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Meet Our Ambassadors

Whether you’re interested in learning more about teaching in Hawai`i, have questions about our districts and schools, are wondering about island living, or would like help as you navigate the application process, HIDOE’s Ambassadors are here to offer you their wealth of knowledge, resources and support.

Luke Kahawai

Luke Kahawai

  • Island: Kauai
  • District: Kauai
  • Position: Physical Education (PE)
Kauai is a small community and it's that family atmosphere that makes working on Kauai so great.
Luke's Advice
Tiffany Mattiaccio

Tiffany Mattiaccio

  • Island: Oahu
  • District: Leeward
  • Position: Third Grade Inclusion
The students in the Waianae-Nanakuli complex area possess incredible strength and perseverance. They love to formulate strong relationships with their teachers and support staff. There is a strong sense of classroom community that emulates a big family.
Tiffany's Advice
Monica Weida

Monica Weida

  • Island: Oahu
  • District: Leeward
  • Position: Third Grade
My students have the biggest hearts. They root for each other through all they do. I have taught in other states and Hawaii's students are the best!!
Monica's Advice
Jerico Jaramillo

Jerico Jaramillo

  • Island: Lanai
  • District: Maui
  • Position: English Language Arts and Writing Workshops
Lanai is characterized by a tranquil pace, a harmonious blend of cultural richness, and a deep connection with nature. The island’s small population fosters a strong sense of community where aloha spirit thrives.
Jerico Jaramillo's Advice
Jen Evans

Jen Evans

  • Island: Oahu
  • District: Honolulu
  • Position: 3rd Grade
I enjoy that these young students have such caring hearts. My students have all found ways to give back to the community in unique ways.
Jen's Advice
Brad Kusunoki

Brad Kusunoki

  • Island: Oahu
  • District: Central
  • Position: School Counselor
Diversity, every student is different in many ways and each brings a different perspective to the school.
Brad's Advice
Clint Labrador

Clint Labrador

  • Island: Molokai
  • District: Maui
  • Position: 5th and 6th grade Special Education Teacher
I think the Hawaii Dept. of Education's greatest strength is the sense of Aloha.
Clint's Advice
Jennifer Rikert

Jennifer Rikert

  • Island: Maui
  • District: Maui
  • Position: Full Release Special Education Mentor and Autism Team RT
The autonomy that each school has is empowering and it brings an individual culture to each school.
Jennifer's Advice
Amy Pankowski

Amy Pankowski

  • Island: Hawai‘i
  • District: Hawai‘i
  • Position: 3rd Grade Special Education/Inclusion
Our biggest strength is our resilience and helping nature. We are known for the Lava.
Amy 's Advice
Kristal Blacksmith

Kristal Blacksmith

  • Island: Hawai‘i
  • District: Hawai‘i
  • Position: Middle School Science
Our school is known to be small and personalized, we make sure our students get what they need.
Kristal's Advice
Adrean Floro

Adrean Floro

  • Island: Hawai‘i
  • District: Hawai‘i
  • Position: Student Services Coordinator & RTI Lead
The greatest strength of the HIDOE is the awareness of the Hawaiian culture and acceptance of diversity.
Adrean's Advice