Staff & Associates
Gigi Davidson, Executive Director
Gigi founded ‘Ohana Komputer in 2000 and has since developed all of our programs from the ground up. She holds a Masters degree in International Business from American Graduate School of International Management and a BA in Business, Economics, and French from Rollins College. She formerly owned Futurekids Manoa (a computer training franchise), and held positions as an Account Executive with National Securities, and Vice President in International Banking at First Hawaiian Bank. Gigi is committed to serving the community and is currently a board member of Hawai‘i Youth Opera Chorus, Hawaii International Child, and is on the Hawaii Job Corps Council.
Holly Kessler, Office Administrator & Curriculum Writer
Holly began working for us in 2010 as an office administrator and part-time computer instructor. She is proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access, Outlook, Quickbooks, Quicken, Lotus Notes, FileMaker Pro, Foundation Manager, Giftworks, Apple Mac Book Pro, and its programs. Previously, Holly was a business management consultant and project coordinator, offering such services as marketing plan development, advertising, public relations, grant writing and general management services to small and mid-size companies. Holly earned her B.S. from Boston University and her M.B.A. from Hawaii Pacific University, graduating with distinction.
Jane Ferriera, Grant Writer
Jane Ferriera has served as grant writer for OK since 2000. She has extensive experience in community development, specializing in nonprofits. She has lectured for the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific University and has served as a community development consultant for many organizations in Micronesia. Jane earned her M.B.A. from Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.
George Wurtz, Palama Settlement Technology Program Director
George was originally hired in 2005 as a part-time computer instructor, but became a full-time employee in January 2006. He was previosuly a part-time teacher for Farrington High School, specializing in Web Design/Business Specialist. He also worked as an instructor for ‘Olelo Community Television. George earned a BA in Communications from the University of Hawai‘i.
Michelle Stevens, Computer Instructor
Michelle is a dedicated professional with many years of experience fostering the love of learning in children. She most recently worked in the Hawaii Department of Education as a Reading Coordinator. She also has taught for many years on the mainland, including in California. Michelle has a B.A. in Child Development from Cal State Northridge and is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Elementary Education at the University of Phoenix.
Carol Seto, Computer Instructor
Carol Seto joined ‘Ohana Komputer in July 2011, teaching computer classes for adults. She earned her Associates Degree in Computer Science from Leeward Community College. Her expertise includes: PC skills (Word, Excel, MS Project, Visio, PowerPoint, Outlook, Office 2003 – 2010, various internal applications), project management, and development and delivery of training programs. Her previous positions include Senior Manager for Hawaiian Telcom and Merchant Service Manager for Bank of Hawaii.
Jamie Mather, Computer Instructor
Jamie Mather became an after-school computer instructor for ‘Ohana Komputer in July 2011. He earned his B.A. Degree from World College West, majoring in International Service & Development. He has extensive overseas experience, having travelled in various capacities to Australia, Europe, South America, Japan, Thailand, Nepal, and India. He has extensive experience helping computer users, both individuals and businesses, through their technology challenges. In addition to being a computer consultant, Jamie has worked as the Director of Operations and IT Supervisor for Hanalei Rug Company and Information Technology Technician for St. Andrew’s Priory School.
James Lagazo, Computer Instructor
James worked for us in 2006 as an elementary after-school computer instructor and rejoined the ‘Ohana in December 2009. During his hiatus, he worked for Brain Hurricane tutoring children in an after-school setting and as a part-time supervisor for UPS in Kahului, Maui. James earned his A.S. degree in Computer Networking from Honolulu Community College. He is proficient in Windows operating systems, MS Office applications, Computer hardware, and basic PC networking.
Alitoya Beasley, Curriculum Writer
Hired in July of 2008, Ali taught at multiple sites in addition to providing ongoing weekly training for all ‘Ohana Komputer teachers. Previously she worked as a private tutor, reviewing homework and assessing competency levels of math and language arts and has taught a GED Computer Prep course at Kaimuki High School. Ali also developed a staff of tutors for DOE’s after-school tutoring program. Ali earned her Certificate in Computer Aided Design from California Design College and her Bachelor Degree in Fashion Buying and Merchandising from the University of Hawai‘i.
Brandy Pappas, Curriculum Writer
Brandy first started working with Ohana Komputer in the summer of 2008 as a Computer Instructor: K-5 at Wailupe Elementary, after school at Palolo Elementary, and Adult & Senior classes at the MAAC center. Brandy then returned to us in 2011 in her current role as curriculum writer. Brandy is an artist, graphic & web designer/builder, homeschool mom and computer guru. She owns BrandyRox, a one woman workshop offering a wide variety of office oriented, creative and spiritual services, products and resources in the Honolulu and Las Vegas areas.
Sarah Pautzke, Curriculum Writer
Sarah Pautzke bagan working for OK in 2011 as a curriculum writer. Her expertise is in acoustic telemetry equipment and software, focusing on the protection of natural resources. She has worked in the government and private sectors in fisheries management, fisheries telemetry, and computer hardware technology. She is proficient in: Word, Excel, ArcGIS, SigmaPlot, Powerpoint, SAS, InDesign, Frontpage, and Dreamweaver. Sarah earned her Master’s Degree from the School of Marine Sciences at the University of Massachusetts.
Ruchika “Aadya” Wilhelm, Curriculum Writer
Aayda has worked as a freelance editor, technical writer and proofreader for several large corporations in the U.S. and India. She has also developed content and instructional design for higher education institutions. She received her B.A. in English from Delhi University in India and her M.A. in English from IGNOU in Delhi, India.