Staff
We do not believe in requiring accredited teaching degrees but rather value the unique skills, life experiences, and passions that each of our talented teachers brings. There are always at least two staff members on site with CPR, Wilderness & Remote First Aid certifications, and training in emergency and extreme weather preparedness.
Ms. Bianca, founder and teacher
Aloha, my name is Bianca. I was an employee in the public school system for many years. I felt that there was a big hole missing out of the educational value for the keiki in schools. I dreamt to fill that hole and with that dream came the vision of 'āina based learning – images of the forests here on Maui, local regenerative farmers, and knowledge of foraging. Then to my surprise, Pono Outdoor Program evolved. I offer a holistic approach to the child’s specific developmental needs. I teach in a way that will foster resilient, confident, and independent thinkers. I am honored to have your keiki as a part of this program where sovereignty meets the children and they are able to learn and grow to be pono with the ʻāina.
Ms. Guri, manager and teacher
Aloha, 'o Guri ko'u inoa (my name is Guri). I am originally from Norway and come from a multi-lingual and multi-cultural upbringing between France, New Mexico, and Maui. I am passionate about the outdoors, protecting wild places, foraging, sustainable living, zero-waste, rewilding, and herbalism. I studied Hawaiian language/culture at UH and fell in love with indigenous earth-honoring values, humbly learning the great kuleana of living in the Kingdom of Hawai’i. When my son reached “school age” I knew that the system was not for him and after a few attempts at traditional education, we resorted to homeschooling before finding the community and freedom we were looking for with Pono Outdoor Program. I am honored to teach and learn with the Keiki as we all strive for a more pono future for our planet and generations to come.
Mrs. Lindsay, teacher
Aloha! My name is Lindsay. I moved to Maui in 2005. I am married and we have three boys. Ever since I can remember, I have wanted to care for and teach children. I worked in a preschool setting for almost five years. With Covid policies in the school system taking a toll on our family, I searched for an alternative and found Bianca. I was offered the opportunity to work with Bianca and it has been very rewarding. The children are learning life skills, meditation, foraging, water safety, in addition to a comprehensive academic curriculum. This is not the standard classroom setting where the kids must sit still, they are not stuck inside four walls. They are outside, exploring. Bianca gives the kids one on one time and I’ve seen great growth in my son and all the other children.
Ms. Morgan, teacher
I have always seen myself as a teacher. Discovering Pono Outdoor program has allowed me to teach in a way that resonates with how I believe education should be. After working in public schools I realized traditional schooling was missing crucial knowledge for personal sovereignty. Empowering future generations to take accountability for their health, happiness and prosperity is vital for a sustainable future. As I teacher I value cultivating both awareness of self and awareness of environment. Seeing the land as something that can not only feed us, but heal us is an incredible asset. I teach cultivating inner awareness through yoga, qi gong, meditation and play. Coupling this with survival skills is at the core of our curriculum. I feel so grateful for this opportunity to both learn and teach what I value so deeply.
Community
Our keiki also have the opportunity to learn from many members of our community through field trips, guest teachers, family involvement, and volunteers. Unko George Kahumoku Jr. is one of our mentors in regenerative farming, music, and Hawaiian culture. We are so grateful to co-create a multi-generational learning environment.
