care through service continues to inspire our mission and the heart of everything we do.
Core values
The principles that guide our work
01
Neurodiversity Affirmation
Honoring every mind without pathologizing differences.
02
Global Equity
Prioritizing access where healthcare infrastructure is limited.
03
Cultural Humility
Listening and learning from local communities.
04
Service in Legacy
Honoring Iva “Alofa” Pisia’s life of care and service.
05
Capacity-Building
Empowering local professionals to sustain change.
Founding board
Meet the people behind the mission
VG
Vailala Gregory, M.Ed., BCBA
President
Board Certified Behavior AnalystSpecial EducationProgram Development
Vailala Gregory is the founder of Wayfinder ABA Services and has dedicated more than 15 years to teaching and supporting children and adults with autism and other learning, developmental, emotional, and behavioral needs. She holds a master’s degree in education and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, as well as a certified general- and special-education teacher.
Vailala has developed programs that help parents, caregivers, educators, administrators, and clinical teams better understand and navigate ABA therapy. As President of The Alofa Collective, she provides leadership and mission oversight while advancing autism awareness, education, and culturally responsive support for Pasifika families.
GB
Gebriela Birhane-Ellison, Esq.
Secretary
California AttorneyPersonal-Injury LawGovernance & Advocacy
Gebriela Birhane-Ellison is a California attorney and the founder of Gobez Law, a personal-injury law firm serving clients throughout San Diego County and California. She has more than a decade of legal experience and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology from UCLA and a Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law.
As Secretary of The Alofa Collective, Gebriela contributes her experience in advocacy, governance, documentation, and community-centered service. She helps the organization operate with transparency and accountability while supporting its commitment to informed, empowered, and culturally connected Pasifika families.
VS
Victoria Savaiinaea
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Doctoral Degree in Law15+ Years Legal ExperienceFamily Law
Victoria Savaiinaea holds a doctoral degree in law and has more than 15 years of experience in the legal field, including her work as a family-law clerk. Her professional background provides valuable experience in documentation, compliance, analytical review, and accountability.
As Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of The Alofa Collective, Victoria helps oversee the organization’s financial responsibilities, supports responsible planning, and promotes the careful stewardship of its resources. Her leadership helps establish a strong and sustainable foundation for the Collective’s programs and future community growth.
Cassandra Fiaseu is a registered nurse with more than a decade of clinical and care-coordination experience. She earned an Associate of Arts in Psychology from San Diego Mesa College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas A&M University. She has also completed graduate studies in Healthcare Informatics at the University of Central Florida.
As the mother of an autistic child, Cassandra understands firsthand the uncertainty families may experience and the challenges of navigating evaluations, therapy, services, and support systems. Early intervention made a meaningful difference in her son’s journey, inspiring her advocacy for early identification, timely support, and greater autism awareness. Through The Alofa Collective, Cassandra is committed to connecting Pasifika families with trusted information, culturally responsive resources, and compassionate support.
