ENGAGE

STATEWIDE

15 ➡️ 34

‘OLC Council Members...

• Attend 1-hour meetings, twice a month
• Join workshops regarding community organizing, grassroots advocacy, and storytelling
• Meet with lawmakers and media
• Raise community awareness
• Coordinate and attend community events
• Engage in public speaking
• Connect with other community leaders
• Mobilize voting districts and so much more!

Currently, ‘OLC Council Members advocate from 4 different islands! Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Maui, and Hawai‘i

Since ‘OLC's inception in April 2023, members have...

Attended Opening Day 2025, met with lawmakers, submitted testimony, and hosted their first "Meet & Greet" on Kaua‘i. They'll be in Hilo next!

‘OLC continues to grow! We started with 15 council members (2023-2024), grew to 23 members (2024-2025), and are now made up of 34 council members, who are serving until May 2026.

Former council members have...

Returned to school, including law school, accepted a position with HCAN, or moved forward in other public service careers.

Ale Coletti

Ale is a mother, early childhood educator, and visionary leader dedicated to protecting the sacredness of childhood. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Hawai‘i and has spent over a decade working alongside families and young children in both school and community settings. As the founder of Sacred Childhood LLC on Kaua‘i, Ale creates nature-based camps, guided hikes, and family programs rooted in play, presence, and connection to the ‘āina. In 2025, she stepped into the role of Director at a play-based preschool, where she leads with heart, believing early learning should honor the whole child—mind, body, spirit, and ancestry. As a dedicated mom, Ale draws from both professional knowledge and lived experience to support others in reclaiming trust in childhood. Her vision is to help shift systems and stories from control to connection, where children are free to explore, families feel supported, and communities thrive together. Through her role with the ‘OLC, she is devoted to uplifting Hawai‘i's families and helping shape a future rooted in care, kuleana, and collective healing.

Anna Harmon

Bio coming soon!

Brandee Carvalho

Brandee is a proud parent leader who is passionate about her community. She serves as a member of the E Ola Hou Prevent Suicide Task Force and is a certified trainer for Youth Suicide and Bullying Prevention with Mental Health America of Hawai‘i. She is a 2021 graduate of PLTI who looks forward to her second year as a facilitator. Brandee continues to advocate for mental health and suicide prevention #Passion4Prevention. She continues to advocate for our local families and pressing issues like the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and Paid Family and Medical Leave. Also, Brandee is the Co-host of the KISS Morning Show with Ed Kanoi and a full-time Media Consultant with Pacific Media Group, Hawai‘i's leading and locally owned, multi-platform media company. Most of all, Brandee enjoys spending time and making memories with her ‘ohana.

Christen Zulli

Christen is a Reproductive Neurobiology Coach and Communications Consultant with a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology. She is a writer, artist, activist, and mother who passionately shares her wisdom around menstruation, female-specific disability, women's rights, and being an advocate/advocacy educator for females and families.

Dawn-L Estrella

Bio coming soon!

Dianne Bowen-Coleman

Dr. Dianne Bowen-Coleman serves as the Statewide Human Trafficking Abatement Coordinator in the Special Investigation & Prosecution Division of the Department of the Attorney General. With extensive experience working with non-profits focused on the well-being of children, teens, young adults, and their families, Dianne is deeply committed to her community. A graduate of the 2020-2021 Hawai‘i HCAN PLTI cohort, Dianne has contributed significantly as a site coordinator and facilitator. Her dedication to educating others reflects her passion for fostering positive change for keiki and ‘ohana. Dianne graduated summa cum laude from the Royal University of Groningen School of Medicine in Groningen, The Netherlands, where she received her Medical Doctorate and Master of Science degrees and continued to their Pediatric residency program. Her academic journey began at Chatham College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. Outside of her professional work, Dianne is a member of the James Campbell High School Academy of Health Sciences Advisory Board, the Indigenous Education Institute Board of Directors, and the Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma planning committee, where she serves as a subcommittee co-chair. She is also a member of the Ho`omaluhia Advisory Council, a Grief Share facilitator, and has trained in Forgiveness and Mindfulness. Dianne is guided by three Hawaiian values that resonate with her personal and professional life: ho‘omau (perseverance), kākou (inclusivity), and ka lā hiki ola (optimism and promise). Her passion for justice, education, advocacy, public health, and volunteerism drives her work and strengthens her connection to the communities she serves. "I passionately believe that every child deserves a safe, healthy, supportive, and nurturing environment in which to grow, learn, achieve, and thrive. I am humbled and honored to be able to serve my community and to help effect positive change."

Elle Hauschild

Elle is a passionate advocate for healthy, safe and supported keiki in Hawaiʻi. She first connected with HCAN during an IMUA event at the Maui Ocean Center, where she attended with her daughter. Inspired by HCAN's mission and the importance of supporting families, Elle became particularly interested in advocating for Paid Leave policies to support new parents across Hawaiʻi. A dedicated mother herself, Elle is also a licensed acupuncturist and an avid hula dancer, deeply rooted in her community and it’s culture. She brings compassion, cultural awareness, and a strong presence to local advocacy work.

Erin Vierra-Villanueva

Erin is an immensely proud NICU Mom-E to her 1 lb micropreemie born at 25 weeks. Having had to spend almost 3 years in and out of the hospital for their medically complex son, she and her wife are fierce advocates for Maternal Mental Health, Paid Family Leave, and parent peer support for families of young children with complex medical needs. At heart, she deeply cares about people and works to be inclusive and uplifting for all types of families, LGBTQI+, single parents, kupuna caregivers, foster families, and so on. Erin was born and raised on O'ahu and has an educational background in Early Childhood Education and Family Resources. She has over 20 years of experience working with families with children ages 0-18 within the Department of Education, and for the last 10 years, in preschool settings with a specialization in Infant and Toddler care. Erin is committed to strengthening her community in Kalihi and has held different roles that range from Early Head Start classroom teacher, Home Visitor, Family Support Worker, and Parent Educator that help to empower families at Parents And Children Together. Erin has been a Parents As Teachers Model Certified Parent Educator professional for the past four years, and is a former Association for Infant Mental Health Hawaii (AIMHHI) Fellowship participant. She is currently completing her Infant Massage USA certification program. When not working, she enjoys family time at the beach and bodyboarding when the south swell is up!

Heidi-Ann Allencastre

Heidi-Ann was born and raised on Maui. She is a proud single mother of three keiki. Currently, she is completing her Bachelor's in Social Work at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health. She has a passion for helping families and keiki from Maui County. Being a single mother and raising keiki in Maui, she knows firsthand how extremely hard it can be. She is determined to help break down some of the systemic barriers, which prevent local ‘ohana from thriving in their homelands. Heidi-Ann's hope is every parent learns to be their child's number-one advocate and hopes through ‘OLC, she can help give a voice to all Hawai‘i families.

James Kapule Torio Jr.

J. Kapule Torio Jr. is a dedicated advocate for Hawaiian culture and the environment, with extensive experience in land stewardship and education. His passion for ‘āina (land) is evident in his work with diverse groups, from keiki to kūpuna, where he has shared his knowledge and love for the land.

Currently serving as the Farm Manager and Program Director at Kukulu Kumuhana o Anahola, Kapule oversees initiatives that promote sustainable agricultural practices and community engagement. His commitment to conservation aligns seamlessly with his work at the Hawaiian Land Trust, where he strives to protect and preserve the unique ecosystems of Hawaii. Additionally, his involvement with the Kahili Beach Preserve showcases his dedication to environmental stewardship and habitat restoration.

As a father of three sons, Kapule embodies the qualities of a strong yet gentle leader, offering mentorship and inspiration to those seeking to connect with their roots and embrace their identity. Alongside his life partner, Lorilani, he is a passionate advocate for keiki and ‘ohana, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride. Through his work and personal life, Kapule Torio Jr. exemplifies the essence of Kane energy—nurturing, supportive, and steadfast. E Ola!

Jason Estrella

Jason is Dawn-L's husband, who has been his best friend for 40 years. He is a father to their wonderful son and daughter, Ka‘aumoana and Kealohilani. Jason leans on his faith. He is a life-long learner, an activist, an advocate, and a kia‘i. He believes in relationships and lives for elevating and loving on our communities and Aloha ‘Āina.

Joanna G. Kwon

Joanna is committed to creating a brighter future for children and supporting families within her community. As the first generation in her family to take on a leadership role, she has embraced this responsibility from a young age. Born and raised on O‘ahu, Joanna is an alumna of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and has gained diverse experience working across the island. Her deep passion for early childhood education has guided her through various roles, including classroom teacher, family advocate, and health professional. Currently, she collaborates with pediatricians at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, focusing on supporting children with developmental delays and behavioral concerns, as well as addressing their families' socio-economic needs. In addition to her professional experience, Joanna is a mother of three young children, giving her a personal understanding of the challenges faced by families in Hawai‘i. She is enthusiastic about contributing to ‘OLC and making a positive impact.

Joëll Edwards

Bio coming soon!

Kristy Arias

Kristy was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawai‘i in Hilo. Her husband, Richard, and her have two keiki. Kristy's son, Rylan, has a neurological disorder called Tourette Syndrome, which started off her passion for spreading awareness in her community. Kristy is a volunteer for Tourette Association of America, and is the Chairperson for the NorCal-Hawai‘i Chapter. Being involved in her community has taught Kristy so much and opened her eyes to unfortunate circumstances, which has increased her passion for spreading awareness and advocating not only for her son, but members in her community.

Leilani Kailiawa

Leilani supports her family in Hilo while caring for her child's medical and special needs, most of which their family navigated resources on their own. Through her lived experience, she can support her role with Leadership in Disabilities and Achievement of Hawai‘i. She has worked since the age of 15 and is now starting her own business. She understands the need for financial stability while balancing the importance of family. While working hard, Leilani earned an Associate of Liberal Arts and Teaching. There are many different values of Leilani, but most importantly... community work! For the last 15 years, she continues to volunteer with Aloha Council (Boy Scouts) through various positions.

Lorilani Keohokalole

A devoted mother of four and wife to fellow Aloha ‘Āina advocate Kapule Torio, Lorilani Keohokalole has dedicated over 25 years to Hawaiian education across homeschool, private, and charter schools. Her work emphasizes the integration of Hawaiian plants, art, and wahi pana studies, enriching the cultural foundation of her students. Residing in the Moku of Puna, Lorilani's work spans the entire Mokupuni but Ko‘olau moku has a special place in her heart, since this moku provided space for her ‘Ohana to be birthed on the ‘āina thus solidifying their pilina to wahi pana.
Currently, Lorilani serves as the Technical Training Assistance Field Outreach Specialist at Pouhana o Na Wahine, a Native Hawaiian Resource Center focused on addressing gender-based violence. In this role, she empowers communities through education and resources, embodying her commitment to service.

Together with Kapule, they have made it their life's work to serve the Kaiāulu and Lāhui, reflecting their deep dedication to nurturing and uplifting their community. Lorilani's extensive experience also includes years of community advocacy, policy, and research, showcasing her passion for promoting the well-being of Native Hawaiians.

Lukas Petersons

Lukas moved to O‘ahu in 2016 and is a single father of two wonderful children. With a robust background in the construction industry, Lukas brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his role as an advocate for ‘OLC. Driven by a profound belief in the importance of parental advocacy, Lukas champions initiatives that prioritize children's well-being, education, and future prospects. Recognizing the critical role of father advocates in shaping policies that impact the lives of Hawai‘i's youth, Lukas is dedicated to promoting health, safety, and educational opportunities for all children across the state. Through his unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit, Lukas strives to foster a brighter future for Hawai‘i's families and communities as a member of OLC. In his free time, Lukas enjoys playing golf, reading, volunteering, and advocating for parent rights.

Lynn Nguyen

Lynn was born and raised on the island of O‘ahu and is an alumni of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Lynn is passionate and involved in many different areas, including social work, education, healthcare, public health, and education. Lynn has experience working with locally underserved families and children ranging from the ages of 0 to 18. Lynn is also on the board of the Hawai‘i Society for Technology in Education. In her free time, Lynn enjoys being outdoors and going on adventures with family and friends.

Maiya Arias

Maiya is 24 years old from Hilo and a proud advocate for keiki. Through supporting her brother with Tourette syndrome and learning alongside her mother, it led to meeting amazing people fighting for each other's causes. Currently working as a phlebotomist, she hopes to continue to learn and grow in her career in behavioral intervention training with keiki and continue to assist in ways to help the children in our community to thrive. Maiya looks forward to learning how to support her community and take part in more advocacy roles for better outcomes. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, eating comfort and new foods, and listening to music.

Malie Contrades

Bio coming soon!

Moanike‘ala Muna

Moani is a child sexual violence survivor. Moani has wanted to leave this realm on earth since she was a little girl, as young as she can remember. Being harmed by those who were entrusted to care for her altered everything in her life. Moani is the mom of five children and the Kūkū of eight grandchildren. Moani has spent her life trying to undo the harm, which was done to her, so her children and grandchildren could live in a safe world. Moani worked as a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner for the County of Hawai‘i from 2007-2010. Moani was specially trained by the Hawai‘i Department of Health to review facility Policy and Procedures, sentinel event documentation, medical records, and perform comprehensive forensic reviews when she worked to eliminate the use or restraints and seclusion in pediatric facilities in Hawai‘i. At the end of 2022, Moani started speaking about the violence she faced as a child and will speak up for the vulnerable. ‘Anihinihi ke ola.

Natalya DeArman

Bio coming soon!

Noelle Zimdahl

Noelle was born on O‘ahu and grew up all over the world. Noelle was blessed to return to Hawai‘i with her husband and three children. She is dedicated to advocating for the diverse social, emotional, medical and educational needs of children and families in Hawai‘i. Noelle believes in educating and elevating parents as leaders, advocates, and professionals within their child’s life. She is a PLTI Alumni, continued to become a PLTI facilitator, and has most recently, become a COFI Facilitator with HCAN. Joining ‘OLC, Noelle brings the passion to improve the education of students with learning differences and working to improve the education, response and healing for those individuals and families with a history of adverse childhood experiences. When she is not busy with carpooling, she enjoys continuing her education to better serve the community, watching her keiki pursue their passions, stargazing, and, of course, relaxing at the beach.

Pua‘ena Vierra-Villanueva

‘Ano ‘ai kākou, ‘o au nō ‘o Pua‘ena. No O‘ahu mai au. Noho au i Waiau. ‘O Honolulu ku‘u one hānau. Hānai a mālama au i nā keiki i He‘eia, Kāne‘ohe, a me Kalihi. ‘O Ko‘olau ku‘u mauna. ‘O Kawahaokamanō ku‘u kai. He Hawai‘i au. As a Māmā to a NICU warrior and an Infant/Toddler Educarer, Pua‘ena envisions a Hawai‘i where kamali‘i use ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i and thrive in their homes, lāhui, and ‘āina. Where they can confidently learn and grow in ‘ike Hawai‘i, native Hawaiian, multiethnic, and multilingual society and personal identity. Access to basic needs and cultural and educational resources for all families and keiki drives my kuleana. Aloha for keiki, ‘ohana, and Hawai‘i has always guided her kuleana. Pua‘ena's educational background in Hawaiian-Pacific Studies and Early Childhood Education from Honolulu Community College and the University of Hawai‘i-West O‘ahu has helped her to continue her journey of leadership and advocacy. She hopes her experience in college-based lab preschools, Hawaiian medium programs, Family Child Interactive Learning preschools, and as a parent will help her role as an agent of change.

Regina Corniel

Regina was born and raised on the beautiful island of Maui, where she continues to dedicate her life to service, advocacy, and community empowerment. She is married to Chase and is the proud mother of three sons: Mykah, a Maui Police Department trainee; Ezra, who was born with Bilateral Microtia and is Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH); and Noa, who has been diagnosed with Autism. Regina's journey as a mother has fueled her passion for advocacy, especially for children and families with disabilities. She actively works with organizations such as the Autism Society of Hawai‘i, The Ear Community, and Autism Speaks. As a parent partner with LDAH (Learning Disabilities Association of Hawai‘i), and a committee member of the Early Learning Working Group (ELWG) and the DHH Family Group, Regina is deeply involved in shaping inclusive support systems for Hawai‘i's keiki. A proud alumna of the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI), Regina is also a champion of the Hawai‘i Children's Action Network (HCAN), where she continues to lend her voice to policy and community initiatives. In 2025, Regina earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Central State University. She has also served her community as an appointed employee in Mayor Richard Bissen's administration, bringing her lived experience, leadership, and heart to local government.

Reinalyn Terrado

Rein works as a Community Engagement Specialist of Hawai‘i Appleseed. Before joining Appleseed, Rein worked as a disability rights outreach advocate for the unserved and underserved population across Hawai‘i. She also worked as a parent consultant to help families and schools understand the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and how to use it to benefit children with all disabilities. She is a voting member of the Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities (DD Council). She is also a PLTI alumna. Rein has an educational background in journalism, communication management, and theology and divinity. She was born and raised in the Philippines and has called Hawai‘i home since 2007. Rein lives in Ewa Beach with her husband and two children. She is passionate about issues impacting the unserved and underserved communities, immigrant populations, and individuals with disabilities in Hawai‘i, economic justice included.

Shaniya Penrose

Bio coming soon!

Star Kemfort

Star is a wife and a mother of three. She recently graduated from PLTI on Maui and has now become a Parent Leader for Family Hui Hawai‘i and will be starting her first hui here on Maui at Kenolio Apartments. Star looks forward to learning and growing in her advocacy role to work towards a better future for our Keiki here in Hawai‘i.

Tara Mossman

Aloha ‘E, ‘O wai Tara Mossman kou inoa. Tara is excited to return and be a part of ‘OLC where she looks forward to learning, growing, and advocating for the safety, health, and education of our nā keiki a me nā ‘ohana o Hawai‘i. Also, she is a graduate of the '24-'25 PLTI Cohort. Currently, Tara is a student at Kapi‘olani Community College and a dedicated mother to her 12-year-old son, Luke, who was born with trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, health challenges and conditions, and has special needs. Tara's key aspirations is to ensure our Hawai‘i families can continue to live in the place they know and love, without feeling the need to leave their home. She is passionate about creating a supportive and nurturing environment for all families in our community.

Topsy Romero

Bio coming soon!

Tricia-Lee Lum Ho

Bio coming soon!

Walker Rowsey

Bio coming soon!

Wendy Taylor

Wendy is a licensed and registered pharmacist with over 28 years of experience. Throughout her career, she has served in both staff pharmacist and pharmacy manager roles. Wendy has successfully opened and established multiple pharmacies, focusing on fiscal efficiency and creating productive work environments. Her efforts have led to financial growth and the delivery of quality, personalized care in highly saturated, underserved, and marginalized communities. In addition to her professional work, Wendy is deeply involved in community service, supporting initiatives that advocate for and provide care to children and families. She champions disability inclusion, education, health, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) equity. Wendy is a member of ‘OLC and has served as a parent leader, having graduated from the Parent Leaders Teaching Institute (PLTI), participated in the Hawai‘i Positive Engagement Project, and served as the PTSO President of her community charter school. Wendy serves on the Government Affairs Committee of the Hawai‘i Pharmacists Association and the Public Policy Committee of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Hawai‘i. Additionally, she volunteers for the American Red Cross at Tripler Army Medical Center. She serves as a Community Scientist at the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Research Center, where she also acts as a patient advocate. Wendy also has experience as a former Hawai‘i Food + Policy Intern, where she advocated for sustainable food systems in Hawai‘i. Wendy holds a degree in Pharmacy from Drake University and a degree in Healthcare Management from Bellevue University. She is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Public Health with a focus on Health Policy and Management at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Wendy is a Certified Health and Wellbeing Coach, a Physical Activity and Public Health Specialist, a Maternal Support Provider, and a MCH-LEND Fellow. Wendy is also a proud mother of three exceptional children.

Zane Lacaden

Zane is the Station Manager of Akamai Broadcasting in Maui, where he oversees programming, partnerships, and community engagement. With more than two decades of experience in media, marketing, and youth mentorship, Zane has held leadership roles across broadcasting, retail, and nonprofit sectors. He is also part of "The Morning Vibe" on 98.7 The Vibe, where his energy, humor, and authentic voice connect with listeners daily. His career reflects a commitment to innovation in media and a passion for strengthening Hawai‘i's communities through storytelling, mentorship, and creative outreach.