Meet Our Teachers!

Ms. River

I’m River, the Mele’aina School Director and Ginger Class Lead Teacher. I received my B.A. in Liberal Studies at Western Washington University. Soon after, I attended Antioch New England Grad School and received my Masters in Education and Waldorf Certification in 2003.

I’ve taught at the Whidbey Island Waldorf School, the Haleakalā Waldorf School, opened my own early childhood program ‘Roots and Wings’ in Southern Oregon, and finally moved back to Maui in 2015 with my family. After teaching for 2 more years at the Haleakalā Waldorf School, I opened the Mele’aina School at Pono Grown Farm Center in 2017. I’m delighted to be moving into our second year at Mele’aina as a recognized Maui county licensed program!!

I love to create joyous traditions with children and families, and I also enjoy simple gifts such as reading, walking my dog, and exploring nature with friends and family.

Ms. Arista

My name is Arista Mayo. I attended the University of Santa Cruz, California and earned a Bachelors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. My reintroduction to childcare was a divinely inspired surprise after meeting River working at the Pono Grown summer camp three years ago. The magic immediately began to flow as we realized the synchronization of our passions, hopes, and beliefs for the protection and celebration of childhood.

While I have a background in Biochemistry, my true alignment with joy has flourished into being a teacher’s assistant and a lead teacher at Mele’aina for two years. I deeply love being a part of continuing the tradition of storytelling, learning to listen deeply to the children beyond just words, and facilitating the reciprocal relationship building between child and Nature. I try every day to allow space for Spirit within and around our school for I feel that in the end, it will always be the greatest teacher. I’m continuing to deepen my understanding of Waldorf education through ongoing mentoring and WECAN (Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America) teacher conferences.

Ms. Allison

Aloha dear Mele’aina Families! It is with great joy that I will be joining you this year as the Ginger class assistant. I have a Waldorf teaching certificate and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I have been teaching Waldorf preschool and kindergarten for over 10 years!

I have taught in private schools, public charter schools, and home programs. I love helping young children to flourish and sharing in their love and awe of the world. My family returned to Maui recently and we are so happy to be back. My daughter, Jane, will be in the Orchid class this year.

In my free time I like to hike, run, swim, paddle and I’ve just started to play ultimate frisbee! I look forward to getting to know all of you and to a magical year together!

Ms. Rochelle

My name is Rochelle Coop, and I’m honored to serve and care for the children at Mele'aina. I have been owner and operator of Happy Hearts Childcare LLC, a safe and nurturing, Waldorf-inspired childcare business run in my home, next door to Haleakala Waldorf School where my daughter attended school for 11 years. I am a counselor by nature, with a natural empathetic ability. Being a mother is the most valuable and rewarding education I‘ve had, as well as my biggest challenge and joy.

I have over 20 years of experience working with children, including co-founder and teacher for the Sudbury Maui Learning Center, Child care provider, Mediator, Child and family counselor, and keiki camp creator and director. I have studied and practiced the Non-Violent Communication Model of compassionate listening by Marshall Rosenberg for over 25 years and served as a compassion mentor here on Maui. I find the tools in this model to be at the core of my skill in working with children and families, and in my own everyday life. I am so excited and optimistic to be part of this wonderful community supporting and helping each other raise happy hearted, healthy, and balanced children.

Ms. Yvonne

Aloha Mele’aina ‘Ohana!

I began my journey with Waldorf education with my own children, ages 28 and 22. I became a credentialed Waldorf home educator through Rahima Baldwin, Darcy’s Waldorf in the Home program and attended coursework at the Steiner College in Fair Oaks, California (2000-2009). I’ve been involved with Waldord education from nursery through eighth grade, as a homeschool educator, a board member for the Coastal Grove and Big Lagoon charter schools in Arcata-Humbolt County, as an ECE and 1-6th grades educator at Haleakala Waldorf School and Maui ‘Ohana Collective (homeschool hybrid) as a K-3rd grade class teacher. I’ve operated a nursery and pre-K Waldorf methods homeschool program, Na Pua O Ka ‘Aina, for six years before and after the pandemic.

I have followed my passion to create ceramics and pottery from my home studio and additionally I have a specialized background woodwinds/music, fiberarts, ceramics, and watercolor painting. I am involved with three non-profits here on Maui: Maui Mediation Services as a certified mediator, Hawaii Wildlife Fund as part of the Honu Rescue Team and the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute with the coral restoration program.