✸ HAISAI ✸
My name is Keila Sachi Gaballo (they/she) and I'm a queer, disabled Shimanchu-Ainu American mama, artist, and somatic expressive arts practitioner currently living on the unceded territory of the Kumeyaay peoples, also known as San Diego, CA. I have a passion for mental health education, diverse representation, and embodied social justice. I weave these elements throughout my storytelling as an illustrator, hand-letterer, writer, and teacher. I am the owner of a small business called Mahealani and Back and founder of a non-profit called Back To You. In both my business and the nonprofit, I aim to use storytelling as a way to empower people to heal from developmental and generational trauma and allow them to trust the wisdom of their own bodies.
I love incorporating my own indigenous Okinawan, Ainu, and Japanese culture into everything I create and hope to bring more AAPI representation into the publishing industry someday as well. Be sure to reach out and introduce yourself, I look forward to meeting you!
the story behind Mahealani and Back
Mahealani and Back got its name inspired by one of my favorite children’s books–Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney. There is a famous quote from it: “I love you to the moon and back.” The whole book is about giving LOVE, so that is, of course, one big value that this business and community has as well.
Māhealani is the Hawaiian name for the full moon (and part of my daughter’s middle name). According to the Hawaiian lunar calendar, there are three days on which the moon appears full. Māhealani is the third day before it loses its fullness. I wanted to borrow this symbolism to express this community’s potential to discover their FULLEST love within and to find the freedom to fully embody their emotions and stories.
ORGANIZATIONS I’VE COLLABORATED/WORKED WITH
qualifications
Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certificate
The Embody Lab
Feb 2023
Trauma-Informed Yoga for Youth
YogaEd
Feb 2022
200HR Yoga Teacher Certification
CorePower Yoga
April 2019
BA in Psychology (Childhood Development + Expressive Arts)
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
May 2017
International Baccalaureate Degree - Psychology + Visual Arts
Seisen International School
June 2013
Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Instructor
Since 2019
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Member
Since 2020
achievements
Full Scholarship Awarded for the Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certificate
The Embody Lab
August 2022
Awardee of one of 30 Under 30 Changemakers
Japanese American National Museum
April 2022
1st Place Adult Age Group Pride Library Card Design
San Diego Public Library
June 2021
Seisen Spirit Award: passion, dedication, connection
Seisen International School
June 2013
publications
Coming soon… Middle-Moon Night, written by Anne Ruggirello, illustrated by Keila Sachi Gaballo
Marie and the Fish, written by Kelly Salter, illustrated by Keila Sachi Gaballo
Strawberry is Our Heart Berry, written by Francine Cunningham, illustrated by Keila Sachi Gaballo
Weaving Cedar with Auntie, written by Nancy Cooper, illustrated by Keila Sachi Gaballo
Go Solo featured Entrepreneur
When the Saints Go Flying In - stories about faith, life, and everything in between by Joseph Yoo
IntroxVerse (album cover art)
Shimanchu Nu Kwii Vol. 1
Overachiever Magazine (article)
Overachiever Magazine (art)