In this episode of Above the Sides, Cherilyn Inouye, who serves as Compassionate Koolau’s District Education Specialist, shares her winding journey through education, community work, and aloha centered leadership in Hawaii. Grounded in place, story, and ike kupuna, Cherilyn reflects on how listening deeply and honoring aina have shaped her path from classroom teacher to community connector. She speaks candidly about trauma informed education, the power of Foundations of Aloha, and the mentors and communities that continue to inspire her hana. Through stories from schools and fishponds to loi kalo and chance meetings, Cherilyn illustrates what aloha looks like in daily practice. Mahalo for listening! Learn more about Compassionate Koolau. Episode Highlights 01:09 Cherilyn’s background and roots 02:45 Her path into education 03:47 Teaching and early career 06:09 Advanced studies and pivotal experiences 18:50 Foundations of Aloha 23:55 Reflecting on the gift of lessons 24:59 Grounding in Aloha values 26:02 Integrating Aloha in education 28:45 Challenges and personal growth 32:18 Aloha in the community 40:32 Compassionate Koolau 45:20 Final thoughts
In this episode of Above the Sides, Cherilyn Inouye, who serves as Compassionate Koolau’s District Education Specialist, shares her winding journey through education, community work, and aloha centered leadership in Hawaii. Grounded in place, story, and ike kupuna, Cherilyn reflects on how listening deeply and honoring aina have shaped her path from classroom teacher to community connector. She speaks candidly about trauma informed education, the power of Foundations of Aloha, and the mentors and communities that continue to inspire her hana. Through stories from schools and fishponds to loi kalo and chance meetings, Cherilyn illustrates what aloha looks like in daily practice. Mahalo for listening!
Learn more about Compassionate Koolau.
Episode Highlights
01:09 Cherilyn’s background and roots
02:45 Her path into education
03:47 Teaching and early career
06:09 Advanced studies and pivotal experiences
18:50 Foundations of Aloha
23:55 Reflecting on the gift of lessons
24:59 Grounding in Aloha values
26:02 Integrating Aloha in education
28:45 Challenges and personal growth
32:18 Aloha in the community
40:32 Compassionate Koolau
45:20 Final thoughts