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In honor of National Speech-Language Pathologist Day, HGEA would like to mahalo the work of our dedicated speech-language pathologists (SLPs). These professionals provide critical support to help students improve their communication skills. We’re so proud to represent them.
Here are a few of their stories:
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Maria Cappello, Kauai Speech Pathologist IV, Dept. of Education Unit 13 Member My job makes a positive impact in the community because we work with students to help them access a basic human right: communication. That could be through speech generating devices, sign language, words or all of the above! Speech-language pathologists work to ensure everyone has a voice. I am so proud of all my students every day. One of my initially nonverbal students started talking. He’s now using sentences! |
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Holly Conklin (Pippin), Hawaii Island Speech Pathologist IV, Dept. of Education Unit 13 Member Being able to communicate with others in the community is necessary to self-advocate and be a contributing member of society. I am committed to making this possible for my students as ‘talk story’ is a very important cultural aspect. Since working at the DOE, I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor called an acoustic neuroma. Treatment left me completely deaf in one ear and has led me to have more understanding about navigating the world with a disability. It has also increased empathy towards my students. |
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Jeanne Iwashita, Oahu Speech Pathologist IV, Dept. of Education Unit 13 Member The most rewarding thing about being a speech-language pathologist with the DOE is seeing our students (aged 3-21) learn communication skills. Experiencing moments when a child begins to speak, sign, or use augmentative communication is very exciting and gratifying. We are proud of the small moments when our students learn new skills, such as speaking for the first time, using a communication device independently, or by simply having a student interact or smile at us. |
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Karen Kama, Oahu Speech Pathologist IV, Dept. of Education Unit 13 Member Watching children grow, communicate effectively and gain confidence is the most rewarding aspect of being a speech-language pathologist. One of my favorite things to see is a former student out in public conversing with friends and working within the community. Recently a former student surprised me by taking my order at a drive-through and was performing all the goals we had set for them while they had therapy. They did great and I was so proud of them! |
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Mary Pescador, Oahu Speech Pathologist IV, Dept. of Education Unit 13 Member A speech-language pathologist’s work has a ripple effect, starting with directly helping students express themselves, whether that is through verbal or non-verbal means. We strive to support parents and teachers by providing strategies so that they can help their students and children improve their communication skills in class and at home. This results in students who have an increased quality of life and are in a better position to be community contributors. I love when a teacher or parent tells me that a student, who previously had minimal expressive language skills, now “talks too much!” |
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Christie Salvador, Oahu Speech Pathologist IV, Dept. of Education Unit 13 Member The most rewarding thing about being a speech-language pathologist is working with students and watching them grow their skills to become successful communicators. I have 19 years of success stories that I’m proud of, such as seeing the joy when a non-speaking student asks for a toy using a device and is actually understood, or the appreciation from a parent who is finally able to understand what her child is saying. The impact I have on the individual lives of each student is what I’m most proud of. |
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In honor of National Nurses Week and Teachers Appreciation Week, HGEA would like to mahalo the work of these tireless professionals in our community. Mahalo to our 1,700 public-sector nurses for your commitment and service, and for making a difference in the lives of Hawaii’s people at our hospitals, community health centers, long-term care facilities, correctional institutions, schools and community programs. And we extend our thanks to school-level professionals in and out of the classroom for educating, caring for and supporting Hawaii’s students.
A few of your fellow HGEA members reflected on the work they do.
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Josette “Jojo” Kawana, Oahu Registered Nurse III, Hawaii State Hospital Unit 9 Member HGEA has done an excellent job in protecting me and my family from the volatile nature of the healthcare industry. In my entire career as a public-sector nurse, I have never had to endure the loss of work opportunity because of labor relations issues or cost cutting measures. Unlike many people, I am fortunate to have a career in the field that I chose related to my college education and training. I know my job is secure now and into the future because I am a member of HGEA. |
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Stacie Aguinaldo, Kauai Registered Nurse III, Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital Unit 9 Member This year has been quite special for me, marking 25 years as a registered nurse, and 15 years employed by the state. My oldest daughter Brandie will be completing her BS in Nursing at UNLV. My youngest daughter Jade will be graduating from Waimea High School and attending UH-Manoa with plans to major in nursing as well. My career as a nurse has allowed me to balance both work and family life as a single parent. I especially enjoy being able to serve the community I grew up in as an ER nurse. |
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Danette Beams, Oahu Educational Assistant III, Dept. of Education Unit 3 Member As an educator, I help students become creative, develop character, promote wellness of oneself, as well as provide students with the proper skills and tools for them to live productive lives so they can contribute to their community. What really hits home is seeing students blossom and reach their full potential. It’s when you see them in the community and they call out for you by name like they did in elementary school, but now as a young adult. |
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Joshua Bohnet, Oahu School Security Attendant III, Dept. of Education Unit 3 Member My job is safety and security. I completed a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Utah Valley University so I’m able to better understand the students I work with. Knowing that parents can trust their kids to have a safe learning environment puts the community at ease. The most rewarding part of being a school security attendant is being able to provide a safe and secure environment for students to learn and grow, and eventually see them finish high school. |
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Ilana Meyer, Maui Behavioral Technician II, Dept. of Education Unit 3 Member My job consists of supporting students with autism. Autism is a neurological disorder that affects communication, sensory processing, social skills and more, but my students can also have incredible memory and knowledge about their specific interests. I can’t help but get teary-eyed with every simple task mastered because the smallest simplest thing that may seem easy to us is ten times harder for them. I have so much compassion and love for my students. They always make my day. |
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Joy Ring-Gadow, Oahu Educational Assistant III, Dept. of Education Unit 3 Member Working in an elementary school, it’s rewarding for me to help students grow and be able to accomplish things they don’t think they are capable of doing. I also help them to not give up on their dreams. I’m very proud when my former students and parents reach out, especially when the student lets me know I had a lot to do with them graduating and going to college. |
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Lei Tata, Oahu Educational Assistant III, Dept. of Education Unit 3 Member I’m especially proud of the program that I work for and helped start in 2010 called the Kupa‘a Academy, which services all schools within the Honolulu District. We specialize in students who are unsuccessful at their home school setting and have additional emotional or behavioral needs. This program is a saving grace for students who would otherwise fall through the cracks of the education system. I’ve witnessed my students fight through frustration and challenges to find success. |
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In honor of National Principals Day and School Lunch Hero Day, HGEA would like to mahalo the work of our principals and school food service workers. They are part of an ecosystem of dedicated school-level professionals responsible for educating over 170,000 students. We are proud to represent these professionals at 295 schools statewide.
A few of your fellow HGEA members reflected on the work they do in our schools.
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Glen Miyasato, Oahu Principal, Dept. of Education Unit 6 Member The most rewarding part of being a principal is having the privilege of working with a dedicated and caring staff who work hard to help our students grow academically, socially and emotionally. Fern Elementary is blessed with high-quality faculty and support staff. Our Kalihi students are loving, warmhearted children eager to learn. |
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Mark Akine, Hawaii Island School Food Services Manager II, Dept. of Education Unit 2 Member During the pandemic, we were able to provide meals to the community. Families in need from the entire island came to pick up meals. I’m extremely proud and thankful for my hardworking cafeteria staff. Without their dedication and hard work, it would not have been possible. |
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Curtis Mostoles, Oahu School Food Services Manager IV, Dept. of Education Unit 2 Member Knowing that you’re providing a healthy and nutritional meal to students so their bodies are nourished and ready to learn throughout the day is rewarding. We help them grow into strong individuals who will someday become the leaders of our community. The look of appreciation you get from students’ happy faces and hearing “I love this lunch” is priceless. |
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Matthew Woods, Kauai School Food Services Manager III, Dept. of Education Unit 2 Member The most rewarding thing for me is knowing that what we do as school food service workers can have an impact on the students of our community. We provide meals to students who might not always have the means to get them so they have fuel for their day. |
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