Meet Our Team
Leialoha Ka‘ula
Luna Hoʻokō | Executive Director
Leialoha Kaʻula was born on the island of Oʻahu and raised on Moku o Keawe. She is a proud graduate of Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu, where ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and ʻike kūpuna shaped the foundation of her leadership and community work. Now residing in the Pacific Northwest, she humbly lives on the lands of the Atfalati tribes, with a deep commitment to uplifting Indigenous stories, relationships, and communities.
Leialoha is a Kumu Hula of Ka Lei Haliʻa O Ka Lokelani, and as a hula practitioner, she centers cultural practice, protocol, and ancestral knowledge in all that she does. These values, instilled from a young age, continue to guide her work and approach to community engagement. Carrying her ʻike Hawaiʻi beyond Hawaiʻi, she remains dedicated to strengthening cultural continuity within Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities living in diaspora.
Leialoha is actively involved in regional and national civic and advocacy efforts. She serves as Corresponding Secretary for the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and as Hope Pelekikena ʻElua (Second Vice President) for Nā Lei Makalapua, the Mainland Council of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. She also serves on the Executive Committees of the Oregon Pacific Islander Coalition and Oregon State Voices.
In addition, Leialoha contributes her leadership and cultural expertise as a member of the Pacific Northwest Regional Advisory Board for the ʻOhana Center of Excellence, the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Advisory Board for the Oregon Department of Education Student Success Plan, and the Oregon Youth Authority Partnership Committee.
Hale Kahua (Operations)
Isabel Steinhoff
Luna Hana
-
Aloha kākou, ʻo Isabel Steinhoff koʻu inoa. I am the Office Coordinator here at Ka ʻAha Lāhui O ʻOlekona. Prior to joining the team, I had very little experience working with non-profit organizations, so I'm excited to explore a new territory while connecting and supporting our communities.
I was born and raised in North Kohala on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi and currently live here in Beaverton, Oregon. I graduated from Corban University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Marketing, which is how I ended up here in Oregon (and my sister lives here too!). With Corban being a predominately white institution, I longed for a sense of belonging while living on the continent. Ka ʻAha Lāhui O ʻOlekona was where I found it when I least expected to. It took moving away from home and finding this community to truly appreciate where I come from. I'm so grateful to be part of this ohana and look forward to what's to come.
Fun facts about me: I love food and finding new places to eat at. My top 3 bucket list places to travel to right now are Aotearoa, Australia, and Greece. And if I'm not out gallivanting with my friends, I'm most likely cozy at home watching a guilty pleasure rom-com.
Operations Coordinator
Sophia Sakaino
Lima Kākoʻo
-
Aloha mai kākou! ʻO Sophia koʻu inoa and I'm the Administrative/Center Support at KALOHCC! I am truly grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that helped raise me and shape me into the person I am today.
I was born and raised in Beaverton, Oregon, but my family lives in Kaimuki, O’ahu. I’m a junior at Southridge High School where I lead the Mock Trial Team and Pacific Islander Club. After high school, I plan to go to college to become a teacher to further serve my community and do what I love.
As the Administrative Support, I primarily maintain the AloHā Resource and Community Center and support KALO events. The Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community is beautiful in every way and it’s a privilege that I get to learn and serve this community through my work here at KALO.
Most people know me for being a hula ʻōlapa at Ka Lei Haliʻa O Ka Lokelani, a hālau I’ve been dancing with for over a decade. I’m also a director of KALO’s Mōhala Youth Council, an ʻōpio led group that strives to create the next generation of leaders through various programs, discussions, volunteering, and other community-building events. During my free time, I enjoy thrifting, trying new hobbies, and discovering new cute coffee/bubble tea shops with my friends!
Administrative / Center Support
Hale Ka‘a‘ike (Communications)
Jayden Kepo‘o-Caspino
Luna Hoʻokūkulu Hoʻolaha
-
Aloha mai kākou, ʻo Jayden koʻu inoa and I'm the Communications Support at KALOHCC. I am beyond blessed to be able to stay connected with my heritage and share my manaʻo in story-telling with the Pacific Islander communities here on the continent.
I was born and raised in Wai’anae, O’ahu, where we have the best sunsets and beaches. I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Marketing and Advertising Management from Portland State University, which explains my love for visual and digital arts.
As the Communications Manager, I primarily manage KALOHCCʻs social media channels (@kalohcc), photography/videography assets, advertising campaigns, and graphic design efforts used to promote KALOHCCʻs mission in amplifying the voices and practices of our lāhui. The best part about my position is being able to share the beauty and strength of the Hawaiian culture through a creative lens – flyers, reels, short-films, and photos!
If you donʻt see me with a camera in my hand, I'm usually cruising at the Oregon coast, eating all the foods in the world, watching Marvel movies, or adventuring nature with my wife and my puppy, Konapiliahi. I am also a new member of Hula Hālau Ka Lei Haliʻa O Ka Lokelani.
Communications & Marketing Director
Laurissa Tsukimura
-
Aloha mai kākou, ʻo Laurissa koʻu inoa, and I am the Marketing Intern at KALOHCC! I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to expand my knowledge and connect with the communities here in Oregon and Washington.
I currently reside in Camas, where I grew up, but Hawaiʻi is where my heart resides. Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate enough to regularly visit Waikapū, Maui, and Pearl City, Oʻahu to see both sides of my family. I graduated from Pacific University–Oregon in 2024 with my Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design. At Pacific, I was an executive board member of Nā Haumāna O Hawaiʻi for three years, where I found a deep sense of belonging that I didn’t fully experience growing up in a predominantly white community on the continent. Now, with KALOHCC, I feel so blessed to continue nurturing that sense of belonging within, while working to amplify Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) voices and practices.
When I’m not designing, you can find me spoiling my family dog, Lexi, jumping on a video game with my friends, or snacking on anything and everything! I love to talk story and get to know all about what interests my peers!
Marketing Intern
Hale O Nā Papahana (Programs)
Nicole Kepo‘o-Caspino
-
Aloha mai kākou, ʻo Nicole koʻu inoa. I am the Program Manager at Ka ʻAha Lāhui O ʻOlekona and I am super excited to work with the community of Oregon + Washington + Hawaiʻi + and beyond.
I am from Westside of Oʻahu and although I have created a life here on the continent, I will always call Waiʻanae home. I graduated from Portland State University with my Bachelor's Degree in Womenʻs Studies and Psychology, where my interest for community service and social justice began. I was also apart of the Pacific Islanders Club Student Organization for three years in hopes to use the knowledge that I gained over the years to serve the community I hold close to my heart.
As KALO’s Program Manager I strive to provide a wide variety of programs that are accessible but also brings a part of home to here on the continent. Through community health resources, youth programs, food accessibility resources, college-support, etc – KALO is here to do it all! In all, It is a great privilege to be apart of this team and work alongside these powerful wāhine!
Aside from working at KALO, I am also a proud small business owner specializing in wedding & portrait photography. For the past 4 years I’ve had the pleasure of working with such amazing people and traveling to the most beautiful places. If you are ever interested, here’s my website – www.shotsbyjxn.com!
Luna Papahana | Program Director
Devon Muña
-
Aloha mai kākou, ʻo Devon koʻu inoa! I am the Program Assistant Intern here at KALO, and Iʻm very grateful for this opportunity to work with the team and the community.
I was born and raised in Saipan, and moved to Oregon with my family several years ago. I am currently a Senior at Portland State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in International Studies and Social Science. Throughout my college career, I have had the privilege to work with the Pacific Islander community through various jobs, conferences, clubs, and other opportunities that have come my way. Giving back to my community through these positions has been the highlight of the past few years, and I have gained so much knowledge, experiences, and connections that have made me the person I am today. This internship is the first opportunity that has allowed me to consistently engage with the broader Pacific Islander community off-campus, and has taught me so much in the short time that I have been with KALO. Iʻm excited to continue working with the KALO team, and I am curious see where life takes me after graduation and this internship.
When Iʻm not at work, you can find me playing volleyball, going out with my friends, or thrifting; on the days I prefer to stay at home, you can typically find me playing video games, taking care of my houseplants, or watching TV.
Program Assistant Intern
Jolie Jessie
-
Aloha mai kākou, ʻo Jolie koʻu inoa. I am the Administrative/Center Support at Ka ʻAha Lāhui O ʻOlekona. After many years of working for corporations, schools and other non-profits, I feel extremely Blessed and excited to be a part of the KALO family. I look forward to supporting the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community in Oregon and SW Washington. My goal is to help families by providing meaningful programs, events and a welcoming environment at our community center.
I was born an raise in Kailua Oʻahu and a proud public school graduate of Kailua High School. Go Surfriders! I went to University of Oregon ( Go Ducks!) and got my Bachelorʻs in Journalism. Although, I intended to go back to Oʻahu after I graduated, I met my husband at UO and stayed in the mainland. I lived in Phoenix, Arizona for 20 years and raised my two kids there before making my way back to Portland, Oregon.
When Iʻm not working, you can find me curled up reading murder mystery books, walking my very spoiled St. Bernard dog Hoku or going to all the pop-up events around Portland with my daughter Janae.
Lima Kākoʻo | ARCC Coordinator
Toni Iwalani Fujiwara
-
Aloha mai kākou! ʻO Toni Iwalani Fujiwara koʻu inoa and I am Curriculum Development and Program Support for KALOʻs Hāloa program. I have spent two decades working in education, supporting youth and communities of higher promise, with a focus on empowering Pacific Islander and Indigenous students through relationship-centered and youth-led approaches. I have a Bachelor of Science in General Science from Portland State University, a Master of Art in Teaching Secondary Social Studies and a Masters of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from Concordia University, as well as over 30 years of experience coaching youth and adult rugby. I look forward to using my background to help grow KALOʻs Hāloa program that Kumu Leialoha started over a decade ago.
On my fatherʻs side, we are from Heʻeia, Oʻahu and my momʻs family has multigenerational ties to SE Portland. I was raised in Oregon, graduating from Sandy High School, and spending my teenage years on the Indigenous lands once stewarded by the Clackamas people, near Wyʻeast and the Sandy River, which deeply shaped my understanding of place and responsibility. As a first-generation Native Hawaiian born on Moku Honu, I feel so fortunate to be a part of the KALO ʻohana.
I am so excited to have learned about KALO back in January 2025, where I began reconnecting with my culture through Papa ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, foundational cultural practices, and working in the māla tending kalo and caring for kūpuna. As I enter this new chapter, I am committed to deepening my relationship with ʻāina and lāhui, leading with aloha, and sharing ʻike with others seeking healing, connection, and a sense of belonging. When Iʻm not working my full time job with the City of Portland as an Empowerment Self-Defense youth coordinator, traveling with my partner and his son or adventuring with my big boy Griffin, you can catch me at most KALO events!
Curriculum Development & Program Support
Nohea‘ililani Waiwai‘ole
-
Aloha mai kākou, ʻo Nohea koʻu inoa. I am the Hoʻonaʻauao & Outreach Support and Data Coordinator at KALO.
I am the hiapo of the 3rd generation in my ʻohana to be born into the Hawaiian diaspora and settled along the west coast of Moku Honu. My great grandfather was from Pearl City, Oʻahu and displaced during WW2. I was raised throughout rural Oregon, attended Aloha High School, and have lived in the so-called Portland area since 2019. I also have the immense privilege of being raised some in Hilo and attending kula kaiāpuni at Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo ma Keaukaha.
I have always worked with youth spanning various positions including with Portland Public Schools and other out-of-school programming spaces. Much of my professional experience has been at the intersections of reducing barriers, increasing engagement, and system navigation support for BIPOC youth and families.
I come from a perspective shaped by multiple generations of displacement, cultural isolation, and assimilation, and also a small foundation of culture and language-based education thanks to the steadfastness of our kūpuna and immersion schools. Within my own ʻohana, I have seen the impacts that access to ʻāina and language-based education can have for our keiki and lāhui. I look forward to continuing this work to not only address disparities our kaiāulu faces within the existing school systems and also expand our own educational sovereignty within ʻOlekona.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, visiting the Willamette and Columbia rivers, being an ʻōlapa with Hula Hālau Ka Lei Haliʻa O Ka Lokelani, and visiting ʻohana in Hilo.
Hoʻonaʻauao & Outreach Support
Research Coordinator
Amelia Styan
-
Aloha mai kākou. ʻO Amelia koʻu inoa. I'm the ʻĀina Program Intern, and I'm deeply grateful to get to learn how to grow food, steward the land, and be part of the first māla growing kalo on the mainland.
I was born and raised in Hanapepe, Kauaʻi, until I attended Kamehameha Schools Kapālama for high school. I recently graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.S. in Environmental Science. Moving to the mainland I noticed a lack of awareness about Hawaiian culture and Hawaiʻi's history, so during my time in classes I found myself mentioning Hawaiian sustainable land management practices and the value of traditional ecological knowledge. I am grateful that I get to be a part of a community organization that seeks to amplify those values and gives me an opportunity to learn more about those concepts from our members, as well as my coworkers at Kalo and at Unity Farm.
When I'm not at the māla, I work as a barista and at an elementary school's after-school program. In my free time, I enjoy reading, making art with dried flowers, and going on adventures with my friends.
ʻĀina Program Support
Hale Mālama ‘Ike (Research & Data)
Lexie Jackson
-
Aloha! My name is Lexie Jackson and I am the Kaiaulu Research and Development Director. I see my role as helping to build the foundation of Ka ʻAha Lāhui O ʻOlekona’s programs and services through: community-led data collection, analysis and stewardship; and sharing our stories to raise awareness and support for the Native Hawaiian community on the continent.
I was born and raised on Oʻahu (never mind which high school I went) and have now lived on the continent longer than back home in Hawaiʻi. After graduating high school, I moved to Texas to complete degrees in Psychology and Clinical Nutrition. From there, I worked as a Registered Dietitan Nutritionist where I worked in outpatient, research, and management in hospitals and community organizations in St. Louis and Michigan. My husband and I then settled down in the Portland area and I went back to school to complete my PhD in Prevention Science (which is basically Public Health) from Washington State University in 2021. I completed postdoctoral training with the Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health (IREACH) at WSU, one of the largest research organizations in the United States devoted to the health and healthcare of Native Americans, where I had the opportunity to reconnect with the Hawaiian community on the continent.
Since my postdoc, I have worked with multiple Native Hawaiian serving non-profit organizations in Oregon and Hawaiʻi. Through this work, my goal is to promote positive health behaviors across the lifespan through ongoing collaborative, equitable partnerships using community-based participatory approaches. I have the honor and privilege to learn from leaders in community based research practices and am proud to be able to do this work with community. I also serve on the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs Mālama Ola committee and am the committee chair of the Nā Lei Makalapua Mālama Ola committe.
Kaiāulu Research & Development Director
Maddie Wusstig
-
Håfa Adai! My name is Maddie Wusstig, and I am the Community Outreach Research Fellow. My responsibilities include working with the Kūpuna council and the Community Advisory Board (CAB). My role focuses on incorporating community review and feedback to ensure we report Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander health data back in an understandable way that also aligns with cultural values.
I was born and raised in Oregon, while my family lives in Yigo, Guam. After attending Jefferson High School, I went to Oregon State University (OSU), where I earned my B.S. in BioHealth Sciences & Nutrition. At OSU, I served as a board member for the Pacific Islander Association, helping other Pacific Islanders find a home away from home. I also worked at a campus community center for Queer & Transgender Students of Color, helping to put on events and advocating for marginalized communities.
When I’m not working, I love exploring the outdoors and finding new hiking trails across Oregon, from the Mountains to the coast. I also love finding new restaurants around Portland with my friends after a nice thrifting trip!
Community Relations Fellow
Emily Souza
-
Aloha mai kākou, ʻo Emily koʻu inoa, and I am the Data Visualization Research Fellow for KALO HCC! I was born and raised in Honoka'a, HI, and I have been in Oregon since August 2021 when I started at Pacific University. Throughout my four years at Pacific, I was involved in Nā Haumāna O Hawai'i (NHOH), which helped me to feel like Oregon was a home away from home. In 2025, I graduated with my Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health and a Minor in Biology. I am currently pursuing my Master’s of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology. I am very excited and grateful to be involved with KALO and for the opportunities it gives me to support the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities of Oregon.
Data Visualization Fellow
Hale Mālama Ola (Health)
Kuʻulei Yarbrough
-
Aloha mai kākou! My name is Ku’ulei and I am the Community Health at KALO. My role serves to support the health initiatives of KALO by connecting community members with health resources, and organizing health programs.
I recently received my B.S. in BioHealth Sciences at Oregon State University (OSU). At OSU, I have served as a board member for the Pacific Islander Association for the past three years. Additionally, I have been working as a Diversity Learning Assistant for the university, where my main role is to educate students on a variety of social justice topics and help them to find community. Last summer I had the opportunity to attend an internship at the University of Utah and complete a research project on the status of NHPI Veteran Health.
In my free time, I enjoy discovering new cafés and bakeries and am always searching for a great study spot. When I'm not exploring new places, I enjoy staying active through hiking, tennis, and dance. I have been an ‘olapa for Ka Lei Hali’a O Ka Lokelani for the past decade, and this experience has shaped my experience growing up as a Native Hawaiian on the continent.
Community Health Worker
Hale Ho‘okō (Policy & Planning)
Joseph Cruz
Luna Hoʻokaʻaike
-
Aloha - My name is Joseph Cruz, and I am the Strategic Initiatives Manager dedicated to equity, food justice, and systemic change. My background includes financial management, nonprofit operations, and leadership development, with a focus on creating inclusive and empowering spaces.
My lived experience with houselessness and food insecurity drives my passion for addressing hunger and advocating for marginalized communities. I’ve worked extensively in food access programs, youth leadership development, and emergency response, ensuring resources reach those who need them most.
Strategic Initiatives Director
‘Aha Ho‘okō – Executive Board
Cheryl Dutro
Pelekikena
Jill Kakehi
Puʻuku
Kākau ʻŌlelo
La‘akea Bryne
Nicole Lee Ellison
Hope Pelekikena
Kēhau Searle
Luna Hoʻokele o Nā ʻAha
Conventions Director
Noelani Tanaka
Luna Hoʻokele ʻŌpio
Director
Community Advisory Board
Louise Wilmes
-
Louise Wilmes was an educator who concluded a 41-year career with the Beaverton School District (BSD). Her tenure included 37 years as a K-6 classroom teacher and four years as the BSD Title VI Indian Education Coordinator. A Native Hawaiian and member of the Otoe-Missouria Indian Tribe of Oklahoma, she is an alumna of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. She holds a BA in Elementary Education from Pacific University and an MA in Education Administration from George Fox University.
Throughout her career, Louise has been an advocate for Indigenous student success, serving on both the American Indian/Alaska Native and the Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Student Success Advisory Boards. She is an active member of the Oregon Indian Education Association (OIEA) and has extensive experience facilitating professional development for educators on the implementation of Tribal History/Shared History curriculum.
In her current work, Louise engages Hawaiian and Native keiki through summer programs that preserve ancestral traditions. By integrating mo’olelo, mele, dance, art, and STEM, she remains dedicated to fostering cultural pride and academic engagement for students of all ages.
Daniel Kalei Kaniho Jr.
-
- Native Hawaiian raised on DHHL Pastural Homestead Land in Waimea, Hawaii
- Graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with my BS in Civil Engineering in
1973
- From 1973 to 2000 were my working years in the construction industry that I
cherished for a total of 47 years, were beginning in cost, project engineering, and as
a project superintendent, which took me to work in Johnston Atoll, Majuro, Marshall
Island, and America Samoa ; and visited places in Ponape, Truk, Western Samoa,
and Fiji.
- In 2000, after obtaining my Professional Engineering License with the State of Hawaii
for the next 18 years as Senior Construction Manager on various projects with the
State of Hawaii Department of Transportation - Airport Division in Hawaii and a
project on the Island of Guam.
- Retired in 2018 and in 2020 - Moved to Canby , OR to be close to our two
daughters, six grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.
- Note: I try to spend time annually on my DHHL Pastural Puukapu Lot in Waimea,
Hawaii for a month as my happy place.
Kuʻuipo Yarbrough
-
Aloha, my name is Kuʻuipo! I’m an Oregon born and raised industrial and software engineer. Outside of work, I'm pursuing my masters at Portland State University in power engineering, a specialized branch of electrical engineering. In addition to my engineering background, I bring experience as a coding instructor and as a former part time faculty member at Mount Hood Community College. During my free time, I enjoy learning how to knit and trying new cafes. I have also been an 'olapa for Ka Lei Hali’a O Ka Lokelani for roughly 10 years!
Cecilia Reinig
-
Aloha mai kākou, 'O Cecilia "Anakē Cece" Reinig ko'u inoa. I am a multi-generational daughter of Wailuku, Maui, with a deep connection to the people, place, and values of Hawaiʻi that remains a part of me wherever I go. Humbled by this opportunity, I am grateful to bring my service to the Community Advisory Board, having witnessed firsthand the meaningful impact KALO makes for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders on the continent. My background spans education, corporate, nonprofit, and holistic health sectors across Hawaiʻi, Japan, California, and Oregon. I bring a genuine commitment to listening across differences, grounded in a sense of kuleana and deep reverence for the culture I was privileged to grow up in. I am honored and excited to serve in Aloha so that this community and all who gather in its spirit feel a sense of belonging wherever life takes them.
Noelani Mengel
-
Aloha, 'O Noelani Mengel ko'u inoa. I am born and educated in Southern California and currently spend my time between Moku o Keawe and Southern California. I am passionate our canoe plants: growing them, establishing their genealogy, navigating them, eating them and all the things in-between. Mahalo
Pat Ribellia
-
I’m a St. Louis grad, born and raised in Hawaii. I was raised in a blue collar family. I’m a former Hawaii legislator. I have a master's degree in Urban Planning and a law degree from UH.
I was licensed to practice law in Oregon, Washington and Hawaii. I’ve lived in Oregon since 1992 and retired after becoming the Hillsboro city Planning Director. I enjoy playing music ,and golfing.
Kūpuna Council
Donna Ribellia-Abreu
-
Donna Ribelia-Abreu is from the island of Oʻahu, left the island in 2012 to move to Oregon. My
previous occupations were in the field of Executive management, President of McDonaldʻs of
Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan, and the Franchise Owner of the Einstein Bagels in Beaverton
Townsquare. I was promoted to ʻTūtū in October 2012. I enjoy Hula, Karaoke, and of course my
moʻopunas.
Jeanette Abraham
-
I was born in Denver, Colorado and raised in Fremont, California where I went to high school at Irvington High and then graduated college from San Jose State University. My career was in health care; I am a clinical laboratory scientist and a specialist in transfusion medicine. I married a wonderful man in 1974; we had no children. In 2020 Bob died from the effects of multiple sclerosis and my fourteen years as a full-time caregiver ended. I am a Hawaiian Quilt maker and I’m always happiest when I’m stitching on something.
Anita Keāʻlani Yap
-
Anita Keāʻlani Yap is a fourth-generation Chinese and Native Hawaiian born and raised in Oregon. Her parents moved to Portland after World War II to attend the University of Portland, where they met, married, and raised their family. Anita attended Parkrose and Reynolds schools in east Portland. She earned a BS in Forestry from Oregon State University and a master’s degree in Public Policy, Management, and Urban Planning from the University of Oregon.
Anita has worked across Oregon on issues including environmental quality, conservation, infrastructure planning and finance, affordable housing, and transportation. She is the owner of a small consulting firm that provides technical assistance to government agencies and nonprofits in public policy, equity focused community engagement, climate justice, health equity, strategic planning, facilitation, and community organizing. She has received several state and national awards for her leadership and community engagement work.
She serves on a number of civic and nonprofit boards and commissions, including APANO, CityClub of Portland, 1000 Friends of Oregon, the Portland Multnomah Food Policy Council, and the Regional Arts and Culture Council, to name a few. Anita lives in southeast Portland with her family, organic garden, two cats, and is the mother of three daughters. She is an enthusiastic basket weaver studying ulana lauhala and weaving with cedar, cattail, ivy, and other natural materials with teachers and kumu in Hawaiʻi and Portland. Anita is currently working toward obtaining her Master Gardener certification.
Laura Ribellia
-
Aloha. My name is Laura Ribellia. I consider Hawaii my home even though I was born in Oregon, grew up in California, and met my husband (St.Louis Grad) at Paciific University in Forest Grove before moving to Hawaii. We spent twenty years there. I embraced the culture and lifestyle. Upon moving back to the mainland I used my two Master degrees in early childhood and elementary education to continue teaching. I brought the Aloha spirit and culture with me and built my teaching style around multicultual education. My first graders cleaned their own bottle gourds, took the seeds out and then learned how to use their ipu displaying their talent in a May Day show in front of their parents and classmates. I love gardening and anxiously awaiting my second year growing kalo.
April West-Baker
-
Hui…ʻo April Lee West-Baker koʻu inoa. Oldest daughter of a career army soldier and RN. Born at Ft Ord, CA and currently live in WA state, my father’s last post. Graduated with a BA in Education from TESC and MSW in Admin with focus on Aging and Health Care from UW. Married to Ben Baker, all together we had 5 children, 21 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren with 2 more coming this August and September!
Nā Lālā Hoʻokumu - Founding Members (Est. 2019)
Michael Aeto
Gabrielle Anderson
Ben Baker
Canya Barnes
Julianne Byrne
Chaunsey Chen
Tiffany Hart
Marianne Itkin
Erin Kaʻaiakamanu
Leialoha Kaʻula
Waialoha Marquoit
James Mattern
Brittany Rivera
Wiliama Sanchez
Kim Sherwood
Aaron Smith
Krystina Tabangcura
Nancy Thompson
Louise Wilmes
Selena Yokoyama
Kaliko Yokoyama
Donna Ching
Natlie Dutro
Garin Fukushima
Kerri Hanson
Kiele Harmon
Shane Hart
Mealoha McFadden
Uilani Nakoʻoka
Miechelle Nations
Lauren Oka
John Pacheco
Steffany Wong Pacheco
