The Team

Melanie Nishita

Preschool Director

BA in Early Childhood Education

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I was born in Pennsylvania but I have been here for over 40 years, Maui is my home. I am married with two grown children, 3 grandchildren and two Hanai grandchildren. I have been teaching young children for about 35 years with 23 of them being here at Kahului Baptist Preschool. I have been a member at Kahului Baptist Church for 20 years.

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"Teaching children is in itself a privilege, teaching them about Jesus is an honor. I am excited every day to see what God has in in store for us and blessed to be a part of it!"

Ginny Kinoshita

Assistant Director & Teacher, Laulima Room

BA in Early Childhood Education

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I have been teaching preschool for about 23 years. From Head Start to Doris Todd and now Assistant Director and Laulima Room Teacher. I have been with the preschool for 19 years. I am blessed with opportunities to share Jesus with children and watch them grow and blossom. I am married with three adult children, thirteen grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Bekah Bennett

Teacher, Mahina Room

BA in Early Elementary Education

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My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 86:15 – “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”

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In my spare time you can find me at the beach watching sunsets. I enjoy planning for trips and traveling. I like Smoothies, Iced lavender matcha and brownies. My favorite holiday is Christmas, and I most like daffodils.

DeAnn Contreras

Teacher, Kalo Room

AA in Early Childhood Education

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​I have been an Early Childhood educator for 30 years. Twenty two of them have been here at the preschool. I love reading stories to my students and teaching them all about God's grace and His unconditional love for us. I am married with three adult children and a member of Waiehu Community Church. I enjoy spending time with family, crafting and making leis.

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Sandee Nelson

Teacher, Papa'ike Room
AA in Early Childhood Education

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I call Wailuku home. You can probably find me in the valley somewhere, content to gather little treasures, discovering hidden spots or immersed in quiet conversations with the Lord. I am all about enjoying and creating life experiences. I live everyday with intention and believe an attitude of gratitude daily is a must.

 

I believe that children learn best through their senses and engaging in their environment. This connection allows children to become whole body learners. Developing a trusting relationship with each child also opens the doors to so many learning opportunities.

Marie-Chelle Mortejo

Teacher, Hoku Room

CDA Credential

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I was born on this beautiful island of Maui. have been teaching here for 22 years. I volunteered here as a teacher's Aide right after high school, from then I decided to become a preschool teacher! I am married with two children and a fur baby. My daughter just graduated high school and my son is in the 8th grade.. I enjoy teaching, playing, dancing, chasing the children around the school, but one of my favorite things about working here is watching the little ones grow from tiny little seeds into a beautiful flower. ​

Paula Higuchi

Biblical Counselor

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I was born and raised on Maui. I love the people of Hawaii and it brings me great joy to be able to minister on the island I call home. I graduated with a BA in Biblical Studies from the Master's University in 2009, received my MA in Biblical Counseling from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2014, and certified through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (SCBC) since 2015. I am a member of Kahului Baptist Church, I started attending in 1997.

Jay Haynes

Kahului Baptist Church Pastor

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I am married to my wonderful wife of fifteen years, Melissa. I have three boys, Micah (12), Judah (10), and Boaz (4). I love Jesus, my family, coffee and motorcycles. I can usually be found around campus and will be joining chapel with the keiki weekly. I am always available if you need to talk through anything, or if you need any help. 

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We believe the ultimate solution to problems that a person can face can be found in the goodness of Jesus, and we hope that you will remember us as a place where that is proclaimed. We’re grateful for you and your family, and we’re praying for you!

Danyelle Contreras

Teacher, Mahina Room

AA Early Childhood Education, Liberal Arts, Hawaiian Studies

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I have always had the desire to make a difference and help change the world, being a teacher allows  me to do so. I believe it is a great honor to shape young minds and help children explore and understand the world around them. I enjoy going to the beach and attending concerts.

Destiny Suka

Teacher Laulima Room

CDA Credential

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I have been a teacher for 3 years now, and boy, do I love it!! I've been working with young children since I was 10, serving in children's ministries at my home church (King's Maui). One of my biggest goals with each child is to help them know that God is our EVERYTHING! And that GODS LOVE THEM!!! If I'm not at work, you will catch me at the ocean, any food place, or dancing at a show! I enjoyed doing hula, singing, eating, sleeping, and going on adventures with my family!

Brandie-Jaye Diaz

Teacher, Papa'ike Room

BA in Early Childhood Education

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I have been educating young children for 15 years, working at Kahului Baptist for 13 years. I believe that our keiki are our future, and that it is very important that we educate them not only with academics but with God's love, traditions, values and morals in our curriculum. My other job is personal assistant, chauffer, chef, teacher, coach, stylist (aka MOM) to my son and daughter. I love cooking, eating, exploring, creating, adventuring and spending time with Ohana.

Jena Tanaka

Teacher, Hoku Room

AA in Early Childhood Education

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I was born and raised on Maui. I have been teaching Early Childhood for 23 years, and at Kahului Baptist for 11. Everyday brings something new, one of the many worthwhile aspects of working in the teaching field. It teaches me to embrace the unexpected parts of life. I am married with  two fur babies. In my spare time I love to spend time with family and friends. My favorite thing to do at he end of the day is enjoying watching the sunset from my balcony.

Gianne Balberdi-Lacuesta

Teacher's Aide

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My goal is to bring out each child's uniqueness, helping them grow and see how they are valued in God's sight.

 

I enjoy going to the beach, my dog Toffee Fae, hula and handcrafting. I like sushi, ramen, iced vanilla tea latte and Giji’s Baking

Joyce Higuchi

Preschool Secretary

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I was born and raised on Maui. I am married with two grown children and 4 cats! I'm grateful to hear the laughter and voices of the keiki at the Preschool resonate through the campus. I  truly praise and thank God for allowing me the opportunity to work alongside wonderful staff, precious children and their families. I love the Lord and have been a member of Kahului Baptist Church since 2000. I enjoy playing with my cats, gardening, cooking, and spending time with
my husband, family, and church ohana!