Meet the New Faces on La Pietra's Campus
July 31st, 2023
Meet the new members of our La Pietra faculty and staff!
The beginning of the 2023-2024 school year is upon us! As we get ready to kick off the new school year, we would like to introduce you to some new faces you'll be seeing on campus, as well as some familiar faces in new roles. Please join us in welcoming all of our new faculty and staff members! Continue reading below to learn more about each of them.
Mr. MOKU DURANT
Mr. Durant joins La Pietra as a new English teacher. He was born and raised in Hawaii and has a passion for reading, film, and television. In his free time, he loves acting both onstage and on screen and also loves playing piano and guitar. He has also had extensive experience as musical director of high school productions across the island. Aside from that, he is always planning his next trip to Disneyland!
ms. emma lajoie
Ms. Emma Lajoie is a new math and science faculty member at La Pietra. Before moving to Hawaii, Ms. Lajoie lived in Texas and has always loved to travel. She spent the last year teaching math and science in Okinawa, Japan, where she met her husband. She also has three cats, plays the viola, and loves to hike and explore.
ms. KIRSTEN MAXWELL
Ms. Maxwell is thrilled to join the La Pietra community as Curriculum Coordinator! With a diverse background specializing in environmental science, math, and performing arts, she is passionate about developing meaningful interdisciplinary projects rooted in sustainability and future thinking that also reflect student identity and interests. Her goal is to make learning engaging and fun for everyone! In her free time, she loves playing music with friends and family, crafting and making art, and spending time in nature.
mr. cheyne nomura
Mr. Nomura is excited to be part of the La Pietra ‘ohana! Born and raised in Hawaii, he has worked as a high school English teacher, adjunct instructor at Hawaii Pacific University (alumnus), and school counselor. In his free time, he loves to watch movies and tries to keep up with multiple TV series at a time, voraciously read books (at least 100 per year), go running, perform and help at Diamond Head Theatre, and travel the world with his wife.
familiar faces, new roles
Ms. jennifer grems
Previously La Pietra's Dean of Academics & Faculty, Ms. Jennifer Grems begins a new role this school year as Interim Head of School. With nearly 30 years of experience in education, she brings with her an extensive knowledge of working with Hawaii’s youth. Ms. Grems is an avid runner who is inseparable from her dog, Buddy. Her go-to karaoke song is Debby Boone's "You Light Up My Life," and her lifelong dream was to be a puppeteer on Sesame Street.
MR. BENJAMIN ROOSEVELT
As Interim Dean of Academics, Mr. Benjamin Roosevelt will be there to help students with anything having to do with academics, including courses, credits, AP exams, and more. Previously, Mr. Roosevelt was an English teacher at La Pietra and has over twenty years of experience in education. He also has an administrative background from leadership positions held at previous schools.
MRs. GAY CHINEN
Mrs. Gay Chinen has been part of the La Pietra – Hawai‘i School for Girls community for the last 25 years and now serves as the Alumnae Engagement Coordinator. Over the years, she has held positions as the school's Dean of Students, Upper School Dean, and as an art teacher
