By Zoë Brooks-Jeffiers
HCAN is fortunate to be continuously growing to better serve Hawaiʻi’s children and families. We recently have welcomed two new members to our staff and one new member to our Board of Directors.
Meet Reid Chung, the newest member of our Board of Directors.
Reid works at American Savings Bank as First Vice President and Director of Bank Training, Learning & Development. He grew up in a household where family and education were the top priorities. He is “excited to be a part of an amazing and dedicated organization that is doing so much to help advance the narrative for families and keiki in Hawaiʻi.”
He says he is passionate about equal access and high quality early childhood education for all keiki. “Teachers also need opportunities to upskill their careers to improve their quality of life and reward them for the important work that they do to share our keiki’s futures. I believe that we can turn around and improve families in Hawaiʻi one child at a time.”
Next up, our two new full-time staff members, starting with our new Creative Specialist, Philamer Felicitas.
Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Philamer is a digital creative and storyteller who uses her experience to support nonprofits and social justice organizations in Phoenix, Arizona. She has spent the last eight years empowering local small Asian owned businesses with the Arizona Asian Chamber of Commerce, raising funds to support Arizona State University’s Foundation, and advocating for marginalized communities against racism and inequity with organizations like BLM Phoenix Metro and Poder in Action.
She still calls Hawaiʻi home and is looking forward to moving back soon. She loves a good poke bowl, island music, and going to the beach with her toddler.
We’re also welcoming Mai Kapuaoʻihilani Mei-Lin Hall, our new Children’s Health Coordinator.
Mai was born and raised in Kalihi, Oʻahu. As a former preschool teacher, public school teacher, Hawaiian culture Kumu, and non-profit program manager, Mai brings a diverse perspective to the field of early learning as an early childhood advocate for over 18 years. She has worked and volunteered in a variety of settings including center based care, family child care, family-child interaction learning programs, shelters, Department of Education, and Kamehameha Schools.
Mai received both her B.Ed. and M.Ed. from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with an emphasis in early childhood education and Hawaiian culture. She has served on the Executive Board for the Hawaiʻi affiliate chapter for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (HiAEYC) for seven years which fueled her advocacy efforts for preschool providers and children. Mai serves as the Co-Chair of the Honolulu Community Children’s Council (CCC) and as a parent representative on the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) to advocate for children with disabilities and special health care needs. As a parent of two children with disabilities, she is committed to improving systems, services, and positive outcomes for our keiki.
We are absolutely thrilled to have these three incredible individuals join our team. Although we do not have any available openings right now, you can stay updated on future opportunities by clicking here. Mahalo!