June 10, 2026
Get to know the Kamehameha Schools kumu who are inspiring haumāna and helping shape the future of our lāhui.
What inspired you to become a kumu at KS?
My journey began as a bird biologist. As my connection to our native species grew, I felt a responsibility to be their voice and share their stories, I didn’t want that knowledge to end with me. When KS came along at the right time, they gave me the opportunity to do that as an elementary science teacher, sharing that love with our youngest learners and helping them understand their role in caring for these species and our ʻāina. Working alongside incredible educators inspired me to grow beyond my own classroom. I moved into a role supporting kumu because I wanted to help create conditions where teachers feel encouraged, supported, and have someone advocating for them, so they can do their best work for haumāna. At KS, that purpose feels especially meaningful because learning is grounded in culture, place, and identity.
Tell us about a time you saw your haumāna use what they’ve learned to make a difference. What did that mean to you?
In my current role, my haumāna are the kumu I support, so the impact often shows up differently. It’s not always immediate, but some of the most meaningful moments are when a kumu invites me into their classroom or stops me on campus to share something they’ve tried based on our coaching conversations. They’ll talk about the positive shifts they’re seeing in their students, more ownership, deeper thinking and how they’re continuing to refine their practice based on what they’re learning. Those moments mean everything to me. It’s a reminder that when teachers feel empowered and know their voice matters, that impact extends directly to their haumāna. The difference may start with one conversation, but it grows into something much bigger in the classroom.
What is something your haumāna have taught you about yourself?
Working with both students and the kumu I support has taught me the importance of slowing down and truly listening. I’ve learned that creating space for others to take risks, reflect, and grow takes trust and humility. They’ve shown me that my role is not to have all the answers, but to be a partner in learning and to help create a space where people feel safe to try, reflect, and grow.
Where do you see Pauahi’s legacy most in your work?
I see Pauahi’s legacy in the classrooms I get to support, when kumu are creating spaces where ʻike Hawaiʻi is the foundation of learning, not something separate. It shows up when haumāna are connecting their learning to ʻāina, community, and real-world experiences, and beginning to understand their kuleana within those spaces. Being able to support that work is where I feel her legacy most.
Shout out a fellow kumu who empowers their students every day!
It’s hard to name just one kumu because I’m surrounded by so many incredible hoa kumu who inspire me every day. The teachers I work with are always willing to take risks, reflect, and grow in ways that center their haumāna. Their passion, creativity, and commitment to their students is what truly empowers learners, and I feel grateful to be able to support and learn alongside them.