Ayako Sahara
Director, Montessori Laboratory School
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Ayako Sahara is the Director of the Chaminade University Montessori Laboratory School in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. Originally from Japan, she earned her degree in Early Childhood Education and began her career as a kindergarten teacher before moving to Hawaiʻi. With more than 25 years of experience in early childhood and Montessori education across Japan and Hawaiʻi, she is dedicated to fostering child-centered learning environments that support the development of the whole child. Ayako earned her Montessori teaching credential in Hawaiʻi and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Education at Chaminade University, with a focus on Montessori Peace Education. She is passionate about building strong partnerships with children, families, university students, and the community while cultivating a culture of respect, compassion, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
Krystle Cortez
Head Teacher, Montessori Laboratory School
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Krystle Cortez is the Lead Teacher at Chaminade University Montessori Laboratory School. She was born and raised in New Jersey, but moved to Hawaii eight years ago. She has been a recipient of the ECE Castle Scholarship and is pursuing her Master’s degree in the Art of Teaching at Chaminade University of Honolulu. She has been teaching students from Infant through age 6 for over twelve years. She has also worked in a Montessori environment, where she strongly believes in Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy. Her passion is to help shape the minds of the children as they develop and learn during the early stages of life. Krystle truly believes that a part of God’s plan was for her to become a Teacher at Chaminade University Montessori Laboratory School.
Karley Gabaylo
Teacher Assistant, Montessori Laboratory School
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Karley Gabaylo is a proud recipient of the Muʻo Scholarship from Chaminade University, where she is progressing in her education and expanding her knowledge of early childhood education. Before beginning my career in early childhood education, she worked as a lead cook in several restaurants. In those leadership roles, she discovered her passion for teaching while mentoring and training new team members. She began her journey in early childhood education at Kroc Keiki Learning Center, where she worked for about a year. It was during this time where she gained valuable experience on supporting children’s growth and development. She was blessed to receive an opportunity to join the Chaminade University Montessori Lab School. She strive to create an environment where every child feels loved, feels valued, and gains the confidence they need to navigate the world around them.
Iwalani Dalrymple
Student Teacher, Montessori Laboratory School
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Iwalani Dalrymple is a Chaminade University Muʻo Scholar pursuing a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education with a Montessori Credential. She will be student teaching at the Chaminade University Montessori Laboratory School this school year starting in August 2026. Iwalani is expected to graduate in May 2027 with her teaching license.
Erika Jeanine Solomon
Teacher Aide, Montessori Laboratory School
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Erika is a proud Mu’o scholar recipient getting her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She is working as a teacher’s aide and also student teaching at the Montessori Lab school this school year. She previously worked for the DOE at Kahala Elementary School as a Paraprofessional Tutor, working with special needs children from preschool through grade 6th. Erika believes that children should be provided with an environment where they can learn at their own pace that allows them to make meaningful connection that promotes all aspects of their development. She also believes we all should have courage and be kind. Where there is kindness there is goodness. And where there is goodness there is magic.
Joan Hiel
Head Teacher, Montessori Laboratory School
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Joan Hiel is a certified Formation Leader for catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She facilitates Atria for St. John Vianney in Levels I, Il and Ill and established an atrium for Mary Star of the Sea Montessori School. Joan has over 40 years combined experience as a Montessori lead guide on the mainland and in Hawaii. She is an adjunct professor at Chaminade University for early childhood education programs. She is working toward a masters in Pastoral Theology and often travels to Taiwan to assist in establishing CGS there. Joan is currently helping to establish an atrium on Chaminade University campus for the lab school and Mystical Rose Chapel. Joan enjoys exploring God’s beautiful creation with her husband and two daughters whenever and wherever possible.