May 7, 2026
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?
What inspired me to become a kumu at KS was my desire to work with Hawaiian keiki in my community of Waiʻanae. In my heart, I knew that uplifting our keiki through education was one way to strengthen and empower our community. I believed that if I could help educate ʻohana about the importance of early childhood education, it could create opportunities to overcome the stereotypes and stigma often faced growing up in Waiʻanae.
I wanted people to understand that 85% of brain development happens during the early years of life, making those first years so important. My parents always hoped that one of their six children would attend KS and had each of us tested when we were eligible. It saddened me that their dream did not come to fruition, so I made it my goal to work for KS. I pursued Early Childhood Education straight out of high school at Leeward Community College.
Tell us about a time you saw your haumāna use what they’ve learned to make a difference. What did that mean to you?
This year, our haumāna goal is that during the 2025-2026 school year, all keiki will independently demonstrate an understanding of their pilina with ʻāina, moʻolelo, and wahi pana on Moku o Keawe.
We engaged keiki in a project where they learned about Hawaiʻi Island and the six moku that make up our island. They learned the name of their mokupuni and each moku through hands-on activities, storytelling, art, and literature from the Kamehameha book series. Keiki drew and painted scenes from the stories, connecting each moku with important events in Kamehameha’s life. They also learned about the wahi pana and moʻolelo connected to each place.
It was so exciting to see how much they learned. Our three-year-old keiki were expected to identify Hawaiʻi Island, name the mokupuni they live on, and share one moku with its moʻolelo. Our four-year-old keiki were expected to do the same and recall at least two moku and their stories. They far exceeded our expectations!
What was especially meaningful was hearing that keiki went home and shared their learning with their ʻohana. Many families were surprised and proud that their children were teaching them about the moku and moʻolelo of Hawaiʻi Island. For us as kumu, it meant keiki were beginning to build pilina with the ʻāina they come from and were developing a stronger sense of identity as kānaka. We felt blessed to witness their growth.
What is something your haumāna have taught you about yourself?
My haumāna have taught me that I am more resilient, creative, and patient than I ever realized. Working with young keiki reminds me daily that growth takes time, consistency, and love. They have shown me the importance of slowing down, being present, and celebrating the small victories that often become the biggest milestones.
They have also taught me that I carry a deep passion for nurturing identity, culture, and confidence in our children. Through their curiosity and joy, I am reminded of why I chose this path, to serve, uplift, and help our keiki know who they are and where they come from.
Most of all, my haumāna have taught me that I am still learning, too. They inspire me to be a better kumu, a better listener, and a better person each day.
Where do you see Pauahi’s legacy most in your work?
I see Pauahi’s legacy most in my work through serving as a servant leader, just as she served her people with love, vision, and purpose. My email salutation is, “In Pauahi’s Service,” and I truly take those words to heart. They remind me daily that my role is to serve our keiki and ʻohana with humility, compassion, and aloha.
When I lead with a servant’s heart, I hope the keiki and families I serve feel valued, cared for, and that they truly belong to KS. I want them to know they are part of Pauahi’s legacy too. Many Native Hawaiian families may feel they are not good enough or that KS is not a place for them, and I strive to help break down those feelings by creating a welcoming space where every ʻohana feels seen, supported, and worthy.
Shout out a fellow kumu who empowers their students every day!
Wow, this is difficult because I can’t shout out just one fellow kumu. I would like to shout out all our KS Preschools kumu across the pae ʻāina! We all share a common kuleana and understand the rigor, challenges, and many blessings that come with serving KS’ youngest learners. Each day, our kumu go far beyond teaching. We become doctors, chefs, counselors, problem-solvers, and for me, even grandma/tūtū at times. We wear many hats, give from our hearts, and show up daily with love and dedication for our keiki and ʻohana.
To all KSP kumu across the pae ʻāina—mahalo for empowering your students every single day.
I am so proud of our hope poʻo kula Kapoula Thompson, and po’o kumu Darrissa Kekuawela and our administrative staff, Jacelyn Ito and Lorraine Kadooka, who support us and empower us kumu to do what we do. As a lead kumu, I would like to give the warmest aloha and appreciation to my two teaching assistants, Rochelle Torres and Kahale Colburn; without them, I could not do what I do. Shout out to all the TAs — they are our backbone and more!