Meet Our School Leaders

Principal Beck began her teaching career as a Special Education Teacher at Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School in 1992. She fell in love with the community, and she and her husband raised their two daughters in Kaʻū. Both of her daughters attended Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary. She is a big believer in public education, holding the conviction that all students deserve an excellent education. She strives to serve and create conditions for students’ lifelong success.

ʻĀina's moʻokūʻauhau traces back to Kekūhaupiʻo and Pine, and his ʻohana has lived in Ka'ū for 67 generations. ʻĀina was raised by his grandmother, who spoke to him in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and was one of the inaugural Hawaiian Studies kupuna teaching in Kaʻū in 1978.

After attending Nāʻālehu Elementary school, he graduated from Kamehameha-Kapālama, earned a B.A. in Linguistics and Theater from Dartmouth College with a focus on Hawaiian Dialectology, a M.A. in Teaching from the University of Southern California with an emphasis on bilingual learners and social studies education, and a Teaching Certificate from the University of Hawaiʻi in Career & Technical Education with a specialization in Industrial Engineering Technology, Building & Construction, and Design and Drafting.  After 14 years serving as a high school teacher, student support director, social studies department chair, and director of global studies at his alma mater on Oʻahu, he fulfilled a lifelong calling and returned home to Nāʻālehu permanently in 2017. 

He currently serves as the K-12 Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School and Director of the Kaʻū Global Learning Lab.  He is also a faculty member of the Hawaiʻi LifeStyles Department at Hawaiʻi Community College in Hilo, where he teaches Hawaiian Studies classes through the Early College program for Ka'ū High School students. He also chairs the Education Committee  and serves as Kākau ʻŌlelo for the Hawaiian Civic Club of Kaʻū, is a member of Kauahaʻao Congregational Church, and a community volunteer and land steward.  He is proud to be a protector of all things Hawaiian, of all things Kaʻū, and is a strong supporter of Aloha ʻĀina and sustainable living. 

Jaime Guerpo, who has a BA in Kinesiology& Exercise Science and a Masters in Kinesiology, became the Athletic Director at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School in March of 2023.

Prior to stepping into the role, Jaime spent over two decades as head coach of the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UHH) women's cross country program after starting in 1999.  The Vulcans claimed back-to-back Pacific West Conference titles in the 2006 and 2007 seasons, the former of which Guerpo was named Coach of the Year.  Jaime also led the UH Hilo men's cross country program until its final season in 2010.

The Hawaiʻi-native previously served as head coach at Azusa Pacific University where he coached an 800-meter NAIA National Champion and a runner-up in the NAIA Marathon along with numerous conference champions and All-Americans.

Jaime enjoys working in Pāhala, which reminds him of his hometown, Honokaʻa.  

Jason Britt was born and raised on the island of Guam where he attended the University of Guam before earning a B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. He returned to island living when he joined Teach for America and became an ELA and CTE teacher at Wāʻiʻanae High school on Oahu. He went on to earn a Master's of Education in Teaching from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a school administrator's licensure through the University of Phoenix. Jason began his school administrator career as a Vice Principal at Wā'i'anae Elementary and Nānākuli Elementary before he and his family moved to Volcano in 2017. While serving the KKP Complex, Jason has been a vice principal at Keaʻau Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School. As the new principal of Nāʻālehu Elementary School, he is excited to continue to serve the students and families of the Kaʻū community.

Jennifer Key is thrilled to step into the role of TA vice principal at Nāʻālehu Elementary School this year. She is excited for this opportunity to serve the wonderful students, staff, and community of Kaʻū.

Her educational path began in 2000 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography from San Francisco State University. For 11 years, she developed her craft as a fine art, portrait, and wedding photographer. Then in 2014, a new passion ignited when she assisted a special education teacher at her daughter's school. That pivotal experience led her to Brandman University, where she earned her Special Education licensure in 2016.

Since moving to Hawaiʻi Island with her family in 2016, she has loved being a part of the Nāʻālehu community. She has had the opportunity to teach 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades in various capacities, including resource, inclusion, and co-teaching. She has also gained valuable leadership experience through the Teacher Leader Academy, serving as the special education department head, and as student services coordinator. She is eager to bring all these experiences to her new role and work with the Nāʻālehu staff to support the school's growth and success.

Growing up in Orange, California, Andrew spent his teenage years first as a student and then instructor of Karate, where he developed a lifelong love for working with young people and a deep appreciation for the positive impact that caring educators make in the life a child. 

Andrew earned a bachelor's degree in History and teaching certification for Social Studies, and years later earned a master’s degree in educational administration, from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Andrew taught Social Studies at the middle school level, before becoming a vice principal. As VP he served at both the secondary and elementary level. He relished the opportunity to gain a broader a perspective and promote positive outcomes for the students most in need of support.

In 2020 Andrew moved to Kurtistown on Hawaiʻi Island–joined by his loving wife Carly, a registered nurse, and a naughty little pup named Cloud–to begin service to the schools of the  Kāʻu Keaʻau Pāhoa Complex Area, where he serves as Complex Academic Officer. The CAO works with school leaders and staff to develop systems for action-oriented data based decision making, to ensure that our actions align with our student needs. He is proud to support such a fantastic group of educators all striving to achieve the KKP Mission– No Nā Keiki, Mau a Mau!

Vice Principal Blake Lau was born and raised on the island of Maui and is a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools. Mr. Lau attended the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education and then attained his master's degree in educational administration.  

Mr. Lau began his teaching career as a first-grade teacher and later taught third and fourth grades. Driven by his core values of aloha, ʻohana, excellence, growth, relationships, resiliency, and integrity, Mr. Lau continues to strive to be the best educator and leader he can be to support all students in achieving their full potential. 

One of Mr. Lau’s favorite quotes is by Rita Pierson: “Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can be.” Mr. Lau strives to be a champion for each student each day. 

He is excited to continue his leadership journey, serving the students, staff, parents, and community of Keaʻau Elementary School. 

Imua!

Ms. McCracken is a dedicated educator with a strong connection to the Kea'au community, having called it home since 2004. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and completed her teaching certification at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. Ms. McCracken brings 12 years of valuable experience from Keaʻau Middle School, where she served as a teacher, School-Wide Coordinator, and TA Vice Principal. She is now excited to transition to Keaʻau Elementary and continue her role as TA Vice Principal. Ms. McCracken is passionately committed to serving the students, staff, and families of Keaʻau Elementary and the wider Keaʻau community, striving to empower students to make a positive impact on their community and the world around them.

Adria Medeiros was born and raised in Puna, with all her professional experience in the KKP complex area.  She lives in Kaʻū with her husband and two sons, and engages in both the Puna and Kaʻū 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.  Principal Medeiros 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.  She enjoys traveling with her family, exploring new places and learning new cultures.

Raised in Nāʻālehu, Kaʻū, Vice Principal Alcain grew up with abundant natural resources and support from a tight-knit community. The spirit of community that she learned in Kaʻū embodies the work she does as a school leader. As a teacher leader, she 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.

She attended Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School and later continued to pursue Bachelor's Degrees in business administration and elementary education. Her educational pursuits led her to a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, and most recently she obtained a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

She is the mother of two exceptional children, Kealohanui and Melia.  She believes our Keiki are unique and deserve the best opportunities to succeed, find their passion, and explore their gifts. With this deep love and appreciation, she is so proud and honored to serve the KKP community.

Brandon Tanabe is the former Principal of Keaʻau Elementary School, having served since May 2022. Before becoming Principal, he served as the Vice Principal at Keaʻau Elementary from 2020 to 2022, and at Keaʻau Middle from 2017 to 2020.  His educational career began as an educational assistant at Roosevelt High School from 2001 to 2004.  His first teaching position was a 10th-grade special education teacher at Pearl City High School from 2011 to 2012.  He then taught at Dole Middle School from 2012 to 2017, primarily focusing on Social Studies and their Alternative Learning Program. 

He has been happily married for nine years and has three beautiful and spunky daughters.  He is extremely honored and proud to be Keaʻau Middle’s principal.  His dedication is fueled by many years of service in communities facing various socioeconomic challenges. He believes all students deserve their very best so they can succeed not only academically but also socially and emotionally.

Born and raised in Hilo, Vice Principal Collins graduated from Waiākea High School.  She earned an AS in Accounting and Sales and Marketing at Hawaiʻi Community College and spent 20 years working in business retail. 

In 2004, she made a career change, becoming an educational assistant at Pāhoa High and Intermediate. She later transferred to Hilo High, where she served as the In-School-Suspension Coordinator.

Driven by a desire to help local students she saw struggling, and relating to their challenges due to her own educational experiences, she decided to pursue teaching.  She received her BA in Special Education through City University of Seattle. She taught for five years before transitioning into administration, a role she has held for the past seven years.

Her three children all hold Master's Degrees, with one currently pursuing a PhD in Ecology in Singapore. She also has four wonderful granddaughters.

Her purpose in education is to help the keiki of Hawaiʻi achieve their career goals by fostering a belief in their ability to attain their dreams. Her passion lies in teaching students with aloha and integrating culture-based education.

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Christopher Ho attended the Las Vegas Academy of Performing Arts studying Orchestra and Choir. In 2009,  he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Political Science from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In 2011 he moved to Hawaiʻi and started working at Keaʻau High School where he served in multiple roles. In 2020, he obtained his Master’s in Education specializing in School Leadership from the University of San Diego. 

He is super excited and honored to work alongside many amazing students, educators, and community members serving the Keaʻau Middle School ʻohana.  Mahalo to all who have helped him along his journey; his husband Coan, their three kids, and adorable fur babies.

Crystal Motomura has worked as a K-6 educator in KKPCA for 12 years and is grateful for the opportunity to take on the role as HICISL V.P. at Keaʻau Middle School this school year.  She holds a bachelors in Psychology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and completed UH-Hilo’s Teacher Education Program as well.  

She was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi to parents Harvey and Alicia Motomura who have always emphasized the importance of being a lifelong learner.  She enjoys spending time with her family and taking adventurous vacations to new places with her loving husband, Kevin Tamura, and rambunctious daughter, Tatum.  

Her driving force continues to be her parents, always reminding her to never shy away from what is difficult but instead to learn all she can to overcome obstacles.  They keep her motivated and inspire her to ensure each child she works with leaves school happy and successful in all that they do.    

Principal Cevallos' journey with the DOE began at Pāhoa High and Intermediate school, as his 5th career. Hired by Title1as a PTT, he discovered a love for teaching students, which led him to UH Mānoa to earn a Teacher Certification.  He then went through the RISE program to become a Special Education teacher. When Pāhoa needed a Vice Principal, he served in the role for a few years before entering the Admin program. His administrative career has taken him from Pāhoa to Hilo, back to Pāhoa, and currently to Keaʻau High.

Originally from Colorado, he moved to Hawaiʻi from California.  He has two sons, Dale and Ian, who have blessed him with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His partner, Debbie Collins, has three children and four grandchildren.

His purpose in education has always been to inspire students, especially those who doubt their own capabilities. Seeing the "light bulb go off" in their eyes was an amazing experience.  He felt that moving into administration would allow him to serve them even more. He believes that excellence is achievable if high expectations are set for students, empowering them to achieve anything they desire through the support they receive.  He is committed to ensuring this happens for all of them.  His philosophy is centered on four core principles: 1) We will feed you, 2) Every day is a new day, 3) We will educate you, and 4) We will always love you!

Originally from Corning, California, Anthony Rypka served five years in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from CSU Chico with a BA in Liberal Studies and Spanish, and later received his teacher certification from UC Davis.

He dedicated 20 years to California schools, serving as an educational assistant, teacher, and administrator at both elementary and middle school levels. Following his time in California, he served for five years as a World Language teacher at Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School.  Prior to joining the administrative team at Keaʻau High School, he completed one year as a VP Intern at Keonepoko Elementary.

Vice Principal Jarvis has been an integral member of the Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa community since moving to the Big Island from Oʻahu in 2005. All of his children attended Mountain View Elementary School before moving on to both Keaʻau Schools and Kamehameha School, Hawaiʻi Campus. He has had the opportunity to work at several Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa schools, which has provided him with valuable insight into the local communities. He has enjoyed a long tenure at Keaʻau High School and is happy to now see the children of his former students attending classes there.

In terms of community involvement, he has been a member of the Keaʻau Christmas Parade committee for the past 15 years.  He enjoys working with people who are dedicated to donating their time and energy to benefit the keiki.

Born on the Big Island and raised in Kailua, Oʻahu, Vice Principal Williams was fortunate to be surrounded by a community of support and aloha.  Upon graduating from high school, she returned to her hometown of Hilo to continue her education at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, where she earned a BA in English and a Teaching Certificate in high school education.  

She has spent most of her career in the Hilo area, serving as both a teacher and administrator at Hilo High School.  She also had the opportunity for short assignments at two elementary schools and the District Office.  After serving as a Vice Principal at Keaʻau Middle School, the next step on her journey is serving as Vice Principal at Keaʻau High School where she hopes to inspire students in their educational journeys and support teachers and staff in their careers. 

Kailina Lewis is thrilled to join the Keaʻau High School ʻohana as Vice Principal. A Hilo-born and raised educator, Kailina's heart is deeply rooted in this community. With over 16 years dedicated to the Department of Education, she brings a wealth of experience and a passion for student success.

From classroom to administration, Kailina has worn many hats—volunteer, EA, office assistant, special education teacher, department head, and student services coordinator. Her educational journey, marked by degrees in psychology, communication, and special education, along with her current pursuit of a Master's in Educational Administration, demonstrates her lifelong commitment to learning and growth.

As a proud wife and mother, Kailina understands the importance of family and community. She brings a warm, nurturing approach to leadership, inspired by Hawaiian values of respect, balance, and purpose. Her vision for her role as a Vice Principal at Keaʻau High School is fostering a thriving learning environment where every student feels valued, empowered, and supported. With a focus on well-being, diversity, and resilience, Kailina is eager to work alongside the Keaʻau community to create a brighter future for all students.

Iris McGuire has been the face of Cougar Athletics, serving as the Athletic Administrator at Keaʻau High School for the past 20 years. She leads with a deep commitment to athletic excellence, academic achievement, and community connection.  Born and raised in the Puna district and a proud graduate of St. Joseph High School, Iris understands firsthand the values, challenges, and spirit that shape Hawaiʻi Island's youth.

She has built Keaʻau's athletic programs under a model that emphasizes ʻohana, and provides an environment where student-athletes grow in character, integrity, and leadership.  In recognition of her dedication to the profession, Iris earned her Certified Masters in Athletic Administration (CMAA) designation in 2011, one of the highest levels of certification in the field.  Leading by example, Iris hopes to inspire Cougar athletes to excel on and off the field and emerge as principled leaders ready to serve others, by preparing them not only for competition, but for life beyond high school.

Beyond the campus, Iris has devoted 27 years to the community as a Hawaiʻi County Police Officer, bringing a steadfast commitment to service, discipline, and mentorship to both her uniforms.  She is humbled and appreciative of the opportunity to continue to serve her community in this capacity.  This dual role has allowed her to forge strong partnerships with families, local organizations, and civic leaders, strengthening the bond between Kea'au High School and the wider community.

Principal Eisenhour has served as an educator for the past 30 years, as a member of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education for 17 years, and as an administrator in the Pāhoa community for the past 9 years. 

She has enjoyed working at Pāhoa High & Intermediate School, Pāhoa Elementary School, and currently at Keonepoko Elementary School.

Creating a community of care at Keonepoko Elementary School, where both students and the broader community can thrive, is paramount to her.  She believes that positive relationships are an essential ingredient for learning and are at the heart of all educators do. 

Hidi Boteilho was born and raised in Lower Puna and is a proud product of the Pāhoa Complex. She is married to Jon Boteilho, a fire captain in Pāhoa, and together they have two children and one grandchild.

Hidi has dedicated the past 20 years to the Hawaiʻi Department of Education (HIDOE), serving students in various roles. She began her journey as a paraprofessional tutor, later became a classroom teacher, and then took on the role of academic coach. For the past eight years, she has served as the Vice Principal of Keonepoko Elementary.

Her work as an administrator is grounded in a deep commitment to serving Hawaiʻi’s keiki and uplifting communities. She is passionate about leading schools that prioritize high-quality instruction, foster strong relationships, and operate with a clear sense of purpose. Hidi firmly believes that every student should have access to enrichment opportunities, meaningful learning experiences, and the resources needed to dream big and achieve success.

Brendan Fliris began his career in education at Keaʻau High School as a social studies teacher. As a high school teacher, Brendan taught a variety of social studies subjects, developed a high school transition course for ninth graders, assisted in developing a summer transition program, served as a class advisor, and managed a special education caseload. Brendan served the KKP Complex team as a resource teacher and later district educational specialist supporting the Comprehensive Literacy Statewide Development Grant (CLSD), where he helped implement reading interventions across all grade levels, developed data systems and reports to improve school-level decision making, organized and lead professional development in explicit instruction, and created family engagement opportunities. 

Brendan joined Keonepoko in the summer of 2023 where he completed his HICISL certification and is happy to remain a member of the administration team. Brendan loves collaborating with teachers, staff, and students to provide a school experience that Pāhoa families are proud of. 

Brendan was born and raised in Tanana, Alaska and enjoyed a career in technology sales in Silicon Valley prior to entering education. Brendan lives in Mountain View with his wife and two children. He enjoys woodworking, hiking, video games and supporting the Las Vegas Raiders and San Antonio Spurs in his spare time.

Karrin Hauanio began her journey as Pāhoa Elementary School in September 2024.  Most recently, Karrin was the District Educational Specialist for Alternative Learning Programs, Services & Support (ALPSS).  Prior to that she served as a Vice Principal at Keaʻau Middle School for five years and a Vice Principal at Kaʻūmana Elementary for one year.  Before entering administration, Karrin was a special education and general education classroom teacher in elementary, middle, and high school as well as a Resource Teacher for the East Hawaiʻi Special Education Office.  Karrin earned a Bachelor's in Sociology for UH Hilo, a M.Ed in Special Education from Chaminade University, and will forever be ABD in Education Leadership from Northeastern University.

Karrin enjoys spending her free time with her four children and hopes to continue serving the students of KKP to ensure a positive impact on the community they live in.

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 25 years working in and for the students and schools of the Kāʻu-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 Hawaiʻi Department of Education for the past 16 years. 

According to Principal Williamson, "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."

Annielaurie Henbest is one of the vice principals at Pāhoa High and Intermediate School. She has been in education for over 10 years, teaching across a wide range, from 2nd grade to 10th grade. She is a graduate of Idaho State University, holding Bachelor's degrees in History and Political Science, as well as an Elementary Education Degree. During her time at Idaho State, she played college golf for four years and received her teaching professional license. More recently, she completed two Master's Degrees: one in Curriculum and Instruction, and another in Educational Administration. In her free time she enjoys all outdoor activities and spending time with her two dogs, Keanu and Freya, and her husband.

Her educational philosophy centers on empowering teachers and students to be their best selves. She seeks to help all students discover a learning path that leads to success and aims to support teachers through resources, professional development, and support to deliver engaging and high-quality instruction to all of their students. Ultimately, she strives to be an advocate for everyone and empower those around her. Together, she believes, they will support students in becoming lifelong learners.

It is with great excitement that Brianna Sanchez joins Pāhoa High & Intermediate School as the new T.A. Vice Principal. A proud graduate of Moanalua High School in Honolulu, Ms. Sanchez earned her Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, completed her Teacher Certification Program at Chapman University, and holds a Master's in Education from National University. She has built her career on the foundational belief that "all kids can learn."

Ms. Sanchez brings 20 years of diverse experience in education. Her journey began in 2006 as a Health Educator for a non-profit in Nipomo, California. She then transitioned to teaching Social Studies in 2008, and in 2009, founded the successful Health Careers Academy at Pinole Valley High School—a program that continues to thrive today. In 2016, she returned home to Hawaiʻi with her ʻohana. Since 2017, Ms. Sanchez has had the privilege of serving the Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa Complex, working in various capacities at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences, Keaʻau High School, and most recently, Pāhoa High & Intermediate School.

Her primary focus at Pāhoa will be to support students and teachers in developing a unique, place-based academy model, building upon the school's robust Career Technical Education offerings. This model will strive to serve and enrich the broader community. Outside of school, Ms. Sanchez enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Brian Ducas is the Athletic Director at Pāhoa High & Intermediate School.  He was a science teacher/coach in Texas for 17 years before becoming the Athletic Director at Pāhoa.  Brian is a proud graduate of Texas Tech University, where he majored in biology and minored in chemistry.  

During his time teaching in Texas, Brian has taught many different subjects including biology, aquatic science, forensic science, and chemistry.  Also during that time, Brian has coached many sports including football, cross-country, basketball, and men's and women's soccer.  Brian was a head soccer coach for 14 years including two undefeated district championships and many playoff wins.

Brian enjoys traveling, time with his family, and watching sporting events (live if possible) whenever he has time away from work.  He is very excited to be the Athletic Director at Pāhoa, and continuing a successful culture for student athletes both on, and off, the field.