ECEC Welcomes New Leader

ECEC Welcomes New Leader
Posted on 11/14/2024
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When asked what inspires her about early childhood education, Dr. Michelle Kuamoo reflects on a quote from her favorite neighbor, Mr. (Fred) Rogers: “Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero to me.” Dr. Kuamoo, who begins her role as the new leader of the Early Childhood Education Center on Monday, November 18, said she’s excited to meet and support the ECEC’s inspiring heroes, including the teachers, support staff, parents, families, and Community members.

Dr. Kuamoo joins the ECEC with more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education, such as overseeing Head Start programming, in-depth knowledge of CCDF services, and consultancy work for Teaching Strategies Gold, through which she supported our ECEC program right here in Salt River.

“I am part Native Hawaiian, and I love learning about Indigenous cultural traditions, languages, and the importance of family and community,” Dr. Kuamoo said. “I am eager to learn more about the Community’s languages and traditions to support the continuity and preservation of the O’odham and Piipaash cultures.”

ECEC families will have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Kuamoo during her first week at the ECEC. The ECEC’s Acting Leader, Dr. Emily Niu, will continue to support Dr. Kuamoo and the ECEC for the next few weeks to ensure a smooth transition. Dr. Niu’s patience, expertise, and guidance has made a lasting and incredible impact for the staff, children, and families at the ECEC.

  • Thursday, Nov. 21: ECEC Family Meet & Greet at 5:30PM in the Gathering Place
  • Friday, Nov. 22: ECEC Family Meet & Greet at 7:30AM in the Gathering Place

Hailing from a long line of educators, including her mother, grandmother, and aunts with four decades of service respectively as elementary school teachers, Dr. Kuamoo knew she wanted to follow in her matriarchs’ footsteps and become an educator. She has done that – and then some. Dr. Kuamoo earned a doctorate of philosophy in educational leadership (PreK-12) from Capella University in Minnesota in 2008; her master’s in elementary education from Northern Arizona University in 1997; and her bachelor’s in early childhood education from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 1993.

When she’s not wearing her educator hat, Dr. Kuamo enjoys practicing yoga, the color purple, eating all kinds of food (everything is her favorite), hiking, traveling, cooking, and spending time with family. And if you’re wondering, her favorite animals are dogs and dolphins. Oh – and she loves to read. “My favorite book in Hawaii is Punky Aloha, by Shar Tuiasoa,” Dr. Kuamoo said. “It’s about a little Polynesian girl’s adventures as she uses her magic sunglasses to help find butter for her grandmother’s famous banana bread.”

ECEC and Salt River Schools leaders are eager to welcome Dr. Kuamoo to the Education team.

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