School Leaders

Tiffany Ulunui Pratt began as the new Principal of Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School, on June 2, 2026. A proud HIDOE graduate of James B. Castle High School in Kāneʻohe Oʻahu, Principal Pratt is a true product of the public school system she serves, bringing 30 years of dedicated experience within the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE). Her extensive career, which began in 1996, has included serving as both a General and Special Education Teacher on Oʻahu, a school-level academic coach at Keaʻau Elementary, a Complex Area Educational Officer for Keaʻau-Kaʻū-Pāhoa (KKP), and Vice Principal at Pāhoa High & Intermediate. Most recently, she served as the Principal of Kaʻūmana Elementary School and supported system-wide leadership growth as a Principal in Residence at the Professional Development and Educational Research Institute (PDERI) for the New Principal Academy.

As an administrator, Tiffany is a passionate advocate for student well-being and success, driven by a commitment to fostering engaging, rigorous, and positive learning environments that inspire high achievement. Her professional philosophy is deeply rooted in serving the "greater good"—extending her support beyond the classroom to empower students, families, and the school community. Having lived in the Puna area and actively supported the KKP complex area for 14 years, she brings a personal investment to her new role. Outside of her professional life, Tiffany attributes much of her strength and inspiration to her close-knit family, including her husband, four sons, three grandchildren, and extended family.

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. 

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 Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary ʻohana.  Mahalo to all who have helped him along his journey; his husband Coan, their three kids, and adorable fur babies.

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.

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. 

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.

Rose earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee before beginning her career with HIDOE in 2004 as an educational assistant in the Hilo-Waiākea Complex Area. She went on to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and taught third grade for many years at Nāʻālehu Elementary School before stepping into the role of Academic Coach. Over the years, she has also served as the English Learner (EL) coordinator and Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) coach. In her current role as the school-based Complex Academic Officer at Nāʻālehu Elementary, Rose focuses on school improvement through collaboration—supporting academic coaches, leadership teams, and teachers to drive student success.

Rose lives in Volcano with her partner, Gabe, and their daughter, Jade, a freshman at Keaʻau High School. She remains motivated and inspired by her mother, mother-in-law, and aunty, who are all accomplished educators. Rose is honored and excited to continue collaborating with the KKP team to support the success of every student.

Wilma Roddy is the proud Principal of Kea‘au Elementary School, mommy to two beautiful keiki, and wife of supportive husband, Matt. She has a Bachelors in Psychology, and a Masters in Education from University of Hawai’i Hilo as well as a Masters in Educational Leadership from Chaminade University.  She began her teaching career in 2003 at her alma mater, Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary, then served as Vice Principal there for 4 years. Since then, she's served as the principal at Mountain View Elementary, the principal at Nā‘ālehu Elementary, and as a Complex Academic Officer overseeing school improvement efforts.  

What drives her to continue doing the work that she does is our keiki!  She truly believes that education is the great equalizer and that educators help our keiki achieve their dreams and aspirations. She does this work because she believes all keiki can succeed.

Born and raised in Pāhoa on the Big Island, Tiana Tehero is deeply committed to serving the island community. Her educational journey includes a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UH Hilo and a Master’s degree in Education, Research, and Leadership from UH Mānoa.

Since 2005, Tiana has served across the Ka‘ū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa Complex Area in various roles—beginning as an educational assistant and substitute teacher, before teaching Community-Based Instruction and Work-Based Learning at Keaʻau High School. Prior to stepping into school leadership, she spent four years as a District Resource Teacher for Autism, supporting students and families across the complex. Most recently, Tiana served as the TA Vice Principal at Ka‘ū High and Pāhala Elementary School.

Now bringing this extensive background to the role of TA Vice Principal at Kea‘au Elementary School, Tiana firmly believes in educating the whole student and ensuring they have the tools to succeed both in the classroom and throughout their lives.

Kuʻulei Pablo is honored to serve as the Temporary Assigned Vice Principal at Keaʻau Elementary School. Originally from Guam, her Chamoru roots have instilled in her the importance of community, respect, and service—values that continue to guide her as an educator and leader.

With ten years of experience in education, Kuʻulei has spent eight years as an elementary classroom teacher and two years serving as the Temporary Assigned Vice Principal at Nāʻālehu Elementary School. She is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment where every child feels seen, valued, and inspired to succeed.

Kuʻulei looks forward to building meaningful relationships with students, families, and staff as they learn, grow, and achieve success together.

Jacqueline Weber was raised in Keaʻau and is deeply rooted to the community. She is an alumna of Keaʻau Elementary (Nēnē) and Keaʻau Middle (Green Wave) School. As a proud Filipina and daughter of first-generation immigrants, she carries a deep personal commitment to expanding opportunities for all students. 

Jacqueline holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Master of Arts in Teaching. Her career in education began in her home community at Keaʻau Elementary, where she completed her student teaching before serving as an upper elementary teacher. 

Demonstrating a strong passion for leadership and instruction, she later expanded her impact as a Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Literacy Lead and an academic coach. Across every role, she has remained passionate about developing effective organizational systems and building highly skillful and impactful, collaborative teams.

Jacqueline is guided by the value that every student possesses the ability to learn when provided with the right support and conditions. She encourages students and staff to achieve excellence and continuously strive for the highest --- Kūlia i ka nuʻu.

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.

Vice Principal Alcain’s journey began in Nāʻālehu, Kaʻū, where she was shaped by the natural richness of Kaʻū and the warmth of a loving, close-knit community. Today, she brings that same spirit of community and care into her role as an educational leader. As a respected teacher leader, she has worked alongside local schools and statewide educational initiatives to cultivate innovative, student-centered environments that evolve to meet the needs of all learners.

Her foundational education at Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary sparked a lifelong commitment to learning. She earned Bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Elementary Education, later advancing her expertise with a Master’s in Education from UH Hilo and on to pursue her Master’s in Educational Leadership from UH Mānoa.

As a devoted mother to her two wonderful children, Kealohanui and Melia, Vice Principal Alcain firmly believes that every child possesses unique gifts and strengths waiting to be nurtured. Driven by an abiding love for her students and community, she feels deeply privileged to serve the families of KKP.  

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.

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.    

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, earning his bachelor’s degree in elementary education and later his master's degree in educational administration. He has a passion for serving this community, previously serving as the Vice Principal at Kea’au Elementary. 

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, supporting all students and staff.

Outside of school, Mr. Lau enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and family, as well as training in jiu-jitsu. 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 Middle School. 

Imua!

Principal Cevallos' journey with the DOE began at Pāhoa High and Intermediate school, as his 5th career. Hired by Title1 as 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 a Hilo-born and raised educator. Her heart is deeply rooted in this community. With over 17 years of service in 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, special education, and a Master's in Educational Administration, reflects 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. In her role as Vice Principal at Keaʻau High School, her vision is to foster 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 continue the work alongside the Keaʻau community to create a brighter future for all students.

(Bio coming soon)

Kasey Eisenhour serves as the principal of Keonepoko Elementary School in Pāhoa, where she brings more than two decades of experience in educational leadership, teaching, and counseling. During her 21-year career with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, she has held leadership positions throughout the Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa Complex Area, including administrative roles at both Pāhoa High & Intermediate School and Pāhoa Elementary School. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to building meaningful relationships, promoting academic excellence, and fostering a safe, inclusive learning environment where students, staff, and families can succeed together.

As principal of Keonepoko Elementary, Eisenhour leads with a vision centered on the school's guiding motto: Mālama Iaʻu, Mālama Kekahi, Mālama I Ke Kula ("Care for Yourself, Care for Others, and Care for Our School"). She has cultivated a school culture grounded in compassion, collaboration, and shared responsibility, emphasizing the development of the whole child. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by the Puna community, she prioritizes social-emotional well-being, resilience, adaptability, and critical-thinking skills alongside academic achievement.

Under Principal Eisenhour's leadership, Keonepoko Elementary offers a comprehensive PreK–6 education that integrates rigorous academics with Hawaiian language immersion, culturally responsive learning opportunities, and strong family and community partnerships. Her dedication to student success and community engagement has helped position the school as a welcoming, resilient, and supportive place where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

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.

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 also served as a TA Vice Principal at Keaʻau Elementary before moving to Pāhoa Elementary. Ms. McCracken is passionately committed to serving the students, staff, and families of Pāhoa Elementary and the wider Pāhoa community, striving to empower students to make a positive impact on their community and the world around them.

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 21 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.