About Us

Stacie Kaichi-Imamura is a State Mathematics Resource Teacher with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education Office of Student Support Services. She has served at the school level, complex area, and state office. Stacie is also a National Board Certified Teacher (Early Childhood Generalist) and a Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teacher in 2004. It is also her honor to serve on the National Council Teachers of Mathematics as their Elementary Director. 

Dr. Laurie James is a Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Hawaiʻi–West O’ahu and teaches courses for the Education Division. Laurie has over 20 years of teaching in the public school system, where she developed a deep understanding of K–12 pedagogy and curriculum development. Since August 2016, Laurie has become a facilitator of the Math Teachers’ Circle of Hawaiʻi. Through her teaching, mentorship, and outreach, Laurie remains dedicated to preparing future educators and supporting mathematics teaching across Hawaiʻi. 

Michael Ida has taught Mathematics and Computer Science at Kalani High School in Honolulu for nearly 30 years. He is the 2023 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year and a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Michael has also served on leadership teams for several statewide professional organizations and continues to advocate for students, teachers, and innovation in education. 

Dr. Diane Barrett is a Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.  Diane holds a Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Mathematics in addition to a B.S. in Mathematics and an M.S. in Mathematics.  She was a high school math and science teacher for 10 years, prior to becoming a university mathematics faculty member.  She has been a mathematics education faculty member at UH Hilo for over 15 years and has taught both undergraduate and graduate level mathematics and mathematics education courses, as well as general education courses. She currently teaches courses in mathematics, mathematics and science methods, assessment and technology in STEM, educational research courses, as well as supervising teacher candidates.  She also worked with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education to develop the state’s high school mathematics curriculum and has provided professional development for elementary and secondary mathematics teachers across the state.  

Dr. Travis Mukina received his B.S. in Mathematics from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, M.Ed. from Hawaiʻi Pacific University, and Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from Oklahoma State University. He is currently an Associate Professor of Education at Chaminade University of Honolulu, where he educates future elementary, middle, and secondary teachers on effective mathematics teaching strategies in the classroom. 

Jody-Lynn Storm received both a BA and MA in Mathematics from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and has been teaching mathematics at Windward Community College since 2008. A dedicated advocate for math education, she has served on the Hawaiʻi Council of Teachers of Mathematics (HCTM) Board since 2016, first as Secretary and currently as the Two-Year College Director. 

Phyllis Nakama-Kawamoto brings nearly 40 years of experience teaching elementary grades, offering a deep understanding of students’ needs and classroom realities. She currently serves as a resource teacher with the Executive Office on Early Learning, where she supports public prekindergarten classrooms and promotes high-quality early learning across Hawaiʻi.

Phyllis is a National Board Certified Teacher and a recipient of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. She is passionate about ensuring that every child has access to high-quality mathematics instruction and is dedicated to advocating for opportunities that empower both students and educators.

This position is currently vacant. 

Keith is a Grade 6-12 Secondary Level Mathematics teacher. He was the former Middle School Director for Hawaiʻi Council of Teachers of Mathematics.