Meet our Team

Angela has over 14 years of experience working in preschool and toddler classrooms. She worked for Head Start, Early Head Start, and Asante Child Development Services in Oregon, as a Behavioral Associate working with children with Autism. She then went on to open her own preschool which she ran for three years before relocating to Maui. She has also spent several months volunteering with special needs children in Mexico and attended Rogue Community College to study early childhood education.

Krist is one of our upcountry teachers with a passion for working with children. She has worked and volunteered for over 10 years in several settings and many capacities which include the Seattle Children’s Hospital, the Experimental Education Unit at University of Washington, and five public schools. Her most indelible contribution to the education community so far, creating a tutoring program that connected hundreds of students from kindergarten to twelfth grade with undergraduate university volunteers to improve their reading skills and enhance their overall academic performance. She is excited after a long time away working in retail management in Maui to be back working with kids again.

Holly is a devoted mom of three and a proud member of an active-duty military family. She holds a master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of Connecticut and worked as a school SLP for nearly five years before stepping away to focus on raising her family. Her passion for working with children shines through in everything she does and makes her a fabulous lead teacher.  Beyond her professional background, Holly is an active member of her community. She volunteers whenever she can, serves on the PTSA at her boys' school, and is a dedicated room parent for both of their classes. She also has a deep love for animals and enjoys reading and traveling in her free time. Having previously been a substitute before officially joining our team in January as a lead teacher, Holly brings warmth, experience, and a heart for service to our school. We’re so lucky to have her!.

Brooke has always had a passion for working with children, starting as a babysitter in her teens and continuing as a nanny through college. She earned a degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in Sustainability of Aquatic Systems, blending her love for nature with education. Her experience includes assisting and later teaching at a private school in Los Angeles for children with learning differences, as well as leading outdoor education trips for kids during school breaks—her favorite being a week-long canoeing adventure down the Colorado River with 50 students. After moving to Maui, Brooke worked at Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, running their outreach program, leading school groups, and managing volunteers. She later worked as a paraprofessional in autism classrooms until the COVID lockdown. 

Amy brings over six years of experience working in Maui elementary schools with special needs students. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Women’s Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is a certified Montessori teacher through the North American Montessori Center. With three years of Montessori teaching experience, Amy is passionate about fostering a love of learning in her students. When she’s not in the classroom, she enjoys hiking, baking, traveling, reading, and skiing. She is also a proud mother of two grown sons and shares her home with four beloved dogs.

Kaia  is a vibrant and nurturing preschool teaching assistant who effortlessly connects with young children, fostering a warm and supportive environment for their growth and development. Before joining the Makawao Drop-in Center team, she worked as an after-school caregiver, organizing fun outings and engaging activities to keep children entertained and stimulated. Her creativity shines through as she crafts enriching experiences that blend learning and play seamlessly. She spent two years tutoring students in grades K-3 through Hey Tutor and at Kahului Elementary. Kaia is also a talented violinist who has embraced the Suzuki style of teaching for a year.

Cheyenne was born and raised on the beautiful island of Maui, she remains deeply connected to her family and the community that shaped her. Currently pursuing a degree in psychology, Cheyenne is passionate about understanding the human mind and supporting others on their journeys. In her free time, she loves photography, capturing the beauty of nature and special moments with loved ones. She also enjoys camping, embracing the outdoors, and creating lasting memories with her family. Above all, Cheyenne treasures the time spent with her son, watching him grow and explore the world with wonder and excitement. Her warmth, curiosity, and love for learning makes her a valued part of our team.

Desha brings a wealth of experience in working with children, from babysitting to assisting in a pediatric dental office. As a dedicated mother to her 3-year-old daughter, she understands the importance of nurturing and supporting young minds in a caring and encouraging environment. Beyond her passion for childcare, Desha is deeply committed to health and wellness. She enjoys lifting weights, hiking, and is a licensed massage therapist. A lifelong learner, she loves reading and continuously seeks knowledge to enhance both her personal and professional growth. Desha is excited to bring her enthusiasm and compassionate nature to the classroom, helping to create a positive and engaging learning experience for every child.

Kendall is a dedicated straight-A student with her sights set on Yale University. She has a passion for working with children of all ages, especially engaging with them through imaginative play. Currently, she is earning her associate degree in Business through Maui Community College while also balancing her love for mentorship and community service. As a volunteer mentor with Nalu Studies, Kendall enjoys giving back and inspiring young minds. For her junior project in high school, she founded her own tutoring nonprofit, demonstrating her commitment to education and leadership. In her free time, she loves participating in aerial silks, combining strength and creativity in a unique way.

Alisha has been married to the love of her life for almost a decade. She is a proud mother and a passionate ballet enthusiast—both as a dancer and as someone who loves sharing its beauty with the keiki. Her love for adventure and travel has shaped her journey, bringing rich experiences and perspectives to her work. With over two decades of experience working with children, Alisha finds joy in inspiring and guiding young minds, helping them grow with confidence and creativity.