New Teacher Profiles

This year, the high school HBA faculty welcomes four new members: Sean Shiroma, Lesley Stevens, Lauren Takao, and Elena Yoo.

 

 

Sean Shiroma (Biology, Chemistry)

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“…God has guided me to teach science here at HBA and I have thoroughly enjoyed it so far!” —Sean Shiroma

[/one_half][one_half_last]I am originally from Mililani and went to Mililani High School. I was in their marching band and played the trumpet. I also was on their varsity soccer team during my senior year. I love to play sports, my favorites being soccer and basketball. I enjoy going to the beach and swimming although I cannot surf. But I also love to play chess and board games. I don’t play the trumpet anymore but play a little bit of guitar in my free time. I love to eat ramen but my favorite place to eat is Ted’s Bakery on the North Shore. Over the summers, I enjoy working as a camp counselor for youth and children. I went to the Master’s College (located in southern California) and received a B.S. in Biological Sciences. I originally wanted to become a missionary doctor after graduating from high school but it seems that God has guided me to teach science here at HBA and I have thoroughly enjoyed it so far!

Jett Uehara (’18): He is very nice and chill. I am looking forward to exploring the science world. He’s a young and hip teacher.

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Lesley Stevens (AP Biology, Biology)

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“Both my kids are starting school this year, so I am excited to be back in the classroom.” —Lesley Stevens

[/one_half][one_half_last]I was born and raised in Kaneohe and graduated from Punahou School. After earning a degree in biology from Colorado State University, I spent two years working as an environmental scientist, then switched over to teaching. I taught math for two years at HBA before leaving to start a family. My husband (an HBA grad) and I have two children: Nate (5) and Kylie (3). Both my kids are starting school this year, so I am excited to be back in the classroom.

Maria Palalay (’15): My first impression of Mrs. Stevens was that she was super nice and passionate about Biology. I am eager to learn from her and to expand my biology horizons.
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Lauren Takao (English 9, English 10)

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“I am incredibly blessed to be a part of the HBA Ohana, and am looking forward to all Jesus has in store this school year!” —Lauren Takao

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I have taught Special Education Elementary at Mililani Waena Elementary, and elementary school at Christian Academy. Last year I taught high school English and Music Appreciation at Lutheran High School of Hawaii. I have a beautiful 3 year old daughter named Misha, and my husband and I enjoy playing dolls with her and taking her to jiu-jitsu classes. In my free time I like to read, lift weights (I am a certified personal trainer and used to own a fitness studio in town), and try eating at different restaurants. My favorite food is sushi (I especially love ikura and uni), and our family goes to Japan yearly to visit my husband’s extended family (his mother is from Hiroshima). I am incredibly blessed to be a part of the HBA Ohana, and am looking forward to all Jesus has in store this school year!

Davin Rausch (’18): She was a very cool teacher when I first met her. I am so happy she is my teacher.

 

 

 

 

Elena Yoo (Japanese 1, Japanese 3)

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“I have been teaching Japanese language from kindergarten to college level for the last 8 years.” —Elena Yoo

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I was born in L.A., but grew up mostly in Japan. I have been teaching Japanese language from kindergarten to college level for the last 8 years. I had been involved in business consulting and translation work prior to my teaching experience.

It’s a great honor to be able to teach at HBA where both of my daughters, Sarah (a senior) and Alexa (a sophomore) have been coming since their kindergarten class. Although I had been praying for this opportunity to become available, God knew this was the perfect year for me to jump right in. I am so ready!

One of my goals is to make Japanese language (or any foreign language, for that matter) relevant to the students’ lives and their future. I am so excited to share my knowledge and experiences with my students.  I’m also hoping to challenge students to go on a mission to Japan known to be the “missionary killer” among the missionaries. They have everything, but God.

[/one_half_last]Who I am: Follower of Jesus, mom, wife, teacher, dog lover, yogini, love fighter jets, technical translator, certified nutritionist, Hawaii State Notary Public (anybody needs notarization service?) & this year’s PBS Digital Innovator.

Sarah Yoo (’15): I love having my mom here! I was so stoked when I found out she was going to work here! I’m so sad that this is my last year because I can’t bother her that much. I hope she enjoys HBA and students don’t give her trouble because I would have to take care of that… Just kidding! She’s a great mom and I know she will be an awesome teacher.

Aaron Wong (’16): She’s strict but good. Japanese food is great and I’m looking forward to eating some with her. I really hope this will be a fun language class.