Get an inside look at the college counseling experience at HPA with co-directors Andrew Kelsey and Cindy Montgomery.

In this podcast episode, they share a thorough overview of the program — from testing opportunities and individualized support to their approach in guiding students through the college process. They also offer valuable advice for students and families navigating the journey ahead.

How do we support children and adults through grief? In this episode, Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy’s Lower School team creates space for an honest and compassionate conversation about bereavement—exploring how loss shows up across the lifespan and how families and communities can navigate grief together.

Lower School Principal Dora Kwong guides a thoughtful discussion with a panel of experienced professionals: Rachel Baydo, HPA K–8 Counselor; JoAnna Wyss, seasoned grief and loss therapist with a background in hospice care; and Kimara Gustafson, trauma-informed pediatric care specialist at The Queen’s Health Systems North Hawaiʻi Primary Care Clinic. Together, they reflect on the complexities of grief in both children and adults, including how culture, spirituality, and community influence the healing process.

The conversation explores how grief can be non-linear and layered — often shaped by silence, stigma, or communal response. Panelists share practical guidance for responding to difficult questions, supporting children in developmentally appropriate ways, and maintaining connection to loved ones who have passed. The episode also addresses the challenge of supporting children while navigating one’s own grief, emphasizing emotional transparency, modeling healthy coping, and the importance of seeking support when needed.

Host: Dora Kwong, Lower School Principal – dkwong@hpa.edu

Panelists:

Rachel Baydo, HPA K–8 Counselor – rbaydo@hpa.edu

JoAnna Wyss, Grief and Loss Therapist, LCSW – jwyss110@gmail.com

Dr. Kimara Gustafson, Pediatric Care Specialist, The Queen’s Health Systems North Hawaiʻi Primary Care Clinic Pediatrician – specializes in supporting children’s physical and social-emotional well-being, partnering with families to help every child grow into a healthy adult – kgustafson@queens.org

Episode Chapters

Introductions & Purpose
Opening Reflections: What Grief Can Look Like
Understanding Grief Across the Lifespan
Supporting Grieving Children
When Adults and Children Grieve Together
Closing Reflections & Resources

In this episode, our Admission team is joined by parents, and alumni to share their personal experiences at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy. From the perspective of international families to the lasting impact of academics, athletics, and place-based learning, this conversation highlights what makes the HPA journey so meaningful.

Students reflect on why they chose HPA, how the school has prepared them for college and life beyond, and what advice they have for prospective students. Parents share how their children have grown and the opportunities that have shaped their experience, while alumni speak to the long-term impact of HPA —from trying new things with the support of teachers to experiences like the outdoor program and sea turtle research.

Hosts

• Tiare Police, Director of Admission
• Janet Kalaniopio, Senior Associate Director of Admission
• Tayler Wang, Assistant Director of Admission
• Maria Mora, International Admissions

Episode Chapters

• 0:00 – Introductions
• 2:40 – Why should you apply to HPA? (Student Perspectives)
• 5:50 – Parent & Alumni Introductions
• 10:45 – Being a Parent of an International Student
• 14:05 – Opportunities at HPA
• 16:30 – Trying New Things & Teacher Support (Alumni)
• 18:50 – Impact on Future Success (Alumni)
• 21:00 – Outdoor Program & Sea Turtle Research
• 22:40 – Academics & Athletics
• 25:11 – Student Growth & Transformation (Parent Perspective)
• 31:00 – Preparing for College & Life After High School
• 37:30 – Advice for Prospective Students