About

Staff

Education Advisory Committee

Chair
Mathieu Williams teaches Film & Media at Kealakehe High School, previously serving as Vice Principal at Kealakehe Intermediate School. He was named the 2019 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year for his innovative approach to technology education. Williams holds a Master's in Educational Leadership from Chaminade University and a Business Administration degree from Walla Walla University. As a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program fellow, he creates inclusive learning environments with lasting community impact.

Make IT Happen Lead
Zachary Morita is a distinguished Music Educator at Niu Valley Middle School, celebrated for his innovative methods and dedication to students. He holds a B.Ed. in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Music from University of Hawaii at Manoa (2007). Morita has won the Farmers Insurance Dream Big Teacher Challenge and the HSTA STACY Award for Excellence in Teaching. His ensembles have performed at iconic venues like the Sydney Opera House and Carnegie Hall, highlighting his impact on music education.

Vice Chair
Cherilyn Inouye is the District Educational Specialist at Windward District Office, with a robust background as a teacher, principal, and community organizer. She earned a PhD in Educational Foundations from University of Hawaii at Manoa, focusing on school-family-community partnerships, along with a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration (2019) and degrees from University of Puget Sound. Her work aims to create equitable educational systems, emphasizing community engagement.

ʻOihana Career Explorations Lead
Leilani Abafo is the CTE Coordinator at Maui High School, leading the Arts & Communication pathway with a focus on Digital Media, Graphics, and Fashion. With over 15 years at the school, she transitioned from teaching to coordinating, emphasizing real-world learning through entrepreneurship and community projects. She holds a BA in Communications from California Lutheran University and an MA in Secondary Education from University of Phoenix. Abafo serves on Maui College’s Creative Media advisory committee, enhancing her impact on career education.

Secretary
Denise Karratti serves as Vice Principal at Waimea High School, bringing over a decade of experience from roles like classroom teacher and academic coach. Her educational journey includes a Master of Education in Leadership from Chaminade University (2023), an MBA from University of Phoenix (2007), and a BS from Oregon State University (2002). She has been honored with the HEA Centennial Award and a scholarship from the Hawaii Education Association, reflecting her commitment to fostering a culture of aloha in education.