Aloha mai! Welcome to Alakai o Kauai Charter School, placed in the Aina that thrives in the richness of the many generations of my Kupuna who came before us, and a school mission statement that embraces “Hawaiian cultural traditions and values”, a practice that makes this place of learning so special. It has been an… Read more

Roxanne joined Alakaʻi O Kauaʻi as an Educational Assistant in 2025, bringing with her a diverse background in education, community building, and digital engagement. Originally from Taiwan, she has worked with learners of all ages both locally and internationally, from teaching English to young children to mentoring communities in the tech and nonprofit sectors in… Read more

Ms. Pam earned her Bachelor’s Degrees in Elementary Education (K-8) and Broad Area Special Education (Preschool – Age 21) from Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA. This is her 20th year in education and has taught in Kindergarten, 3rd-6th grades, and 9th-12th grades. She has been a Varsity Cheer Coach for 4 years and a… Read more

Ellen was born outside of Chicago and moved with her family to California when she was 8 years old. She graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a degree in art and received her teaching credential from the same university a few years later. Ellen began her teaching career as a bilingual… Read more

Paul Zina is an experienced and passionate educational leader who has dedicated more than 27 years to serving the learners and families of Kaua’i. As Po’okumu at Alaka’i O Kaua’i, Paul draws on a rich background that includes roles as a teacher, vice principal, principal, and Complex Area Superintendent. His leadership journey has taken him… Read more

For the past 30 years, Brian Cuda has leveraged the power of the internet and technology to solve problems and improve processes. He feels privileged to apply his experience in support of Alakai O’Kauai. When he’s not working on websites, Brian enjoys camping, paddle boarding, traveling, tinkering in the garage, capturing nature through photography, and… Read more

Mrs. Whitney was born and raised in Texas, where she continued her education, receiving a Bachelors with a Marine Science focus and a Masters in Biomedical Sciences. After moving to Kauai she developed a newfound love for the educational field when she started working as an Educational Assistant at Alakai O’ Kauai. After three years… Read more

Misty was born and raised on Kaua’i. She was a licensed childcare provider for 17 years, as working with children has always been her passion. As an EA, Misty loves working with the children and seeing them grow! In her spare time, Misty enjoys spending time with her family, fishing with her kids, reading, and… Read more

Angela grew up on Oahu, her family then relocated to Santa Rosa, California when Angela was twelve. Angela has been an educational assistant for 16 years. She moved to Kauai in 2018. Angela has three children Grace, Faith and Isaiah. In her free time, she likes to go outrigger canoeing, hiking, traveling, and spending time… Read more

Ms. Jynatha moved to Kaua’i five years ago with her husband and daughter. She has been a substitute teacher for Alaka’i and the DOE for the last five years. She is excited to take on a new role in the office while continuing to sub when needed. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, snowboarding,… Read more

Mr. Geordan has been working with the youth of Kaua’i for over 10 years. He began working with middle school and high school students at his local church on the south side of Kaua’i in 2011. It was there he gained a specific passion for helping young people work through trauma and the many challenges… Read more

Ms. Jina received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She has experience teaching Preschool, Kindergarten, and Fourth and Fifth Grades. She is passionate about seeing the unique abilities in each child and creating space for those abilities to grow and flourish. She is very grateful to be here… Read more

Cheyenne originally from Texas, but has been teaching elementary school in Hawaii for the past 6 years. She spent her first four years at Leihoku Elementary School in Waianae on Oahu and the past two years at Kapa’a Elementary School on Kauai! Cheyenne got her Bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and her… Read more

Ms. Chock has taught 3rd and 4th grade for the last 10 years, coming to Alaka’i O Kaua’i from St. Catherine School. She was born and raised on Kaua’i, returning after earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Linfield University. She earned her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in the… Read more

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Bejay moved to Kauai in 2021. She began her teaching career in 2013 after earning both a degree and a master’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota. She taught for seven years in Minneapolis Public Schools at an environmental magnet school, with outdoor education and play based learning… Read more

Mrs. Shay has been working with children for over 20 years. She earned her B.A. in Liberal Studies and Multiple Subject Credential from San Diego State University in 2004. In 2020, she earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Irvine. She has taught TK – 4th grade, in addition to being a… Read more

Jennifer is originally from Phoenix, Arizona, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Arizona State University in 2007. Prior to having children, she worked as a realtor and transaction coordinator for a successful real estate team. In 2012, Jennifer transitioned to being a full-time parent and later began volunteering at Alaka’i O Kaua’i… Read more

Ms. Malissa was born and raised about an hour south of Atlanta, Georgia. Her second-grade teacher, Mrs. Watts had such a positive impact on Malissa that she made it her life dream to become a second-grade teacher too. At the age of 16, Malissa’s first job was in a child development center where she cared… Read more

Ms. Patricia brings her decades of experience to Alaka’i O Kaua’i to support Human Resources and Finance. Working for this amazing school, at this time in her career, is the culmination of goals to support non-profit efforst and to benefit the island’s precious keiki.

Mr. Jon joins the Alakai O Kauai team as the Construction and Facilities Specialist. After many years as a General Contractor, he made the move to Kauai with his family. He is putting his skills to work to enhance the buildings and grounds for the Keiki and feels pride and joy each and every day.

Michele has enjoyed working with children on a volunteer basis for over 20 years. After 30 years of working in the restaurant service industry, she made the switch to educate our keiki in 2021. She is a substitute teacher and an educator assistant for Alaka’i O Kaua’i and loves her job! In her spare time,… Read more

Mr. Adam moved to Kaua’i in 2008 and has since resided on the Southside. He currently lives in Lawai and has been a part of Alaka’i O Kaua’i in some capacity since it opened in 2018. His daughter entered kindergarten the same year and soon Adam joined the team as an Education Assistant. After two… Read more

Barbara Howard joined our staff in 2021 as an Educational Assistant. She has previous elementary and preschool experience. In addition, she has had extensive involvement with youth while conducting art classes at a local art school, Kaua’i Underground Artists (KUGA), and in New Mexico, where she volunteered in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, FIRST Robotics, and… Read more

Born and raised on Kauaʻi, Nouveau is a proud Kanaka ʻŌiwi deeply rooted in the ʻāina and community that raised him. A graduate of Kamehameha Schools, he is grateful for the opportunities made possible by Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop and hopes to one day pay that gift forward. With over 18 years of service in… Read more

Artist – Mother – Teacher Ms. Nicole was born and raised in New Jersey, and in 2018 she and her family of four relocated to our beautiful island. Ms. Nicole brings 15 years of teaching experience which is complimented by a Bachelor’s Degree in Art and Design. Over the years, Ms. Nicole has been blessed… Read more

Ms. Kate first started her career in education at the age of 18 as an after-school instructor. Now, fast forward 20 years, she has held numerous positions for various organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and Girl Scout Council of Hawaii. In 2006, she was selected in the Growing Our Own Teachers Program… Read more

Mr. Logan considers himself lucky to have found the career he was meant to have so soon after completing his undergraduate degree. He earned his B.A. in Geology-Biology from Colby College in Waterville, Maine, and has been teaching since graduating in 1998. He has taught in 6 different states, working with grade levels ranging from… Read more

Ms. Emily was born and raised in San Jose, California. She attended college at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, studying music composition and classical voice. During Covid, she completed a master’s program in music education through University of Florida. In 2017, Emily and her husband, Kyle, moved from California to Oahu, where she… Read more

Collette Oguin has taught 5th grade at Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School for the last 5 years. Previously, Ms. C taught Special Education at Koloa Elementary and substitute taught at all grade levels. She moved to Hawaii in 1995 from Southern California and raised her 2 children (daughter Avalon and son Lion) here. She went… Read more

Madison James, known to the school community as Ms. MJ, was born and raised in San Diego, California. She spent every summer and holiday here on Kauai with her parents, Stephanie and Darin, and three siblings, Sydney, Duke, and Sammy. Ms. MJ started her college career at Ohio State University on a softball scholarship but… Read more