Ewa Plains Enrichment Programs, LLC

Meet the Staff

Founders Ms. Jessica Executive Director Mr. Lawrence Youth Director		Ms. Jessica and Mr. Lawrence are no strangers to raising a family. They have seven boys and cared for two foster children. Their older children are away in California and the Big Island attending college or working. Their younger children are home and excel in academics. All three of her younger children do very well on the SAT and Hawaii State Standard tests. They love sports or music. Because both were born and raised here, Jessica & Lawrence appreciate the uniqueness of cultural diversity and understand the challenges of raising eight children of their own in this state. The best staff are hired to carefully weave family needs and academics through a hands-on learning approach. As a parent, Jessica wanted a school that genuinely cared about the individual needs of the child, and to incorporate various learning styles. Having given birth to six boys and having other children in her home, she easily understands that each child is unique and that family is the foundation to quality education. Lawrence, an early education professional and Department of Transportation teen driving instructor, felt the programs needed to incorporate a wide range of ages. They created a summer program for parents who may want to keep their early education and elementary aged kids on the same site. Lawrence stated, "I enjoy being a positive role model for children and youth". In the late 80’s to early 90’s, Ms. Jessica worked on the Judiciary Committee, The Hawaii State Governors Sub-Task Force for Homeless Concerns and the National Coalition for Homeless Concerns representing Hawaii in Washington DC for two terms. She completed a two year certificate in church governing from Leadership Bible Institute in 1995 and has her Child Development Associates from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. In 2005 through 2007, she was involved with EWAlution and The Coalition for a Drug Free Hawaii. She is currently on the Planning Committee for Ewa Weed and Seed and actively volunteers with the Hale Pono Boys & Girls Club. Jessica was asked why she started this organization. She stated, "I was sure it was the right thing to do for families. I wanted others to benefit from what my children were personally benefiting from today - a healthy, solid early education experience." She truly wanted to bring a sense of Hawaii and the old ways of knowing families who live in the community and work together to keep it safe. She recalls her father, Kerry Luning, and great grandmother, Daisy Helehini Luning, who were English teachers, always emphasizing the need to have a firm education and strong family relationships. She dedicated her effort and love to her supportive family, who never stopped giving and helping others! This school is for the glory of Ke Akua (Father God) and our Lord Jesus. She recently was nominated to the Hawaii Chapter of the HAEYC as the Vice-President to legislate community funding, however, she turned down the nomination to take an executive board position with Youth with a Vision.
Ms. Susan Executive Administrator		Ms. Susan has many years of office managerial experience and currently owns and operates Hawaiian Isle Web Design. She started as a very involved parent from the day we opened the preschool in 2004. She had so much faith in the school she wanted to become a part of our vision! She built and designed our website and assists the Executive Director with community projects. The most recent achievement is 96706online.com.
Ms. Margaret Co-Director & Teacher		Ms. Margaret was born and raised in Maryland, where she received her Bachelors degree in Elementary/Early Childhood at Frostburg State University. She taught preschool for a year and a half at Creative Garden Preschool, then moved to Hawaii as a Nanny in 2004. She has been with Ewa Plains Enrichment Programs, LLC since 2005. She enjoys surfing, sailing and has an energetic spirit!
Ms. Billie Parent & Teacher Coordinator		Ms. Billie has worked with children’s church for seven years, and provided child care and bible studies for children in her home for many years. She worked with the DOE for 5 years with children aged 0 – 14 for autistic children. She has completed the baseline courses in early education through the Honolulu Community College PACE program and will soon complete her Child Development Associates from the HAEYC. She has 6 children of her own, and is currently raising three additional children for a wonderful number of nine children!
Ms. Nimfa Aide		Ms. Nimfa has two children of her own and has done childcare. She has worked with the DOE as a skills trainer in Kaimiloa. She has a take charge attitude, willing to jump in and assist wherever needed. She currently completed the NAEYC Early Education conference and training this year.
Ms. Jaime Assistant Teacher		Before coming to Hawaii , Ms. Jaime worked at the Primary Center in Wichita Kansas for 4 years. She taught Sunday School, did child care for several years and has completed three of the four years needed for her B.A. in Early Education. She has 2 children of her own and loves to care for children. Jaime is working with the children on word lists and shares in their joy when they are able to sound out words in preparation for reading. She is so happy to see their individual accomplishments when they are able to read to her.