Meet Our School Leaders

Aloha! I started my teaching career as a Special Education Teacher at Ka’ū High and Pāhala Elementary School in 1992.  I fell in love with the community and my husband and I raised our 2 daughters in Ka’ū. Both of my daughters attended Nā'ālehu Elementary and Ka’ū High and Pāhala Elementary.  I am a big believer in public education and believe all students deserve an excellent education.  I strive to serve to create conditions for students’ lifelong success.

Born and raised on the island of Guam, serving the students and families of KKP felt like home. Raised by a single mom, she instilled within me the importance of education and how it is the key to open many doors regardless of life circumstance. Attended the University of Guam before earning a BA in Public Relations and Advertising from Gonzaga University. Joined the Teach For America Corp in 2008 and was placed at Waianae High School where he served as Publications Advisor for Searider Productions for seven years. Served as a VP at Waianae Elementary, Nanakuli Elementary, and Keaau Elementary and has been at Ka'ū High & Pāhala Elementary for the last four years. “I hope to serve as a living example to all the students who are me. To inspire and help a student discover a passion for learning is why I choose to lead.”

Aloha, I’m Wilma Roddy, mommy to 2 beautiful keiki, wife to my supportive husband- Matt, and proud Principal of Nā’ālehu Elementary School.  

I have a Bachelors in Psychology, and a Masters in Education from University of Hawai’i Hilo.  I also have a Masters in Educational Leadership from Chaminade University.  I began my teaching career in 2003 at my alma mater, Ka’ū High & Pāhala Elementary, served as Vice Principal there for 4 years, Principal at Mountain View Elem. for 6 years, and now Principal at NES.  I’m so proud to be serving in the community I grew up in, at the school I attended.

What drives me to continue doing the work that I do, is our keiki!  I truly believe that education is the great equalizer and as educators we can help our keiki achieve their dreams and aspirations. We, educators, pave the path and help build their future stories.  It takes 1 person to believe in them…I do this work because I believe all keiki can succeed.

My name is Brandon Tanabe and I am the Principal of Kea’au Elementary School.  I stepped into this role in May of 2022, when Kumu Bello became the Interim Complex Area Superintendent (CAS) of the Ka’u-Kea’au-Pahoa Complex Area. Prior to becoming the Principal, I was the Vice Principal at Kea’au Elementary (2020-2022) and Kea’au Middle (2017-2020).  Going further back, my educational career started at Roosevelt High School where I was an educational assistant from 2001-2004.  My first teaching position was at Pearl City High School as a 10th grade special education teacher in 2011-2012.  I then taught at Dole Middle School from 2012-2017 where I mostly taught Social Studies and their Alternative Learning Program. 

I have been happily married for six years and have two beautiful and spunky girls. We are expecting our third girl in November…wish me luck!  I am extremely honored and proud to be Kea’au Elementary’s principal and I will do my very best to maintain our high expectations set forth by CAS Bello.  I have spent many years serving in communities with various socioeconomic challenges and that is what drives me everyday.  I believe all students deserve our very best so they can succeed not only academically, but also socially and emotionally.

Aloha! My name is Blake Lau and I am excited to serve the students at Kea’au Elementary School in the KKP complex area. I was born and raised on the island of Maui and then attended UH Manoa. I received my bachelor's degree in elementary education and then began my teaching career. I’ve taught 1st, 3rd and 4th grade. While I was a teacher, I went back to UH Manoa and earned my graduate degree in Educational Administration. 

John C. Maxwell said, “If you are a leader, do everything you can to grow yourself and create the right environment for others to grow.” As an instructional leader, my purpose is to provide the optimal learning environment for students and staff to thrive. To do this, I need to keep growing myself and continue being a lifelong learner. 

Imua!

Aloha, my name is Crystal Motomura I have worked at Kea'au Elementary school for 10 years and am grateful for the opportunity to take on the role as T.A. V.P. this school year.  I have a bachelors in Psychology from the University of Hawaii at Hilo and completed UH-Hilo’s Teacher Education Program as well.  

I was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii by my parents Harvey and Alicia Motomura who have always emphasized the importance of being a lifelong learner.  During my free time I enjoy spending time with my furbaby Luna and taking adventurous vacations to new places with my loving husband Kevin Tamura.  

My driving force continues to be my parents.  Always reminding me to never shy from what is difficult but instead learn all I can to overcome my obstacles.  They keep me motivated and inspire me to ensure each child I work with leaves school happy and successful in all that they do.  

Adria Medeiros was born and raised in Puna, with all her professional experience in the KKP complex area.  She lives in Ka’ū with her husband and two sons, and engages in both the Puna and Ka’ū communities regularly.  Adria holds a BA in English Literature and Writing, a Master’s of Arts in Special Education, and a Master’s of Arts in Educational Administration.  With experience as a special education teacher, vice principal, and district education specialist, she brings experience in many areas to her role as principal.  Adria believes strongly that it is the responsibility of the school to nurture and support all aspects of each child - academic, social emotional, and physical - and to ensure all students are happy, healthy, and safe.  Adria enjoys traveling with her family, exploring new places and learning new cultures.

Raised in Nā'ālehu, Ka’ū, I grew up with abundant natural resources and support from a tight-knit community. The spirit of community that I learned in Ka’u embodies the work I do as a school leader. As a teacher leader, I worked with local school teams and various statewide educational groups to innovate and build thriving schools that grow and change in the best interest of all students.

I attended Ka'ū High and Pāhala Elementary School and later continued to pursue Bachelor's Degrees in business administration and elementary education. My educational pursuits led me to a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Hawai'i at Hilo, and now I continue my educational journey in pursuing a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa.

I am the mother of two exceptional children, Kealohanui and Melia. I share the same sentiments I have with my children with your children. Our Keiki are unique and deserve the best opportunities to succeed and find their passion and explore their gifts. With this deep love and appreciation, I am so proud and honored to serve our KKP Community.

Gregg Yonemori began his career in education 25 years ago as a special education teacher at Keonepoko Elementary school in the Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa Complex Area, then transferred to Waiakea Intermediate School as a special education teacher and also was a general education teacher, alternative learning teacher, and vice principal there.  Yonemori served as principal at Chiefess Kapi‘olani Elementary School and in 2021 returned back to the Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa Complex Area to become the principal at Kea‘au Middle School. 

He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and a Masters of Arts from Lamar University.  In his free time, Yonemori enjoys spending time with his family, playing with his dog, and working on old cars.

Born and raised in Hilo, graduated from Waiakea High School.  I received an AS in Accounting and Sales and Marketing at Hawaii Community College. I worked in Business Retail for 20 years. 

In 2004 I had a career change and started working for Pahoa High and Intermediate as an educational assistant. I transferred to Hilo High where I worked as the In-School-Suspension Coordinator. 

I decided to enter the teaching program and received my BA in Special Education through City University of Seattle. Teaching called to me after seeing so many local students struggling in school. I connected with these students due to my own struggles in education. 

I taught for five years, before moving into administration for the past seven years.

My three children have their Master’s Degrees and one is currently working on his PhD in Ecology in Singapore. I have four wonderful granddaughters. 

My purpose in education is to help the keiki of Hawaii to attain their career goals by believing that they can attain their dreams.  My passion is to teach our students with aloha and incorporating culture-based education.

Education has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I suppose it’s become a calling for me.  My grandfather Mu’omua was a math teacher, my Aunty Huni a principal, and my brother Sam and I currently work as school administrators.  

My career began as a teacher in Honolulu, where I taught at the elementary and middle school levels before transitioning to school administration in 2001 as a TA VP at Stevenson Middle School.  I later became the Principal of Hawaii School for the Deaf and the Blind for five years, and am now in my seventh year as the Vice Principal at Na’alehu Elementary School

What drives me to continue working in this sometimes demanding, all the time, rewarding job is the desire to positively impact the lives of students while they are in our charge.  Each child deserves the opportunity to thrive in their learning environment, and it is our kuleana as educators to ensure that it happens.

When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband Lorenzo and the animals on our property.  I also enjoy cooking and baking for others.

Born on the Big Island and raised in Kailua, O'ahu, I was fortunate to be surrounded by a community of support and aloha.  Upon graduation from high school, I returned to my hometown of Hilo to continue my education at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo attaining both my BA in English and Teaching Certificate in high school education.  I have spent most of my career in the Hilo area serving both as a teacher and administrator at Hilo High School and was also fortunate to do a few short stays in two elementary schools and the District Office.  The next step on my journey is serving as Vice Principal at Kea'au Middle School where I hope to inspire students in their educational journeys and support teachers and staff in their careers. 

It took me 13 years, part time, to acquire my Degree. I have my masters in education and started my Doctoral Program and was almost finished but could not when I became Principal at Pāhoa High and Intermediate school. 

I started with DOE Education at Pāhoa High and Intermediate school as my 5th career. Title 1 hired me in as a PTT. I loved teaching the students and went to Manoa for my Teacher Certification. I then went through the RISE program to become a SpEd teacher. Pāhoa needed a VP so I TA’d for a few years and then went into the Admin program. I did Administration at Pāhoa, Hilo, back to Pāhoa and now at Kea’au High.

Originally I am from Colorado but came to Hawai'i from California. I have two sons, Dale and Ian and they have blessed me with grand and great grandchildren. My partner is Debbie Collins and she has 3 children and 4 grandchildren.

My purpose in education was to touch the minds of students even if they felt they could not. To see the light bulb go off in their eyes was amazing. I felt that going into Admin would help me service them even more. I know we can achieve excellence if our expectations of our students is that they can, through us, achieve anything they want to. I am here to make sure that happens for all of them. My philosophy is 1) We will feed you 2) We will love you 3) We will educate you and 4) We will always love you! 

Originally from Corning, California.  Served 5 years in USN.  Graduated from CSU Chico with BA in Liberal Studies and Spanish.  Received teacher certification from UC Davis.

Served 20 years in California schools, as an Educational assistant, teacher, and administrator in elementary and middle school.

Served 5 years as World Language teacher at Ka`ū High and Pāhala Elementary School. 

Served 1 year at Keonepoko Elementary as VP Intern.

Aloha!

Iʻve enjoyed being an integral member of the Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa community since I moved to the Big Island from Oʻahu in 2005. All of my children attended Mountain View Elementary School, then moved on to both Keaʻau Schools and Kamehameha School, Hawaii Campus. Iʻve had the opportunity to work at several of our Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa schools, which has given me a good insight into our local communities. Iʻve enjoyed a long run at Keaʻau High school, and Iʻm happy to see the children of my former students now attending classes at Keaʻau High.

In terms of community involvement, Iʻve been a member of the Keaʻau Christmas Parade committee for the past 15 years. I enjoy working with people who like to donate their time and energy to benefit our keiki!

I have served as an educator for the past 30 years, as a member of the Hawaii Department of Education for 17 years, and as an administrator in the Pahoa community for the past 9 years. 

I have enjoyed working at Pāhoa High & Intermediate School, Pāhoa Elementary School, and currently Keonepoko Elementary School.

Creating a community of care at Keonepoko Elementary School so that the students and the community thrive is paramount. I believe that positive relationships are an essential ingredient for learning and are at the heart of all we do as educators. 

Michelle Payne-Arakaki has dedicated her nearly 30 years of service to the keiki of Hawai'i island, as a teacher, resource teacher, and administrator. Twenty seven of those years have been devoted to the Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pahoa Complex Area. She is currently the Principal of Pāhoa Elementary School. Michelle earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Hawai'i at Hilo, an elementary teaching certification, and a Master’s of Education in Professional Development.  In 2016, she was a finalist for the distinguished Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award and selected as the Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa Distinguished Principal of the Year. When Principal Payne-Arakaki is away from school, she enjoys spending time with her ʻohana and traveling.

Catherine McPherson-Tampos has been working in and around education for nearly 41 years. Right out of college, she taught English as a Second Language in Japan, Singapore, and at colleges and universities in the States. Before moving to Hawaiʻi in 1997, she served as an administrator in English as a Second Language schools and programs, professional training, and graduate programs. Having earned a Master in Education degree in 1999, she turned her attention to K-12 education. Cathy has spent the last 22 years working in and for the students and schools of the Kāu-Keaʻau-Pāhoa complex area as a high school English teacher, Vice-Principal, and District Educational Specialist. 

Kim Williamson, is principal of Pāhoa High and Intermediate School.  Kim is a lifelong educator, teaching everything from elementary age students to adults in college literature and composition classes.  He has been, in some way, shape or form, employed as an educator since the year after his high school graduation and has been a proud leader within Hawai'i Department of Education for the past 16 years. 

According to Kim, an education is not just what students learn in the traditional sense of school.  It is also about the moments that each student experiences with the community at the school, about taking those moments to the larger community and making small, positive changes to make our home the place we all want with shared values and shared aloha for everyone.  Every aspect of life at school is an “education” and we need to make sure there are more positive moments than negative ones.  When this happens, our students and community are more resilient, and better prepared for the future.

Aloha families and community members! My name is Annielaurie Henbest and I am blessed to be one of the vice principals at Pāhoa High and Intermediate School. I have been in education for 10 years and have taught everything from 2nd grade to 10th grade. I am a graduate of Idaho State University with a Bachelor's degree in History and Political Science as well as an Elementary Education Degree. While I was at Idaho State I played college golf for four years and received my teaching professional license. I recently graduated with my Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well as a Masters Degree in Educational Administration. In my free time I enjoy any and all activities that are outside, spending time with my two dogs (Keanu and Freya) and my husband.

My educational philosophy is to empower teachers and students to be the best versions of themselves. I want to seek to help all students to find a learning path for success and support teachers through resources, professional development, and support to deliver engaging and quality instruction to all of their students. Ultimately, I strive to be an advocate for all and empower those around me. Together, we will support our students to become lifelong learners!