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.)
Sue Miller – Principal (2004) Sue Miller began at IPA as a substitute during the fall of our first year, then assumed the fourth grade class for second half of that year and 2005-06. In 2005-06, she served as the Coordinator for the Elementary School while continuing to teach. 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 5th grade. She began her tenure as Elementary School Principal on July 1, 2006, presiding over the growth of the division to include (eventually) three sections per grade level for every grade except pre-Kindergarten. A part of a founding family at IPA, Sue has a son in the Middle School.
Marlys Lee – Vice Principal (2006) Marlys holds her Bachelor’s degree and teaching credential from the University of Hawaii. A Honolulu native, though raised in Southern California, 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 DVD now used broadly on Oahu. She began her teaching tenure at IPA in a second grade class. Maryls’ 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 kids under the auspices of the Department of Parks and Recreation and has training as a paraprofessional tutor for elementary age children. Mike substituted for IPA on many occasions during the 2006-07 academic year, in classrooms as well as on the Physical Education field.
Darci Asato-Garcia – Second Grade (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 sixteen 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 21 years, and is the founder of the music program at IPA. Earning her B.A. in Music Vocal Performance at the University of Hawaii and completing additional graduate work, Ruthe co-owned a private music studio for nine years and has taught at three area schools, including a stint as a 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. Ruthe has conducted IPA student choirs, both during summer and the school year, which have performed at various venues around Oahu.
Diana Baker - Third Grade (2005)Diana served IPA frequently as a substitute during the first year of school history before joining the faculty full-time in 2005-06. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Wyoming where she was a member of the education honor society. Diana taught Special Education classes on the mainland before her move to Hawaii, but her substitute experience at IPA has included every grade from Pre-K through fifth as well as Art, Music and Spanish. She has twin boys attending IPA.
Veronique Braithwaite – Kindergarten Specials (2006) Veronique earned her B.A. degree and her teaching credential at Chaminade and has recently completed an M.Ed. at the same university. Last year Veronique was a full-time classroom kindergarten teacher, but this year will concentrate on the enrichment program to give her more time at home with her new baby. 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.
Michelle Buck – Science, Elementary Apprenticeships (2005)Michelle has over twenty years’ experience in independent, public and charter schools across the country and has been recognized in several of her positions for the quality of her teaching. In one of her posts, she developed and then implemented math and science curricula using a multiple-intelligences approach. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Hawaii and an Academically Gifted Certification from Wake Forest University/Lexington City Schools. In 2006-07, she took over responsibility for the new Elementary School Science Program and heads the division’s science instructional program.
Colleen Carrington – Art Assistant Teacher, Athletics (2004) Colleen was one of the founding staff members at IPA, starting as an aide in the Kindergarten class. She now assists in Art and will continue her significant and active role in the interscholastic sports programs through ILH. Previous to her work at IPA, she held a number of part-time positions while raising her children, including school traffic monitor in Kapolei, where she came to know many of the residents of Kapolei and their children.
Virginia “Tiny” Chuberko – First Grade Assistant Teacher (2007) Tiny was born and raised in Hawaii, and spent several years in various settings working with children with special needs. She has a son and a daughter attending IPA.
Eric Crabtree – Third Grade (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, Maine. He has worked at Shore Country Day School in Massachusetts and as an instructor for the Catalina Island Marine Institute, and in media and advertising for firms in Massachusetts and Virginia.
Rosie Dalida – First Grade (2006) Rosie earned her B.A. degree from Cal State University, Dominguez Hills and her Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Phoenix. She has extensive previous experience teaching at independent schools in Nevada and Hawaii, including the Andre Agassiz School, in grades from Kindergarten through Third. Rosie has two children attending IPA.
Rebekah Diama – Kindergarten Assistant Teacher, After School Care (2005) Becky holds the A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education from Honolulu Community College and is pursuing further study towards the Bachelor’s degree at UH-West Oahu. 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 has also completed graduate work in Elementary Education with an Art specialty at the University of Hawaii. Jordan has taught for five years and has completed her own mural work for a public facility in Pennsylvania. She also teaches in both the after school and the summer school programs.
John Epstein – Fifth Grade (2007) John holds a B.A. degree from Granite State College in Concord, New Hampshire and is a candidate for the M.Ed. from the University of Phoenix. Before coming to Hawaii to own and manage “Mad Science of Hawaii,” John chaired the Fresh Air Fund of New York’s New Hampshire program, focused on the needs of inner city students. His previous teaching experience has been in New Hampshire and Vermont. John has three children attending IPA.
Lisa Jeffers-Fabro - Fourth Grade (2005) Lisa begins her third 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,” after having completed her B.A. in Theater Arts at 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.
Kelly Fox – First Grade (2006) Kelly graduated from Aquinas College in Michigan with her Bachelor’s degree and later completed an M.Ed. degree at the same institution. Kelly has taught previously at schools in Michigan and at Wai’alae Elementary, a public charter school. She was recently nominated for Who’s Who Among American Teachers. Active in community service in addition to her teaching, Kelly first learned about IPA by coming to an Open House, then spending a day visiting the school before deciding to apply for a position. She is an avid runner who often works out with the IPA cross-country and track team members.
Leah Gionet – Pre-Kindergarten (2005) Leah holds the A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education from Honolulu Community College and anticipates further work toward a Bachelor’s degree in the same subject area. For seven years, Leah was a teacher in the pre-kindergarten program at Friendship Christian School. She has served IPA as a classroom aide covering several ages within the early childhood education range and as a leader of after school programs for pre-kindergarten students. Leah’s son attends IPA.
Mimi Hirstein – Reading (2004) Mimi was a member of the founding faculty at IPA, teaching kindergarten, and a founding parent as well. She left the classroom full-time for family reasons, but has continued to be both a volunteer and a part-time employee. Mimi holds a B.A. degree from California State University,Fresno, as well as a California teaching credential, and has done graduate level work at Mississippi State. She 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.
Linda Johnson – Elementary Office (2007) Linda holds an A.A. degree in Administrative Management from Austin Peay University in Tennessee. IPA families know Linda as the mom who took on the valuable task of greeting children each day as she helped children from cars at curbside. She has held several office and administrative jobs while raising her son who is an IPA student.
Jodie Kirk – Science (2007) Born in Wisconsin but raised on Oahu, Jodie joins the faculty to work with Michelle Buck as an instructor in science for the Elementary School. Jodie holds a B.S. in Biology from Hawaii Pacific University. She has taught exciting science classes for IPA during summer session before joining the permanent staff. She is a woman of many talents, including the French horn which she played in a band from middle school all the way through college.
Amanda Kemmer – Kindergarten Assistant Teacher (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.
Tammy Kowalski – Fifth Grade (Spring 2007) Tammy took over a third grade class mid-year in 2006-07 and did an outstanding job of smoothing out the transition for the students as well as providing fine instruction. She holds a Masters degree from Gallaudet University and a B.S. in Education from the University of Tulsa. She taught for seventeen years before coming to IPA, much of it in classrooms for deaf children and has held supervisory positions as well. Her two daughters attend IPA.
Garnet (Momi) Kuahiwinui - Kindergarten (2005) Momi begins her third year at IPA as a Kindergarten teacher after having served as the site director for the YMCA’s after school program at IPA, a position that continued her extensive history of work in the care, development and education of young children. A Distinguished BA 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 19 years. Momi also teaches Hula after school at IPA.
Andrea Ladtkow – Kindergarten Assistant Teacher (2007) Andrea majored in Early Childhood Education at American River College in California before beginning work at a series of pre-schools in Colorado, Texas and Florida following her active military duty husband. Andrea’s children attend IPA.
Shari McClurkin – Second Grade (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 8th, although she prefers the younger children. She has a particular interest in technology as an instructional tool.
Tammy McCormick – Pre-Kindergarten Assistant Teacher (2006) Tammy holds a Bachelor in Fine Arts from The Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. Prior to her work as a stay-at-home mom, Tammy was a teacher and aide in a pre-school, also 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.
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, and is an active parent volunteer at Kamehameha Schools, currently serving as President of their Association of Teachers and Parents at the Kapalama campus. Previously at IPA, she has managed the after school program and been an Assistant Teacher in the Pre-Kindergarten program.
Michele Nelligan - Kindergarten (2004) With a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and a M.Ed. from University of Illinois, Michele brings thirteen years of full-time and many more years of part-time experience teaching in Early Childhood Education programs. She has extensive experience through organizations working with families confronting issues of child care and parenting, and has had the experience of owning her own pre-school, home-based and organized around Montessori principles. Michele is a co-founder of the Kindergarten program at IPA and has two sons attending IPA.
Eileen Novak – Elementary School Officer Manager, After School, Summer School (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 After School and Summer School management. Holding an A.A.S. degree in Marketing from Hudson Valley Community College, Eileen worked for fifteen years in hospital administration in human resources and payroll on the East Coast. Her daughter is a student at IPA.
Lori Ogawa – Pre-Kindergarten Assistant Teacher (2004) One of the founding members of the staff at IPA, Lori graduated from the University of Hawaii, West Oahu with a B.A. in Sociology. She held positions in Early Childhood Education for a number of years prior to her coming to IPA and was an integral part of the development of the Pre-Kindergarten program at IPA.
Becky O’Reilly – Elementary Office (Spring 2007) Becky graduated with a B.S. in Communication Studies from Emerson College in Boston. After college she moved to Japan and lived there for 9 years and became the manager of customer service for an American importing company in Kobe. The customer base was international schools and foreigners living in Japan. Around school Becky has spent many hours during the last two years as a volunteer, and chairperson of the Annual Fund for 2006-07. Becky has two children at I.P.A.
Shawn Quapaw – Pre-Kindergarten Specials (2004) One of the founding members of the IPA staff, Shawn completed her B.A. in Early Childhood Education at the University of Hawaii after having earned an A.A. degree in Early Childhood Education from Leeward Community College. An integral part of the team building the Pre-Kindergarten program, Shawn came to IPA following service at three previous early childhood programs in Hawaii.
Sandy Romo – Second Grade (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 has completed four years in schools in New Jersey and Hawaii. Her daughter attends IPA.
Rebecca Rudder – First Grade (2006) Rebecca Rudder stepped in at Island Pacific Academy in early Spring 2006 to fill the first grade space vacated by an unanticipated military family move. A graduate of David Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, Rebecca received her teacher preparation certificate in Texas and taught in that state (where she was called by her principal and colleagues the “Language Arts and Writing Guru”) before moving to Hawaii. She has particular experience incorporating technology into her curriculum for both word processing and research purposes at the elementary level.
Luann Sackrider – Fourth Grade (2006) Luann substituted and volunteered at IPA before joining the staff as a full-time faculty member. She has a B.A. from Springfield College in Massachusetts and coursework from four other universities. Always seeking opportunities for professional growth, Luann has over post-graduate credits for additional college work. Her previous teaching experience includes a D.O.D. school in England and schools in both Maryland and New Jersey. In Maryland, she won a Governor’s Award and Stipend for the teaching of Math and Science. She has published work and been an active community volunteer.
Malinda Sepulona – Science Assistant Teacher (2004) One of the founding members of the staff in 2004, 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. At IPA, she has also worked in the office and in support of other elementary classrooms. Her daughter attends IPA.
Deanna Sivik – Physical Education (2006) A member of a founding IPA family, Deanna graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Kinesiology. She served as a part-time athletic trainer for rural high schools in South Texas, as well as developing kinetic programs for orthopedic and sports related injuries at physical therapy and sports medicine clinics in San Antonio and Corpus Christi. After having her children, she stayed home for a number of years before pursuing a master's degree in special education from the University of Phoenix. Her son and daughter attend IPA.
Julia Tondo – Third Grade (2007) Julia completed her two Bachelor’s degrees and teaching credential work at California State University, Northridge. She has previously taught at an elementary school in California where, during her university training, she also worked as a Teacher’s Aide. Among her other experiences while in school were several assignments working with autistic children.
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.
Barbara Wiles – Kindergarten (2007) Barbara holds an M.Ed. in reading from Columbus State University in Georgia and a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the same university. Barbara has taught in schools operated by the Department of Defense in various sites around the world as well as in schools in the United States during a teaching career that spans more than ten years. She has also served as a Grade Level Team leader in a D.O.D. school.
Jennifer Sagiao - Middle School Principal (2004)/ Sixth Grade Math; Jennifer came to IPA from Punahou School where she taught middle school science. She is a graduate of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona with a teaching credential from Chapman University, and an M.Ed. degree in Private School Leadership from the University of Hawaii. She coordinated AVID in Lompoc, California, a program designed to prepare students from diverse backgrounds for the rigors of a college preparatory curriculum. Jennifer was one of the organizers of the IPA Middle School and has been its head since 2004-05.
Phavana Silva - Dean of Students for the Middle School /Sixth Grade Humanities(2004) Phavana began her career at schools 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. In addition to her teaching and administrative roles, Phavana is the Self-Study chair for IPA’s HAIS/WASC accreditation process in 2006-07 and 2007-08. She is one of the co-founders of the Middle School at IPA.
Kenneth Baldino – Eighth Grade 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 product himself, Ken’s previous teaching experience was at Christchurch 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.
Heather Bonner – Seventh Grade Humaniteis (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 substituted during the 2006-07 academic year at IPA.
Leanna Chew – Math (2007) Leanna is a Kamehameha Schools graduate who continued her education at Chaminade where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree. She began her teaching career in a public school in Waimanolo and comes to IPA after teaching at Sacred Hearts Academy in Honolulu.
Laura Gabriel – Physical Education (2006) Laura holds a B.A. from Cal 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 taught Physical Education in both the Elementary and Middle Schools in 2006-07 but will focus entirely on Middle School in 2007-08.
Laura Guzman - Spanish (2005) Laura completed her Master’s degree in Elementary Education through the University of Phoenix after having earned a B.S. degree in Business Management from Brigham Young University. Recruited to BYU-Hawaii as a tennis player, Laura has taught for four 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 an 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. Her daughter attends IPA.
Janin Johnston – Administrative Assistant, Middle School (2006) A founding parent, Janin began volunteering for IPA in the first year, 2004-05. Gradually, her work in behalf of the Middle School, in particular, made it natural for IPA to 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 was raising a family. Her youngest daughter is a member of the class of 2010, the school’s first graduating class.
Sharon McGarry –Spanish (2006) Sharon earned both her B.S. and her M. Ed from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. Her previous science teaching experience was in Utah. She is a teacher-leader experienced in grant-writing and program coordination and is also a talented musician who has taught piano privately for many years. Her son attends Kindergarten at IPA.
Randall Moorman – Science (2007) Randy holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Management from Duke University and was a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Purdue with a B.S. in Biology, and has completed considerable work toward his Ph.D. at the University of Hawaii. His work experience includes legislative advocacy and research as well as teaching as a graduate assistant, and he has three publications in scientific journals.
Karrine Murri – Humanities (2007) Karri graduated from California State University, Monterey Bay and is an M.Ed. candidate at the University of Phoenix, expecting to complete the degree in December 2007. She has served as a teaching assistant at the college level and as an intern with the U.S. Department of Education.
Cami Nihipali – Seventh and Eighth Grade Humanities (2006) Cami holds a B.S. degree from Western Oregon University, her credential from Chaminade and an M.Ed. from the University of Hawaii. She has taught previously at Chaminade University and in the Middle School at Kamehameha School, 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. Cami’s daughter attends IPA.
Andree Paradis - Art (2004) 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. Andree is one of the co-founders of the art program at IPA.
Joe Payongayong – Physical Education (2007) Joe first came to IPA as a basketball coach with extensive experience in Oahu basketball leagues as well as mainland experience. 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 two daughters attending IPA.
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 and as a Hospital Administrator, also in California. He has also been active in coaching. “Doc” has a son attending IPA.
Sabine Yamamura – Seventh Grade Humanities (2006) Sabine is another former IPA substitute who joined the full-time faculty. She holds her B.A. degree from BYU-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 Kindergarten at IPA, as well.
James Nelligan – Principal and Academic Dean/ Science (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, where he is completing his doctoral work in the History of Science. Between 1998 and 2002, James was selected 11 times to the University’s Excellence in Teaching list at the University of Illinois. In 2003, James 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 includes a Montessori School, a private church-related middle school and Hoala School. He has two sons attending IPA.
Stan Vincent - Dean of Students, Upper School; 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.
Diane Hertberg – Humanities/Communications (2007) Diane comes to IPA most recently from teaching at Western Washington University, but has varied experiences in and out of education. Her teaching career includes English at the Korean Naval Academy and Adult Education at Skagit Valley College in Washington. She holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Northern Colorado and an M.A. in Education from the University of Phoenix. She has also done fundraising and marketing for a community college and been a newspaper editor in California. Her daughter is a student at IPA.
Deanna McGowan – Math (2007) Deanna holds an M.A. in Math Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado, Denver and a B.S. degree from the University of Puget Sound. She has been teaching and coaching since 2003 in California, Hawaii and Colorado and has traveled extensively internationally. She has also presented papers professionally at Math conferences.
John McGowan – Math (2007) John holds an M.A. in Math from the University of Montana, an M.A. in Math Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado, Denver, and a B.A. from Bethany College, West Virginia. He has been teaching at the university and high school level in four states since 1999. John was the recipient of a NASA Space Grant and has presented papers on math topics at professional association conferences.
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 nearing the end of the dissertation for his Ph.D. degree. 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 IPA students in IHL competitions.
Jelena Popov – Humanities (2007) Jelena earned her B.A. in History from the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Belgrade, and her M.A. in History at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She has received awards for her writing from UNLV. Her teaching background includes positions in California and UNLV.
Andrew Rose –Chair of Fine and Performing Arts (2006) Andrew earned his B.A. in Art History from Vassar College and his M.F.A. in Painting/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, as well as directed international trips for students. An award-winning artist with many exhibitions of his own work, including most recently the Honolulu Academy of Arts, where he was selected for “Artists of Hawai’i – 2007,” Andrew is also a published art critic.
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. Her previous teaching has been at UH Manoa, Chaminade, Punahou and Sacred Hearts Academy where she won a teaching award in 2003. At a previous school, Nydia developed the Advanced Placement program in Spanish and established the Spanish National Honor Society. She has also led several foreign language trips abroad for students.
Kori Shlachter – Humanities (2007) Holding a B.A. degree from Stanford, Kori earned an 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 has been an Advanced Placement Instructor, among other duties. During her undergraduate career, Kori also studied aboard the Semester at Sea, a University of Pittsburgh program that transports college students between several continents, blending classroom instruction on-board with first-hand experiences in cities around the world.
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 led the pre-AP and AP Japanese summer institute here in Hawaii and in Tokyo the past two summers. 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 where she is building a new Japanese Language program. Her son is enrolled in the Upper School at IPA.
Judith Wagner – Science/ Math and Science Chair (2006) Judy earned her B.A. with honors from Valparaiso and her M.A. and Ph.D. from Stanford, where she was a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellow. She comes 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.
Dan White – Headmaster (2004) Dan served as Headmaster at three different schools in California and Hawaii before establishing Non-Profit Ventures—Hawaii, consultants to independent schools. Currently President of the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools, he has also served on the Accrediting Commission for Schools of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a co-director of an M.D. degree at the University of Hawaii. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California Riverside, where he also earned his B.A., and Master’s degree from the University of Washington.
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. 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.
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.
Judy White – Director of Institutional 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 Yocha-de-He Preparatory Academy, a school for the children of a Native American tribe in Northern California and, with Dan, 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.
Phil Acosta – Instructional Technology (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 twins who attend IPA.
Rose Armstrong – Registrar, MS/US Reception (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, so she brought with her extensive knowledge of families in a major service area for the school. Prior to her work in schools, Rose had been a savings counselor with HonFed Bank.
Bernadette Axelrod – Assistant Director of Development (2007) Bernie has been associated 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. She has been an Assistant Director, covering all crew and cast and liaison functions with departments. As a live television newscast director she worked at stations on the mainland and KGMB here in Hawaii. An active parent volunteer before joining the IPA staff, she was a founding co-chair of IPA’s Fund-raising Committee. Her oldest daughter is a student at IPA.
Luain Cruz –Admissions Assistant (2006) One of the founding parents of IPA, Lu came to work in the Business Office on a part-time basis, then moved to become full-time in Admissions. She spent ten years in management and customer relations at Nordstrom’s, the classic service-oriented business and another four years in human resource/personnel work for a large resort chain. Her daughter attends IPA.
Nate Dias – Security (2007) Nate began his work with IPA during summer 2007 and will continue full-time as the hours of school building use expand to include University of Hawaii-West Oahu afternoon and evening classes.
Hartson Doak – Director of Facilities (2004) Hartson was one of the first employees hired when the school opened in 2004. Hartson has carried responsibility for the maintenance of the buildings from day one. He holds a B.S. degree in Biology from the University of Maine, and has worked in a variety of occupations, ranging from quality control at a nuclear plant to biological aid with the USDA and hotel management on Kauai.
Laron Gibson – Head of Security (2006) Laron established the security service at IPA after having worked for a security service provider. Laron served six years active duty in the U.S. Army, including a stint with a Multinational Force in the Sinai, for which he earned recognition for distinguished service.
Rich Griffin – Landscape Coordinator (2006) Rich has been working on the re-introduction of native plants as a career interest for eleven years, and is turning the school campus into a fine example of how well native plants serve as landscape options. An Eagle Scout who finished his schooling in Texas, Rich developed his love for plants and landscaping through the influence of his grandmother. Rich came to Hawaii two 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.
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. In 2006-07, Melissa taught math and carried out many responsibilities related to the development and maintenance of the technology at IPA. Melissa came to know about IPA through her sister, Jordan, the Elementary Art teacher. 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.
Lori McGregor – School Counselor (2006) Lori earned her M.A. degree in Counseling (with Distinction) 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 and has four daughters, the oldest of whom attends IPA.
Weslie Mills – Accounts Receivable Manager (2004) Weslie came to IPA as one of its first employees. Weslie 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 Moana Technologies and the Continental Board of Counsellors of Australasia.
Ron Tsuchiya - Physical Education & Athletics (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 to continue working with children on overall physical fitness as well as coaching competitive swim teams. Awards and honors he has received include induction 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. Ron helped found IPA and has led the entrance of IPA into membership and competitive participation in the ILH. He has also been instrumental in ILH discussions regarding a Pac Five West concept, allowing athletes from smaller schools the opportunity to compete in sports their schools might not be able to field individually.
Kerri Vincent – Senior Administrative Assistant, Communications and Development (2004) Kerri was instrumental in organizing the office systems at IPA and served as the Administrative Assistant in the Elementary Division for 2 ½ years. Because of her knowledge of families, her move to work in Development and Communications was a natural. Kerri has performed more functions for IPA since its opening than can possibly be listed. Her previous employers include Academy of the Pacific, the Department of Education and Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park.
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