OUR STAFF

Meet the Team

School Leadership

EMAIL: KAY@WHEA.NET
PHONE: 808-327-4751

DIRECTOR

Dr. Kristie Kay, Ed.D.

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Dr. Kristie Kay was born and raised in Puna on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, where her passion for education was inspired by her parents, who are both retired teachers. From an early age, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in education. Dr. Kay earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northern Arizona University; a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration with an Administrative Services Credential from the University of Massachusetts Global with a 4.0 GPA; and earned her Doctorate (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership with a 4.0 GPA.

Dr. Kay brings a wealth of experience in project-based learning and educational leadership. She previously served as Principal of a project-based charter school in Huntington Beach, California. A passionate traveler, Dr. Kay has visited 100 countries around the world – an experience that has significantly deepened her cultural competency, global awareness, and understanding of diverse educational systems. Her international perspective and commitment to real-world learning align perfectly with the mission and vision of WHEA. Now in her third year as the Director of WHEA, Dr. Kay is leading transformative school-wide improvements that increase academic rigor and cultivate a culture of equity, innovation, and accountability.

Dr. Kay currently lives in Kona with her husband and two cats. When not at work, Dr. Kay enjoys snorkeling, hiking, spending time with her ʻohana, and planning her next adventure abroad.

EMAIL: SWENSON@WHEA.NET

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Erik Swenson, M.Ed.

As a seasoned educator, Mr. Swenson brings a dynamic blend of educational expertise and practical experience to his role. An earlier career in Environmental Science, Marine Science, and Ichthyology enriched Mr. Swenson’s journey into the field. This diverse background, coupled with extensive training in behavior management, fosters an optimal learning environment for all students. When not supporting students and staff, Mr. Swenson can often be found in the ocean, surfing, diving, with his wonderful wife Danielle (a devoted spouse of 20 years), and traveling the world. Mr. Swenson entered the education field because his own educational experience was poor, and he is passionate about creating a better experience for his students. His motto is “Don’t wait for the boat to come ashore, swim out to it”.