Get to know the Kamehameha Schools kumu who are inspiring haumāna and helping shape the future of our lāhui.

Meet Chelsie Omo, KS Preschools-Nānākuli

What inspired you to become a kumu at KS?
Before working at KS, I was employed with Catholic Charities in the Try Wait Program, where we traveled across the island visiting schools. Through this work, we had the opportunity to teach at both Kamehameha Middle School and High School. There was always something different about being on those campuses — something you could feel. The pride students carried, especially wearing the Kamehameha logo on their shirts, was powerful. I remember thinking to myself, one day, I am going to work for Kamehameha Schools.

One day, while driving to Waiʻanae Intermediate, I passed the Nānākuli Learning Center and noticed the KS logo. I had no idea Kamehameha Schools had Learning Centers. Not long after, while browsing job openings, I came across a posting for a Parent Educator/Site Facilitator position at the Nānākuli Learning Center. I immediately thought that this position was perfect for me.

I applied, was hired, and officially became part of the KS ‘ohana through the Hiʻilani program, serving as a Site Facilitator and Parent Educator. It truly was an incredible program. I was able to connect with ʻohana on a deep and meaningful level — supporting them through their questions about becoming parents and guiding them as they prepared their keiki for preschool. The work was deeply rewarding and reaffirmed my passion for serving families.

When the Preschool Kumu position opened at the same site, it felt like a natural next step in my career. I was transitioning from supporting ʻohana with infants and toddlers to working with their preschool-aged keiki. Being able to impact not only the keiki, but their entire ʻohana, continues to be the most fulfilling part of my kuleana. 

Tell us about a time you saw your haumāna use what they’ve learned to make a difference. What did that mean to you?
It’s hard to point to just one moment when I’ve seen my haumāna use what they’ve learned to make a difference, because it happens all the time. These moments show up in little ways throughout our days together. I often hear keiki say things like, “Kumu, it’s okay if I make mistakes, right? As long as I try my best,” or “I can help my friend because I love helping people.” Hearing that tells me they’re really taking in the values we talk about and practice every day.

While our classroom is grounded in E Ola!, we make a strong effort to focus on kūlia — encouraging keiki to always try their best. We want them to understand that doing their best matters more than being perfect. When keiki start learning this early, you can really see how it builds their confidence and helps them bounce back when things feel hard. They begin to trust themselves and believe in their own abilities.

What means the most to me is seeing these values carry over beyond our classroom. When keiki talk about helping at home, showing kindness to their ʻohana, or taking care of others in their community, it reminds me that what we do each day truly matters. Knowing that these lessons are sticking with them and making a positive impact outside of school shows me that our work is meaningful and continues to grow through the keiki.

What is something your haumāna have taught you about yourself?
They have taught me about grace and love in ways that no book or training ever could. Throughout the many seasons of my journey here at KS Preschools, the keiki have walked beside me, loving me through each stage of growth, change, and discovery. In moments of joy and challenge, they showed me what unconditional acceptance truly looks like. Their laughter, curiosity, and honesty reminded me why this work matters so deeply.

The keiki have taught me that there is always room to grow — both as an individual and as a kumu. They taught me that growth requires patience, humility, and perseverance, and that becoming a better teacher means being willing to learn alongside them. Through their eyes, I learned that teaching is not about having all the answers, but about being present, reflective, and open to continual learning.

Most importantly, they taught me that being imperfect is not something to fear. Imperfection is where learning lives. It is where connection is built, resilience is strengthened, and love is practiced daily. As a kumu, I have learned that showing my humanity allows keiki to honor theirs, and that together, we grow — rooted in aloha, grace, and a shared commitment to becoming our best selves.

Where do you see Pauahi’s legacy most in your work?
When I see my keiki being so deeply rooted in who they are as Native Hawaiian people, it reminds me why I do what I do. Those moments ground me and reconnect me to my purpose as a kumu.

When a parent comes to me and says, “My keiki taught me the ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi words you’ve been learning in class,” it reminds me of Pauahi. It fills my heart. It shows me that the learning doesn’t stop at school and that our keiki are becoming teachers within their own ʻohana. When I see my keiki falling deeper in love with Jesus, it reminds me of Pauahi. When I see keiki pushing themselves beyond their comfort zones, even when something feels hard or unfamiliar, it reminds me of Pauahi. And when I see an ʻohana receive the help they need because I took the time to advocate for them, it reminds me of Pauahi.

These moments — big and small — reaffirm that this work is more than a job. It is a calling rooted in service, love, and legacy. They remind me that what we do each day is planting seeds that will continue to grow through our keiki, their ʻohana, and the communities they are part of.

Shout out a fellow kumu who empowers their students every day!
I have been surrounded by some truly amazing kumu here on the Waiʻanae Coast — educators who have dedicated themselves to building strong, confident ʻŌiwi leaders. Watching my colleagues grow into leadership roles within our preschools inspires and empowers me every single day. Their commitment reminds me that we are never doing this work alone.

I’ve seen my poʻo kula show up on weekends to help build our māla or clean our playground, leading by example and reminding all of us what it means to serve wholeheartedly. I’ve also witnessed my fellow kumu balance their personal lives and their families, all while giving 100% of themselves to the keiki in their classrooms — even on days when they may be carrying heavy things of their own. That kind of dedication speaks volumes.

The love, sacrifice, and commitment I see daily from KS Preschool kumu is unmatched. It is rooted in service, resilience, and an unwavering belief in our keiki and their potential. Being part of a community like this constantly pushes me to be better and reminds me why this work is so meaningful.

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TAGS
ks preschools, kumu appreciation, our employee ʻohana, employee ʻohana

CATEGORIES
Kaipuolono Article, Regions, Wai’anae Coast, Themes, Culture, Employee ‘Ohana, Ka ʻohana Kamehameha, E Ola!, KS Announcements, Newsroom, Preschools, Oiwi Leaders, Featured articles, Education, Preschools

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