As the school year ends, we’re celebrating kumu across Kamehameha Schools who dedicate themselves to shaping the next generation of ʻōiwi leaders. In every classroom, they help fulfill Pauahi’s vision for an educated and thriving lāhui.
What inspired you to become a kumu at KS?
I was inspired to become a kumu at Kamehameha Preschools because I believe deeply in the power of education rooted in ʻike Hawaiʻi and aloha ʻāina. Kamehameha is a place where our haumāna can learn who they are, where they come from, and how their gifts can serve the lāhui. Working in my home community of Nānākuli, I see every day how special this place is to our people. I love that I can serve where I live, strengthening my ʻike and my love for this ʻāina alongside our keiki and ʻohana.
Before becoming a kumu at Kamehameha Preschools, I worked for the non-profit Partners in Development Foundation with the Kapaʻalana program. It was there that I truly found my calling. Working with at-risk and homeless Native Hawaiian families opened my eyes to how underserved so many of our keiki and ʻohana are. These experiences shaped my purpose as an educator. I wanted to be a source of hope, to create a place where keiki love coming to school, love learning, and feel safe taking risks without fear of making mistakes.
Tell us about a time you saw your haumāna use what they’ve learned to make a difference. What did that mean to you?
One of the most meaningful moments for me was seeing my haumāna apply what they’ve learned and show kūpono with one another. In my class, we focus a lot on treating others with care and doing what is right. One day, after two keiki finished painting at the easel, one noticed the drying rack was full. Instead of walking away, he gently rearranged the artwork to make space and said to his friend, “I found a space for us.”
Seeing keiki treat one another with such thoughtfulness filled my puʻuwai. It reminded me that when we instill aloha and kūpono at a young age, our keiki carry these values into the lāhui and grow into the kind of servant leaders Pauahi envisioned.
What is something your haumāna have taught you about yourself?
My haumāna have taught me the importance of patience, humility, and continuous growth. They remind me to listen deeply and to be flexible — to meet them where they are, not where I expect them to be. They’ve shown me that learning is a shared journey. They challenge me to reflect on my own practices and to lead with empathy, ʻike, and genuine care every day.
Where do you see Pauahi’s legacy most in your work?
I see Pauahi’s legacy most clearly through the values we teach our haumāna every day. Her vision lives on in the acts of kindness our keiki show one another, in how they mālama themselves, each other, their kula. I see it when keiki uplift and encourage one another, just as Pauahi uplifted our lāhui. Her graciousness and legacy continue when our keiki take what they’ve learned beyond the classroom and into their homes and community.
Shout out a fellow kumu who empowers their students every day!
I’d like to shout out a fellow kumu, Chris Enrico, who consistently empowers her keiki by leading with aloha and always keeping students at the center of everything she does. Kumu Chris builds strong relationships with keiki and ʻohana and inspires her haumāna to take ownership of their learning, creating a lasting impact. Her dedication to upholding Princess Pauahi’s mission is at the heart of everything she does for her haumāna.
TAGS
ks preschools,
kumu appreciation,
our employee ʻohana,
employee ʻohana
CATEGORIES
Kaipuolono Article, Regions, Wai’anae Coast, Themes, Culture, Community, Employee ‘Ohana, Ka ʻohana Kamehameha, E Ola!, KS Announcements, Newsroom, Preschools, Preschools
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Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
