“Ma ka hana ka ʻike.” - “One learns by doing.” (2088)

This ʻōlelo noʻeau (Hawaiian proverb) centers my teaching philosophy. Not only does this apply to the haumāna (students) learning, but also to my learning as a kumu (teacher). While books, educational videos, and lectures are valuable sources of knowledge, there is nothing that can replace learning that is active and experiential (learning through action). I will strive to give them an educational experience they can apply in and out of the classroom. Through laulima (cooperative learning), hana (work), and ʻike (knowledge and experience) we will have an amazing school year! A little about me! I am a wife and mother of five amazing keiki and tūtū (grandma) to two. My passions are math, science, art, hula, volleyball, and nature. In my spare time, I enjoy woodworking and cooking. Please feel free to stop by the classroom after school to talk story or email me with any questions, concerns, and/or comments!

“ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia.” - “No task is too big when done together by all.” (142)

It takes a village to raise a child. I consider it both an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to help educate the keiki of this community. The Lord bless you and keep you.

“Hoʻokahi ka ʻilau like ana.” - “Wield the paddles together.” (1068)

I am thrilled to be a kumu (teacher) at Nā Wai Ola Public Charter School. With a strong connection to the area I teach in, and as a lifelong resident, I'm deeply invested in our community's growth and well-being. My commitment extends beyond the classroom, as I also serve as a coach for the community parks and recreation basketball teams for both boys and girls. In my classroom, I strive to ignite a passion for learning by providing a well-rounded education that encompasses problem-solving, philosophy, and empathy. I believe in empowering my students to become critical thinkers and compassionate individuals who are equipped to tackle challenges with creativity and understanding. Together, we're on a journey of discovery and growth, fostering a love for learning that will last a lifetime.

"ʻAʻohe pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokahi.” - “All knowledge is not taught in one school.” (203)

As a kumu (teacher), I offer a diverse, applied learning curriculum across multiple subjects. Born and raised in Kaimū, I understand the importance of Hawaiian culture-based education and how it plays a key role in improving the outcomes for the greater Native Hawaiian community, through resilience. Coming from a family of watermen and artists, I was inspired to pursue a career path that enhances my love for both of my passions. I received my Bachelors of Arts in Marine Science and a minor in Art from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. Throughout my undergraduate and into my professional career, I have done numerous internships for NOAA under the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Office and I have previous teaching experience under Hālau Kupukupu Innovations Academy, Kula Kauwela, and Mālamalama Waldorf. As a kumu, I strive to inspire my haumāna (students) to embrace Hawaiian culture through an ‘ōiwi (native) lens. Nā Wai Ola has provided a pathway for me to merge various cultural and spiritual beliefs in a creative and unique way in order for my students to be fully equipped for the next stages on their journey in life. I love the energy and spirit the students, staff, and community bring which can only be found at Nā Wai Ola. As a kanaka maoli, it is extremely important for me to share the beauty of Hawaiʻi and the essence of aloha to those who are willing to listen and learn. We all have potential to learn from the many different “schools" around us, so let’s do it together!

“Ola ke kalo, ola ke kānaka; ola ke kānaka, ola ke kalo.” - “If the taro lives, the people live; if the people live, the taro lives.”

This quote describes the relationship between kānaka (people) and kalo (taro). I find joy in my work as a kumu (teacher), however, my joy is raised to a supreme level when I see my students find success. In this metaphor, I see students as kalo that I look to raise strong so that we as a class can thrive.

“Ua ola loko i ke aloha.” - “Love gives life within.” (2836)

I am happily engaging, contributing, and joining the journey of our haumāna (students). I have happily ridden the educator wave as a Parapro, Coach, SpEd teacher, Elementary teacher, Pre-K Director, and now Student Services Coordinator for the past 18 years; cumulatively and continuously sharing experiences and memories. Compassion, understanding, and empathy help us all co-thrive. I help guide and focus on one's well being in the domains of emotional, physical, physiological, spiritual, social, and intellectual health. Much of this influence is from our environment: family, living situation, and social network. Without your health, in all aspects of health, you have nothing.

“He keiki aloha nā mea kanu.” - “It is said of farmers that their plants are like beloved children, receiving much attention and care.”

The keiki are the next generation. They are like plants, the next seedlings that will nourish our community with their ‘ike and wisdom that they receive from their parents/guardians, teachers, and loved ones. At Nā Wai Ola we ensure that our students live and breathe the importance of the relationships we have with the land. I recently just moved to Hawaiʻi island, from Oʻahu. Born in California, I came home to my roots at 19 and attended the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. During my undergraduate studies, I received a BA in Psychology and then went back to receive my Post-Baccalaureate in Special Education. My vision aligns at Nā Wai Ola to facilitate Hawaiian cultural-based education through project-based learning and Aloha ʻĀina. What sets me apart from other SpEd teacher candidates, is my passion and dedication to steering away from a Westernized philosophical viewpoint and teaching students through the lens of the kūpuna, by keeping them grounded and connected to the culture. I have been in the field of Special Education since 2019. Growing up with my brother who is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder has allowed me to understand the things that we don’t always see within the classroom. This experience allows me to understand what other families go through and has made me a better advocate for my students through perception and perseverance as well as understanding that some students, regardless of their diagnosis, may be coping with generational trauma as well as their own identity in this Westernized Hawaiʻi that we live in.

“He aliʻi ka ʻāina; he kauwā ke kanaka.” - “The land is a chief; man is its servant.” (531)

These are the words I live by each day and I'm driven to inspire others to do the same. I feel that I can share these with our hāumana (students) and give them that perspective each day we have class. The sooner we all understand that the land is like ʻohana (family) providing for all of us, the better our lives will be. We cannot learn, live, or love without food from the ʻāina (land). Ke Akua pū (God bless)!

"ʻAʻohe pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokahi.” - “All knowledge is not taught in one school.” (203)

I am committed to providing a well rounded physical education program revolving around mobility movement, nutrition, and motor skill development. We learn through stretching, games, and exposure to healthy lifestyle choices and integration through experiential activities. I’m also the assistant basketball coach for the ʻŌlaʻa Thunder here at Mountain View Gym. My passion for sports throughout life has provided a wide range of experience to draw from to implement introductory practices and knowledge of team sports (i.e. soccer, basketball, track, ultimate frisbee, flag football). As the kumu (teacher) of Ola Kino (Health/P.E./Wellness), my goal at Nā Wai Ola is to foster generational health and physical prowess through the development of motor skills and experiential knowledge of nutrition and its applications in an active lifestyle. My personal interest and professional background in the natural food industry has cultivated substantial knowledge of the gut-brain axis, nutrient density, immunological function, and overall physiological health. This dovetails into our Hawaiian cultural practices with a greater awareness of our Naʻau Mana and provides a fundamental basis for intellectual growth and emotional well being.