Welcome to the 2025 Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa Complex Area Summit! We are thrilled to host the 8th Annual KKP CA Summit at Keaʻau High School Campus, where we’ll come together to inspire, learn, and grow as a collective body.
This year, we are honored to announce our keynote speaker, Nainoa Thompson, Master Navigator and President of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. Nainoa is a true embodiment of achieving excellence with intention, leading the way for the Hōkūleʻa crew as they prepare for the transformative Moananuiākea Voyage—a bold, four-year circumnavigation of the Pacific.
In addition to Nainoa’s powerful address, we’re excited to offer a variety of breakout sessions featuring dynamic speakers and topics from national, state, and local community agencies, as well as our own Complex Area and school educators. Together, we’ll explore innovative ideas and actionable strategies to support our students, schools, and communities. Let’s make this summit a time of connection, growth, and shared purpose as we continue to thrive together. Mohala I ka wai ka maka o ka pua - Flowers thrive where there is water, as thriving people are found where living conditions are good. #KKPCA_Thrives
In an increasingly digital world, bridging technology with Hawaiian Culture-Based Education (HCBE) is key to fostering excellence in learning. This presentation highlights how Waihona.net—a collaborative repository of ʻIke Hawaiʻi—and advanced AI tools like Magic School, ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot can empower educators to create and share culturally rooted resources aligned with Nā Hopena Aʻo (HĀ). By streamlining lesson planning, enhancing personalized learning, and supporting ʻike kūpuna, these tools equip kumu (teachers) to embody and model the values of belonging, responsibility, excellence, aloha, total well-being, and Hawaiʻi for their haumāna (students). Participants will leave with actionable strategies to use these tools in ways that honor ʻike Hawaiʻi while addressing modern educational challenges, ensuring every kumu is equipped to foster a culturally responsive classroom. Join us to discover how technology can enhance HĀ-centered practices and support teachers in elevating Hawaiian identity and community well-being.
Dr. Kanoe Wilson is a dedicated educator, cultural practitioner, and Senior Project Manager at Kamehameha Schools. With a Doctorate in Education from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, her expertise lies in Hawaiian Culture-Based Education (HCBE), ʻŌiwi leadership, and integrating... Read More →
Friday January 31, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am HST
H-113
Based on the life, legacy, and leadership attributes exhibited by Duke Kahanamoku, middle-level student leaders in 6th - 8th grades are elevating student voice, celebrating school spirit, and designing "transitions" activities to assist elementary students moving to the middle level, and middle-level students moving to the high school level. Join us to see how Middle-Level Student Leadership opportunities are empowering early adolescents to make a difference in Hawai’i schools!
Sandy Cameli, EdD has taught in Hawai‘i schools for over 35 years. From classroom practitioner, to supporting beginning & mentor teachers on Hawai‘i island, to facilitating Na Kumu Alaka‘i - Teacher Leader Academy (TLA), to now elevating middle level learners through student... Read More →
Friday January 31, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am HST
H-101
You will learn how to make math fun for ALL students!! Build student confidence in math by implementing engaging mathematical practices to help students make connections to math content. Get students to talk, think and reason in math class.
Complex Area Resource Teacher, Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa Complex Area
Jodie is currently the NGSS Science/STEM, Computer Science and Elementary Math Resource Teacher for the Ka`ū, Kea`au, Pāhoa Complex Area. She has over 30 years of experience with the Department of Education as a Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator at E. B. DeSilva Elementary School... Read More →
Friday January 31, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am HST
H-210
Inclusive education is more than just a buzzword; it's a commitment to creating learning environments where every student, feels valued, supported, and empowered. In this session, we examine the importance of fostering strong relationships, adapting learning materials, and providing individualized support. We can enhance the academic, social, and emotional growth No NA Keiki regardless of their abilities.
State Office Teacher, HIDOE - Exceptional Support Branch
Kapu, a State Office Resource Teacher in Hawaii, is dedicated to inclusive education. She works with schools to support neurodiverse learners, especially those with IEPs. Her goal is to ensure every student, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive. Kapu empowers... Read More →
Friday January 31, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am HST
G-110
Based on the life, legacy, and leadership attributes exhibited by Duke Kahanamoku, middle-level student leaders in 6th - 8th grades are elevating student voice, celebrating school spirit, and designing "transitions" activities to assist elementary students moving to the middle level, and middle-level students moving to the high school level. Join us to see how Middle-Level Student Leadership opportunities are empowering early adolescents to make a difference in Hawai’i schools!
Sandy Cameli, EdD has taught in Hawai‘i schools for over 35 years. From classroom practitioner, to supporting beginning & mentor teachers on Hawai‘i island, to facilitating Na Kumu Alaka‘i - Teacher Leader Academy (TLA), to now elevating middle level learners through student... Read More →
Friday January 31, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am HST
H-101
We will be providing a brief introduction to Sources of Strength.
In this interactive session, we will explore how to empower a well world through:
- Strengths-Based Storytelling: Sharing personal narratives to inspire and uplift. - Strategic Messaging: Crafting impactful messages that resonate with diverse audiences. - Relational Connection and Play: Building strong bonds through fun and engaging activities.
Each of us brings unique strengths and experiences to the table. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community.
School Renewal Specialist, Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa Complex Area
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Christopher Ho attended the Las Vegas Academy of Performing Arts studying Orchestra and Choir. After finishing High School he started his career in the Food and Beverage industry and stayed there for 15 years. In 2001, he started attending UNLV... Read More →
Writing across disciplines just got easier! TEC (Topic sentence, Evidence, Commentary) provides a clear, adaptable structure for students to organize their thoughts and deepen their analysis. Learn how this UDL-aligned strategy can scaffold writing tasks for diverse learners while encouraging critical thinking and evidence-based writing. Walk away with hands-on practice and strategies to support student success.
Complex Area Resource Teacher, Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa Complex Area
Danielle is a KKP Resource Teacher focused on mentoring SPED colleagues new to the profession. She geeks out on lesson planning, secondary literacy, and creative paths to dignified life outcomes for all our students. She digs the creative power of teachers and knows the only way we... Read More →
Friday January 31, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am HST
H-107
The South Hawaii Autism Team welcomes all Educational Assistants and support staff will learn best practices and strategies to use so students with special needs achieve success.
Complex Area Resource Teacher, Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa Complex Area
Aloha! My name is Kristin, and I serve as the Social Emotional Resource Teacher for the KKP Complex Area. I work closely with school teams to develop and implement comprehensive social-emotional learning (SEL) opportunities for both students and staff. I am deeply passionate about... Read More →
We will be providing a brief introduction to Sources of Strength.
In this interactive session, we will explore how to empower a well world through:
- Strengths-Based Storytelling: Sharing personal narratives to inspire and uplift. - Strategic Messaging: Crafting impactful messages that resonate with diverse audiences. - Relational Connection and Play: Building strong bonds through fun and engaging activities.
Each of us brings unique strengths and experiences to the table. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community.
School Renewal Specialist, Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa Complex Area
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Christopher Ho attended the Las Vegas Academy of Performing Arts studying Orchestra and Choir. After finishing High School he started his career in the Food and Beverage industry and stayed there for 15 years. In 2001, he started attending UNLV... Read More →
I have 19 years of experience in Special Education. I was a special education teacher for 12 years, and have 7 years of experience as a Special Education Administrator. I currently serve as an Educational Specialist for the DOE under the Exceptional Supports Branch and specialize... Read More →
Aloha, my name is Margarette Solano. I am a School Psychologist for KKPCA SBBH. I moved from New Jersey to Hawai'i to complete my graduate internship in 2023. Upon completion, I obtained my Master's degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in children/adolescents, in addition... Read More →
As Secondary educators, we all have the same goal: to help our students make the maximum possible academic gains in a positive, respectful environment that promotes their success and nurtures their desire to learn. One of the greatest tools available to us in this pursuit is explicit instruction—instruction that is systematic, direct, engaging, and success-oriented. The effectiveness of explicit instruction has been validated again and again in research involving both general education and special education students.
Anita L. Archer, PhD, is an educational consultant to school districts on explicit instruction, the design and delivery of instruction, behavior management, and literacy instruction. She has taught elementary and middle school students and is the recipient of 10 awards honoring her... Read More →
