Mele Andrade, she/her Director of Community Engagement and Training

Mele is a mom of 4, grandmother of 1, from Wailuku, Maui. She is so thankful to be able to raise her keiki in this special place we call home. Mele has been working with children and families for over 20 years, doing home visiting and family engagement. Mele's passion is making sure that all children are able to live and thrive here, learning & living the value of aloha. Mele has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. Mele is also trained as a PLTI Site Coordinator and COFI Phase 1 & 2 Facilitator. In her free time, Mele enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach and hiking.

Krystal Baba, she/her Senior Manager of Research, Evaluation, and Learning

Where sushi meets adobo, Legos scatter across the floor, taking the dog out counts as cardio, driving manual is still cool, and there’s no such thing as too many shoes—there, you’ll find Krystal. She embraces narrative healing as both a practice and purpose. With a Master of Public Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration with a concentration in Management, and an Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice, Krystal brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and lived experience. Her work is grounded in public policy, trauma awareness, domestic violence, prevention, and anti-human trafficking efforts. Krystal remains committed to uplifting others through service, storytelling, and liberating change.

Mai Kapuaoʻihilani Mei-Lin Hall Family Engagement Specialist

Mai was born and raised in Kalihi, Oʻahu. As a former preschool teacher, public school teacher, Hawaiian culture Kumu, and non-profit program manager, Mai brings a diverse perspective to the field of early learning, having served as an early childhood advocate for over 18 years. She has worked and volunteered in a variety of settings, including center-based care, family child care, family-child interaction learning programs, shelters, the Department of Education, and Kamehameha Schools.

Mai received both her B.Ed. and M.Ed. from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with an emphasis in early childhood education and Hawaiian culture. She has served on the Executive Board for the Hawaiʻi affiliate chapter of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (HiAEYC) for seven years, which fueled her advocacy efforts for preschool providers and children. Mai serves as the Co-Chair of the Honolulu Community Children’s Council (CCC) and as a parent representative on the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC), advocating for children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. As a parent of two children with disabilities, she is committed to improving systems, services, and positive outcomes for our keiki.

Noelle Zimdahl ‘Ohana Leadership Council Member

Noelle is a wife and mother of three, who always starts her day with a warm cup of coffee & school carpool. Her passion for advocacy came from learning to use her own voice to elevate her children’s diverse social, emotional, medical, and educational needs. During PLTI, Noelle honed her own advocacy skills and gained confidence. Her passion evolved to include helping others in her community realize that they are leaders and their voices are powerful, so she became a PLTI and COFI (Phases 1 & 2) facilitator. Noelle’s current advocacy work includes advancing education for students with learning differences and improving the education, response to, and healing for individuals and families with a history of adverse childhood experiences. Noelle’s greatest joy in life is watching her keiki pursue their passions, grow into their voices, and become advocates themselves.