Administration and Support

Michael Stubbs

Head of School

Originally 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 stepping into an interim position directing the high school. As a result of his hard work and success, Mr. Stubbs was recently named the Director of the High School. As director, his goal is always to uphold the school’s mission and place the well being of students as his highest priority.

Cheryl Zarro

Finance Director

Cheryl 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 experiences 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 Director

Phill 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.

Leslie Baldridge

Elementary School Director

Leslie currently serves as the Director of the Elementary School. She has been with KCS for over 10 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.

Ellen Federoff

High School Director, Head Coach-Paddling

Ellen 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.

John Colson

Educational Consultant

John 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."

Lisa Whitten

Student Services Coordinator, 504 Care Coordinator, ELL Coordinator

Lisa joined the Kihei Public Charter School (KPCS) staff in 2015. Born and raised on the island of Maui, Lisa grew up attending public schools on Maui's West Side; graduating from Lahainaluna High School. She then obtained an Associate of Liberal Arts at UH Maui College, a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from the University of Phoenix (Maui campus), and a Master of Education in School Counseling from Liberty University. Lisa is nearly finished working on an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction/Special Education from Liberty University. She enjoys traveling, picnics, and watching movies with her family. Two of Lisa's three children graduated from KPCS and went on to college. Her youngest is still in elementary school, and Lisa looks forward to eventually seeing her daughter also learn 21st Century Skills at KPCS.

Pomai Pruett

Middle School Director

Born 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.