Kawena Martinez
Ms. Kawena Martinez represents the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) on the ACS WASC Commission. Kawena is a first generation, college graduate raising her family At a very young age, she knew she wanted to help others and loved education, in all forms! Upon completing her K-12 education, she earned her Bachelors degree in Psychology from California State University, Northridge in 2005. After graduating with her M.S. in Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services with PPS Credential at California Lutheran University in 2010, she moved to Pu’uloa in the ‘Ewa Moku on the island of O’ahu. She served as the music and ELL teacher for the first year and a half at Ewa Beach Elementary public school. She was then offered a full-time school counselor position, learning and growing personally and professionally in the community. During this time, she has served on many school committees, served as advisor to Student Council, served as a member of a WASC visiting team, and worked closely with school leadership. Most recently, she has taken a position at Kamalani Academy public charter school, servicing students in Kindergarten to 8th grade. She looks forward to educating, connecting, and inspiring the hearts and minds of students in her lifetime dedication to serving our youth.