Administration and Support
Michael Stubbs
Head of SchoolOriginally from Maui, Michael lived in New York for 20-plus years, where he completed his undergraduate degree at Ithaca College. During his college years, he enrolled in a language and cultural immersion program in Seville, Spain and, as a result, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. He then moved to New York City and earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Manhattanville College. For seven years he put his education to work and taught various subjects, including language arts, math, social studies, and special education within two bilingual middle and high schools in Manhattan. He eventually found his way back to Maui and Kihei Charter School. At KCS, he taught humanities and Spanish for two years at the middle and high school divisions before taking on the position of high school director. He served in that role for two and a half years before being named the head of school. As always, his goal is to uphold the school’s mission and place the well-being of students as his highest priority.
Cheryl Zarro
Finance DirectorCheryl is a founder of Kihei Charter School and has dedicated time and efforts over the past 20 years towards establishing and then growing Kihei Charter School, first as a volunteer, later Cheryl joined as an employee of Kihei Charter School in 2004. Entrepreneurial endeavors have driven her to participate in diverse businesses over the years and youth programs: She has experience as a business owner and manager. Cheryl is active in the community and is currently serving on the Board of South Maui Learning ‘Ohana, Inc. the founding organization of Kihei Charter School. She is the proud mother of seven, three of whom are KCS alums, and four grandchildren.
Phill Schmidt
IT DirectorPhill adds his expertise in technology and experience, working for KCS since its first year. He has served the technology needs of the school for 23 years. He has multiple Microsoft certifications and Cisco security ratings. A graduate of Texas State University, Phill is dedicated to providing a secure and safe digital environment for all of KCS's students to thrive and reach their potential. His experience in adolescent psychiatric care, sports and school administration make him a high value team member and contributor to the KCS community.
John Colson
Educational ConsultantJohn brings to KCS over 35 years of management and teaching experience in both private and conversion charter schools. John, who has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Counseling originally came to Hawaii in 1973 on a basketball scholarship and returned to work for Chaminade in student services and coaching prior to joining Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA) in 1979. His wealth of experience at HPA and other prominent schools (Maui Prep, Kamehameha, Waimea Middle, Hualalai Academy and Kanu o ka ‘Aina) includes teaching, coaching, dorm parent, counselor, Dean, Principal, Headmaster and fund raiser. "I believe strongly in a set of Core Values that drive me and my schools."
Leslie Baldridge
Elementary School DirectorLeslie currently serves as the Director of the Elementary School. She has been with KCS for over 15 years and served in a variety of positions. Mrs. Baldridge is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton with a degree in Child/Adolescent Psychology. Additionally, she holds a graduate degree in Elementary Education and is licensed to teach Elementary and Special Education K-6, with additional certification in grades 5-9 Mathematics.
Pomai Pruett
Middle School DirectorBorn and raised on Maui, Pomai has been an educator for the past 20 years. She has a degree in United States and European History from the University of Hawaii at Hilo and is certified in elementary education. Pomai is currently the middle school director and has been at KCS for the past 5 years.
Ellen Federoff
High School DirectorEllen received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Southern California and her Masters in Teaching from Loyola Marymount University. Prior to joining the Kihei Charter School ‘ohana, she spent 10 years teaching 6th grade in Lawndale, California and six years as the Education Outreach Coordinator for the Maui Digital Bus. She is credentialed in both the State of Hawaii and California. Mrs. Federoff is originally from Southern California, where she played semi-professional volleyball for many years. She is now a very active paddler as she races outrigger canoes year-round, is the Program Manager of Kihei Canoe Club’s Na Opio program. She also sits on the Board of Directors of Na Wahine Ho`omana, a non-profit women’s support group here on Maui.
