The foundation of the Hawaii Kids at Work program is a nurturing environment with the philosophical approach that all children are deserving of, and thrive on, being treated in a respectful manner. HKAW’s strength is, undoubtedly and unequivocally, its caregivers. Their extensive experience, their caring and loving approach, and the extreme loyalty they have for the program is unsurpassed. Five of the staff has been employed with HKAW for ten years or more. This loyalty speaks volumes for the Ohana that HKAW has created - therein lies the magic of Hawaii Kids at Work…
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Lora Villegas (providing loving care
since 1990)
Caregiver
Lora has been with HKAW before it was HKAW! ”I have
always been caring for children and I love my job… I knew
this is what the Lord wanted me to do… Childcare for infants
and toddlers in the state of Hawaii is very limited and to find
a good one, is very stressful for any parent. HKAW has become a
very fine establishment over the years and has played a critical
role in my choosing Child Care as my career.”
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Sinira Vaiaoga (providing loving care
since 1992)
Caregiver
Sinira leads our two’s program for keiki 24-36 months
old. “I love working here because it feels like your second
Ohana. The parents leave their children knowing they are in good
hands… a lot of the aunties are old-timers with HKAW because
they feel a strong bond with the children. That’s why I love
working here – it’s not only a job - there are so many
rewards from the children, the parents, and the staff.”
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Grace Tabanera (providing loving care
since 1992)
Caregiver
Grace is a part-time teacher in our two's program and enjoys
reading to the
children and involving them in learning activities. "We do
our best to bond with each child in our group and provide loving
and nurturing experiences so that the children feel secure and loved."
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Vina Villegas (providing loving care
since 1993)
Caregiver
Vina
watches over the little ones in our One Year Old Class. "After
being a part of
such a wonderful program all these years, I couldn't imagine sending
my son
anywhere else when I returned to work. I am so thankful that I can
bring
Kai to work with me and see him throughout the day, even though
he is in
another classroom."
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Evelyn Uyeunten (providing loving
care since 1994)
Caregiver
Evelyn is a also a caregiver in our infants room. "
I just love taking care of the babies and watching them develop
into toddlers. They are so adorable at this age."
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Dorleen Kansou (providing loving care
since 2004)
Caregiver Aide
Dorleen works in our very, very busy One Year Old Classroom. "I've
been working at HKAW for three years. "What can I say? I love
it! I love the children, the parents and the other staff. It's great
to be part of this ohana."
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Lori Lussier (providing leadership
and loving care from 1994-2002 and again since 2005)
Executive Director
No list of the HKAW staff would be complete without our
wonderful Executive Director. Lori has an extensive Early Childhood
education background, and years of practical experience. She is
what makes our program “tick.” |
"The best things about HKAW are: High expectations. Rich learning environment. Warmth emanating from the people who work there..." – M.S.
