SEEQS Faculty & Staff
SEEQS faculty and staff bring disciplinary expertise, passion for working with middle school students, and excitement for contributing to SEEQS's mission and vision.
“I work at SEEQS because I want to be a part of a community that is committed in fostering and raising a generation of young minds that will create a positive future for Mother Earth"
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Jeremy Aranzamendez - Educational AssistantBorn and Raised in Northern California, Jeremy strongly believes students thrive best when they help envision their own positive learning experience. While in college, Jeremy discovered his passion for environmental sustainability when he volunteered at a summer program for outdoor education in Santa Cruz, CA. For the past 6 years, he has been working in special education and he strives to encourage students to achieve their goals both academically and socially. Jeremy is excited to work with such an amazing team and to learn and grow with the SEEQS ʻohana.
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“I work at SEEQS because I love middle school students and the flexibility that comes with working at a charter school. I love working at a school that gives teachers and students opportunities to build relationships through other experiences besides strictly academic work.”
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Rita Calvan - English Language Arts TeacherOne of the members of SEEQS's Founding Faculty, Rita Calvan has been teaching middle school students in Hawai‘i for 25 years. She is passionate about providing rigorous learning opportunities for middle school students. Rita was one of the founding teachers of Mililani Middle School, working with the staff to steer the curriculum, structure and culture of the school. Rita then moved (back) to the island of Hawai‘i to begin a ten year journey at West Hawaii Explorations Academy (WHEA PCS), a public charter school in the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority. At WHEA, she developed a middle school program to match the successful project-based high school program, using the expertise of her master's degree in middle level education. During her ten year stint as the Lead Middle School Teacher at WHEA, she was responsible for steering the curriculum, developing structures that support middle school students, and providing professional development for the middle school staff.
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“I work at SEEQS because I get to spend every day doing work I believe in, with people I love, in the place I call home.”
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Cara Chaudron - Math TeacherCara is a math enthusiast born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai’i. She earned her BA at Vassar College where she double majored in Education and Psychology, with a minor in French and Francophone Studies. Cara earned her Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) at Brandeis University, where she also became licensed as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities. She is currently working toward obtaining a Doctorate in Education from the University of Hawai’i. The 2019-2020 School Year marks Cara’s fifth year as part of the SEEQS community, where she gets to work with teachers and students who share her love of learning, desire for sustainable living, and passion for inquiry and exploration.
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"I work at SEEQS because it’s a place that allows all members of our community to explore the real issues that face our world. These issues are complex and interdisciplinary, and SEEQS is a place where I get to learn that interdisciplinary content in a real-world context everyday.”
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Janelle Chong - Math TeacherJanelle is a lifelong learner born and raised in Aiea, Hawai`i. Janelle holds a BA in History, BA in Global Studies and a MS Education. She is certified to teach both social studies and mathematics but started her teaching career teaching mathematics in the Greater New Haven area before starting at SEEQS in 2015. Janelle has a passion for language and cultural studies which started in the 7th grade when she first traveled to Europe, and it has inspired her life goal of becoming a hyperpolyglot. A Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, she now serves as a troop leader for a Senior Girl Scout troop. This summer, she spent her summer in South Africa running mathematics workshops through Teacher Across Borders-Southern Africa.
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"I work at SEEQS because I want to do meaningful work for a community I believe in. Growing up in Hawaiʻi, I'm passionate about the ways we can work together to sustain our people, land and culture. At SEEQS we honor that students, teachers and families can grow and learn together to find meaningful solutions that help make our home a more compassionate and sustainable world.”
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Robin Cone-Murakami - Arts TeacherRobin is a multimedia artist from Honolulu committed to helping others find ways to build community and empathy through art. She works in sculpture, photography, sound, installation and creative writing to examine the complex relationships that bind communities to the land. She earned a BA in Studio Art at Linfield College and a MFA in Visual Studies from the Pacific Northwest College of Art. After some years spent on the mainland, Robin is excited to be back in Hawaiʻi and looks forward to sharing her passion for the arts with the SEEQS community. Robin loves to hike, read and travel to learn about the many other wonderful places, cultures and people we share our world with.
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"Everything we do at SEEQS is with the intent of trying to create the kind of community that we want to be a part of. I work at SEEQS because I love this community of students, teachers, and 'ohana and the work we're doing to try to make the world a better place for ourselves and for others."
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Buffy Cushman-Patz - Executive DirectorBuffy Cushman-Patz, SEEQS' Founder, has explored teaching and learning through the lenses of theory, policy, leadership, and through first-hand experiences as a teacher in both conventional and unconventional settings. Buffy completed her EdM in School Leadership at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in May 2012 , with School Development as her concentration. She earned her principal's license while serving as a member of the leadership team of Neighborhood House Charter School in Dorchester, Massachusetts. In 2010-2011 Buffy was honored with an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship; she served her fellowship year at the National Science Foundation’s Office of Legislative and Public Affairs. Prior to the fellowship, Buffy taught math and science in public, charter, and independent schools in Hawai'i. She earned an M.S. in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa and a B.S. in Geology from the University of Florida. She volunteered with Teachers Without Borders in 2008 and 2010, leading math and science workshops for teachers in South Africa. Buffy has served on the Hawai'i Public Radio Board of Directors since 2009.
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“I work at SEEQS because I am inspired by this group of leaders and educators and believe in our potential to help Hawaii reimagine education.”
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Tyler Fujita - Strategic Initiatives & Special Projects ManagerTyler believes in the power of education to frame the questions that young people will use to identify what they want most from life, and its role in cultivating the skills, strength of character, and general goodness that will help them get there. Tyler brings professional experience as a management consultant in the private sector and as program officer for a community development nonprofit. Tyler was born on Oahu and recalls years spent growing up in McCully, Manoa, Ewa Beach, Pearl City, and Nuuanu. He attended the University of Southern California, where he earned a BS in Business Administration (Finance) with a minor in Psychology.
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“I work at SEEQS because of the visionary and collaborative community of educators. Being at SEEQS inspires me to think deeply about the future of education and our planet.”
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Zoe Ingerson - English Language Arts TeacherOriginally from Chile, Zoe Ingerson has always been surrounded by different cultures and languages. The 2019-2020 school year is her fourth year at SEEQS. Zoe received her BA at Whitman College in Anthropology, completing an undergraduate thesis on bilingual programs in her community. Zoe earned her Master of Arts in Education at Stanford University where she also received her multiple subject teaching credential and bilingual endorsement. She believes that all students are writers and have their own stories to tell. Zoe joined the SEEQS community in 2016, and is excited to continue writing and reading alongside her students. Zoe was recently selected as Hawai‘i's 2020 Charter School Teacher of the Year!
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"I work at SEEQS because SEEQers are committed to creating positive change in the world through intentional community building and deliberate, thoughtful consideration of real world issues."
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Lisa Kimsey - School LeaderLisa Kimsey has a BA in Philosophy and Ethnic Studies from Chaminade University. She founded The Movement Center, a non-profit performing arts school in Kaimuki and Smarty Dance Hawaii, a movement program that uses BrainDance and brain-compatible lesson planning to help individuals strengthen body/brain/emotion connections. Lisa’s favorite thing to do is to create opportunities for others to do great things. As leader of SEEQS she will use her experience to support strong, competent teachers as they shape SEEQS learning experiences; encourage parents as they raise strong, resilient people; and grow our community-at-large through developing 21st century thinkers who are ready to take on the challenges that face them with reason and care.
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"I work at SEEQS because The World Needs SEEQers! I am inspired by learners who grapple with environmental sustainability. Together we work to teach others, connect with our earth mother and truly take the time with her land. I work at SEEQS to raise a generation of beauty and love who bring their gifts to the world."
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Emily Meng - Arts TeacherEmily believes as stewards of planet earth it is our right and responsibility to collaborate, care for each other, and protect our one true home. As a lifelong artist and environmentalist, Emily has spent her time building community studying art, theatre, dance and sign language before becoming a teacher. As an educator, Emily has a BA in Early Childhood/K-8 Elementary Education and started her career as a sixth grade teacher in 2007. With a belief in the power of positivity, Emily tries to connect the interests of her students to the topic they are learning. Painting and drawing has been an important part of Emily’s life. Emily loves learning new artistic expression and methods. She spent 4 years teaching drawing in K-5th grade and training art teachers with positive best practices in education. For the past 2 years, Emily has worked for a non-profit in Eugene, Oregon teaching environmental sustainability to 4th and 5th graders and volunteering to plant trees all over the Willamette Valley. In the upcoming year, Emily is excited to combine her love of art with her passion for sustainability on our planet.
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"I work at SEEQS because students and teachers are given the opportunity to learn through doing real work that addresses current issues in Hawai‘i."
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Blake Miller - Math TeacherAs a self-proclaimed tinkerer and problem solver, Blake continually works to inspire his students to look at the world with wonder. He also hopes to instill in his students the same sense of love and pride for Hawai‘i that he developed as a child. He studied Philosophy and Mathematics at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, and spent a year and a half facilitating Philosophy for Children (p4c) inquiry-based discussions with both adults and elementary school students. Building off of the program’s proven success with helping learners think critically and independently, Blake continues to integrate many of the essential elements of p4c into his classroom community today. After college, he taught high-school math, and then spent a school year in southwest France teaching high-schoolers English as a second language through the lens of auto mechanics. He started teaching at SEEQS in 2016. In his free time, Blake enjoys surfing, playing guitar, working on his car, and repairing/building surfboards.
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"I work at SEEQS because I believe in practicing what you preach. We want change in our world, but so often we stand aside and watch as little is done. By teaching our youth how to properly be an instrument of change we can help protect this wonderful planet we call home."
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Colin Morgan-Outhisack - Before- and After-School CoordinatorColin is no novice when it comes to teaching and helping others. With a focus in art history and studio art he brings a creative approach to problem solving along with a love of hands on learning. He first got his taste for education when he was still in college where he became a volunteer instructor for ultimate frisbee. He took those humble beginnings and eventually found himself working at elementary schools in California before ending up in beautiful Oahu as a member of the SEEQS ohana.
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"I work at SEEQS because the vision that the school has for graduates is a carefully designed and thoughtful approach to bettering our society."
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David Nakanishi - Social Studies TeacherDavid is a passionate advocate for cultural education. He was the Educational Program Coordinator at the Japan-America Society of Hawaii, specifically organizing the Hawai‘i region’s involvement in the Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention. He has a strong desire for strengthening the relationships between others, hoping to create a generation of global citizens who understand and are proud of their own culture and are accepting of different ideas, perspectives, and cultures of those different from themselves. He graduated from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa in 2019 with a focus in secondary education. He has a background in art, music, graphic design, photography, and videography. He has many hobbies including hiking, playing guitar, painting, playing volleyball, but his true passion lies in the education of new generations.
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"Because SEEQS is family. Being part of such a progress driven cohesive unit has done nothing but challenge and question what true growth in education CAN look like. Because we have each others backs. Because we assume best intent. Because we are all in. Because we are SEEQSy."
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Sean Ormsby - Technology CoordinatorSystem administrator, graphic artist, and avid surfer Sean Ormsby received his B.A. in Japanese from the University of Oregon with additional foci in Graphic Design and Family/Human Services. He served two years as a Resident Assistant and managed incoming students, focusing on community and conflict resolution. He then taught at a private school in Japan, followed by working with an antivirus/anti-malware company and a managed service provider here in Hawai’i. Sean thinks progressively and wants to help push SEEQS' technology forward.
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"I work at SEEQS because it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine my two deepest interests: practicing sustainability and teaching middle school students."
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Sarah Overton - Inclusion SpecialistSarah is a lifelong nomad who recently moved to Oahu, lucky number thirteen on the long list of places she's previously called home! She believes in the importance of kindness, mutual respect, and the critical importance of cultural education. Sarah believes that every single student is a valuable member of the community, and uncovering their hidden strengths and talents is her favorite part of teaching. Sarah holds a B.A in Psychology from Arizona State University and a M.A. in Teaching from the University of Mississippi. When she's not in the classroom, you can probably find her outside: hiking, swimming, trying to garden, and reading novels on a shady lanai.
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“I work at SEEQS because I believe in empowering youth to facilitate and sustain change for themselves and their communities.”
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Gabby Perry - Office ManagerBorn and raised in Palolo Valley, Gabby is passionate about diverse, empowering, and socially-aware educational opportunities. She earned her BA in American Studies, and a M.S.Ed. in Community & Social Change, further driving her understanding that progressive, sustainable education is imperative to Hawai`i’s present and future. With her experience facilitating access to equitable educational opportunities through the KA`I Program, Gabby is excited to continue her journey of lifelong learning and growth at SEEQS.
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"I work at SEEQS because it is a community that fosters social, emotional and academic growth for SEEQers and teachers! I love the positive learning environment the teachers and students create together while encouraging every individual to be supportive and passionate leaders of our future."
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Cristin Priolo - Student Experience CoordinatorCristin Priolo strives to promote students' strongest talents through differentiated instruction using project-based approaches. Cristin earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania and became certified in General and Special Education. Continuing her passion for sciences, she received her master’s degree in Earth Sciences from Long Island University in New York. Cristin has been a teacher at SEEQS since its founding year and was selected as Hawai‘i's 2018 Charter School Teacher of the Year. She strongly believes that students learn best when they help create and facilitate a healthy and positive learning environment. Her new role Student Experience Coordinator will enable her to continue encouraging students to be supportive, inquisitive and passionate learners inside the classroom, as well as in the community!
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“I always wanted to attend a school just like SEEQS when I was a student. Lucky for me, I can attend as an adult! I love helping to foster our students’ joy for learning while learning and playing alongside them each day.”
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Scotia Rivard - Student Support TeacherScotia was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Tulane University. Scotia has worked with students with exceptional abilities for the past 11 years in San Francisco, Southern California, Austin, Texas, and here at SEEQS. In her work with students of varying ability levels and ages, Scotia has found that every student has something unique and exciting to add to the classroom. Scotia strives to discover and cultivate that uniqueness in each student she encounters. Outside of SEEQS, Scotia loves to travel, hike, backpack, rock climb, bike, read, play video games and board games, and surf.
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“I work at SEEQS because I believe in the power of a dedicated community of individuals to make long-lasting, systemic change.”
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Chris Santomauro - Coordinator of Student SupportChris is originally from New Jersey where he grew up in a family of educators. After getting his Bachelor’s of Arts in Spanish and his Master’s of Education at Rutgers University, he moved to San Francisco, where he lived for 7 years, working for a nonprofit organization and running an after-school program serving young people between the ages of 5-18. He moved to Hawai`i in 2013 and has worked for the Hawai`i Department of Education teaching Special Education at the elementary and high school level. He is excited to learn from and support middle school-aged youth at SEEQS. His passions include social justice, travel, running, soccer, and spending time with his `ohana.
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“I work at SEEQS because I believe in the power of a dedicated community of individuals to make long-lasting, systemic change.”
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Paul Schwartz - Student Support TeacherHaving grown tired of navigating the urban sprawl of Houston, Texas, for twenty-something years, Paul now cherishes his new life as an emigrant to the island of Oahu, along with his wife and their two children. After graduating from the University of Houston, with a BA in Sociology and a Minor in History, (and following a string of odd jobs, traveling around the country), Paul entered the field of education; receiving his teaching license in the area of Special Education - Early Childhood through 12th grade. Nine years of teaching later… having had the opportunity to work with students from diverse backgrounds, each possessing unique and wonderful learning abilities, he is convinced that he has found his calling as an educator. Paul has a passion for do-it-yourself ethics, which finds its outlet in interests such as permaculture, sustainable urban design, political agitation, and the occasional dumpster-dive in search of discarded, but still useful, resources. This aforementioned passion, also extends to his various hobbies: reading, writing, art, music, gardening, and frequently finding himself engrossed in epic and lengthy Wikipedia odysseys. Paul’s fundamental intention as a teacher is to provide students with the tools they need to explore and comprehend the world; coupled with the conviction that guiding students toward better understanding of self and community, allows them to wisely interpret the many interrelations, and engage meaningfully within their sphere of influence.
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“I work at SEEQS because of our cyclical approaches to learning. Teachers learn alongside students and I believe that this mutual exchange creates a positive learning environment in which everyone involved will prosper.”
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Terry Slaughter - Performing Arts TeacherTerry was raised in Richmond, Virginia by a hardworking, single mother, who instilled in him the importance of education. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Berea College and a Master of Fine Arts in Dance with an emphasis in Performance and Choreography from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. While finishing his final year of graduate school, Terry became a Visiting Lecturer in Dance at his undergraduate Alma Mater, Berea College, for the 2017-2018 school year. Terry has had the pleasure of working with CLIMB Theatre, an educational theatre company in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, and interning with Venice Theatre located in Venice, Florida. Locally, he has performed with Convergence Dance Theatre, Iona Contemporary Dance Theatre, Monkey Waterfall, and Tau Dance Theatre. Terry is Looking forward to his first year on the SEEQS team and hopes to share his passion for the performing arts with everyone!
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"SEEQS is intentionally doing things different, for the better, and I want to be a part of that change."
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Darren Yamabe - School CounselorI was born in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, back in the days of rotary dial telephones, when Honolulu Stadium Park was a stadium and Chunky’s drive-in was serving plate lunches on Isenberg and King St. I attended Kaahumanu public school until I went to Iolani School in 6th grade. I have an Electrical Engineering degree from Santa Clara University and an MBA and Master’s degree in Education - Counseling and Guidance - both from UH Manoa. I coached JV level volleyball and my hobbies are traveling, riding my 22 year-old bike, reading, and doing stand-up paddle boarding, when I have the time. But the most fun I have now is playing with my two young children at the park and at the beach. I worked for the DOE as a Counselor for 16 years now and this is my first year at SEEQS, excited to be part of a supportive and forward-thinking community of educators.
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Additionally, Ana DeRamos (Custodian) makes sure our school runs smoothly.
To learn more about employment opportunities at SEEQS, please visit our Work at SEEQS page.