Lori Abreu, born and raised on Maui, enjoyed a rich, 37 year career in early childhood education on her island home.  Her roles included that of preschool teacher/director, PE teacher (K-2), and facilitator for parent and child programs, parent and teacher workshops, and her own interactive storytelling program “Super Circles”. “Kumu Lori” spent her last 17 years as preschool teacher at Kamehameha Maui Preschools before her retirement in 2019.  Storytelling and music were always Lori’s favorite curriculum areas, allowing engagement in meaningful, developmentally appropriate conversations about complex topics with children.  Lori hopes this book will be used to discuss inclusion, diversity, friendship and leadership.

Contact Lori at kumulorimaui@gmail.com

Nicki Barsamian grew up on Maui and attended Kamehameha Schools Maui Campus.  After graduating she ventured to the east coast and attended Dartmouth College where she met her wonderful husband Alex.  She pursued her degree in education and art and has taught social studies and art at all levels.  Her most recent position was at Kamehameha Schools at the middle school level. She left that position in 2019 to stay home with her three keiki and continues creating works of art through illustration for kids of all ages to enjoy, and loves spending time with her three keiki and husband.  She is grateful to God, and for the opportunity to use her gifts in service of others. 

From Kihei, Maui, Kalaʻe Camarillo shares “Kōlea” from his Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winning album “Child of These Islands”.  Most recently, his moving tribute to Lahaina won him Song of the Year, Single of the Year, and Music Video of the Year for “Sands of Old Lahaina.”  Kalaʻe also thrives as a music educator at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama.  In 2009, as high school students at Kamehameha Maui, he and Lori’s son, Dane Lum Ho, won the state wide talent search competition, “Band Champ”.   Kalaʻe and Dane are happy to be making music together again on Oahu’s music scene since Dane’s return to Hawaiʻi this spring.  Lori greatly appreciates Dane’s participation and musicality shared for her composed “The Aloha Way” sing along.  Lori couldn’t be happier to have her son back in the islands and part of this project.