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.
Pauline Sato, 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.
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.
Chelsey Jay, Program Director
Chelsey Jay joined the MLC staff in 2013 after completing her fellowship with the Hawaiʻi Environmental Education Alliance and working at UH Mānoa's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Chelsey is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management at the University of Washington and a Master's degree in Educational Foundations at UH Mānoa. She says, "As a life-long resident of West O'ahu, I feel extremely blessed to be a part of an organization that plays an integral role in sustaining the health and well-being of my community. I'm excited to support MLC's mission, which aligns nicely with my interests and goals in life and look forward to this journey that is sure to be filled with continued learning and growth." Chelsey enjoys drinking coffee and surfing with her 'ohana. We're proud that she has received an Empowering 'Ōiwi Leadership Award (E OLA) along with many other amazing kānaka 'ōiwi doing important work in their communities!
Chelsey Jay joined the MLC staff in 2013 after completing her fellowship with the Hawaiʻi Environmental Education Alliance and working at UH Mānoa's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Chelsey is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management at the University of Washington and a Master's degree in Educational Foundations at UH Mānoa. She says, "As a life-long resident of West O'ahu, I feel extremely blessed to be a part of an organization that plays an integral role in sustaining the health and well-being of my community. I'm excited to support MLC's mission, which aligns nicely with my interests and goals in life and look forward to this journey that is sure to be filled with continued learning and growth." Chelsey enjoys drinking coffee and surfing with her 'ohana. We're proud that she has received an Empowering 'Ōiwi Leadership Award (E OLA) along with many other amazing kānaka 'ōiwi doing important work in their communities!
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Evy Braum, 'Āina Education Specialist
Evy returns 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 welcome Evy back! |
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."
Kelsie Uehara, Community Engagement Coordinator
We're excited to welcome our former Kupu CLDP member Kelsie onto our staff where she will be working as the Community Engagement Coordinator! Kelsie was born and raised in Kapolei, is a graduate of Kapolei High School and has a degree in Environmental Studies from Chaminade University. She is eager to learn, network, and connect with Hawai'i on a deeper level during her time at MLC. Kelsie is an avid lover of the outdoors and being in nature and enjoys road trips, car camping, photography, and plants. In this new position, Kelsie will work to build pilina with community members, create a robust volunteer program, and engage people through various platforms. |
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 monthly 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.
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 monthly 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.
Jesse Mikasobe-Keali'inohomoku, Ola Nā Kini Stewardship & Education 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 is attending the University of Hawai`i West O`ahu, pursuing a Bachelors degree in Applied Science in Sustainable Food and Community Systems. Always polite and uplifting, Jesse is "Mr. Aloha" for Mālama Learning Center, for sure!
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Kristine Aiko Kawakami, Nursery and Restoration Technician
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!!!" |
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Adam Hanohano, Ola Nā Kini Alaka'i 'Āina
Adam 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 in Pu‘uloa/ 'Ewa Beach with his wife and 3 keiki who are his greatest advocates and are the source of his motivation. Adam 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 Adam 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. Adam 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.” |