Island Pacific Academy has attracted a well-educated and experienced faculty, highly knowledgeable in their subject areas or grade levels and passionate about children. These committed professionals reflect in their own actions the love of learning and respect for others we expect of students, and seek the best from themselves as well as from the students.
Over half of the faculty hold a Master's degree or higher. The most junior faculty member has five years' experience; the most senior more than 20. The average years of experience is 13. All of the faculty have extensive experience teaching in Hawaii and share a commitment to insure that our children learn about and grow to appreciate the unique cultural and geographical setting of our school.
As enrollment expands, so will the faculty. Candidates should have the same blend of experience, education, commitment to the values of the school and passion for children as the founders. Interested candidates should send a letter of intent, two letters of recommendation, curriculum vitae or resume - including references and a writing sample to the attention of:
Dr. Daniel E. White
Headmaster
Island Pacific Academy
909 Haumea Street
Kapolei, HI 96707
(Date in parentheses indicates the year faculty or staff member joined Island Pacific Academy.)
Dan White – Headmaster (2004) Dan served as Headmaster at three different independent schools in California and Hawaii prior to founding IPA. He is the immediate past President of the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS), and has also served on the Accrediting Commission for Schools of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is co-director of a master’s degree program run jointly by the University of Hawaii and HAIS. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California Riverside, where he also earned his B.A., and a Master’s degree from the University of Washington.
Sue Miller – Principal (2004) In 2005-06, Sue served as the Coordinator for the Elementary School while continuing to teach. She began her tenure as Elementary School Principal in 2006-2007, presiding over the growth of that division. Sue holds a B.Ed. from Melbourne University in Australia. She is a veteran of independent schools in the U.S. and overseas, and has taught across the elementary grades from 4 year olds through fifth grade.
Marlys Lee – Vice Principal (2006) Marlys holds her Bachelor’s degree and professional
diploma from the University of Hawaii. A Honolulu native, Marlys has taught in various public schools since 1991 and has held a variety of teacher leadership positions. In 2005-06, Marlys was filmed as a model teacher conducting student-led conferences, a training DVD now used broadly on Oahu. Marlys’ daughter attends IPA.
Michael Armstrong – Physical Education (2007) Mike earned a B.A. in Public Administration from the University of Hawaii—West Oahu. During his collegiate career, he worked for three years supervising recreational programs for children under the auspices of the Department of Parks and Recreation and has training as a paraprofessional tutor for elementary age children.
Darci Asato-Garcia – Grade Two/Lower Elementary Coordinator (2007) Darci holds both a Professional Diploma and a Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. A veteran teacher with more than 17 years of classroom experience, she has taught across the island, from Waianae to Mililani, serving as Department Chair and Mentor teacher along the way. She has a particular interest and background in implementing standards-based education.
Ruth Ann Fortuno Babas - Music (2004) Ruthe has taught music in schools and privately for over 20 years, and is the founder of the music program at IPA. Earning her B.A. in Music Vocal Performance at the University of Hawaii, Ruthe co-owned a private music studio for nine years and has taught at three area schools, including a stint as Music Choral Assistant at Kamehameha Middle School. She also performs professionally at island events, and was the National Anthem singer for UH athletics for 12 years.
Kelsey Barden – Grade One (2009) Kelsey spent a semester in Sweden while obtaining her B.A. at the University of Alberta. A native of Canada, she came to IPA after teaching at the Utahloy International School in China where she gained experience in the IB Primary Years program and served as a boarding parent. An accomplished swimmer, Kelsey has also been a swim coach.
Heather Bonner – Grade Four (2007) Heather holds a B.A. from Rhode Island College where she earned Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society membership. Before moving to Hawaii, Heather taught in Rhode Island. She began her career at IPA as a frequent substitute teacher in 2006-2007, and has moved to the elementary division after two years teaching in the Middle School.
Veronique Braithwaite –World Language and Cultures Coordinator (2006) Veronique earned her M.Ed., B.A. degree and teaching credential at Chaminade University. Her previous teaching experience includes service at St. Joseph’s School. Veronique holds a variety of certifications in Early Childhood Education, Orton-Gillingham and the Cooperative Learning Model. Veronique helps to coordinate May Day celebration each spring.
Virginia “Tiny” Chuberko – Kindergarten Assistant (2007) Tiny was born and raised in Hawaii, and spent several years in various settings working with children with special needs before coming to IPA. She has a son and a daughter attending IPA.
Eric Crabtree – Grade Three (2007) Eric holds a Master’s degree in Education from the
Graduate School of Education at Harvard University, specializing in experiential learning and creating classroom communities. Previously, he earned a B.A. degree from Colby College. His previous teaching experience includes Shore Country Day School in Massachusetts and the Catalina Island Marine Institute.
Rebekah Diama – Kindergarten Assistant Teacher (2005) Becky holds the A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education from Honolulu Community College. Becky has also served IPA in the after school care and summer care programs, providing programs and supervision for children from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Jordan Dodson - Art (2005) Jordan, a member of the National Art Education Association, has developed a series of innovative activities for young artists which she has brought to IPA. A graduate of Kutztown University in Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Art Education, she also completed graduate work in Elementary Education with an Art specialty at the University of Hawaii. Jordan has taught for over five years and has completed her own mural work for a public facility in Pennsylvania.
Lisa Jeffers-Fabro – Grade Four (2005) Lisa is in her fifth year in an IPA fourth grade classroom. Lisa holds an M.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Hawaii, Manoa, where she was the recipient of a scholarship for “Excellence and Achievement in Education.” She also holds a B.A. in Theater Arts from the University of California, Santa Cruz. A twelve year classroom veteran, Lisa has experience ranging from the use of puppetry in instruction to graduate research in the role of play in education. Her son attends IPA.
Leah Gionet – Pre-Kindergarten (2005) Leah holds the A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education from Honolulu Community College. Before coming to IPA Leah was a teacher in the pre-kindergarten program at Friendship Christian School for seven years. She first served IPA as a classroom aide covering several ages within the early childhood education range and as a leader of after school programs for prekindergarten students. Leah’s son attends IPA.
Nicole Hempeck – Elementary Science (2009) Nicole holds a B.S. from the University of Southern Florida and a Gifted and Talented Graduate Endorsement from the University of Virginia. She came to IPA after several years experience in schools on the east coast.
Mimi Hirstein – Grade One (2004) Mimi is a member of the founding faculty at IPA, teaching kindergarten initially, and a founding parent as well. Mimi holds a B.A. degree from California State University, Fresno, as well as a California teaching credential, and has also completed the California Writing Project training. Prior to moving to Hawaii, she taught in public school in Mississippi and in independent schools in Oklahoma and North Carolina, and has extensive experience working with children who are experiencing reading difficulties. All four of the children in the Hirstein household attend IPA.
Cherie Ikei – Kindergarten (2008) Cheri began her tenure at IPA as the Pre-K specials teacher, bringing a variety of art and other activities to the program. With a B.A. from University of Hawaii, West Oahu and a M.Ed. from University of Hawaii, Manoa with an emphasis in development and learning, Cheri moved to the role of Kindergarten teacher in her second year with the school.
Celeste Jeffrey – Pre-K Teacher Assistant (2009) Celeste has a background that includes substantial college course work in early childhood development and care. Her daughter is a student in the Upper School.
Amanda Kemmer – Kindergarten Assistant (2005) Amanda holds an A.A. degree in General Studies with an Early Childhood Education emphasis from Shasta College in California. She also holds Emergency Medical technician certification, and has been active, at various times, in the management of her family’s ranch in Northern California. In addition, Amanda has served IPA in the After School Care and Summer Care program for children in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade.
Joseph Krueger – Grade Four (2008) With over 10 years teaching experience in independent schools, Joe holds a B.A. from the University of Iowa and a Certificate from the Harvard University Project Zero Classroom summer institute focused on the Teaching for Understanding framework which was developed at Harvard. His son attends IPA.
Garnet (Momi) Kuahiwinui - Kindergarten (2005) Momi begins year five at IPA as a
Kindergarten teacher. A Distinguished B.A. Graduate in Hawaiian-Pacific Studies from the University of Hawaii and holding her M.A. in Education from the University of Phoenix, Momi has taught or run programs in early childhood education for over 20 years. Momi also leads an after-school hula halau and coordinates the May Day celebration.
Andrea Ladtkow – Kindergarten Assistant (2007) Andrea majored in Early Childhood Education at American River College in California before beginning work at a series of preschools in Colorado, Texas and Florida as the family moved with her active military duty husband. Andrea’s three children attend IPA.
Joyce Lee – Grade One Assistant (2007) Joyce’s B.A. from University of Hawaii, Manoa in liberal studies included ESL training and a certificate in women’s studies. However, her joy is working with young students, and she comes to IPA with experience at a previous early learning center. She and her husband have two children attending IPA.
Shari McClurkin – Grade Three (2007) Shari holds both an M.S. and a B.S. degree from Portland State University. In her eight years of teaching experience in Oregon, and Hawaii, she has taught grades from first through eighth, although she prefers working with younger children. She has a particular interest in technology as an instructional tool.
Tammy McCormick – Art/Pre-K Specials (2006) Tammy holds a B.A. in Fine Arts from The Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. Prior to coming to IPA, Tammy was a teacher and aide in a pre-school in Georgia. She has also worked in the after school program at IPA. Tammy is a freelance artist working on commissioned pieces and her two children attend IPA.
Lori McGregor – Computer Technology (2006) Lori earned her M.A. degree from California State University, Northridge after completing her B.A. degree in Psychology at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. In California, she worked in the Behavioral Health Unit at a hospital in Los Angeles which focused on youth before moving to Hawaii. She has also coached several sports for young people. She has served as a counselor at IPA in the past. Her oldest daughter attends IPA.
Donja Morton – Pre-Kindergarten (2006) Donja owned a family child care center in Hawaii for 15 years. Previous to coming to IPA, she taught at Moiliili Hongwanji Preschool, and in North Carolina was director of a Kinder Care Center. She holds certification as a Child Development Associate and membership in PATCH, HAEYC and NAEYC. Previously at IPA, she has managed the after school program and been an Assistant Teacher in the Pre-Kindergarten program.
Eileen Novak – Elementary School Office Manager, and Summer School Director (2004) One of the founding parents at IPA, Eileen began volunteering at the school at the start and then was asked to join the staff as an aide in support of the Elementary School’s program. Since then, she has assumed responsibility for the Elementary School Office and Summer School management. Holding an A.A.S. degree in Marketing from Hudson ValleyCommunity College, Eileen worked for fifteen years in hospital administration in humanresources. Eileen’s daughter attends IPA.
Sandy Romo – Grade Two (2007) Sandy holds a B.A. degree from Ramapo College in New Jersey and her K-8 certification from Centenary College, also in New Jersey. Following a career in business with firms ranging from E.F. Hutton to National Education Music Company, Sandy went back to school to prepare for her teaching career and completed four years in schools in New Jersey and Hawaii before coming to IPA. Her daughter is an IPA Middle School student.
Cassandra Rooney – Grade Five (2008) Cassy holds several degrees including a B.A. from Macalester College, a M.Ed. from University of Texas, Austin, and a Professional Diploma in Elementary Education from University of Hawaii, Manoa. A graduate of the Kamehameha Schools, she came to IPA after 10 years teaching at ASSETS School.
Malinda Sepulona – Science Assistant (2004) One of the founding members of the staff, Malinda began work at IPA as an aide in Kindergarten. Prior to coming to IPA, she worked for Catholic Charities Hawaii as a Family Support Worker, providing child development and brain development information to families with young children. Her daughter attends IPA.
Jessica Shiepko – Grade Five (2008) Jessica holds two B.A. degrees from St. Michael’s College in Vermont, in Psychology and in Elementary Education. She comes to IPA with a wide range of experience, including time teaching in a private school in Korea and in Washington State.
Megan Sowers – Grade One (2009) Megan comes to IPA from teaching experience in New Hampshire. Her particular interest in reading instruction led to her organization of after school reading groups at her previous school. She holds a B.S. from Plymouth State University.
Kelly Tokuhama – Kindergarten (2009) Kelly holds a B.A. from University of Hawaii, Manoa and an M. Ed. from University of Phoenix. She has a passion for working with young students, not only for their academic development, but also helping them to learn life skills to apply in everyday situations.
Phavana Silva – Middle School Principal (2004) Phavana began her career in education in Arizona. She earned her teaching certificate at the University of Arizona after finishing a B.A. at the University of Hawaii, majoring in Fine Arts with a minor in German. Phavana has a particular teaching interest in reading and leadership, the latter deriving from her experience as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1996-2001. Phavana is one of the co-founders of the Middle School at IPA and served initially as a teacher and vice-principal before assuming the division leadership. She was also the Self-Study Chair for IPA’s HAIS/WASC re-accreditation process in 2007-2008.
Warren Andrade – Art/Ceramics (2008) Warren is an experienced and talented ceramicist who has introduced the art of raku to IPA. He holds an A.A. degree from Leeward Community College, and frequently exhibits his own work on Oahu.
Kenneth Baldino – Humanities (2006) Ken earned his B.A. degree from
Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania, graduating Cum Laude in Theater Arts and Art History. An independent school graduate himself, Ken’s previous teaching experience was at Christ Church School, a boarding school in Virginia, as an English teacher, coach and dorm supervisor. Just after college, Ken worked for a year as a newspaper reporter.
Michelle Bradley – Science (2008) Michele holds a B.S. from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Her science experience reaches literally from the ocean to space. She has previously run an oceanography program for Upward Bound, and with the Space Grant Consortium developed a program linking Hawaiian culture and Space Science. Her son attends the elementary school.
Laura Gabriel – Physical Education (2006) Laura holds a B.A. from California State University, Long Beach in Recreation. The mother of two students in the founding student body at IPA, Laura volunteered and substituted at the school during its first two years. Her previous work includes service in a Title I educational program, teaching in the IPA Summer School and experience in the business world.
Laura Guzman - Spanish (2005) Laura was recruited to Brigham Young University-Hawaii as a tennis player, and earned her B.S. degree in Business Management from there. She completed her Master’s degree in Elementary Education through the University of Phoenix. Laura has taught for seven years and volunteers for the Government of Mexico as an Honorary Consul in Hawaii. She developed Hola Hawaii, a bilingual English/Spanish Newspaper and Satellite System serving the Spanish-speaking and bilingual community in Hawaii. Laura also coaches the IPA tennis teams for both boys and girls.
Jennifer Higa – Math (2007) Jennifer holds a B.A. degree from California State University, Fullerton and a M.Ed. in Private School Leadership, a program co-sponsored by the University of Hawaii, Manoa and the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools. She began her teaching career in California and comes to IPA after eleven years at Sacred Hearts Academy, Honolulu. She has two children who attend IPA.
Janin Johnston – Administrative Assistant, Middle School (2006) A founding parent, Janin began volunteering in the Middle School, and that made it natural for IPA to eventually ask her to join the staff in support of that division. Prior to her work at IPA, she was employed by Bernina Corporation of Hawaii, and she teaches a learning community class in sewing for middle school students. Her youngest daughter is a member of the class of 2010, the school’s first graduating class.
Cami Nihipali –Humanities (2006) Cami holds a B.S. degree from Western Oregon University, her teaching credential from Chaminade and a M.Ed. from the University of Hawaii. She has taught previously at Chaminade University and in the Middle School at Kamehameha Schools, Kapalama Campus and Our Lady of Good Counsel. Cami has held many teacher leadership roles in media literacy, peer mediation and as a writing coach. She has several publication credits and several professional affiliations. Her two children attend IPA.
Andree Paradis - Art (2004) Before founding the art program at IPA, Andree began her teaching career as an Athletic Director and art instructor at Santa Barbara Middle School, an independent school. Her B.A. is from University of California, Santa Barbara, and she earned her Master’s degree from Lewis and Clark College, Oregon. While teaching in Oregon, she was an Artist in Residence Grant recipient, charged with the integration of art into all subjects, K-12.
Joe Payongayong – Physical Education (2007) Joe first came to IPA as a basketball coach with extensive experience in Oahu basketball leagues as well on the mainland. In 2006-07, he was often a substitute in Physical Education at IPA. Joe has collegiate work at San Francisco State University as well as College of Alameda. Coaching since 1991, he can count a CIF championship among his accomplishments. Joe has a daughter attending IPA.
Machiko Romaine – Japanese, in Middle and Upper School (2009) With over 20 years of teaching experience, Machiko came to IPA from the American School in Japan. She holds a B.A. from Gakushuin University in Tokyo, and a Master’s in Education from the College of New Jersey.
Vanya Shaw – Math (2009) Vanya has over 12 years of teaching experience in the US and United Kingdom that has included students from a broad range of abilities. She has created after school programs, contests and games to heighten math interest and achievement. Vanya holds a B.S. from California State University, San Bernardino and an M.A.T. from University of Idaho.
Anne Staggemeier – Science (2007) Anne holds both B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Southern California in Science and Science Education and a Professional CLAD Credential from USC, as well. She began teaching ten years ago and has served schools in Nevada, California and Hawaii. She was also Lead Instructor at the Honolulu Zoo for a period of time.
Wayne “Doc” Wilson – Music (2007) “Doc” earned a B.S. from California Polytechnic
University, Pomona following completion of his A.A. degree in Music from Mt. San Antonio College in California. He has taught and conducted choirs in schools and churches for several years following his work as the Executive Director of a Conference Center in California. He has also been active in coaching. “Doc” has a son attending IPA.
Sabine Yamamura –Humanities (2006) Sabine is another former IPA substitute who joined the full-time faculty. She holds her B.A. degree from Brigham Young University-Hawaii and has taught for that university. At least conversational in five languages, Sabine had early training in Hotel Management in Switzerland. Sabine’s daughter is a part of the founding student body at IPA and her son now attends IPA, as well.
James Nelligan – Principal/English (2004) A founding member of the Middle School faculty at Island Pacific Academy, James coordinated the development of the Upper School curriculum and program. In 2002-03, James was a National Science Foundation Pre-doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Illinois at Urbana and received the Heiligenstein Award for Excellence in Teaching, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Award for Excellence in Teaching, the University Award for Excellence in Teaching, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Service Award. James’ passion, however, is teaching younger students. His teaching experience has spanned Pre-K through college, and includes a Montessori School and two other private schools. He has two sons attending IPA.
Stan Vincent - Dean of Students/Science (2005) Stan came to IPA from the Academy of the Pacific where he had worked for thirty years as teacher, coach and administrator. He holds an M.A. in Education from Pepperdine University and a B.S. in Education from The Citadel. His school experience runs the gamut from developing curricula and coaching championship sports teams to coordinating admissions testing, developing student schedules and serving as the Dean of Students.
Rose Armstrong – Upper School Office Manager & Registrar (2006) Rose worked for more than ten years in various office administrative capacities at Kapolei Elementary, including registrar and health room attendant before coming to IPA, therefore bringing with her extensive knowledge of school service areas. Prior to her work in schools, Rose was a bank savings counselor.
Laura Davis – English (2009) Laura came to IPA from Punahou School. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Whitman College. In addition to time spent in Thailand training teachers of English, Laura was selected as a Fulbright Fellow to train ESL teachers at the University of La Serena in Chile. While in Chile, she also wrote for the Santiago Times.
Dale Dolejsi – Visual Arts (2008) Dale’s art training includes a B.A. from the University of Washington and an M.A. from Claremont Graduate University. Previous to IPA, he has been an instructor at both the secondary and college level, and he served in the Peace Corps for two years in Ghana. Dale has experience, as well, with art restoration and installation and as a museum curator. For a time, Dale was a professional baseball player.
Wally Ingebritson – English (2009) A veteran teacher with over 20 years of experience, Wally came to IPA from the American School in Japan where he recently served as Chair of the English Department. He holds a B.A. from University of California, Berkeley and an M.A. from the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College. He has extensive experience as an AP teacher and also served his last school as the debate coach.
Tanya Jacotine – Chemistry (2008) With her breadth of multi-national experience, having taught at International Schools in both Japan and Belgium, as well as schools in London and her native Australia, it’s not surprising that Tanya has served as a Model UN adviser in a previous school. Her bachelor’s degree in applied chemistry was earned at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, and she holds a Graduate Diploma of Education from the University of Ballarat, both in Australia. She is also IB certified in Chemistry, and has taught AP Chemistry at previous schools, as well.
Alana Kirtley – Math (2009) After receiving a bachelor’s degree at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alana completed a Master’s of Education at the State University of Western Georgia. She joined IPA with over 10 years of teaching experience, including AP level courses and college instruction as an adjunct professor.
Chris Luthi – Math (2009) Chris completed a B.A. at Canisius College and a Master’s of Science in Teaching at Fordham University. His varied teaching career has included working with students in Micronesia and, most recently, at Brooklyn Jesuit Prep in New York. Chris has been involved with extracurricular activities at his previous schools, including time as both cross-country and track coach.
Benjamin Murphy – History/Language Arts Chair (2006) Ben earned his B.A. from Notre Dame and his M.A. from the University of Illinois and is completing work for a Ph.D. Ben has served as an instructor at the University of Illinois, including stints in the Bridge Program, a transition experience for high school students entering U.I. In 2005, Ben won the Heiligenstein Teaching Award for the Department of History at Illinois. Ben also coaches multiple athletic teams.
Linda O’Brien – History (2009) Linda earned her B.A. at the University of Hawaii, Manoa. She joined IPA after teaching on the Big Island at Hawaii Preparatory Academy, which is also her high school alma mater. Her experience in history has led her to involvement in archival materials preservation and organization.
Krishna Rampersaud – College Counselor/Math (2007) Before moving to Hawaii,Krishna taught for 6 years, three of those as math and science department chair. He holds a B.S. from George Washington University and a M.Ed. in Educational Administration from University of Hawaii, Manoa. Working with retired college counselor Paul Miguel, Krishna has developed the college counseling program at IPA and accompanied students on the school’s first college road trip in summer 2008.
Andrew Rose – Art/Fine and Performing Arts Chair (2006) Andrew earned his B.A. in Art History from Vassar College and his M.F.A. in Painting and M.S. in Art History with Honors from Pratt Institute in New York. An independent school graduate himself with film and theater production experience, Andrew has taught art previously at Pratt Institute and Storm King School, and in Spain and Italy. An award-winning artist with many exhibitions of his own work, he is also a published art critic. Most recently he was selected for “Artists of Hawai’i – 2007” by the Honolulu Academy of Arts.
Anna Sanner – Physical Education (2008) Anna spent a year as a nearly full-time substitute teacher across the three divisions here at IPA before joining the faculty. She holds a B.A. from Marist College in New York.
Nydia Santiago-Cordero – Spanish/Foreign Language Chair (2006) Nydia earned her B.A. degree from the University of Science and Arts in Oklahoma and her M.A. from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Her previous teaching has been at UH Manoa, Chaminade, Punahou and Sacred Hearts Academy. As she did at a previous school, Nydia developed the Advanced Placement program in Spanish and established the Spanish National Honor Society at IPA. She is the Hawaii State director of Spanish Honor Societies and in spring 2009 the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese selected her as the national state director of the year.
Kori Shlachter – Humanities (2007) Holding a B.A. degree from Stanford, Kori earned a M.Ed. in Secondary Social Studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She began her teaching career at Castle High School before moving to Kahuku High School, her alma mater, where she was an Advanced Placement Instructor, among other duties. Kori was awarded a National Endowment for Humanities Grant in 2009 for a six-week summer study tour of South Africa and Botswana.
Noriko Vergel – Japanese (2007) Born and raised in Japan, Noriko began her college education in Japan and then earned a B.A. from Western Washington University where she became interested in teaching a foreign language as a communication tool rather than a purely academic subject, as is the traditional approach. She has been involved in the Advanced Placement Japanese Language and Culture course and exam since the inception of that program, and continues as a consultant to AP, and has published a textbook widely used for Japanese language instruction. After 14 years teaching at the American School in Japan, where she was head of the modern languages department for several years, she has joined IPA to lead the Japanese Language program.
Judith Wagner –Academic Dean/Math and Science Chair/Science (2006) Judy earned her M.A. and Ph.D. from Stanford, where she was a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellow, after completing a B.A. with honors from Valparaiso University. She came to IPA after 13 years at Castilleja School in Palo Alto, California where she was science chair. Her teaching career has spanned four colleges and a public high school, as well. Judy has been involved in environmental consulting and numerous professional development activities in science. Judy graduated from Radford High School on Oahu and IPA has happily welcomed her back to Hawaii.
Aiddy Weisbecker– Spanish (2007) Aiddy graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with an M.A. following her completion of a B.A. in Spanish at the same institution. She has served both as a Lecturer and Teaching Assistant in classrooms at U.H. Manoa and Leeward Community College.
Stuart Hirstein – Associate Headmaster, Chief Operating Officer (2005) Stu came to work at the school from the Bank of Hawaii as the first Business Manager for the school. His previous experience had been in banking in New Jersey and North Carolina, and in consultancies with two businesses in New York and New Jersey. He is passionate about baseball, which he has coached for IPA and played professionally after college. Stu holds a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Tusculum College and an M.B.A. from Rider University. Stu has four children attending IPA.
Phil Acosta – Network Administrator (2007) Phil holds an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix and a B.ED. from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. He has worked for the Department of Education as a Technology Coordinator and Resource Teacher. Phil has twin daughters who attend IPA.
Bernadette Axelrod – Assistant Director of Development (2007) Bernie has been associated as a parent with IPA since before the school opened, having hosted the first informational meeting in her home in 2002. She holds a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Illinois. As a live television newscast director she worked at stations on the mainland and KGMB here in Hawaii. More recently, she worked on movie and TV film crews as an Assistant Director, covering all crew, cast and liaison functions with departments. Active as a parent fundraising volunteer before joining the IPA staff, she has two daughters who are students at IPA.
Colleen Carrington – Associate Athletic Director (2004) Colleen was one of the founding staff members, starting as an aide in Kindergarten and assisting in elementary art. She increasingly played a significant and active, but volunteer, role in the interscholastic sports programs as IPA began to field ILH teams. Colleen has been one of our most enthusiastic athletic fans and now coordinates arrangements for school teams.
Luain Cruz – Staff Administrative Assistant (2006) One of the school’s founding parents, Lu came to work in the Business Office on a part-time basis, then moved to become full-time in Admissions. Before IPA, she spent ten years in management and customer relations at Nordstrom, and another four years in human resource/personnel work for a large resort chain. She now applies her many skills to a variety of tasks in support of school operations.
Dawn de Lugo – Admissions Assistant (2008) As a founding parent of the
school, Dawn was associated with IPA for four years prior to joining the staff. While her college degree is in Dental Hygiene, she brings a broad range of other experience and skills to IPA. She served as Assistant to the Dental Association Board of Directors and ran the Dental Awareness program for local schools in a previous community. Dawn has been an active member in a US Coast Guard Auxiliary Search & Rescue Team, and has operated her own yacht charter business. As a parent of IPA she continues to volunteer at the school and in the community. Her two sons attend IPA.
Nate Dias – Security (2007) Through the glowing recommendation of an IPA parent, Nate began at IPA part-time as the hours of school building use expanded and the student body increased in size. Expanded security functions and general assistance needs of the school have led to Nate joining the staff full-time.
Rich Griffin – Facilities and Landscape Manager (2006) The study and preservation of native plants has been one of Rich’s career interests for eleven years. An Eagle Scout who finished his schooling in Texas, Rich came to Hawaii three years ago, thinking he would work for a landscape firm for a year, but Hawaii and its endangered natives seem to have enticed him to remain. In spring 2007 he was recognized with a Kapolei Outstanding Achievement (KOA) Award for turning the school campus into a fine example of how well native plants serve as a landscape option as well as a learning laboratory for students.
Melissa Handy – Director of Technology (2006) Melissa earned her B.S. degree from De Sales University in Pennsylvania. She worked for several years for the Parkland School District in Allentown, Pennsylvania in several technology-related roles. Enticed to Hawaii by her sister, IPA art teacher Jordon Dodson, Melissa first taught math and carried out many responsibilities related to the development and maintenance of the technology at IPA, which led to her appointment as director of technology. She brings both a technically informed and creative approach to her support of technology services. Melissa’s son attends IPA.
Kristina Harbourne – Human Resources Manager (2006) Kristina holds a B.S. degree in Economics and Accounting with a minor in Business Administration from the University of Redlands. She came to work for IPA after ten years of experience as a Director of Operations in Finance. Her daughter is a student at IPA.
Jaye Hatcher – Security and Facilities (2008) Jaye can be seen performing myriad functions around campus. Students look forward to greeting him on the playground each day at recess. His daughter attends IPA in the elementary school.
Dave Jeffrey – Facilities and Landscape (2008) Dave came to IPA with varied construction and maintenance skills and seems to be everywhere at once in the course of a school day. His daughter attends IPA as an upper school student.
Weslie Mills – Accounts Receivable Manager (2004) Weslie came to IPA as one of its first employees. She single-handedly staffed all of the business functions of the school, except payroll, for the first 14 months of its history. Previously, Weslie managed the offices of Mona Technologies and the Continental Board of Counsellors of Australasia. She holds an A.A. degree from Western Business University.
D-anne Ono – Receptionist and Staff Assistant (2009) D-anne has joined IPA after 12 years of experience in staff positions at two other schools on Oahu. She holds an A.A. degree from Leeward College. Her daughter attends IPA in the elementary school.
Salvador Pecson – Facilities and Landscape (2008) Salvador came to Hawaii after a career in the Philippines that put his architecture and engineering training to extensive use, including serving as the head of engineering and general services for a cement factory project. The care and dedication he brings to his work is evident across the campus.
Megan Rolland – Director of Admissions (2007) Megan came to IPA after six years of
progressively responsible experience in independent schools admissions work, most recently as the Director of Admissions and Marketing at Holy Nativity School in Honolulu. As the Associate Director of Admissions at Viewpoint School in California, she worked with prospective students applying to kindergarten through Grade 12 and designed admission and marketing publication materials. Megan graduated from Punahou School and holds an M.A. and B.A. with distinction from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Megan’s daughter attends IPA.
Tommy Reyes-Huynh – Technology Assistant (2007) Tommy holds an A.A. degree from Heald Business College in technology. He has many years of technology experience in the business world, which he puts to good use keeping campus hardware and systems functioning. He has two children attending IPA.
Ron Tsuchiya – Athletic Director (2004) Ron completed a B.S. in Physical Education and an M.S. in Health and Safety before beginning an illustrious career in teaching and coaching on the mainland. He built a highly successful swim program over a 35 year period at Virginia Commonwealth University, before returning to his native Hawaii. He has been inducted into the Swimming Hall of Fame for coaching and was a five time recipient of the Coach of the Year Award at the university level. A founding faculty member, he led the entrance of IPA into membership and competitive participation in the ILH, and been instrumental in the formation of Pac West, allowing athletes from smaller independent schools the opportunity to compete in sports their schools might not be able to field individually.
Kerri Vincent – Senior Administrative Assistant For Advancement (2004) As a founding staff member, Kerri was instrumental in organizing the office systems at IPA, using skills from service at two previous schools. Kerri has performed more functions for IPA since its opening than can possibly be listed. She brings a familiarity with students and their parents and broad knowledge of the school to her current role in the Advancement functions of communications and development.
Judy White – Director of Advancement (2004) Judy has served three other independent schools in California and Hawaii in positions ranging from Director of Admissions to Instructor. As a consultant, she founded a school for the children of a Native American tribe in Northern California and, with Dan White, helped to found Maui Preparatory Academy before beginning the process of founding IPA. Judy holds a B.A. degree from the University of California, Riverside and has served on the boards of several non-profit organizations.
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