Paia Youth and Cultural Center Home Page

Melekai Jenson , House Host
Aloha, My name is Melekai. I grew up in Pa‘ia and was an active P.Y.C.C. member in my youth. Growing up I participated in many of the programs that the youth center offered. I knew in my youth that I wanted to work at the youth center someday so it is exciting to be here. I have an AA degree in Liberal Studies and am currently going to school for a degree in Social Services and Elementary Education. I love working with kids, and am glad to be working somewhere that means so much to me. I hope that I can give back at least half of what this place has given me.

Laura Civitello, KOPO-LPFM 89.5 “radiOpio” Program Director
Aloha, I’m Laura Civitello the Program Director here at radiOpio, Pa‘ia Youth and Cultural Center’s very own radio station. I’ve lived and worked as an artist and entertainer on Maui for over twenty years. I discovered my own love of radio as a DJ at non- commercial Manao Radio. I love to share the powerful medium of radio with youth. There’s nothing that’s more fun than putting our members behind the mic here at 89.5FM! There are lots of interesting ways to be part of radiOpio. PYCC members can learn the basics of engineering their own radio show and share the music they love, their own original music, poetry, ideas, and thoughts with our listening audience, which is growing daily. radiOpio is ready and waiting for YOU to speak out, so come down and help make KOPO-LP 89.5FM the coolest radio station on the planet!

Emma Phelps-Conant, Drop- in Program Coordinator

Aloha, my name is Emma and I am the Drop- in Program Coordinator. I look forward to meeting everyone who comes into PYCC and referring them to a program or club of their interest. I have lived on Maui for most of my 27 years. I have been fortunate in receiving vicarious education through my family's professional commitment to Hawaiian Zoology. I enjoy surfing, animals, art, hanging out with teenagers, botany, and environmental exploration. Its my hope to be a positive role model and a source of empathic support for teenagers at this challenging period in their lives.

Kelley Kuhlman, Pa‘ia Bay Café Program Specialist
Howdy- that’s Wyoming for Aloha- you know the saying, “you can take the girl out of the West…” I have been a youth leader in some capacity since the late 80’s in various places; including two years teaching children with disabilities and in after school programs as a contract artist for Very Special Arts Nevada in Reno. I have always had an affinity for youth. Helping them experience positive occasions during the difficult period of growing up is my desire. At the Pa‘ia Bay Café it is our desire to create an atmosphere of a home kitchen for the youth who spend their time here and in doing so teach them how to “feed themselves.” We try to raise awareness of healthy and culturally relevant food choices and hope to introduce some new things along the way.

Larisa Manewal, Director of Operations
I’m originally from Sitka, a town of 8,000 on an island in Southeast Alaska. I found out how rewarding working with kids can be when I assisted in a 5th grade classroom. I feel grateful to be able to continue to work with youth in such a unique and creative community environment. I earned a Bachelors of Fine Art degree in Photography from the Art Institute of Boston. Underwater photography and traveling are some of my passions. On my days off I also enjoy scuba diving, making art, swimming, hiking, and camping.

Ben Rachunas, Program Specialist
My name is Benjamin and I graduated from Rowan University where I studied sociology, psychology, and child development. During my many breaks from the university I traveled the country living and working in various communities where I was given the chance to experience raw and living foods, ayurvedic and macrobiotic lifestyles. I have come to the PYCC to share my experience of the world's diverse cultures and how they are expressed through the foods we enjoy..

Coming Soon!

Skatepark Program Operations Specialist

Peter Swanzy, Hekili Multimedia Lab Manager
Alo-o-oha! O ko’u inoa o Peter Swanzy (1980). I’m from Washington State. I earned my B.F.A. in Music Performance and Composition from the College of Santa Fe. My music and film work has been commissioned, premiered, and presented in Europe, Australia, New York, Hawaii, and throughout the West Coast (yeah! ROCK!). My work has also been featured in the Telluride Film Festival, Mountain Film on Tour, and in several festivals of new and experimental music. As an artist and educator my goal is to investigate, push, and surpass boundaries and limits established by social and political convention. Come pay me a visit and I'll lay it all out. PS: the Hekili Lab is cool.

Susun White, Executive Director
Aloha! I have been the team leader at the Pa‘ia Youth and Cultural Center since 1994. It has been a wonderful adventure and I am grateful to all the youth and community members who have graced our doors. I love teenagers and consider myself blessed to be able to spend the majority of my days within hearing range of their perspective of the planet. Both my children were raised at the PYCC and my husband Gregory has spent many hours tending to the grounds. Throughout the years I have strived to make PYCC a safe loving place that supports and enhances the creativity of all our members. My personal passions are yoga, dance, bike riding, and ocean swimming.