Kana Grace Nootenboom, the eldest daughter of Benihana founder Rocky Aoki, has made her own mark on mental health. Kana, born in 1968 in New York City, went from modelling to being a respected Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Henderson, Nevada.
Career & Education
Kana started her career in modelling, which is glamorous and public. As the oldest daughter of Rocky Aoki and Chizuru Kobayashi, she was introduced to celebrity and fortune early. Kana wanted more than modelling. Her enthusiasm for psychology led her to Vanguard University for a Master’s in Clinical Psychology.
Education prepared her to become a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Her current position is Clinical Director at Healing With Grace Counselling Centre in Henderson, Nevada. Kana’s credentials in EMDR, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and the Prepare/Enrich couples program demonstrate her devotion to mental health advocacy. These diversified skills allow her to give comprehensive trauma and mental health support.
Kana is revered in her community for her holistic therapy and ability to create safe spaces for healing and growth. She customises therapy for each client to help them achieve emotional well-being.
| Role | Institution | Specializations |
|---|---|---|
| Model | — | — |
| Therapist | Healing With Grace | EMDR, Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, Couples |
| Clinical Director | Counseling Center, NV | Prepare/Enrich couples program |
Personal Life
Kana Grace Nootenboom is a loving wife and mother beyond her career. Her marriage to Brent Nu has been supportive and goal-oriented. Yumi Nu and Natalie Nootenboom, their gifted daughters, have followed in their mother’s footsteps into modelling and entertainment.
Kana emphasises strong family relationships and everlasting support for her children as they follow their aspirations. Yumi is a plus-size model and singer-songwriter, while Natalie models and sometimes collaborates with her sister.
Kana’s motherhood may have shaped her therapy approach, helping her to empathise with her clients’ family struggles and successes. Her personal and professional lives reflect her dedication to cultivating relationships.
| Family Members | Relationship | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Brent Nu | Husband | Supportive marriage |
| Yumi Nu | Daughter | Model and singer-songwriter |
| Natalie Nootenboom | Daughter | Model, Teen Vogue feature |
FAQ
Who is Kana Grace Nootenboom?
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Clinical Director Kana Grace Nootenboom works at Healing With Grace Counselling Centre in Henderson, NV.
What is Kana’s professional background?
After modelling, Kana earned a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and specialised in EMDR, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and couples programs.
How many children does Kana have?
Kana has two model daughters, Yumi Nu and Natalie Nootenboom.
What is Kana’s impact in her community?
Kana is known for her holistic therapy, trauma-specializing qualifications, and emotional recovery.
