Mandie grew up knowing she would one day have a career that involved working with young children. To date, she has over 21 years of experience working with children in the preschool setting, as well as many years of experience in leading camps for young children and teens, and facilitating after school keiki clubs. Mandie and her family first moved to Kauai in 2005, fell in love with the island, and made it their permanent home in 2010. She has a 20-year-old son and an 18 year-old daughter. Mandie started with The Koloa Early School as Lead Teacher in 2011, and became the Principal in 2017. It continues to be a wonderfully fulfilling experience to be able to partner with families in the community to create a loving and nurturing environment in which the keiki can build a foundation of love, education, mindfulness, positivity and kindness. ‘Embrace every new opportunity, cherish every moment, live life to the fullest.’

Leslie is a born and raised Kauai girl. She grew up in Omao, only a few minutes away from Koloa. Leslie attended Kalaheo elementary, and graduated from Waimea High School, followed by Kauai Community College. Growing up on Kauai, Leslie loved Kauai’s tight-knit community, especially here on the south side. Being able to teach the keiki of friends and family has made these bonds even stronger. Leslie enjoys having the opportunity to meet new keiki and their ‘Ohana; what a heartwarming experience it is to see new friendships begin. Her connection to The Koloa Early School started in 2009 when her oldest son began preschool. Through Leslie’s experiences at TKES, she has the unique experience of being able to see the preschool through many viewpoints. She was a first-time parent, substitute, and now teaching full time. In 2015, Leslie was hired as an aid; and after taking many night and online classes with the support from family and colleagues to obtain her CDA (Child Development Associate), she has since upheld her current position as lead teacher.

Leann Kobashigawa, born and raised on Kauai, has experience working with young children since 2015 and has two sons: Elvis and Elias. Graduating with an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 2018, Leann knew she wanted to make a difference in children’s lives during their younger years. “I’ll continue to make a difference in children’s lives to help guide them to learn, grow as individuals, and create a love for learning.”

Melissa Rapozo was born and raised on Kauai. She began working with children in 2015 at the Koloa Elementary A+ program. She received her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education in 2019 and has been working at TKES ever since. In her free time, she loves to spend time with friends/family, travel, and enjoys playing the guitar.

Bruce Williams was born and raised on Kauai. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical education from Southern Oregon University in 2005. He began working with children at the Waiakea Elementary A+ program and has been working with children in various roles and settings since. He has been working with The Koloa Early School since 2019. In his free time, he loves to spend time with family/friends, golf, go to the beach, and travel.

Hope grew up on the island of Kauai, when her family first moved here from California when she was 6 weeks old. Hope has been a substitute teacher at TKES since 2021. In January of 2024, Hope joined TKES preschool full time. She is still furthering her education in Early Childhood Education as she is taking online college courses. Hope has always enjoyed working with young children. She has led after school clubs, led summer school clubs, and volunteered as a summer counselor for children from the ages of 3 years to 12 years of age ever since she was 13 years old. She considers it a great privilege to be able to be positive influence in the lives of young children.