The people who teach and work at HELP come from a wide background of language use and experience. Our close affiliation with the renowned Department of Second Language Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi makes us a solid choice for ESL/EFL learning, but it is our teachers and staff members that truly make us a unique institution. We simply think we have the best of the best!
Joel Weaver – Director
I was born and grew up in Kinshasa, Congo in central Africa. I came to Hawaii in 1986 to get my Master’s degree in teaching English, and have taught English at all levels in Africa, Micronesia, California, and Hawaii. I have been a teacher trainer, materials developer and language school administrator as well. Here at HELP, I am honored to lead a wonderful team of teachers and administrators who pour their hearts and minds into providing an absolutely incredible experience for all who come here to study. In my free time, I like spending time with my family and enjoying the ocean and other natural wonders of Hawaii. Come join us here in paradise–the most remote and most beautiful islands in the world. My staff and I are eager to give you the chance of a lifetime to learn English and store up golden memories to carry home!
Gina Redila – Assistant Director
I was born in the Philippines, moved to Guam when I was 3, came to Hawaii at 17, and have lived here a little over 30 years. I have a BA in Humanities, with a specialization in English Literature, an MA in Adult Education and Training from the University of Phoenix, and a second MA in TESOL from Hawaii Pacific University. I have been with HELP since 2013 and enjoyed every minute of it! In my free time, I like to hang out with my family every chance I get, and of course, cook for others when I can. As a former ESL learner, I was inspired to give back to the community like many teachers before me—dedicating their time and talent to diverse learners of English. HELP has an awesome academic English program and a learning environment full of many dedicated instructors. E komo mai!
Kimberly Imamura – Registrar & Front Office Manager
Aloha! I was born and raised here in sunny Hawaii on the Leeward side of Oahu. I graduated with a BBA in Human Resource Management from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a minor in Japanese. For three years, I was a participant on the JET program in snowy Nagano, Japan, where I taught English to Elementary and Jr. High school students. Upon returning to Hawaii, I received my Masters of Education in Educational Administration for Higher Education. Here in Hawaii, I love hiking, shopping, and karaoke. Where there’s snow, I love snowboarding, and at HELP, I love helping out students! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to drop by the Front Office and we will do our best to “HELP” you out.
Caitlyn Cagaoan – Admin & Fiscal Support
Hello! Born and raised here in the Aloha State, I also graduated from UH Manoa. I lived in sister city Uwajima, Japan for five years while on the JET Program and taught English to learners from middle school students to adults. When I returned to Hawaii, I assisted with the Diverse Learners Program at University Laboratory School before coming to work at HELP. I’ve also traveled to Korea, Philippines, Thailand, France, and New Zealand. In my free time, I love watching dramas and reading manga. I enjoy listening to a wide variety of music, so give me your recommendations! Come by to the Front Office, we’re here to HELP!
Chris Folan – Study & Stay Housing Coordinator
Aloha and welcome to Hawaii. I am originally from Seattle and earned my BSEE from the University of Washington. I also attended the University of San Francisco pursuing an MBA in International Business.
I’ve lived in San Francisco, Hong Kong and now Hawaii working in education, sales, marketing and management positions.
I was responsible for managing and launching education programs in Asia, this expanded to worldwide responsibility.
We moved to Honolulu to raise our two young children, Jesse and Elise. My kids are in college pursuing their dreams.
My interests include travel, tennis, pickleball, swimming, snorkeling, walking, skiing, reading and hanging out with my family and friends.
Stacey Kastar – Study & Stay Housing Coordinator
Aloha future students! I want to welcome you to your temporary Pacific island home. I am an Alaskan who has spent 20+ years on Oahu where I graduated from UHM. I have experienced homestay as a student as well as dorm life. Travelled to approximately 35 countries, and very much love to learn about cultural differences and similarities between the world’s populations. I have a son. We enjoy hiking the Oahu trails and jumping in the ocean. I think when young people open their minds to foreign experiences, it enriches them forever. Come and enrich your life ! see you soon. Stacey
Kristen Urada – Internship Coordinator & Instructor
Aloha! My name is Kristen and I was born and raised right here on the island of Oahu! I graduated with three Bachelor of Arts degrees in Biology, Japanese, and Second Language Studies from the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa (UHM). I then earned my Master of Arts degree in 2018 in Second Language Studies at UHM. Currently, I am a PhD candidate in Second Language Studies at UHM with research interests in task-based language teaching and Hawaiʻi Creole (more commonly referred to as Pidgin by us locals). On the fun side, I have four dogs and so most of my free time is spent spoiling them. If I’m not with my dogs, I’m out foodventuring.
Michael Augustine – Instructor
Aloha. I was born in New Jersey and grew up near Philadelphia. I started off my teaching career in geography at Florida State University. My teaching of geography consequently spurred me to explore the world and live outside the U.S. To make that dream a reality, and at the same time continue doing what I love (teaching), I decided to pursue EFL teaching jobs overseas. In 2015, I moved to Taiwan to start my new career. I spent three and a half wonderful years there. I’ve now been living in Hawaii since early 2019 and am grateful to say I’m still doing what I love with the HELP program. My favorite places are near the ocean and in the mountains. I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the University of Hawaii and to be working with HELP. I hope to see you around!
Kiki Chaisong – Instructor
I grew up in Isan, northeastern Thailand, and later moved to Norway, where I studied, taught, and lived for several years before continuing my education in the United States. I am currently a PhD student in the Department of Second Language Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where my research focuses on emotion and culture in second language acquisition.
Growing up in a multilingual and multidialectal environment sparked my interest in languages and cultures. I speak several languages, including Isan, Thai, Norwegian, English, and some Japanese. Having studied in different countries and always through languages other than my home language, I understand the challenges international students may experience when learning and studying in another language. In my teaching, I aim to support students in building confidence and recognizing that their linguistic and cultural backgrounds are valuable strengths that make their perspectives unique.
In my free time, I enjoy traveling, exploring different foods, and spending time with my cat, Pearl.
Grace Choi – Instructor
I am originally from Korea, but I have been living in Hawaii for over 15 years. I got my MA in Second Language Studies with a specialization in second language acquisition in 2005 and the Advanced Graduate Certificate in Second Language Studies (AGC) in 2006 from UH. I have been with HELP since 2004, and I really feel blessed to be a part of this wonderful program. I have taught English to all age groups, and I enjoy meeting and interacting with students from around the world. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family and go walking. Hawaii is a perfect place to live and HELP is in the center of Hawaii. I hope you will join us in Hawaii and become a part of our amazing HELP family.
Robbieana Leung – Instructor
Aloha!
After 15 exciting years of teaching, I am convinced that students learn best when having fun! I love creating interactive experiences where learners feel comfortable, curious, and confident using English to engage with the world. Whether strumming the ukulele to practice conversation or leading cultural exchange and service learning, I enjoy making learning meaningful and memorable—don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing and dancing to local songs in my class!
Growing up across Hawaiʻi, Australia, New Jersey, Hong Kong, and Singapore sparked my lifelong interest in international programs. Since 2010, I have taught in 10 locales—from the Thai jungles and Algerian deserts to Easter Island moai, across the seven seas aboard Peace Boat, and throughout the Philippines, Hong Kong, and China.
In Hawaii, I have taught English for Specific Purposes at the University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Pacific, Hawaiʻi Tokai International College, and Kapiʻolani Community College. My courses—Tourism and Culture, International Business, Globalization, Academic Writing, and Communication—help students use English confidently in professional, academic, and everyday contexts.
When I’m not in class, you can find me traveling (80 countries and counting!), volunteering to malama aina, saving my Duolingo streak, biking for mochi ice cream, dancing hula at church, or giving dogs belly rubs!
Timothy Martin – Instructor
Hello All, I’m Tim. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to teach in several countries including Turkey, Thailand, and Japan. I have met many delightful students along the way. The pleasure has been all mine.
Emma Mason – Instructor
Aloha, I’m Emma Mason, a military kid who’s lived everywhere! I joined HELP in 2024 after spending a year teaching English in Hyogo, Japan with the JET Program. I graduated with a BA from the Second Language Studies Department here at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa in 2023 and now I’m currently pursuing an MA in Second Language Studies. In my free time, I enjoy binge watching TV dramas and playing video games with my friends! I enjoy making international friends and creating cross cultural connections through English learning. I will strive to make your experience here at HELP memorable and I can’t wait to meet you in the classroom!
Tad Matsunaga – Instructor
Tad Matsunaga started working with HELP in the summer of 2022. He has taught Special Summer Programs, Writing, Reading, and currently International Business, also Tourism Workshop.
I enjoy meeting HELP’s International Students from China, Japan, Brazil, Korea, France, etc. One of my greatest joys is seeing students realize that their time spent in Hawai’i and with HELP has indeed transformed their lives and changed them to be better than before.
Maihan Nguyen – Instructor
My name is Mai Nguyen, and I have been a teacher at HELP since 2022. I got a degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and I have a passion of teaching English to second language learners because I am a second language learner myself.
In my free time, I like to read and write about teacher-student interaction in classrooms. I also like to watch YouTube videos about foods and travel in different countries. I think it is the best way to learn about people, their cultures, and their values around the globe.
Magdalena Petko – Instructor
Originally from Kiel, Germany, I have lived in Hawai’i for over eleven years now. I have a BA in Second Language Studies and German and an MA degree in Second Language Studies from the University of Hawai’i. I joined the HELP ‘Ohana’ in January 2020 as a teacher. ‘Ohana’ means family in Hawaiian and describes how it feels to be a part of this program. When I am not teaching at HELP, I like to spend time with my husband, children, and friends. You can find me in the ocean (surfing, swimming, snorkeling) or exploring the island trails. Come join our program so we can create memories together!
Jasmine Stevens – Instructor
I’m originally from Michigan, but I moved to Hawaii 10 years ago! I graduated with a BA from the Second Language Studies Department here at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and I’m pursuing my MA in TESOL from Arizona State University. In addition, I received my Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) in 2019. I joined the HELP Program in Fall 2021 and have been here ever since! When I’m not teaching, I like to spend my time reading as much as possible or enjoying some video games with friends and family. So, feel free to come and chat with me about video games after class!
Jason Victor – Instructor
Originally from India, I immigrated to Hawaii as a boy and have been here ever since! After graduating with my MA in English from UH Manoa, I worked in marketing for a few years before attaining my CELTA and beginning my teaching career. I currently teach both English to native speakers as well as ESL, and really enjoy it! In my free time I like to read, hike, and play board games with my friends.
