Leadership Team

Executive Director

Hello AIA community! I am honored to work as the Executive Director for Arts in Action. In my role I strive to ensure increased equity in the school setting and a socially just education that is tailored to each individual student's emotional and academic needs. I believe our students need the tools to become advocates and activists for themselves and our community. An Arts in Action education is different- we believe in serving the holistic needs of each child in an arts integrated community setting. 

I am in my tenth year working at Arts in Action Community Charter Schools. Prior to the role of Executive Director, I worked as the elementary and middle school principal for Arts in Action, and the Director of Special Education. Before working at Arts in Action, I started my teaching career on the Big Island of Hawaii as a Special Education teacher and Student Services Coordinator.

I completed my undergraduate degree at Syracuse University, with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and minors in Global Political Economy and Geography. I obtained my Master’s Degree in Special Education and teaching credential through Chaminade University in Honolulu. More recently, I completed a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on Social Justice through Loyola Marymount University. I am a Teach for America alumni and a member of Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE).

We are always looking to strengthen our partnerships in the community, please reach out if you are interested in learning more! Email: [email protected]

Jamie Kikuchi 

 

My name is Jamie Kikuchi and I am the Elementary School Director. I was a founding teacher at Arts in Action in the first 2011-2012 school year and had the privilege of teaching both kindergarten and first grade for six years at Arts in Action. I have a Master's degree in educational administration from University of California, Los Angeles. I received my Master’s degree in Education and my Elementary Teaching Credential at UCLA in the Teacher Education Program. Prior to this, I attended the University of California, Berkeley where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with teachers, students and families this upcoming school year. I am inspired every day as we witness our young scholars develop into active and responsible members of our community who challenge themselves to achieve their highest potential.

 

 

Hello! My name is Steven Menduke, and I am honored to serve as the Middle School Director for Arts in Action Middle School. I am passionate about ensuring that students have the opportunity to learn and grow not just in their academics, but also socially and emotionally. My favorite part about working in a school is getting to spend time with and learn from incredibly talented and intelligent young people. I am ecstatic to see all that our students will accomplish during their time here at Arts in Action. I have a master's degree in education from Loyola Marymount University and over a decade of experience teaching, leading, and serving in public charter schools.