Our Transition Specialists support KSK Alumni across various stages of their postsecondary journey, from planning their next step after high school to building long-term educational and career success. To provide focused, pathway relavent support, our team is structured into two specialized roles: 13–14 Transition Specialists and 15+ Transition Specialists.
Together, these roles ensure KSK Alumni are supported consistently over time, with a clear handoff as they move from planning to long-term follow-through.
College and Career Dean and 13-14 Transition Team
Years 1–2: The Initial Transition from High School
Our 13–14 Transition Specialists support students immediately after high school graduation. For the first two years, this team focuses on helping students explore options, make informed decisions, and develop a strong postsecondary plan.
Kathryn Kekaulike
Dean of College and Career
Anu Tufuga
13-14 Transition Specialist
Regions: UH Mānoa A-J, BYU System of Schools, Utah, Nevada, Religious Missions
International: Australia and New Zealand
Kaipo Chong
13-14 Transition Specialist
Regions: UH Community Colleges (except Hawaiʻi CC), UH West Oʻahu, Apprenticeships, Military, Workforce, and Undecided
Justin Wells
13-14 Transition Specialist
Regions: UH Mānoa O-Z, California
Monica Lum
13-14 Transition Specialist
Regions: Chaminade University, HPU, UH Mānoa (K-N), and East Coast
International: China, Ireland, Japan, United Kingdom, and South Korea
Shara Mahoe
13-14 Transition Specialist
Regions: UH Hilo, Hawaiʻi Community College, Arizona, Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin
Derrick Kang
13-14 Transition Specialist
Regions: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming
15+ Transition Team
Years 3–6: Strengthening and Sustaining Postsecondary Success
Beginning in year three after high school graduation, KSK Alumni transition to working with our 15+ Transition Specialists, who continue supporting them for years 3 through 6 of the program. This team focuses on helping students carry out, refine, and stay on track with the plans they developed earlier.
Malia Chong-Gossert
15+ Transition Specialist
Regions: HPU, Alaska, California Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming
Keʻalohi Day
15+ Transition Specialist
Regions: BYU System, UH Community Colleges, UH Hilo, UH West Oʻahu, UH Mānoa A-Z (c/o 2022) UH Mānoa A-K (c/o 2023), Utah, and Nevada
Tasha Kawamata Ryan
15+ Transition Specialist
Regions: Chaminade University, UH Mānoa L-Z (c/o 2023) East Coast, and Middle America
Regions
KSK Alumni are matched with a Transition Specialist region that aligns with their postsecondary plan so they receive guidance that fits their goals and experiences.
13-14 Regions
Years 1–2: The Initial Transition from High School
Kaipo Chong: UH Community Colleges (except Hawaiʻi CC), UH West Oʻahu, Apprenticeships, Military, Workforce, and Undecided
Derrick Kang: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming
Justin Wells: UH Mānoa O-Z, California
Monica Lum: Chaminade University, HPU, UH Mānoa (K-N), and East Coast
International: China, Ireland, Japan, United Kingdrom, and South Korea
Shara Mahoe: UH Hilo, Hawaiʻi Community College, Arizona, Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin
Anu Tufuga: UH Mānoa A-J, BYU System of Schools, Utah, Nevada, Religious Missions
International: Australia and New Zealand
15+ Regions
Years 3–6: Strengthening and Sustaining Postsecondary Success
Malia Chong-Gossert: HPU, Alaska, California Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming
Keʻalohi Day: BYU System, UH Community Colleges, UH Hilo, UH West Oʻahu, UH Mānoa A-Z (c/o 2022) UH Mānoa A-K (c/o 2023), Utah, and Nevada
Tasha Kawamata Ryan: Chaminade University, UH Mānoa L-Z (c/o 2023) East Coast, and Middle America