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

In this episode, we’re excited to introduce the newest member of the Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy ʻohana—our lead Pre-K teacher, Monica Hurley. Born and raised in Waimea, Monica brings deep roots in our island community and decades of experience working with young children.

Monica holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Chaminade University and is completing her Master’s in Teaching in Early Childhood Education. Her background includes running her own family child care program for 18 years, working in local preschools, and most recently designing and leading an ʻāina-based learning program for children ages 5–12. Her work centers on hands-on, place-based learning that weaves together Hawaiian culture, language, and sustainability.

In this conversation, Monica shares more about her journey as an educator and what families can expect from HPA’s new Pre-K classroom. From nurturing curiosity and independence to creating meaningful learning experiences rooted in our environment and community, Monica discusses how young learners will explore, discover, and grow in a supportive, child-centered setting.

Whether you’re a current or prospective parent, this episode offers a closer look at the philosophy and heart behind HPA’s expanding early childhood program—and the inspiring educator leading the way.

Host: Dora Kwong, Lower School Principal

Guest: Monica Hurley, Pre-K Lead Teacher

For more information about Pre-K at HPA reach out to admissions@hpa.edu

How does innovation come to life at Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy? In this episode, HPA’s admission team takes listeners inside the Energy Lab, a state-of-the-art facility where sustainability, science, engineering, and real-world problem solving intersect.

Director of Admission Tiare Police, along with Janet Kalaniopio and Tayler Wang, sit down with Dr. Bill Wiecking, Director of the Energy Lab, and Greg McKenna, Head of Sustainability, to explore how the Energy Lab building itself reflects HPA’s commitment to environmental stewardship and hands-on learning. From global collaborations to student-driven research, the conversation highlights how learners are empowered to tackle meaningful challenges.

Current students share powerful testimonials—from AI capstone research and drone technology to fire detection sensors, independent science research, and mentoring younger students—demonstrating the depth, access, and opportunity available at HPA. The episode also addresses how students balance rigorous academics with athletics and other commitments.

Hosts

• Tiare Police, Director of Admission
• Janet Kalaniopio, Senior Associate Director of Admission
• Tayler Wang, Assistant Director of Admission

Panelists

• Dr. Bill Wiecking, Director of the Energy Lab
• Greg McKenna, Head of Sustainability
• Kelan, HPA Student
• Philipp, HPA Student

Episode Chapters

• 0:00 – Introductions
• 3:30 – The Energy Lab building, sustainability & collaborations
• 9:10 – Working with students & project introductions
• 11:30 – Student testimonial: Kelan — AI Capstone Project
• 23:30 – Student testimonial: Philipp — Drones, fire sensors & cross-grade collaboration
• 35:00 – Student testimonial: Independent science research
• 38:00 – Q&A
• 46:30 – Balancing studies & athletics

What makes the middle school years such a powerful time for growth? In this episode of the Hawaiʻi Preparatory Podcast, we take a closer look at Middle School at HPA and how this stage is intentionally designed to support curiosity, confidence, and connection.

Hosted by Middle School Principal Michael Cservenak and Assistant Director of Admission Stephanie Stewart, the episode explores HPA’s mission and values, academic planning, arts programs, advisory and capstone experiences, and the school’s experiential learning framework. The conversation also highlights Mālama Kaiāulu, community connections, leadership development, and how HPA creates a supportive, phone-free environment where students can truly engage in learning.

With practical insights into scheduling, communication with families, athletics, and transition support, this episode offers a comprehensive view of how HPA’s middle school program helps students thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Hosts

• Michael Cservenak, Middle School Principal
• Stephanie Stewart, Assistant Director of Admission

Episode Chapters

• 0:00 – Introductions
• 1:04 – Middle School fast facts
• 1:37 – Mission, values & vision
• 2:44 – A place to learn like nowhere else
• 3:23 – Performing, music & visual arts
• 4:32 – The wonder of being a learner
• 5:13 – Mālama Kaiāulu
• 5:53 – Academic planning & pursuit of excellence
• 7:26 – Community connections
• 8:33 – Advisory program
• 10:24 – Capstone program
• 13:03 – Theme week
• 15:39 – Experiential learning framework
• 17:09 – Middle school team
• 18:16 – Schedule
• 22:05 – Phone-free campus
• 23:53 – Questions to consider
• 25:25 – Admission key dates & next steps
• 27:41 – Middle school athletics
• 29:39 – Family communication & student progress
• 31:46 – Parent involvement opportunities
• 34:20 – Supporting transfer students
• 36:40 – Leadership opportunities
• 38:31 – Homework
• 41:21 – Exposure to the upper school campus

What does a joyful, supportive start to school look like? In this episode of the Hawaiʻi Preparatory Podcast, we focus on Kindergarten at HPA and the foundation it provides for lifelong learning.

Hosted by Assistant Director of Admission Stephanie Stewart, the conversation features Lower School Principal, Dora Kwong and Kindergarten Teacher, Dee Walker as they share HPA’s mission, values, and approach to early childhood education. Together, they explore joyful learning, systems thinking, specialist classes, counseling support, and how HPA partners closely with families to support each child’s growth.

From daily rhythms and curriculum design to parent communication and transitions into school, this episode offers an in-depth look at how HPA’s Kindergarten program nurtures confident, curious learners from the very beginning.

Host

• Stephanie Stewart, Assistant Director of Admission

Panelists

• Dora Kwong, Lower School Principal
• Dee Walker, Kindergarten Teacher

Episode Chapters

• 0:00 – Introductions: Lower School Principal
• 2:52 – Mission, Values & Vision
• 3:26 – Systems Thinking & curriculum design
• 4:52 – Lower School fast facts
• 6:15 – Lower School philosophy
• 8:20 – Specialist classes
• 9:40 – Counseling support
• 11:05 – Capstone program
• 13:08 – After-school program
• 14:30 – Introduction: Kindergarten teacher
• 16:12 – Joyful learning & Kindergarten philosophy
• 24:00 – Weekly schedule
• 27:24 – Admissions key dates
• 29:58 – Supporting conflict as growth
• 32:18 – Parent communication beyond conferences
• 33:28 – Supporting transitions
• 38:28 – Parent involvement opportunities
• 42:24 – Homework
• 45:17 – Supporting students and families who need extra help
• 46:47 – Preparing children for Kindergarten

In this episode, HPA’s admission team explores the school’s signature academic programs, including Marine Studies and the Energy Lab, and how HPA’s people, programs, and place create extraordinary learning opportunities.

Hear from faculty experts and current students as they share how hands-on experiences — from sea turtle research and SCUBA diving to cutting-edge collaborations with organizations like NASA and UCLA — bring learning to life. The conversation also highlights advanced coursework such as AP Cybersecurity and Computer Engineering, student access to specialized facilities, and how HPA’s unique setting in Hawaiʻi enriches every aspect of education.

Hosts

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

Panelists

• Dr. Bill, Director of the Energy Lab, Science Teacher
• Laura Jim, Marine Studies Educator, Co-Director of the Sea Turtle Research Program & Director of SCUBA
• Anna M. ʻ27, Current Student
• Dominik R. '27, Current Student

Episode Chapters

• 0:00 – Introductions
• 3:32 – Marine Studies: Sea Turtle Research, SCUBA & Marine Biology
• 13:13 – Student perspective on Marine Studies
• 14:34 – What makes HPA and Hawaiʻi a special place to learn
• 18:22 – Energy Lab collaborations (NASA, UCLA & more)
• 19:16 – AP Cybersecurity & Computer Engineering
• 19:53 – Access to facilities and advanced courses
• 21:40 – Student perspective: Cybersecurity & Island Science
• 24:00 – Advice for future HPA students