Thoms was born and raised in Kaimuki, Hawaii. After graduating from Kamehameha Schools in 1991 Thomas found the need to wanter a bit and attended UH, spent time in Brazil then settled in Utah where he met his wife and earned his bachelor's degree in Media Arts Studies from BUY-Provo. Thomas also earned MBA in Orgazational Behavior and is certified in the coaching program that utilizes the Hartman Value Profile assessment. Thomas returned to Hawaii in 2016 where he has with several non-profits and reconneced with his exxtended family and friends.
Born and raised in Nuuanu Valley, Oahu, Puna has been working in the private and public education field for over 20 years. He earned his Bachelor's degree in psychology from Brigham Young University Hawaii and his Master's in counseling psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu. Puna currently works as a registrar for the State of Hawaii department of education and enjoys spending time with his family, coaching soccer, and volunteering with various organizations throughout the islands.
Dani is in her 8th year in the education field. She earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Wyoming and her Master's at Regis University. Born and raised in Wyoming she started her teaching career there before moving to Hawai’i in 2017. Dani currently works at a middle school teaching Career Technical Education (CTE) where she helps students explore different career pathways. As a recent transplant to Hawai’i, she strives to give back to the community that has taught and given her so much. In her free time, Dani enjoys hiking, reading, & spending time at the beach.
Mark K. Ellis was born, raised and currently lives with his family in Nu’uanu, O’ahu. He is a husband and father of 4 children. Mark is a crew member with the Polynesian Voyaging Society, and recently sailed from Samoa to Tonga to Aotearoa. He has an undergraduate degree in Organizational Development, and a master’s degree in Instructional Technology and Design. Mark is currently a Project Manager in the Hoʻokahua Cultural Vibrancy Division at Kamehameha Schools.
Melissa has been an educator for over 20 years in Florida and Hawai'i. Spending most of her time in the classroom as a middle school science teacher. Melissa has been a part of several organizations that have been built from the ground up, one of which what her own tutoring company. Having been in Hawaiʻi since 2001, Melissa has worked with Native Hawaiian students and Native Hawaiian non-profit foundations for 10 years. As a curriculum writer, Melissa is innovative and always willing to learn from those around her. When she is not working as a teacher or writing curriculum, you can find her at the beach with a good book or on her SUP.
Born and raised in ‘Āina Haina on O‘ahu, Austin is a navigator, educator, and cultural practitioner who is inspiring connections with the ocean. A graduate of Kamehameha School, Austin holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and Finance that has lead him to create a successful tour company that educate guests on the basics of Hawaiian canoe sailing. Now a pround member of the Honolulu Fire Department Austin spends his free time working in his community and getting the the ocean whenever possible.