About Me

Kiaka Gaughen, MEd. 

About Kiaka Gaughen

Counselor, Mentor, and Performance Coach

Most people think peak performance is about adding more—more training, more techniques, more effort. But after 28 years of working with elite athletes, professionals, and families, I have found the opposite to be true. True excellence comes from clearing the mental clutter to reveal the wisdom that is already there.

From the Pro Circuit to the Inner Landscape

My journey into the "state of mind" began in the ocean. As a former professional bodyboarder competing at the highest levels, I experienced firsthand the difference between a cluttered, pressurized mind and the effortless flow of peak performance.

In 1999, I realized my true passion was helping others find that same flow—not just on a wave, but in every aspect of their lives.

A Foundation of Experience

I am the founder of Xcel Everyday, a practice dedicated to the "Inside-Out" understanding of human performance. My background blends clinical rigor with deep spiritual insight:

• Clinical Expertise: I hold a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Guidance (1996) and spent 20 years serving children with special needs and their families through the Department of Education.

• The Three Principles: My life and work changed in 1997 when I was introduced to the Three Principles by Christine Heath. I had the profound honor of meeting Sidney Banks in 1998, a moment that solidified my commitment to sharing this understanding globally.

• Mentorship: Having been mentored by pioneers like Christine Heath and Rita Shuford at the Hawaii Counseling and Education Center, I now dedicate my time to mentoring the next generation of coaches and practitioners.

The Wisdom of Na’au

In Hawaii, we speak of Na’au—the gut, the center of our being, and the seat of our intuition.

My mission is to help you slow down enough to hear your own Na’au. Whether you are an elite athlete looking for that extra edge, a professional navigating a high-stakes career, or someone simply looking for more peace in everyday life, the answer is the same: When the mind is clear, your natural brilliance takes over.

Credentials at a Glance

• M.Ed. in Counseling and Guidance

• B.A. in Geography

• 28 Years of Three Principles Practitioner Experience

• Founder, Xcel Everyday

• Former Professional Athlete

• 20+ Years Clinical Experience (Dept. of Education & HCEC)