meet our staff
The Mālama Learning Center is run by a small staff that is guided by an active Board of Directors, and fueled by a lot of kōkua. We could not be half as successful without the support of dedicated interns and volunteers.
Evy Braum, 'Āina Education Program Manager
Evy returned to Mālama Learning Center after completing her Master's degree from the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, Natural Resources and Environmental Management program. We first met Evy as a Kupu Americorps environmental education intern as she worked with Jeremy Soriano in his biology classes. She then taught biology at Kapolei High for one year before returning to college to earn her graduate degree. Now, Evy expands our efforts in 'āina education, working with new audiences of students and teachers as well as helping to facilitate growth of our Ola Nā Kini education program. We're so happy to have Evy serving MLC in a leadership role!
Evy returned to Mālama Learning Center after completing her Master's degree from the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, Natural Resources and Environmental Management program. We first met Evy as a Kupu Americorps environmental education intern as she worked with Jeremy Soriano in his biology classes. She then taught biology at Kapolei High for one year before returning to college to earn her graduate degree. Now, Evy expands our efforts in 'āina education, working with new audiences of students and teachers as well as helping to facilitate growth of our Ola Nā Kini education program. We're so happy to have Evy serving MLC in a leadership role!
Sayo Costantino, Education Specialist
Sayo has been with the Mālama Learning Center since 2011 when she first served as a Kupu intern. She has worked in various capacities for us as she is very talented as an educator, gardener, artist, and cook/baker! Those talents are perfect for her role with us as coordinator of our WOW workshops. Sayo earned her Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California at Santa Barbara and continues her education on worldwide traveling adventures with her husband. In addition to working with us, she works full-time as Program Director of Mālama Loko Ea in Hale'iwa. Weʻre happy whenever we can see and work with Sayo!
Sayo has been with the Mālama Learning Center since 2011 when she first served as a Kupu intern. She has worked in various capacities for us as she is very talented as an educator, gardener, artist, and cook/baker! Those talents are perfect for her role with us as coordinator of our WOW workshops. Sayo earned her Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California at Santa Barbara and continues her education on worldwide traveling adventures with her husband. In addition to working with us, she works full-time as Program Director of Mālama Loko Ea in Hale'iwa. Weʻre happy whenever we can see and work with Sayo!
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Virginia Delgado, ʻĀina Education Project Coordinator
Virginia has worked in the environmental education field for over 10 years in the San Francisco Bay area, inspiring the next generation to care about natural resources and promoting the next generation of environmental leaders. She moved to Kapolei and is thrilled to get back to her roots, working to support environmental education while giving back to the community and supporting teachers and students. |
Mariah Gaoiran, Stewardship & Science Coordinator Mariah first joined MLC in the fall of 2020 as a part of Kupu Hawaiʻiʻs Conservation Leadership Development Program. Born and raised in ʻEwa Beach, Oʻahu, she received a B.S. in Computer Science at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa before following her love for conservation and service. Since joining MLC, she has enjoyed expanding her knowledge on the native plants of West Oʻahu, leading the next generation in workdays, and developing her video-production skills. She completed her second term with Kupu and MLC as a Kupu ʻĀina Corps member. Then she was hired as our full-time Stewardship & Science Coordinator! Mariah enjoys gardening, drawing, practicing her cello, and video games. In the future, she hopes to pursue her interest in designing home gardens.
Adam Kekaula Hanohano, Field Operations Specialist
Kekaula Hanohano was raised throughout the 'Ewa moku and draws inspiration from stories of its abundance and in his optimism that ‘āina momona will return to the region. He currently resides at Pālehua with his wife and 3 keiki who are his greatest advocates and are the source of his motivation. Kekaula is a graduate of the Plant Biology and Tropical Agriculture program at Leeward Community College and is currently on hiatus from the Sustainable Community Foods program at the University of Hawai’i West O’ahu. What drew Kekaula to the Mālama Learning Center is the work being done to lift up and support the West O’ahu community, the wide range of ‘āina stewardship projects, and a vision which paints a hopeful future for all of Hawai’i. A love for ‘āina has thoroughly enveloped Adam’s life and free time is often spent working on outside projects or with his ‘ohana engaged in related activities. Kekaula is a firm believer in Ma ka hana ka ‘ike [in working one learns] and is guided by a Mark Twain quote which states, “Don't let schooling interfere with your education.”
Kekaula Hanohano was raised throughout the 'Ewa moku and draws inspiration from stories of its abundance and in his optimism that ‘āina momona will return to the region. He currently resides at Pālehua with his wife and 3 keiki who are his greatest advocates and are the source of his motivation. Kekaula is a graduate of the Plant Biology and Tropical Agriculture program at Leeward Community College and is currently on hiatus from the Sustainable Community Foods program at the University of Hawai’i West O’ahu. What drew Kekaula to the Mālama Learning Center is the work being done to lift up and support the West O’ahu community, the wide range of ‘āina stewardship projects, and a vision which paints a hopeful future for all of Hawai’i. A love for ‘āina has thoroughly enveloped Adam’s life and free time is often spent working on outside projects or with his ‘ohana engaged in related activities. Kekaula is a firm believer in Ma ka hana ka ‘ike [in working one learns] and is guided by a Mark Twain quote which states, “Don't let schooling interfere with your education.”
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Scott Kaeo, Jr., Community Partnerships Manager
Scott is born and raised in Nānākuli (Hawaiian Homes). He says that people call him "Farmer Scott" because he is a proud farmer and worker of the land. Scott has a long list of mālama ʻāina experiences at the City & County of Honolulu, Ulu Aʻe Learning Center, Ka Papa Loʻi O Kānewai, and MAʻO Organic Farms. He is a graduate of Leeward Community College with an AA in Liberal Arts and Associate degree in Hawaiian language. He also earned Certificates in Hawaiian Studies and in Global Studies. He is currently working toward a Bachelorʻs degree in Civil Engineering at U.H. Mānoa. “I joined Mālama Learning Center because I love to mālama da ʻāina just as much as they do. I look forward to educating the keiki of my ahupuaʻa Nānākuli into future leaders,” said Scott. |
Kristine Aiko Kawakami, Nursery and Restoration Manager
Aiko joined Mālama Learning Center in Fall 2020, building upon her love for growing plants and teaching. Aiko spent many formative years at Windward Community College as a student, tutor, and student instructor. She completed the Agripharmatech program, receiving certificates in Ethnopharmacognosy, plant phytobiology technology, and plant food production. Through mentorship from Dr. Teena Michael, her love of native plants was rekindled. She says, "I am thankful and honored to have the opportunity to be a part of the Mālama Learning center, and all that they are able to organize and accomplish for West O'ahu. I hope to incorporate some of the fun biomedicinal products I've learned how to make from agripharmatech and personal research over the years. I hope to continue aiding in efforts to excite and cultivate a new generation of sustainable and culturally rich stewards. Science is AMAZING!!!"
Aiko joined Mālama Learning Center in Fall 2020, building upon her love for growing plants and teaching. Aiko spent many formative years at Windward Community College as a student, tutor, and student instructor. She completed the Agripharmatech program, receiving certificates in Ethnopharmacognosy, plant phytobiology technology, and plant food production. Through mentorship from Dr. Teena Michael, her love of native plants was rekindled. She says, "I am thankful and honored to have the opportunity to be a part of the Mālama Learning center, and all that they are able to organize and accomplish for West O'ahu. I hope to incorporate some of the fun biomedicinal products I've learned how to make from agripharmatech and personal research over the years. I hope to continue aiding in efforts to excite and cultivate a new generation of sustainable and culturally rich stewards. Science is AMAZING!!!"
Jesse Mikasobe-Keali'inohomoku, Ola Nā Kini Stewardship Assistant
Jesse began working with Mālama Learning Center in the summer of 2019 as a full-time Ola Nā Kini intern, supported by Kamehameha Schools' Ka Pili 'Oihana program. Having done exceptionally well, he has since transitioned into our regular staff as a part-time Stewardship & Education Assistant. Jesse is a graduate of Wai`anae High School and Leeward Community College. He worked at MA'O Organic Farms as an agricultural and horticulture supervisor while earning his Associates degree. He graduated from the University of Hawai`i West O`ahu, with a Bachelors degree in Applied Science in Sustainable Food and Community Systems. He currently works full-time as the Food Access Manager at ʻElepaio Social Services. We are fortunate that he continues to share his time with Mālama Learning Center!
Jesse began working with Mālama Learning Center in the summer of 2019 as a full-time Ola Nā Kini intern, supported by Kamehameha Schools' Ka Pili 'Oihana program. Having done exceptionally well, he has since transitioned into our regular staff as a part-time Stewardship & Education Assistant. Jesse is a graduate of Wai`anae High School and Leeward Community College. He worked at MA'O Organic Farms as an agricultural and horticulture supervisor while earning his Associates degree. He graduated from the University of Hawai`i West O`ahu, with a Bachelors degree in Applied Science in Sustainable Food and Community Systems. He currently works full-time as the Food Access Manager at ʻElepaio Social Services. We are fortunate that he continues to share his time with Mālama Learning Center!
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Pauline Sato, Co-founder & Executive Director
Pauline has dedicated the past 30+ years to environmental preservation, working for organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, Bishop Museum, Moanalua Gardens Foundation, and Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai'i. Her skill-set has enabled her to assume various positions, from environmental educator and teacher trainer to volunteer coordinator, natural resources program manager, public awareness coordinator, and leadership program director. A strong believer in working with partners to accomplish shared goals, Pauline has also served on several boards and councils, including the Hawai‘i Environmental Education Association, North American Association for Environmental Education, Mālama Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i Academy of Science, and the State of Hawai‘i Environmental Council. Pauline’s extensive career in conservation in Hawai‘i has helped her build a broad network among people working to protect natural, cultural, and agricultural resources throughout the state. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources degree and a Master of Educational Technology degree from the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa. Being a co-founder of Mālama Learning Center gives her immense pride. |
Jeremy Soriano, Science Specialist
Jeremy is no stranger to Kapolei High as he is a proud graduate. He has already given back by being a long-term substitute, part-time teacher, and now full time Biology instructor. Jeremy received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the University of Oregon and completed his certification as a secondary education teacher at the University of Hawai'i. He says, "As a waterman, I often find myself in complete awe when I watch the warm clouds and the dark silhouettes of trees during sunset. To me, nature is beautiful: from the intricacies of the smallest cells to the mating songs of humpbacks, nature is art. As a member of the MLC team, I’m incredibly lucky and grateful to be able to work with individuals who share a similar appreciation and respect towards nature. It is with great honor and privilege to be able to promote the MLC vision and mission so that our community can make conscious decisions regarding their health and the health of the environment."
Jeremy is no stranger to Kapolei High as he is a proud graduate. He has already given back by being a long-term substitute, part-time teacher, and now full time Biology instructor. Jeremy received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the University of Oregon and completed his certification as a secondary education teacher at the University of Hawai'i. He says, "As a waterman, I often find myself in complete awe when I watch the warm clouds and the dark silhouettes of trees during sunset. To me, nature is beautiful: from the intricacies of the smallest cells to the mating songs of humpbacks, nature is art. As a member of the MLC team, I’m incredibly lucky and grateful to be able to work with individuals who share a similar appreciation and respect towards nature. It is with great honor and privilege to be able to promote the MLC vision and mission so that our community can make conscious decisions regarding their health and the health of the environment."