Meet Our Guides
Erica Zengage Dugay
Toddler Guide
Ms. Erica is an experienced educator whose passion for nurturing young minds and fostering a love of learning inspires everything she does. As one of Hala Kahiki’s first Apprenticeship Program participants, she successfully completed the program and earned her Montessori diploma in infant and toddler programs from the International Montessori Training Center in Fukuoka, Japan. Today, she serves as Hala Kahiki’s Toddler Guide, helping our youngest children build independence, confidence, and a joyful foundation for lifelong learning.
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, sparking a dream of one day making Hawai’i her home. After graduating from Japan’s prestigious Sophia University with a bachelor’s degree in comparative culture, she relocated to O’ahu and, eventually, to Lāna’i.
Following a successful career in public relations and hospitality, Ms. Erica devoted herself to raising her three children alongside her husband, Ryan. Once her children reached school age, she embarked on a new chapter by pursuing Montessori education through Hala Kahiki’s Apprenticeship Program. Having experienced firsthand the importance of providing children with a strong foundation during their earliest years, Ms. Erica 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."
When she’s not in the classroom, Ms. Erica enjoys swimming with her family, spending time at home together, and pursuing her interests in 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 Lāna‘i. Both Ms. Susan and her children are actively involved in the local community through 4-H, the Arts Center, sports, paddling, and the Lāna‘i 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.
MEET OUR AIDES
The aides 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.
raina medriano
Ms. Raina is a 2024 graduate of Lānaʻi High and Elementary School and the eldest of five siblings – two of whom currently attend Hala Kahiki Montessori School of Lānaʻi. Watching her younger siblings thrive in our authentic Montessori environment sparked her passion for working with children and deepened her appreciation for child-centered education.
Outside of work, Raina enjoys spending time at the beach, snorkeling, and collecting seashells. She also loves playing volleyball, dancing hula and Tahitian, and loves bringing people together through her passion for cooking and baking.
souina seiuli
Ms. Souina is a 2023 graduate of Lānaʻi High and Elementary School, where she earned both her high school diploma and an associate degree in liberal arts. She went on to complete her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Brigham Young University.
Living away from home for the first time, Ms. Souina met the challenges of college life with determination – adjusting to a new environment, maintaining a demanding academic schedule, and growing in independence. With a long-term goal of earning a master’s degree in social work, she is eager to gain meaningful,
real-world experience that bridges her studies with her desire to support
others.
When she’s not in the classroom, you might find her on the volleyball court, thrifting, or enjoying Lānaʻi’s gentle rain. Her greatest motivation continues to come from her close-knit family, whose love and guidance have deeply shaped her journey.
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 Lāna‘i 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.
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.
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.
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.
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