Kim Harrington - 'Apapane Preschool Lead Teacher

Kim has been an early childhood educator for over 30 years, half of which have been at Waldorf schools, both public and private. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and a certificate in Anthroposophical Foundation Studies from the Center for Anthroposophy. She completed her Waldorf early childhood teacher training at Rudolf Steiner College in 2007. Kim comes to us from Mountain Oak School, a Waldorf-inspired charter school in Prescott, Arizona. She is a certified yoga teacher and loves hiking, biking, live music, reading, and knitting.

Amber Morris - ‘Apapane Preschool Assistant

Ms. Amber brings experience working in several Waldorf Early Childhood programs in California, including as the After School Care director at Sierra Waldorf School, tucked away in the foothills of Yosemite National Park. She opened and ran a Waldorf-inspired in-home daycare for several years and studied Early Childhood Education at Columbia College. Her children attend HWS and are very happy to be part of the Maui community.

Nalani Cleveland  - I'iwi Preschool Lead Teacher

Ms. Cleveland holds a B.A in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on the Arts, Language Acquisition, and Child Psychology. She also earned a Minor in Hawai'ian Studies, and has completed a certification course in Peace and Conflict Resolution. Ms. Cleveland also holds a Master’s of Education from Johns Hopkins University. She is an experienced teacher of students of all ages, has worked in curriculum development, is a gifted artist, and is experienced with social-emotional development.

Ms. Cleveland infuses energy, creativity, and enthusiasm into her teaching methods and program delivery. She focuses on nurturing the tender senses of each of our youngest children and creating a nourishing and healthy environment for the class as a whole. Ms. Cleveland has a deep connection to sense of place and the culture of Hawai’i - aloha is at the center of her thoughtfulness and work. She is a community-minded teacher of deep compassion who enjoys building relationships with students and families.

I’iwi Preschool Assistant Teacher, Early Childhood Aide, Early Childhood Aftercare Provider

Grace holds a BA in Liberal Arts from the University of Hawai'i and a minor in Early Childhood Education. She has been an Infant - toddler educator for Montessori schools for fifteen years. Much of her family lives in Kula, including her grandson, who is a student at HWS. Grace enjoys reading, volunteering for various causes, music, travel adventures, and learning about other cultures.

Maggie Alves - I'iwi Preschool Assistant Teacher

Maggie has resided on Maui since 2007. Maggie’s son Cole attended both Honolulu and Haleakalā Waldorf schools. Maggie has worked in several areas of HWS, assisting in the Nēnē Kindergarten, Pūlama Bridge Preschool, and substitute teaching in the HWS Early Childhood classes. Maggie’s training includes AWE classes and ECD Training at The Micha-el Institute in Portland, OR. Maggie enjoys yoga, hiking, travel, flowers and photography. Maggie and her husband Nick are beekeepers and grow proteas on their Kula property. 

Julie Ybarra - Nēnē Kindergarten Lead Teacher and Early Childhood Department Co-Chair

Julie has been a Waldorf educator since the late 90’s. Since her first position at HWS in 1999, she has taught Parent/Child classes, preschool, and kindergarten in all four EC classrooms. Since her initial Waldorf Training from 1997-99 at Kula Makua in Honolulu, she has also completed specialized training in Outdoor Education at Rudolf Steiner College and a three-year course in assessment and therapeutic education with Nurturing the Roots in Denver, Colorado. Julie holds a BFA from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Waldorf Teaching Certificate from WISC. In addition to teaching, Julie serves the island community by offering Sandplay Therapy and lives with her daughter surrounded by the serenity of upcountry Maui. Julie enjoys international travel, art, photography, live music, and long walks with her dog. 

Erika Zapparoli - Nene Kindergarten Assistant Teacher

Erika grew up in Toronto and then lived in Vancouver before moving to Maui with her family in 2012. She holds a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology and Education from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UBC, and credits in childcare from VCC. She has worked in various roles and settings providing enriching developmental experiences for children in Maui, Vancouver, Toronto, and overseas. Erika has always had a special interest in the convergence of education philosophy, developmental health, and social responsibility, aligning with Waldorf education. She began working in the early childhood classrooms at HWS in 2022 and continues to deepen her understanding of Waldorf education and anthroposophy. She has 2 children attending HWS and enjoys yoga, gardening, and spending time in nature with her family hiking and snorkeling. 

Andrea Futch - Friday Nēnē Lead Teacher

Andrea has been part of the HWS community since 1999, when her daughter, Sabrina, joined preschool. Throughout the years, she has worked in the early childhood department in a variety of ways including leading the I'iwi preschool. She has completed the Adult Waldorf Education program and holds a certification in Early Childhood Studies at UH of Maui, complementing her BA in Communication from the University of Central Florida. In addition, Andrea deepened her education by completing the Lifeways training. Andrea loves working with children, especially on Aloha Fridays! She enjoys long walks with her husband Dave, and their three miniature dogs, Hina, Pono, and Sunny.

Shelley Jacobs - Pueo Kindergarten Lead Teacher and Early Childhood Department Co-Chair

Ms. Shelley has been in Hawai'i since 1989 and at HWS since 1997, where she has served as an early childhood educator in both the Preschool and the Kindergarten. Ms. Shelley is a Waldorf-certified teacher and has completed the LifeWays Early Childhood and Human Development Training. She also holds a BA in political science with additional studies in Early Childhood Education. Her oldest daughter attended HWS from Kindergarten through 8th grade and her youngest daughter, Winnie began at the school in the Parent Child program and is currently in grade 9 at the High School. Ms. Shelley brings an ever-expanding love for the work with the young child, a joy in building relationships with families, and a deep commitment to ongoing professional and personal inner development.

Brittany Buffington - Pueo Kindergarten Assistant Teacher

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Brittany received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Salisbury University before teaching in New Zealand and Fiji. She completed a certificate in Waldorf Education from Taruna College. Working with the special needs population in schools inspired her to go on to focus on the special needs course track to gain a Master’s Degree from McDaniel College. Upon completing her graduate degree, she moved to Maui and is thrilled to be part of the HWS ‘ohana. She enjoys hiking, running, camping, reading, traveling, and swimming.

Mitch Bancroft - ECD Aide, Grades Aftercare

Mitch was born and raised in Southwest Michigan, only residing on Maui since May 2024. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Education from Adrian College. He enjoyed being a u12 and u14 ice hockey coach for the last two years, focusing on the development and love of the sport. His interests include hiking, fishing, sports, enjoying nature with his wife Carley, and staying active with his two dogs. 

Jenny Foster - Grade 1 Lead Teacher

Jenny was raised on O’ahu by the rhythms of the ocean and is overjoyed to be returning home to Hawai’i after many years of traveling and teaching. She has been a Waldorf educator since 1994, beginning as an early childhood educator at the Seattle Waldorf School and as a founding teacher at Three Cedars Waldorf School in Bellevue, Washington. She fell in love with Eurythmy during her teacher training and later decided to continue her studies in Järna, Sweden, where she graduated in 2001. After several years performing with Eurythmy stage groups, she returned to the US to focus on teaching. Jenny has taught full-time Eurythmy for grades K-12 in the Seattle area, New Hampshire, and in Princeton, NJ. She has most recently served as a Class Teacher at the Princeton Waldorf School in Princeton, NJ. When not teaching, you’ll find her surfing the warm waters of our island home.

Mariana Pogzeba - Grade 1 Assistant Teacher

Originally from Brazil, Mariana has been rooted in the vibrant land of Maui since 2021. She earned a Master of Science degree in Tropical Forestry in Manaus, the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Following this, her heart guided me to transition from Forestry to Education. She has embraced over a year of Waldorf Teacher Training at Intamores in Brazil. Now, she is delighted to bring her passion for the natural wonders that surround us and our keiki to Haleakalā Waldorf School, where she eagerly embraces the principles of Waldorf Education and child development. She is am thrilled to be woven into the daily tapestry of the children and the school community. Her journey continues with the joyous anticipation of nurturing young minds. 

Christina Reams - Grade 2 Lead Teacher

After receiving a BA in Education, Spanish, and Geography from the University of Colorado, Christina enjoyed empowering youth through outdoor education and teaching in elementary schools in Ecuador, Chile, and Rapa Nui.   She taught Spanish at Whatcom Hills Waldorf School in Bellingham WA, and became a certified Waldorf Grades teacher through the West Coast Institute.

While in Rapa Nui she was immersed in their Polynesian culture and loves incorporating their traditional knowledge and practices, including catching fresh fish for her family.
Christina acknowledges that she has the privilege to teach on land that pertains to the Hawaiian Kingdom, and appreciates the Hawaiian culture and aloha spirit that is shared with her and her family. 

Ingrid Almquist - Grade 3 Lead Teacher

Ingrid completed her Waldorf teacher training at the London Waldorf Teaching Training Seminar. She holds an MA in Renaissance Drama from Kings College in London, a BA in Theater Arts/Mythology and Folklore from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Certificate in Directing from the East 15 Drama School in London. Ingrid comes to us from the Mountain Laurel Waldorf School in New York where she has taken a class from the 1st through the 8th grade.

Chelsey Placer - Grade 4 Lead Teacher, Grade 1-5 Department Chair

Ms. Placer infuses energy, creativity, and enthusiasm into her teaching methods and curricular delivery. In addition to providing excellence in academics, she is focused on nurturing the social and emotional health of her students and the class as a whole. Ms. Placer is a community-minded teacher of deep compassion who enjoys building relationships with students and families. She holds an MA in Contemplative Education and has completed her full Waldorf Teacher Certification through Rudolf Steiner College in Fair Oaks, CA. She is an experienced teacher having taught grades 1-8 at Haleakalā Waldorf School, worked in curriculum development and pedagogical support, and is experienced with social-emotional learning.

Rainie Sunshine - Grade 5 Lead Teacher

Ms. Sunshine received a self-designed BA degree from Fairhaven College at Western Washington University in “Community Earth Living.” She is proud to hold a permaculture design certificate from the Bullock Family Farm on Orcas Island, Washington State. Her passion is healthy living within the community and with the earth. She completed her Early Childhood studies at UH Maui. Her Waldorf Teacher Training from West Coast Institute, in British Columbia, Canada was fulfilled in 2019. Rainie has been employed at HWS since 2012. She has worked in Early Childhood, as a first-grade class assistant, High School Culinary Arts Teacher, Garden Assistant and Lead, and now a Class Teacher since 2019. In her spare time, she loves to garden, prepare healthy, delicious food, be active in nature, and adores spending time with her family. Her two children, Kai and Aina, are HWS alumni and are now completing their Bachelor's degrees on the East Coast. Ms. Sunshine’s class is filled with vibrant striving and warm connections that are inspirational within our school community.

Bryen Lehto - Grade 6 Lead Teacher

After a hiatus from teaching at Haleakalā Waldorf School, Bryen is excited to return to the school. Bryen started teaching at Waldorf schools well over 20 years ago, and his Master's degree in fine arts shows that he has a deep love for history, math, and science. His own daughter is now 5 and is also excited about attending HWS.

Zachary Schweitzer - Grade 7 Lead Teacher and Middle School Department Chair

Zach grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and graduated from Tufts University with a BA in International Relations. After college, he moved to Southeast Asia for five years, working for the United Nations in Cambodia, Princeton in Asia in Laos and Myanmar, and finally at Kasetsart University and NIST International School in Thailand, teaching everywhere from classrooms to rice paddies. He moved to Maui in 2020 and taught a Waldorf-inspired curriculum to a mixed-age Middle School class, and now is excited to join the Haleakalā Waldorf community. In his free time, he's learning as much as he can about Hawai'i by taking lessons in wa'a paddling, lauhala weaving, and 'ōlelo Hawai'i.

Peter Koeneman - Grade 8 Lead Teacher

Mr. Pete is originally from Traverse City, Michigan. He attended school in Central Oregon and University of Hawai'i. He has lived and taught in many places around the world, including Jamaica, Zambia, and Kenya. He has taught permaculture design in Uganda to mitigate food shortages and has facilitated service learning trips for youth. He is an avid gardener, loves to surf, hike, and spend time with his family.

Sarah Nelson - Teacher Trainer and Middle School Specialist

Ms. Nelson has been a Waldorf Educator and advocate for over 25 years. She is dedicated to fostering the ideals of Waldorf education and helping schools and teachers reach their highest potential in fostering creative and living thinking in their students. She has been a Class Teacher, an Early Childhood Educator, has served as a Regional Leader for the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), and has also worked in teacher training at both the West Coast Institute in British Columbia,  and the Center for Anthroposophy in Wilton, NH.  She most recently finished an eight-year cycle with a class at The Haleakalā Waldorf School in Maui, Hawai'i, and has also served as a class teacher at The Vancouver Waldorf School in British Columbia. All together she has taken three classes through their grade school years, as well as teaching in the Early Childhood program at the beginning of her career. During her teaching career, she has also served in a variety of leadership roles such as College Chair, and Pedagogical Administrator. Sarah is also the proud mother of two daughters who both attended Waldorf Schools from Pre-K through High School. 

Sarah holds a MA in Education, a Waldorf Teaching Certificate, and a BA in Adolescent and Child Psychology. She currently resides between her new home in the Kootenay Mountains of British Columbia, and her longtime home of Maui, HI, where she works with a variety of Waldorf schools, classes, and teachers. 

Kim Dukes - Gardening Teacher

Kimberly Dukes was born and raised in Northborough , Massachusetts. She moved to Hawai'i in 1991. Her two children started Haleakalā Waldorf School in 2001 and her youngest daughter’s class was the first to start the high school.  She has a background in organic farming from her family in Massachusetts and Maine, and continues  her passion here in Hawai'i. She started working at Haleakalā Waldorf School in 2003 in Early childhood and then became the Gardening teacher in 2004.  She studied Biodynamics at Steiner College, CA and was very active in the farming conference community in Maui. She worked as the HWS Garden teacher until 2018 and is thrilled to return this year. 

Tim Harrington,  EdD - Practical Arts Teacher - Grades 6-8

Dr. Tim Harrington holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts Education, a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on special needs learners, and a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership. Prior teaching experience includes woodworking, ceramics, metal working, photography, printing/graphic design, drafting, digital art, storytelling, and technology. Dr. Tim embraces and lives our pedagogy through the practical art of purposeful and creative aesthetics. His focus is on the grades and middle school woodworking curriculum. He has also taught in HWS’s practical arts and Artist Entrepreneurship programs. Dr. Tim is also the Board President of Mountain Oak School, a Waldorf-inspired charter school in Arizona, as well as a university president for a distance-learning university in Utah. 

Clarissa Hempel - Movement Education Grade 2-4, Spanish Grade 1-4

Born and raised in the vibrant city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Clarissa has a deep appreciation for culture, creativity, and friendly competition.

Ms. Hempel studied Arts and Photography at FAAP in Sao Paulo and later expanded her horizons at the Rhode Island School of Design, where she explored Jewelry Design. Her journey then took her to Maui, where she discovered a passion for kitesurfing and photography.

After years of traveling and competing, she settled here on Maui, focusing on her love for photography. Now, as a proud mom of an HWS student, she has turned her creative energy toward teaching. She brings a dynamic and engaging approach to learning Spanish, drawing from her diverse experiences around the world. With a background in multiple sports, she embodies a warm love of play and movement to the lower grades.

Consuelo Robles Uribe - Middle School Spanish Language & Culture Teacher

Ms. Consue is from Colombia, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. She worked for 27 years at Marymount School in Barranquilla, Colombia, in a variety of roles including Physical Education Teacher of Elementary through High School, Physical Education Department Head, Supervisor of the Marymount Athletic Cultural Club, and Volleyball Coach. She worked as a Spanish tutor in San Francisco before moving to Maui. She enjoys working outdoors, being creative when teaching, and helping children awaken their interest in new things while also learning from them. She is passionate about nature, the ocean, dancing, cooking, playing volleyball, and spending time with her family.

Leihua Kalawai'a - Kumu 'Ukulele, Kumu ‘Ike Kūpuna, Kūpuna Student Coordinator

Leihua’s love and talent for the 'ukulele came from her dad and she started playing at the age of 10. She was among the first students to attend the Institute of Hawai'ian Music at the University of Hawai'i Maui College. She loves working with her students and strives to teach them not only chords but also life lessons.

Paul Levinson - Language Arts and Education Support Teacher

Originally from South Africa, Paul holds a Business degree from the University of Capetown, an M.Ed. from UH Manoa, and has completed two years of Anthroposophical Studies at Emerson College in England. He helped start Three Rivers Waldorf School with Bonnie River and was also one of the founding teachers at Shining Mountain Waldorf School. Before joining HWS, Paul worked at Maui College in the Educational Opportunity Center directing a federal college access program for disadvantaged local residents. Paul is married to Sharon Mielbrecht and they have two sons, one of whom is the Eurythmy teacher at the Austin Waldorf School. Paul’s personal interests include hiking, gardening, music, bocce, Ecstatic Dance, and cats!

Joseph Palmore - Movement Education Teacher Grade 1 & 5-8, High School Drama Teacher

Mr. Palmore was previously a Waldorf Class Teacher at HWS for sixteen years, leading two classes from 1st  to 8th grade. He is certified in Spacial Dynamics and is a Tang Soo Do instructor. He also offers workshops in instruction in drama and improvisational theatre. He has taught Dramatic Arts to improve Reading Test Scores through collaboration between MAPA and the DOE. Joseph holds a BA in Elementary Education.

Isaac Roosa - Handwork Teacher Grades 1-5, Marketing Assistant

Isaac is a Waldorf alumnus from Rhode Island. After 12 years of wonderful education, he attended Wheaton College, where he graduated with a degree in German Studies and General Education. He spent three years teaching English as a Foreign Language in the Czech Republic, where he met his wife, Olena. They moved from Prague to Shanghai, China to broaden their cultural horizons, and after two years of teaching Kindergarten, returned to the United States. Isaac was a lead class teacher for several years at the Brooklyn, NY and Meadowbrook, RI Waldorf School. He received his WETE teacher training at the Sunbridge Institute. After five years as a lead class teacher, Isaac now teaches Handowk to grades 1-5. When Isaac is not teaching, he is crafting, hiking, traveling, or cuddling his three dogs and three cats.

Kristin Sherwood - Middle School Math Teacher and Student Support Specialist

Originally from New York State, Kristin lived in Massachusetts for many years, earning a B.A. in Linguistics from Harvard University and a joint M.Ed in Creative Arts in Learning and Elementary Education from Lesley University. She began her teaching career at an international school in Thailand and has traveled and volunteered across five continents. After working for eight years as a classroom teacher in the Massachusetts public schools, Kristin moved to Maui and spent several years specializing in helping students with dyslexia. She has a passion for mathematics and began tutoring her peers in high school; she has also taught Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and test prep for the math portions of the SAT, SSAT, and ACT. Currently, she teaches Middle School math and tutors individuals and small groups in grades 6-8. In addition, she coaches the MathCounts challenge math program and contributes her musical talents to the school community. When she’s not teaching, you can find Kristin exploring hiking trails, Latin dancing, organizing a contra dance, or playing Celtic fiddle.  

Jason Ward - High School Program Director

Jason holds a bachelor's degree in environmental studies from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a teaching certificate for high school science from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.  At Portland State University, he completed a master's degree in leadership for sustainability education.  He has taught math, science, and special education in Hawai'i and Oregon.  He first entered the HWS community by volunteering in the garden in 2008.  Jason has three children who are students at HWS.  He enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle and is passionate about sustainability and social justice.

Ryan Anderson - High School Mathematics and Science Teacher

Ryan attended Mary Washington College and received his undergraduate degree in Environmental Science. He was integral in the development of a community garden space and freshwater ecology in the greater college community. Ryan then traveled to Oakland, California where he received a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Naropa University. For his Master's Thesis, Ryan educated Waldorf and public school students from West Oakland in drumming and rhythm work, attempting to bridge cultures through a final performance. Ryan has been a teacher at HWS since 2004, serving as a class teacher, math and science specialist, and music specialty teacher. He enjoys music, ecology in action, and beekeeping.

Ariadna Vallcorba Belsa - High School Spanish Language Teacher

Ariadna is from Barcelona, Spain. She has a BA in Education Sciences (Pedagogia) from the University of Barcelona (UAB) and a BA in Audiovisual Communication from Open University of Catalunya. She enjoys traveling, hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, and swimming, gardening, and cooking.

Petra Bertilsson - High School Biology Teacher

Petra grew up in Sweden and came to Hawai’i for college. She holds Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Zoology with an emphasis in marine ecology. She worked as a field researcher for many years and then taught college before finding the joy of teaching high school students at HWS. When Petra is not working or being with her family, you can find her paddling, practicing yoga or working with a variety of animal species. Petra has two teenage children that are both students at HWS.

Matthew Clement - High School Science and Humanities Teacher

Matthew holds a B.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa and has worked at HWS since 2006. He attended Shining Mountain Waldorf school in Boulder, CO, and was a founding member of the HWS high school program in 2012. He enjoys spending time with his family, adventures in nature, playing music with friends, and traveling.

Kieran Devanney - High School Physics And Mathematics Teacher, Athletic Director

Kieran holds a BS in Education from the University of Central Florida. He moved to Maui in 2012 to teach windsurfing and later started a small custom board company. He has a background in engineering, computer science, and fitness. Kieran teaches math, physics, and physical education. He also serves as the high school basketball coach.

Tyler Lewis – High School Music Teacher

Tyler been with HWS since 2018. He Leads our HWS ‘Jam Band’ ensemble of amazingly creative and talented students, focused on performing, songwriting and musical improvisation. 

Tyler’s experiences in Music and Teaching are vast and span the majority of his life. In the late 2000s he was a professional guitarist in a world-touring music group and has played hundreds of shows in dozens of bands since his early teens. He is proficient as a multi-instrumentalist and teacher on Guitar, Piano, Voice, Bass, 'Ukulele & Drum Set.

Born and raised in Portland OR, Tyler studied Science at the University of Oregon, earning a BS in Pre-Med with a Chemistry minor, graduating with honors in 2006 while playing in bands the whole time. He was the primary Science, Math and Music teacher for a Private school for Dyslexia in Portland where he also pursued a graduate degree in Education at Marylhurst University. Since High School, Tyler has also attended many years of summer programs @ Berklee College of music in LA and Boston and done independent certification programs in Science, Music & Yoga.   

Tyler is a people person with a passion for unlocking the potential of human creativity in himself and others. He and his beloved wife Ra love the culinary arts and exercise, paperback books, jungle waterfalls, small dogs that wear clothes, music festivals, and world travel. 

Tyler currently owns his own small business on Maui specializing in Music Education, Artist Development & Events. He is an Entertainer at a Tiki Lounge on Maui, throws Karaoke Parties, and consults with Rockstar clients on Maui & worldwide through Zoom. 

Kēla Kahikina - Fine Arts Teacher, Ceramics Teacher

Kānaka Maoli artist Kēla Kahikina was born on O’ahu and raised on Maui. She attended the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Arts in Ceramics. Kēla has exhibited her artwork in the Hawai’i Craftsmen, the Art of Trash, at Aupuni Space, and at Hui No’eau. Kēla enjoys reading poetry, watching animation, and visiting forests during her free time. She is currently focusing on art theory, place-based sculpture, and costume design. 

Karen Orth - International Student Program/Registrar

Karen brings her local and international school administrative skills to Haleakalā Waldorf High School. She has worked in administration for the last 15 years on Maui and in Shanghai, China. She has a BA in Biology from California State University, Fullerton. She enjoys traveling, hiking, and swimming.

Pamela Polland - ‘Ukulele Teacher and Performance Coach

An award-winning singer/songwriter with three albums on Columbia and Epic, as well as two more independently released albums to her credit, Pamela Polland’s ever-increasing list of musical credentials reads like a veritable Who’s Who of artists from all points on the musical compass. Over 50 years in the music business, this seasoned professional has both performed and recorded with such luminaries as Bonnie Raitt, Kenny Loggins, Jackson Browne, Van Morrison, Ry Cooder, Taj Mahal, John Denver, and a host of others. In 1970, Pamela joined the famed Mad Dogs & Englishmen Tour with Joe Cocker and Leon Russell, appearing on the resulting album as well as in the movie, and in the Academy Award-winning documentary “20 Feet From Stardom.” Pamela has also won numerous awards including two coveted gold records. After decades of success as a performer, recording artist, composer, and vocal coach, Pamela shifted focus to her life-long love of Hawai'ian culture. Living on Maui since 1976, she has studied hula with Kumu Gordean Lee Bailey, ‘ukulele and Hawai'ian music with Hall Of Fame recipient Kahauanu Lake and Walter Kawai‘ae‘a, as well as the study of Hawai'ian language. Pamela enjoys bringing all her decades of experience and expertise to her students.

Cindy Walker - High School Office Manager

Originally from Southern California, Cindy has been a resident of Maui for over 17 years.  Previously, Cindy enjoyed a successful career in the music entertainment industry in Los Angeles. After moving to Maui, her career focused on retail management and bookkeeping. With a strong passion for animals and wildlife conservation, Cindy is a patron of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, supporting the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration of orphaned elephants back to the wild.

In her free time, Cindy enjoys visiting her foster elephants in Kenya, traveling, wildlife photography, supporting dog rescue organizations, and spending time at the beach with her husband.

Sam Young - High School Humanities Teacher

Sam graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s in English Education (2010) and a Master’s in Educational Technology (2015). She taught in Delaware for six years specializing in literary analysis, writing, and reading comprehension. She loved being a teacher and is thrilled to return! After moving to Maui in 2016, Sam birthed two children, Lillian and Louisa, and joined the HWS community in 2021 when Lillian began preschool. Sam spends most of her free time with her family – playing, cooking, adventuring, or making music. She also hosts a monthly book club, writes, crochets, and dabbles in all things Science Fiction and Fantasy.

Seth Zea - High School Humanities Teacher

Seth attended UC Berkeley and received his undergraduate degree in Comparative Literature. He then traveled through Europe and South America for three years, teaching English along the way. His travels took him to Bristol in the United Kingdom where he received a Master of Science degree in Computer Science. For part of his Master's degree, Seth led a group of peers to create a video game to help teach computer science to children. When not in deep thought, Seth likes to read all kinds of books from cookbooks to science fiction to classics to manga. He also enjoys tinkering with leading trends in web technologies, building surfboards, and surfing the amazing waves that Maui has to offer.

Maka'ala Palmore - Administrative Director, Fine Arts Teacher

Maka'ala has served as the Pedagogical Program Director at Haleakalā Waldorf School since 2020, and guided the school through the pandemic as the Covid Response Team chairperson. She has been teaching at HWS since 2004, and simultaneously served in the administration as the Marketing Communications Director for the first 14 years of those years. 

Maka’ala has been trained in the arts of hula by Kumu Hula Gordean Leilehua Bailey, of the Aunty Ma’iki Aiu Lake lineage, since 1996, and graduated through a traditional ‘uniki process and ceremony as a Kumu Hula in 2011. She studied Communications with a focus in Education at New York University and is currently undertaking the Waldorf Administrator’s training at the Center for Anthroposophy. Maka'ala received training in Fine Arts at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Santa Monica Institute for Art and Design. She has studied anthroposophical painting theory and technique with Iris Sullivan, Art Therapist and Art Teacher trainer, for many years.

Maka’ala is also the proud mother of twin HWS alum girls who attended the school from preschool through grade 12. Her husband, Joseph Palmore, has been a Class Teacher and Movement Education Teacher at HWS since 1996.

Jemma Della Croce - Kealahou Campus Program Director and Middle School Faculty

Mrs. Della Croce has led two classes from first through eighth grade here at HWS, taught first grade at the Honolulu Waldorf School, and worked as the HWS educational support teacher. Jemma holds a degree in Theatre Arts and infuses her teaching with enthusiasm and a love of learning. She obtained her Waldorf teaching certificate through the Kula Makua program at the Honolulu Waldorf School in 2002. 

Carrie Fidance - Community Development Director

Carrie has been serving the Haleakalā Waldorf School community since 2010. She is dedicated to building community by coordinating collaborative events and educational opportunities. Carrie leads our advancement team with a comprehensive approach including relationship building, fundraising, grant writing, marketing, and communications, to secure a wide range of resources for our school programs and families. She has served on our HWS board of directors since 2016. Carrie holds a BA in Marketing and Communications as well as an MA in Psychology from the University of Montana. All three of her children are HWS graduates.

Astrid Grupenhoff - Advancement Director

Astrid moved from Berlin to Maui in 1997. Her son, Timo, attended Haleakalā Waldorf School for 11 years. Astrid served as HWS Advancement Director from 2005 to 2015, cherishing her involvement in and contributions to the HWS community. She enjoys traveling, dancing, and bringing people together to support a common cause.

Sarah Brosius - Business Manager

Sarah received her Bachelor’s degree in Film Studies from Western University, Canada and has worked as a bookkeeper and office manager at a variety of companies and organizations here on Maui. She is passionate about dance and music, and has also worked in the fashion and design industry. In her free time, she enjoys ballet, jamming out to classic rock, and exploring nature with her husband and their daughter, who attends the EC program at HWS.

Jennifer Hamayelian, RDH - Grade 1-8 Registrar and Office Manager

Jen holds an Associate of Applied Science, Kennedy-King College, IL. She has completed the Lifeways Training and furthers her understanding of Waldorf education with AWE classes. She is the proud parent of Cyrus, a Middle School student who has attended HWS in the Pũlama class and I’iwi class since age one.

Lauren Mekeel Bohl - Health Room, Student Support

Lauren is grateful to be on the Haleakalā Waldorf Campus this year helping in a few different roles. Lauren brings her expertise in teaching and instilling Language Acquisition skills and Reading in a joyful way. She has many years of experience working with neuro-diverse children in different modalities including tutoring, interpreting, translating, and transliterating. She has BA in Psychology and Spanish, a Minor in Physical Education, and many Certifications. She will share her love, creativity, enthusiasm, and understanding with the students as an Ed Support Teacher, an ECD Aide, and an Administrative Assistant. Lauren continues practicing Massage and Movement Therapy and is a Wellness Life Coach.

Lauren has a daughter, Sayen, in the second grade and a son, Nahuel, in 'Apapane. She Loves to enjoy this island with her family and friends in this amazing community. 

Saha Shokri - Enrollment Coordinator

Saha is originally from the island of O’ahu. She received a BA in Early Childhood Education from Chaminade University. Saha taught Kindergarten on O’ahu for over 10 years. She is the proud mother of first-grader Tessa True. Saha became interested in Waldorf education as a new mother. During her free time, she enjoys being in nature and spending time with her family and friends.

Ashton Rivers - Accounts Receivable and Tuition Management Assistance 

Ashton grew up in Northern California and moved to the Bay Area to attend UC Berkeley. She studied a diverse variety of coursework including computer science, neuroscience, pre-med, and developmental psychology. She graduated with a BA in Cognitive Science and stayed in the Bay Area until moving to Maui in early 2015. Since moving to Maui, she has worked in accounting, human resources, and business management. Ashton loves to travel, relax at the beach, make crafts, and play games with friends. 

Ashton has always been drawn to the Waldorf model of education, and though she was unable to attend herself, she has known that she has wanted her children to attend Haleakalā Waldorf School since before they were born. She lives with her husband, two children, and grandmother in Kihei.

Kate Ward - Kealahou Student Support Director

Kate holds a BA from the University of Delaware and an M.Ed from Naropa University. She studied Special Education at the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Kate has worked in education on Maui for many years. She has three children at HWS: Juliet, Riley, and Bodi. Her husband, Jason, is the director of the HWS High School program. Her hobbies include yoga, hiking, surfing, and spending time with family and friends. 

Kaleio Kalawai'a - Front Desk, Kumu ‘Ukulele

Kaleio was Born & Raised on Maui and comes from Kanaio (Honuaʻula). She earned her Associate's Degree in Medical Billing & Coding and took Accounting Classes. Her passion are playing ʻukulele and speaking ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi with her ʻohana. She attended Pūnana Leo ʻO Maui & Kula Kaiapuni in Pāʻia since Preschool. She loves to spend time with her 'ohana and teach her son ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.

Serena Quipotla - Custodial Assistant