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Testimonials |
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Thanks
to Na‘au, our hearts are touched to see how
Joy’s “voice” is expressed in meaningful
ways through her artwork and writing.
We are pleased to witness her
developmental expression in colorful and
beautiful ways through her stories,
poems, and haiku. Na‘au
is a place where students embrace their infinite
potential as they become one with their inner self.
We
are grateful that there is a safe and inspiring
place where Joy can blossom.
Thank you Na‘au. We feel blessed by
your work.
Niki
and Laurie Libarios
Parents
of Joy, The Children's House
P.S.
I love dropping Joy off at Na‘au cause that
means I can go to
China
town
to eat some
ono
dim sum while I wait for her! – Joy’s Dad
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Our
family has been blessed by having Cody (age 9)
attend Na`au. He simply loves going there.
This is a boy who didn't like to write. If
asked, he probably would say he still doesn't like
to write but that he loves going to Na`au because he
gets to use his imagination, have fun and play
games. The truth is - in all that "fun,"
he is inspired to write poetry and stories, and
think critically. And he's enjoying reading!
In less than four months after starting Na`au,
his 3rd grade school reading test scores
improved by 2 grade levels (from late 2nd grade to
mid-5th grade). His scores since have
consistently continued to improve.
For me, I love how Aunty Lois, Uncle Mel, Aunty
Lindsay, and everyone at Na`au conduct themselves --
the kids learn in such a respectful, loving,
peaceful atmosphere. I wish every child in
Hawai`i could have such joyous learning. Na`au
is a magical place.
Leslie and Clarence Pacarro
Parents
of Cody, Haha`ione School
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Na'au is a nurturing, inviting
place for both student and parent. The staff
at Na'au are always gracious, accommodating, and
encouraging. After only a few months at Na'au,
we were surprised to learn that our son placed first
in his category for the Board of Water Supply
calendar contest!
Jeanine Nakakura
Mother of Dakota, Hongwanji Mission School
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Thanks so much to Uncle Mel and Aunty Lois and
everyone at Na`au! Tyler received his
acceptance letter to Mid-Pacific Institute and
will be attending 7th grade this fall. Your
classes gave him the confidence and determination
to try his best during the entire application and
testing process. After taking your writing
class and the SSAT prep class, he received an ME
in writing for his third quarter grade for
the first time! We appreciate all your help
in achieving Tyler's goals!
Mother of Tyler, Mid-Pacific Institute
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I
wanted to write you to sincerely thank you and your
staff for all your help in preparing Nicole for the
SSAT and private school interview process this past
year. It
was a long process, but your classes and guidance
really helped Nicole feel confident in taking the
test and going through the interviews.
Your SSAT class gave her a good understanding
of the test concepts and which areas she needed to
focus on. I
appreciated your follow up when Nicole needed to
spend more time on her vocabulary words.
The practice essays were perfect.
Nicole was able to use what she learned at
Na’au to answer the essay question for every
school she applied at.
She also felt much more confident at the
interview after practicing with Uncle Mel.
She was given good advice from the both of
you on how to answer the essays and interview
questions. The
best part of it was that both of you were so
nurturing and caring throughout the entire process.
Nicole really enjoyed going to class, even if
it was after a long day of other activities.
Thank
you Uncle Mel and Aunty Lois!
We truly appreciate all that you do!
Carol
Ono,
Mother
of Nicole, Hanahou`oli/`Iolani
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We wanted to write to express all of our
gratitude to Na`au: Pu`uwai will be a Kamehameha
student this Fall. I spoke to the admissions office
at Kamehameha for a short debriefing, just to get an
idea of what was the key thing that helped her. All
around she did great. Grades were solid. The
interviewer scored her high. Her test scores were
above average, but what stood out was her essay.
They were very impressed by her essay. We are
thankful and blessed to have Na`au in our lives.
Your interview and essay test preparation were
key factors in her success. Now that Pu`uwai will be
at Kamehameha with her younger sister, I just have
my youngest one left. So I will be e-mailing you
about a summer program for him very soon. Again,
mahalo Aunty Lois and Uncle Mel for everything.
Kalau
Robins
Mother
of Pu`uwai, Kamehameha
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We are thrilled to report that Tiana has received
acceptance letters from Mid Pac, Kamehameha, Punahou,
and Iolani Thank you for the wonderful
support. I know she couldn't have done this
well without the help she received from her Uncle
Mel and Aunty Lois. Her writing has improved a
lot and I see her applying many
of the strategies that she has learned from
Na'au in her daily studies. I fully
believe that Tiana's years at Na`au have prepared
her for this great achievement. Tiana continues
to enjoy her learning time with you
and our `ohana gives Na`au the credit for
her private school admissions success--she
wouldn't have done so well without all that
she has learned from your center. We have
until April 15th to make a decision. What do
we do now? Mahalo nui loa, Na`au!
Nalani Koch,
Mother of Tiana, St. Andrews Priory
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Thanks for all you have done for my children. I am very
proud of Alyssa because she has increased her verbal and
reading comprehension SSAT scores to meet her goals. She has
also gained a lot of self-confidence in the process. Kris
Poentis Mother
of Alyssa and Kaitlyn, Maemae Elementary
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Thank you to both Aunty Lois and Uncle Mel for your wonderful
support and guidance throughout this school year. It is
evident given Brandi's comments and her work that she has
benefited in so many ways from her experience at Na'au.
I love it and am happy for the fact that Brandi enjoys and
looks forward to her time at Na'au. She never gives me
the impression that it's more work for her. Na'au has
provided a positive and nurturing environment in which Brandi
has been encouraged to explore herself in a creative
format. Her poems have often been the impetus for
discussion we've never had before, which in the end left me to
learn things I never really knew about Brandi. These
discussions contributed to a closer relationship and better
understanding of one another. This is definitely a bonus
that was not part of my initial expectations. Thank
you. There are many more examples and stories to share
but what they all speak to is the wonderful service Aunty Lois
and Uncle Mel provide to the children and families.
Na'au is ohana and it's very evident in all that you do.
Lori Nakamoto
Mother of Brandi, Punahou School
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Two wonderful news to share-- Makana was accepted at
Kamehameha! We received the acceptance letter in the
mail this past weekend, and amidst a lot of
anticipation, Makana opened the letter, his eyes
widened, and he let out a huge scream. Needless to
say, Nat and I were just thrilled.
Also, I wanted to share Makana's great writing test
score. Makana took a Hawaii Department of Education
Writing Assessment test back in October, in the
midst of his Na'au experience, and on a scale of 1
to 5, Makana scored 5! WOW!
This, we truly believe, is a direct reflection of
your wonderful work with him--you are truly making a
difference! Thank you again for teaching Makana. Our
family is so grateful for what you do, and more
importantly, the way you teach the kids, your
kindness, your aloha. Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo!
Nat and Mary Pamatigan
Parents of Makana, Kamehameha
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Diane Low has made such a fantastic progress in her
writing which makes her more confident since joining
Na`au one year ago. We see her working on poems at
home on her own as well. She has won numerous art
and writing awards due to your help which include
the Board of Water Supply Poster/Calendar contest as
well as international awards. She recently was
accepted to Punahou School as a 6th grader. Punahou
School is her first-choice school, so she is very
excited.
Our son, Brandon Low, a freshman at Punahou, has
also seen a great difference in his writing. His
writing has greatly improved under your supervision.
He concentrated predominantly in math and science
prior to coming to Na`au. Now he is a persuasive
writer and working on his creativity.
Mahalo for your help for both of our children,
Barbara And Jim Low
Parents of Diane and Brandon, Punahou students
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The good news--actually the great news--is that Brigitte
received acceptance letters from Iolani, Kamehameha, La Pietra,
and Punahou. We are deeply grateful for all that Na'au has
done for our family. You have not only taught Brigitte
specific skills that contributed to her success, but also
personal skills in self-confidence, human value, leadership
and creativity. We are fortunate to be a part of the Na'au
family.
Natalie K. Oana-Russo
Mother of Brigitte, Star of the Sea School
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Great news! I just received notice that I was
accepted into my first choice boarding school, The
Lawrenceville School in Princeton, New Jersey. I'll
miss being in Hawaii, and boarding school will be a
drastic change for me. However, I just wanted to say
thank you for everything. With all your support and
help with my SSAT, admission interview, and
application essays, I'm off to a fresh and exciting
start as a Lawrentian. This is my family's dream
come true. Thank you so much Aunty Lois and Uncle
Mel.
Iris Pak
Lawrentian
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Arthur and I don’t get to thank you enough for all
that you are doing for Perry. She loves every moment
she spends at Na’au and with the both of you! She
recently mentioned that she’d like to study
creative writing in college and may spend time with
a friend (whose father is a playwright) to co-write
a play this summer. This would not have been
possible without your guidance, influence and love.
You have provided her the tools and empowered her to
believe that “she can.”
Lisa Buto
Mother of Perry, Hongwanji Mission School
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Lisa and I
want to express our sincere thanks for the good job in
encouraging, inspiring, and empowering Leimana. We are
proud of her and thank you for having her as a part of Na`au.
Noel G. Trainor
General Manager, Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort &
Spa
Father of Leimana, The Kamehameha Schools
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We'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for
your love, support, and healing, loving guidance. We
are truly grateful for you! Thank you for providing
Chase with a safe, loving, unconditional space to
freely express himself. What a gift!
Glen and Janey Lindbo
Parents of Chase, student at Iolani School
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After learning tips for the SAT writing section
at Na'au, my essay score went from a 9 to a 12
(maximum score). The overall SAT score went up
a hundred points and I got a 790 (out of 800)!
Thank you Aunty Lois and Uncle Mel -- you are the
best!
Mie Omori, Iolani School
Daughter of Clarice Hashimoto and Gary Omori
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Sammi enjoyed the Paragraph Writing Institute. She told
me that she felt really inspired to write at Na'au.
There have been few times after the class when she would say,
"Uncle Mel taught me that." I'm so glad she
had the chance to learn from you. My intention was to
give her a different experience with writing -- one that she
would not get in public school. Learning from writers
boosted her excitement about writing. I think Na'au is a
great place and the inspiration begins when you enter the door
-- so beautiful, calm, and relaxing. Thanks so much for
your kindness. Joyce Larson, Teacher
Mom of Samantha Kei, Maunawili Elementary School
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I just wanted to tell you that I was on the verge of
tears as I read Matthew's first poem written at
Na'au. "Promising", as it was titled,
reflects who Matthew truly is. It was a joy to read.
As I read it, Matthew looked at me grinning from ear
to ear. I knew immediately that he had made some
kind of connection with that part of himself that
has been yearning to communicate his thoughts and
feelings.
We are both so excited to be a part of your program.
Thank you so much.
Kerryn Carland
Teacher, Le Jardin Academy
and proud parent of Matthew, Voyager Charter School
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Lois-Ann and Mel, you two are such a great
team. You are both individually so talented,
warm and caring. You have an oasis where
students can feel secure, not threatened and where
they can gain confidence with your positive
teaching.
Sally Lee
Mom of Rachel, Punahou School
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Lois and Mel have brought out the best in our daughter,
Kristen. Since attending Na'au, we have not only seen a
great improvement in her writing skills, but she has also
become a confident writer. She used to dislike writing,
but now ENJOYS it and can't wait to attend her next Na'au
class. She is able to express her inner feelings better
and put it into words. Sometimes we are really surprised
at the poems she brings home for us to read.
Terrific. Kristen told us that "Aunty Lois and
Uncle Mel make writing fun!" What a big difference
in her attitude. We love it! Kristen was recently
accepted to all the private schools she applied to (Iolani,
Punahou, Mid Pacific Institute), and we know that
Na'au played a big part in her success. Now we
have the pleasant job of selecting one of them!
We are truly grateful to Mel and Lois for all the
love and guidance they give Kristen every week.
We also feel very fortunate to have found Na'au and
to become part of your 'ohana. We love you
Lois and Mel. You are the greatest!
Derek and Shirlene Tanabe
Parent of Kristen, Kane'ohe Elementary School
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Na'au has become an integral part of our lives and
the Na'au 'ohana has enhanced our lives
tremendously! Na'au provides more than skills
in language arts, math and test taking. Na'au
provides support, knowledge and a warm spirit.
Na'au has given Ashley and Lahela confidence in
writing, speaking and communication in their daily
lives, not just in school. Ashley has more
direction and focus, and is enjoying the honors
program at Kamehameha. Lahela is more
confident and comfortable in test taking and
writing. The SSAT prep has helped Lahela in
all areas of applying to private high schools.
She did so well on the SSAT, writing samples, and
interviews that she has received acceptance letters
from Kamehameha, Iolani, Punahou and Maryknoll.
Na'au has truly enriched the lives of the whole
Williams 'ohana!
Gina M. Williams
Proud parent of Ashley (Kamehameha) and Lahela (TBA)
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We are so fortunate to have Aunty Lois and Uncle Mel
in our lives. They have enriched our learning
by sharing their wisdom and love. Both of our
girls enjoy their classes and look forward to each
and every session. This is what true learning
is all about.
Rod and Rhonda Nagao,
Parents of Lauren and Haley, both students at Iolani School
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Our prayers have been answered. Kamri has been accepted
into The Kamehameha Schools. Thanks to all of you at
Na'au, Kamri has been more confident in herself. Na'au
was a very positive component to her success. Your oral
communication class gave her the self-confidence and exposure
to the interview portion of the admission test that she
needed. Her award winning poem was a positive addition
to her accomplishments as well. I thank all of you for
the kindness, guidance, patience and prayers you have given to
her. We are very grateful.
Kathy Oguma
Mom of Kamri, The Kamehameha Schools
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I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my
heart! My two sons, Matt and Kyle, just
completed your summer Fiction Writing Institute and
I could not believe the three writings that they
completed in just one week time period! It was
amazing! Their writings had me crying,
laughing and just grinning ear to ear with
pride! I am amazed at how colorful and
descriptive their writings were! Thank you so
much for giving them this gift!
Tina Tsubota
Parent of sons Kyle, Our Redeemer Lutheran, and
Matt, Lutheran High School
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Thank you for welcoming Megan to Na`au. She
thoroughly enjoys your Poetry and Paragraph Writing
classes. Megan is practically
"begging" me to learn at Na`au all the
time. This is a pleasant surprise for Mom...
two weeks ago, before she started your program, she
had very little interest in writing.
Ryan & Liann Dung
Parents of Megan Hi`ilani, Hawaii Baptist Academy
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Uncle Mel and Aunty Lois, I cannot thank you enough for making
creative writing fun for my children. They now look forward to
Mondays, especially Deja. Out of all the other extra
curricular activities I've ever put my children through, this
is by far the best investment I've made for them.
Valerie Holt-Parker,
Mom of Deray, St. Anthony; Divon, Ma`ema`e; &
Deja, St. Theresa
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The funny thing is you would think that students
would welcome not having to go to extra classes to
study. But the twins really look forward to
going to Na`au. They are sincerely
disappointed that they cannot attend your classes
all the time. We consider ourselves so blessed
to have found you both because they get so much more
than just mere instructions. I can't thank you
enough for the impact you have made in my children's
lives.We really love you guys.
Pauline & Larry Nomura
Daughters Janelle & Julianne, both students at Punahou
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Dara has expressed on several occasions
how she loves working with you at Na`au and that she is so
comfortable in that environment. She is showing
considerable progress at school and is definitely a more
confident writer.
Ada Azuma, Mother of Dara, Punahou School
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Our Island Art of Rice writing competition drew a large batch
of extraordinarily well-written pieces. I've judged many essay
contests over the years and usually there are but a handful of
potential winners in a sea of almost-but-not-quite. This
competition, however, brought out the best in many writers and
the majority of the essays fell into the "could be a
contender" pile for re-reading and agonizing over.
Despite this stiff competition, the stack of one-page essay
from Na`au students stood out from the start. I read every one
at least twice, smiled at the humor in some, sighed at the
emotion in others. What most impressed me was the genuine
voice evident in each piece. Many student-written pieces are
stiff and false, written to please rather than to express.
Clearly, the teachers at Na`au have succeeded in creating a
safe and stimulating place in which these students can relax
and be themselves as writers. They use sensory detail,
intriguing turns of phrase and colorful language and they
write from their real lives.
I decided right away that I would select at least one of these
for an honorable mention and that I would mention the school's
work in my Art of Rice story. Courtney Lelepali's piece on her
mom's fried rice stood out as well-organized, clever
("you just have to be my mom") and embellished with
telling detail.
Wanda Adams
Honolulu Advertiser
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I was pleasantly shocked to read the poems that my
daughter wrote after only six months of writing
lessons. She has really improved on her
overall writing skills.
Eddie Flores,
Jr., Founder, L&L Drive Inn
Father of Ellice, Kalani High School student
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MAHALO PLENTY!!!! I think there is a bright light at
the end of Marisa's tunnel now.
She is much happier with your help.
Ann and Keith Shigetomi
Parents of Marisa Shigetomi, Roosevelt High School
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Na`au is a wonderful venue for aspiring writers of any age or
aptitude. They've made a tremendous difference for me,
offering a customized writers' workshop that has lent
structure, purpose, and invaluable feedback to my writing
process."
Malia Mattoch McManus
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It's been truly a blessing that we found Na`au,
Lois-Ann Yamanaka and Mel Spencer. I'm a
strong believer that if you can read, you can be
successful in all that you do -- writing,
comprehension and understanding.
This area has always been a struggle for our
eighth grader. It's been six months since she first
started at Na`au and many rewards have come to her. Her
writing constantly surprises us. Is this truly our
daughter? One of her pieces was chosen as an honorable
mention in the Honolulu Advertiser's "About Rice"
contest and two other writings have been submitted to the
Hawaii Educator's Association writing contest. She
suddenly loves to read, much to my delight, and always has a
book in her hands.
You know this is a good place for your child
when she constantly asks when her next class is or wants to go
an extra day. Thank you Lois-Ann and Mel for nurturing
and bringing the best out of Courtney. The love and
support you provide for all your students is truly
unconditional, and I know, straight from your na'au.
Jo Ann Lelepali
Mother of Courtney, Punahou student
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Something to make your day: Keilen just
started school yesterday so last week he was a little apprehensive about starting a
new grade level. To "dilute" his fears I told him that his new
teacher is really nice and
understanding and our whole family is so happy to
have her as your teacher.
His response was, "NO ONE can be as nice as the
man at Na`au!!!" My kids
really love you (Lois too)! My children did
not have a love for writing, but you and Lois infuse
magic in your program
because now, Kelis and
Keilen yearn to come to Na`au every day.
Claire Oshita, Teacher Kaewai Elementary
Mother of Kelis and Keilen, both Hanahau'oli
students
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Before attending Na`au, I was having difficulties with my
writing. Although I was a bit apprehensive at first,
your positive attitudes and knowledgeable guidance impacted my
writing and overall I improved significantly. With your
help I was able to achieve a high score in the writing portion
of the GMAT. Thank you for all your help!
Keric Chang,
Graduate Student
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My progress with Lois Ann Yamanaka and Mel Spencer has
been very rewarding this last year. On September 20,
Bamboo Ridge Press will release their 25th Anniversary
issue, in which my piece "Miss World" will be
included. Also in November, Kuleana O‘iwi Press will
publish Volume 3 of O‘iwi: The Native Hawaiian Journal,
which includes my poem "Howl at the Womb: With Thanks
to Allen Ginsberg." With both publications
highlighting my work, I can definitely affirm that Na‘au
is helping me to acquire strong writing skills and deftly
nurturing my writing ability.
Lois Ann Yamanaka and Mel Spencer mentor and teach all
writers of all levels. If any one is wanting to nurture
their own creative writing, learn new methods of writing
or work on analytical writing (like thesis papers or
dissertations) this would be a warm, safe and constructive
place for them to gain feedback and help with their
manuscripts and papers. It is definitely an all
encompassing program.
Wendie Joy
Burbridge, English Teacher,
Kamehameha
High School
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Aloha Lois & Mel - Alec paid the most thoughtful compliment to
Na`au. As I was walking with him to class yesterday, he said,
"When I grow up and have a child, I'm going to send him to this
class." I asked him if he thought that Aunty Lois would still
be teaching then. He said, "Well, maybe not, but maybe I can
be the teacher!".
That's the first time I have ever heard him look to the future in this
manner, and I was so pleased!! (Alec was too!)
Dawn
Suyenaga
Mother of Alec Ho`ale`e, Hanahau'oli student
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My children have always been creative, but you have given
them the gift of being able to organize and express
it. Somehow you get their 200 mile a minute minds
(and mouths) to slow down, focus and stay organized.
One of my weekly highlights is to make the trek to
"lower Nuuanu", past Cheep Ass Cigarettes, and a
host of "fast cash" storefronts, up two flights
of stairs (pant pant) to my favorite door on the
island. I love standing at your front door reading
all the creative poems and stories. I also know when
I enter your "club house" I will be greeted by
two excited and happy children, with works that never fail
to surprise me and make me proud (although I sometimes
feel that my role in this is only that of the pliant
chauffeur).
Dr. Monte
Elias
Father of
Sarah and Keith, both Punahou students
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My older daughter started taking
classes with Lois Ann Yamanaka two and a
half years ago when she was a third grade
homeschooler. For some reason, even though I am a
professional writer -- or because I am -- writing
was the one subject I could not teach her. No matter
how gently I commented on her poems or essays, she
felt as if I were criticizing her and would burst
into tears. At Na`au, my
daughter has blossomed into both an
award-winning poet who has been published in several
national magazines and -- more importantly -- an
insightful and articulate young person.
Her younger sister, who will start Kindergarten this
fall, sees only that poetry class is
"fun," and can't wait to join the class
herself.
Nora Okja Keller,
author of Comfort Woman and Fox Girl
Mother of Tae and Sun Hi, both Punahou students
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Na`au is a wonderful non-judgmental arena to expose
the words you've so carefully written. Through
Lois and Mel I learned how to find my na`au when
writing. Now
when I write I can feel it when I write from my
head, least creative, my heart – getting better,
or my na`au (gut).
But Na`au isn't gratuitous in its critique. They
aren't just a 'yes man' service. They will just as
often tell you when something doesn't work and more
importantly why it doesn't and give advice on how to fix it.
I have three teenagers, one husband, two
dogs and a purse manufacturing business. Plus I'm on
the other side of 50. The thought of driving downtown
at 7:30 at night to discuss my novel seemed
impossible. Now I look forward to these weekly session
and the amazing friendship I've formed with two talented and
incredible people.
Mahalo
Lois-Ann and Mel
Jeri Lynch, wife, mother, dog owner, purse maker
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"My two sons have worked with Lois
Yamanaka since 1999. Through Lois' unique teaching style
my sons have won poetry awards, developed their creative
writing skills, improved their articulation in verbal and
written responses, made good friends at the Na`au Center, and
have fun while learning. I also credit Lois for making a
positive difference in my sons' applications to private
schools with respect to writing and reading, traditionally the
more challenging topics for Hawaii children to overcome.
Her impact is so great, yet she is so humble."
Marie and Mitch Imanaka
Parents of Michael and David, both Iolani students
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Dear
Lois-Ann and Mel,
Here's one of parenthood's paradoxes: we often end up seeing only the
worst side of our kids. We get to see the kid who says, "Just let
me go on being a baby!", or the one who says, "I'll do
anything to avoid being under your thumb!". The proto-human who
really hears our voice, the one who says, "I really want to end
up being something like my mom and dad." is rarely allowed to
emerge in our presence. That's why your gift of creating a sanctuary
in which the child's true spirit can blossom through writing, is so
valuable both to her and to me as a parent.
My
daughter, with your guidance, gave me this year the best Christmas
present I've had in many a year: a poem expressing her gratitude to me
for believing in her and helping her conquer her mathematics demons.
The sentiments were conveyed with a force and complexity which took me
by surprise: can this be the same thirteen-year-old I'm having to yell
at every night because she won't pick up her clothes?? Obviously she
is growing and developing in ways which necessarily take her beyond
me, into territory where others such as you will need to provide her
guidance and permission.
Seeing
the work she produces week after week in the environment you foster
allows me a glimpse into the person she is truly becoming!
Carlos A. Weber, M.D.
Hawaii Permanente Medical Group, Inc.
Father
of Simone Weber, Punahou student
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"At Na`au, Lois-Ann and Mel have created a
nurturing environment to
learn. They teach with compassion and humor,
sensitivity and intelligence. I love coming to
class, and am amazed at my progress. Due to
their encouragement, one of my poems became a short
story, and now each paragraph is developing
into a chapter. Through their excellent
critiques, I have improved my writing and have more
confidence in my own "voice". Thanks to
Lois-Ann and Mel, I have become aware of the joy and
pleasure of writing from the heart. "
Susan, Naau believer
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Invisible
Meaning
Na`au is like a fuzzy cream-colored
pillow
creating heroic thoughts
that heal new and fresh minds,
molding and improving
the pure thoughts of the students,
kissing the invisible
sounds in the room,
lifting the perfect
studying environment
into a risen level of a sheer
and peaceful learning experience.
Ryan Goo, Punahou
student
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How can I put into words the good works that Lois Ann and Mel
do? Their talent to read between the lines and reach
beyond the written word to uncover the heart of the writer is
uncanny. At Na`au, Lois Ann and Mel cultivate the craft
of writing and the art of life, where humanity thrives on the
smallest details and most mundane events, which in turn,
blossom into the poignant moments that either evoke tears or
laughter or both. It has been an honor being a Na`au
student for the past 1-1/2 years. I’ve looked forward
to every session and have never come away without
encouragement, suggestions, or inspiration to write from the
inside out.
Kiki Furuya,
Teacher Nanakuli Elementary
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"I would like to say that Na`au has changed my
life. I have always wanted to be a writer but never was provided
with the proper direction to translate my feelings and ideas into
words. Not only has working on a potential novel rejuvenated my
spirit, but it has also provided me with a means to work through
negative past events. I am so grateful to both Lois-Ann and Mel
for all of their guidance and support."
Maria B. J. Chun, student
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"A warm atmosphere, a place where someone can relax and
have fun while writing poems--it is the perfect place in which
one can write, laugh, and learn."
David Imanaka, Iolani student
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"Lois-Ann and Mel are wonderful mentors.
After spending fifteen years writing computer and
science materials, I wanted to write a novel.
I come away from every class with specific
techniques to improve the writing and structure of
my novel, as well as the creative inspiration and
emotional support to continue writing. We
laugh a lot in class, too."
Beverly Lynn Wilson,
Technical Writer, Trainer, and Software Consultant
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