Meet Our Guides

Nichole Holtvluwer

Toddler Program Guide

Ms. Nichole is an infant and toddler child development expert and widely recognized authority on authentic Montessori. With more than 20 years’ experience guiding children in a variety of settings, she is adept at helping young children build their nascent communication skills so they can capably express themselves.

In 2005, Ms. Nichole earned her Montessori diploma in infant and toddler programs from The Montessori Institute in Denver and, in the ensuing years, honed her craft at a number of Montessori schools in Colorado. In 2016, she began broadening her influence by advising schools and teachers around the world, presenting at Montessori education conferences in the US and Canada, and cultivating a large following of parents and educators on social media where she freely shares practical tips on guiding young children the Montessori way.

In dedicating her career to guiding children and equipping adults, Nichole takes inspiration from one of Maria Montessori’s writings: “It is not enough for the teacher to love the child. She must first love and understand the universe. She must prepare herself, and truly work at it.”

Together with her husband, Daniel, young daughter, Edie, and beloved dog, Kona, Ms. Nichole is excited to call Lāna‘i home. While they are accustomed to rural living in the Colorado Rockies, they are eager to trade snow, slush, and 6,000+ feet for sun, sand, and sea level.

Erica Zengage Dugay

Assistant Toddler Guide

Ms. Erica is an experienced professional and, as one of Hala Kahiki’s first Apprenticeship Program participants, an aspiring Montessori educator. Her passion for nurturing young minds and fostering a love of learning drives her commitment to create enriching learning experiences for children.

 

Born in the cosmopolitan city of Tokyo to intercultural parents, Ms. Erica is bilingual in English and Japanese. At a young age, she had the life-changing opportunity to accompany her father on a business trip to the United States. This sparked her interest in one day relocating to Hawai’i. Upon graduation from Japan’s prestigious Sophia University with a bachelor’s degree in comparative culture, Ms. Erica relocated to Oahu and, eventually, to Lānai.

 

Following a successful career in public relations and hospitality, Ms. Erica focused on raising her three young children together with her husband, Ryan. Now that they are school-aged, Ms. Erica joined Hala Kahiki to help further our commitment to train local talent in early childhood education. Having provided a strong foundation for her own children, Ms. Erica chose to become a Montessori educator because she believes in “nurturing a child’s natural curiosity, guiding them to discover the joy of learning, and developing the confidence to shape their own future."

 

In her free time, Ms. Erica enjoys swimming with her family or just being home with them. Her hobbies include dance, gardening, and home improvement projects.

“The teacher has two tasks – to lead the children to concentration and to help them in their development afterwards.”

Susan Book

Head of School & Primary Program Guide

Hailing from a family of educators, Ms. Susan is an accomplished Montessorian with over 20 years’ experience as a Montessori guide, teaching at both the primary (ages 3 – 6) and elementary levels (grades 1 – 5). She also founded a Montessori school where she served as Montessori guide and led as Head of School.

While in college, Ms. Susan discovered Montessori and marveled how it fits children’s natural developmental learning style so well. This prompted her to broaden her studies and pursue an interdisciplinary degree in Montessori education, art therapy and psychology from Marylhurst University in Oregon in addition to a Montessori Primary diploma from Montessori Institute Northwest. 

A devotee of life-long learning, Ms. Susan earned her master’s degree in Educational Psychology along with her Instructional Coaching certificate from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She also earned a graduate certificate in Dyslexia and Language-based learning disabilities from Southern New Hampshire University.

Ms. Susan and her husband, Yogi, are deeply rooted to the Pacific islands as Ms. Susan called Saipan home for 16 years before moving to Lānai. Both Ms. Susan and her children are actively involved in the local community through 4-H, the Arts Center, sports, paddling, and the Lānai Academy of Performing Arts where Susan has both taught classes and designs the set and costumes for the year-end performances.

CARMEN ARAGON GIRON

Assistant Primary Guide

A passionate educator with a big heart for kids, Ms. Carmen has worked with children from birth through high school.


Ms. Carmen holds a bachelor’s degree in child development with minors in family studies and American Indian education from Humboldt State University. While in college, she worked in a preschool and explored educational approaches including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. Later, she launched her career with the Boys & Girls Club where she designed and implemented programs before advancing to program manager.


While working with older children was rewarding, Ms. Carmen chose to redirect her career to serve younger children. “I’ve seen first-hand the benefits children gain by developing a strong foundation in their first six years. These are the years I want to impact.”


Humboldt inspired more than Ms. Carmen’s passion for children. With its sparse population, cultural diversity, and breathtaking landscapes, Humboldt sparked Ms. Carmen’s appreciation for small towns and wide-open spaces. She feels as though this experience prepared her to adopt Lānaʻi as her home and appreciates everything that makes Lānaʻi unique.


Always up for new adventures, Ms. Carmen loves photography, hiking, and being near the ocean. She often combines these interests by photographing the outdoors and showcasing her work through scrapbooking.

RACHEL SHEETS

Montessori Early Intervention Lead

Ms. Rachel is an educator and licensed social worker with extensive experience working with children. Her expertise includes teaching social-emotional learning, supporting children and youth with various challenges, and collaborating effectively with school teams and parents.


Originally from the Midwest, Ms. Rachel studied at Valparaiso University, majoring in both German and Geography and graduating with her bachelor’s degree in 2005. She later attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison where she earned her master’s degree in 2011. Before joining Hala Kahiki, Ms. Rachel supported the social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health of children in public schools for almost 10 years .


Ms. Rachel has called Lānaʻi home since 2021 when her spouse, Ben, became pastor of Lānaʻi Union Church. In 2023, she became a charter participant of Hala Kahiki’s Apprenticeship Program where she took additional early childhood education coursework and practiced various approaches to best support Montessori classrooms. Additionally, Ms. Rachel helps identify individual learning needs and provides coordinated support for our young learners.


After 13 long winters in Wisconsin, Ms. Rachel has grown to love life on Lānaʻi and all it has to offer. When she’s not playing softball with the Lānaʻi adult softball league, Ms. Rachel loves traveling, hiking, snorkeling, and yoga.

MEET OUR SUBSTITUTES

The substitute teachers at Hala Kahiki are truly exceptional. They seamlessly step in, ensuring the smooth continuation of the learning environment. With their warmth, patience, and understanding of the children's individual needs, they create a positive and supportive atmosphere where learning can flourish. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication and the valuable role they play in our school community.

Kristen Shenk

Ms. Kristen brings big smiles and a wealth of experience to her role as substitute teacher. With an associates degree in early childhood education, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, and years of teaching experience on the mainland, she combines academic expertise with practical know-how. Her adaptability and genuine love for children make her a trusted presence in our community where she fosters curiosity, confidence, and a sense of wonder in every child she meets.

The Apprenticeship Program at Hala Kahiki

Hala Kahiki seeks to strengthen and enhance early childhood education on Lāna‘i by providing families with a high-quality preschool that ranks among the world’s best. But this goal can only be achieved with a team of caring educators who are highly trained and experienced.

Designed for residents of Lāna‘i who wish to pursue careers in early childhood education at Hala Kahiki, our apprenticeship program trains the next generation of preschool educators, assistants, and Montessori guides. Through a combination of college-level coursework and on-the-job observation and practice, program participants develop the skills and experience necessary to fulfill Hala Kahiki’s mission while developing local talent and providing meaningful employment.

Apprenticeship Program Participants

Indiya Del Rosario

Ms. Indiya is the newest member of Hala Kahiki’s Apprenticeship Program where her passion for nurturing young children shines every day. A lifelong Lānai resident, she embraces the program’s mission to cultivate local talent, seeing it as a bridge to meaningful growth for herself and others in the community. Her warmth, creativity, and commitment to young learners make her an invaluable asset to our team and a cherished presence in our classrooms.

Professionally Run.

xplor education logo

Hala Kahiki is powered by Xplor Education which partners with America’s most innovative companies to provide distinctive Montessori early childhood education that leads to more capable individuals, happier families, healthier organizations, and stronger communities.

xplor education logo

Professionally Run.

Hala Kahiki is powered by Xplor Education which partners with America’s most innovative companies to provide distinctive Montessori early childhood education that leads to more capable individuals, happier families, healthier organizations, and stronger communities.

Pineapple and hale icon

254 Houston Street

Lāna‘i, Hawaii

Licensing & Accreditation

Hala Kahiki is licensed by the State of Hawaii Department of Human Services. The third year of its Primary program (kindergarten) is also licensed by the Hawaii Council of Private Schools (HCPS). Additionally, the school is approved by the State of Hawaii Department of Health to provide limited food service.


INSPIRING INNOVATORS® tagline for xplor education

© and ® 2024 Xplor Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Powered by