Meet The Staff

For much of the last thirteen years, Mr. Plunkett has taught secondary history courses at Kauai Christian Academy, in addition to teaching Latin, Bible, PE, Speech, Film Criticism, Physical Science, Biology, and other subjects as needed. In 2013 he became the administrator of the school. Mr. Plunkett, the son of a pastor/missionary, grew up in Seattle, Washington and Bouake Ivory Coast, West Africa. He received his Bachelor's degree in English from Welch College in Nashville, Tennessee and his Master of Arts degree in English from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. Mr. Plunkett currently lives in Kilauea with his wonderful wife, Jennifer, and their sons, Judah, Titus, and Darius and daughter, Veronica.

Danielle Taylor was born and raised in Oregon and graduated from Portland State University where she received her degree in Business Management and Marketing.  While in Oregon she worked in banking for 13 years where she met her husband.  They visited Kauai for their 5 year anniversary and fell in love with the beautiful island and decided to make Kauai their new home.  They have lived on Kauai for nearly a decade now and God has blessed them with 2 boys!  As a family they love to explore all the outdoor activities Kauai has to offer.  Some of their favorite activities are hiking, paddle boarding, surfing, and snorkeling.  Danielle is the master of ceremonies over Pizza Friday along with a plethora of other tasks.

Dr. Barber is our Dean of Students though he helps with other tasks such as driving our school van and helping as a substitute, and with administrative work. He has degrees in pastoral counseling, ministry, and Old Testament exegesis.  He has a ministerial passion for working with families and helping them to better reflect the glory of God.  He greatly enjoys working with both parents and students.  In his non-work time, he enjoys spending time reading and writing.  But mostly he enjoys family time with his lovely wife, Allison, and wonderful son, Grayson, probably playing in the water somewhere.

In addition to being the wife of Head of School, Daniel Plunkett, and mother of Judah, Titus, Darius, and Veronica, Mrs. Plunkett can also be found in the office or somewhere near a stage. She currently teaches Kindergarten and 1st grade music classes as well as helping with the drama program. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Bible and Office Administration from Northland Baptist Bible College.

Brandi Brooks recently moved to Kauai from Big Island with her husband, 4 children and 4 dogs. She loves the pure joy young learners have and their excitement to learn as they discover the world around them. She understands the privilege it is to be a child’s first teacher: modeling to them God’s love, compassion, grace and forgiveness. 

Katy Tucker moved to the island from Oklahoma. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oral Roberts University in Education and English Language Learners. Katy previously taught 4th grade in Tulsa as well as 6th grade English and ELL. When she’s not teaching, Katy loves to sing and lead worship. Some of her hobbies include rock climbing, hiking, watching the sunset, and swimming. Katy can’t wait to teach her PreK4 class, build community at her church, and explore God’s beautiful creation here on Kauai.

Jamie Arbo has been happily married for over 25 years to fellow KCA teacher Trey Arbo. Jamie has three wonderful teenage children. She loves seeing each Jr. Kindergarten student's progression as they mature academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually throughout the school year. Her goal is to lay a strong foundation in each of these areas so every student will be well equipped to flourish in Kindergarten.

Angie Reusser and her family moved to Kauai in December of 2019 after visiting the island numerous times over the years. They always knew they wanted to move here and God provided for them to relocate from Indiana. Mrs. Reusser has 17 years of experience in public school teaching in Indiana. She also spent 3 years in full-time ministry as the Global Teams Coordinator who trained, sent and received mission teams to NYC, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda and India. Her love for God's Kingdom and for working with children have been beautifully blended in teaching Kindergarten at KCA.

Catelyn Icenogle recently moved to Kaua’i from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She attended Southeastern Louisiana University where she earned her Bachelor of Education degree. While in Louisiana, she taught 2nd grade for 3 years and absolutely fell in love with teaching. She feels so blessed to be a part of Kaua’i Christian Academy and to teach 1st grade! When she is not teaching, Catelyn loves exploring the island, traveling to new places, running, and spending time with friends and family. She cannot wait to learn and grow alongside her students this year and to teach them each day about God’s incredible love for them!

Hosanna Snyder was born and raised on our beautiful island of Kaua'i. Knowing that God told her she would work with children, she earned her Bachelor of Education from the University of Hawaii. She returned home, married her wonderful husband Joel, and has since been teaching and raising their three children, Judah, Angelina, and Vida. She desires to serve the Lord with her life and followed His prompting to join the Kauai Christian Academy family after several years teaching in the public schools. Hosanna has experience teaching in all elementary areas, art, physical education, as well as Sunday school. She is most excited to teach children everyday about the love of Jesus!

Brooke Campbell was born and raised in Southern California. She attended Grand Canyon University and studied Educational Studies. She first visited Kauai a few years ago where she served on staff with Makalanai Interns. A year later she met her husband through the program. The Lord called them to start their married life on island and continue their journey on Kauai. She is eager to learn and grow with the students!

Tahlia Lowman was raised in Colorado. She has a Bachelor of Education degree from Oral Roberts University in Elementary Education with a Concentration in Early Childhood Education. Tahlia moved to Kaua’i after college because she felt the Lord calling her to teach at Kaua'i Christian Academy. She feels so grateful to have the opportunity to teach at KCA. She can’t wait to teach 4th grade and share the Gospel and the love of Christ with her students. In her free time, Tahlia loves to read, swim at the beach, and discover this beautiful island with her friends.

Mrs. Morales moved to Kauai from Delaware to begin teaching at Kauai Christian Academy in 1985. She earned her degree in Elementary Education from Bob Jones University that same year. She has been a teacher at KCA and with the Hawaii public school system for over thirty years. She and her husband Arnold have three sons and a granddaughter (who combine for over 45 years as students at KCA). Mrs. Morales is committed to and thankful for the ministry of KCA both as a teacher and as a parent.

Chad Campbell was born and raised in Washington State, where he attended the University of Washington and got his bachelors degree in creative writing. He first step foot on the beautiful island of Kauai to do an internship the summer after he graduated. The Makanalani internship was an amazing experience that helped him grow in his character, develop a deeper relationship with Christ, and he even met his wife there! He ended up doing the internship for an entire year and felt the island was brimming with opportunity to do all the things Chad felt God had put on his heart, like, working in ministry, working with children, educating, and writing. Chad is very excited to see how his identity as a storyteller for Christ plays out at Kauai Christian Academy, and to enjoy his married life on the island with his wife, another teacher at school, Brooke Campbell

Ms. Liz is wife to Mark Koga, and mother to Kai, Mia, Ali, and Mya. Liz has faithfully served at KCA in many capacities in recent years and she is currently helping grow young minds as she supports the Kindergarten classroom.

Nina Engelhardt was born and raised in the great northwest and went to college on the east coast where she finished with a degree in Psychology and Christian counseling. She has had the privilege to work with kids of all ages in the pacific islands for ten years. Nina loves sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, especially to kids, as well as spending time with her family, hiking, swimming at the beach, and playing tennis and volleyball. 

Kristi Kelly has been serving God through education for nearly 20 years. Graduating from Arizona State University, Kristi went on to teach a variety of ages and subjects in Italy, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Oahu and most recently back where she grew up, in Phoenix, Arizona. She has a love for our Lord and a passion for drawing her students closer to Him. She is excited to be part of the KCA family with her husband Beau and two kids, Micah and Kajsa. She spends her free time with her family, often hiking, running and traveling.

Mr. Arbo and his wife, Jamie, and three children, Laura, Elizabeth, and Nathan, moved to Kauai from Georgia. Mr. Arbo received his teaching degree from Pensacola Christian College with a double major in Mathematics and Science Education. He has over 18 years of experience in education teaching over 20 different subjects. His background is rich in awards and accolades, but he sees those things as nothing unless he is used by God to reach your child. He is excited to be teaching at KCA because he loves teaching and he loves seeing students succeed.

Aaron Engelhardt loves the Lord and is grateful God rescued him from his sins and gave him the privilege of working with young people. He has enjoyed teaching students of all ages, from first grade all the way to college. His masters degrees in English and Bible have opened the door for he and his wife, Nina, to live and teach in several places including China, Saipan, the Philippines, and Guam. Most recently they were teaching in Oregon where Aaron grew up and where his extended family still resides. Aaron, Nina, and their three teenage children enjoy playing board games, volleyball, and spikeball together as well as surfing, biking, and sandball fighting.

Kaylee Julian was born in Washington state, but was raised in beautiful Southern California. She was homeschooled growing up, allowing her to go on many adventures with her family, as well as be extensively involved in her local theatre company. She attended The Master’s University, receiving a Bachelor’s in History with a minor in Bible. During her time at Master’s, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Israel for a semester, hiking around the entire country, where Jesus walked. Kaylee has a passion for teaching history in a way that brings it to life for her students. She is excited about teaching at KCA because she believes that one should not teach history without the redemptive story of the Bible woven into it.

Jared Holden enjoyed several years of youth ministry in California before catching a vision for Christian education. Relocating from the beautiful mountains of Oregon, Jared has a passion for teaching Science from a biblical worldview. With a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies and a masters in Christian Education from Calvary Chapel University, he is excited to join the community at KCA. Jared and his wife Robin are raising two fun and energetic boys - Josiah, and Hudson. They love the outdoors and often can be found on the trails, off-roading, or camping.

Cailin Van Zee grew up in Minnesota and graduated college with a degree in Biology and a minor in Counseling . She moved to Hawaii 24 years ago to teach at Christian school on Oahu and then moved to Kauai in 2007 after marrying her husband, Kyle.  Cailin taught high school math and science classes both on Oahu and on Kauai until 2009 and coached volleyball for 13 years. After a 13 year hiatus, she is excited to be back in the classroom teaching math again. She loves teens and is excited to bring math to life along with life lessons that God will use in their lives as they grow. Cailin has two amazing boys who attend KCA. She loves baking and cooking, entertaining, reading, and spending time with Kyle and the boys.

Shiyloh McCormick moved from Southern California to the gorgeous island of Kaua’i in the summer of 2018. She is the proud founder and owner of Mele Pu’uhonua Music Studio where she trains her students in both piano and vocal advancement. When she isn’t teaching private lessons, Ms. Shiyloh is teaching all things music at KCA, where she has taught since the beginning of 2019, and loving every minute of it. In addition to making music, Ms. Shiyloh is absolutely head over heels for her husband, loves to dance hula, work in her garden and go to the beach. She has received an Associate’s Degree in Social and Behavioral Science and is pursuing a possible certification as an IVA teacher (Institute for Vocal Advancement). Ke Akua has been so good and she is beyond grateful that she gets to experience this life in and through Him.

Crestienne Smith was born and raised on the central coast of California. She spent three years serving in Special Education in a school district near Yosemite National Park when she felt the Lord leading her and her family to Kauai! She is accompanied by her husband, Dean, and son, Sterling. Crestienne loves to help her students achieve their highest academic potential to discover all that God has in store for them. When Crestienne isn’t teaching, she enjoys running, cooking and playing Yahtzee with her family. She is passionate about connection and community and is looking forward to serving Kauai Christian Academy!

Tawny Martin is originally from San Diego, California. Years ago, she lived on Oahu with her husband and children, but they have always wanted to make Kauai their home. Tawny’s passions center on being outdoors, whether it’s participating in sporting activities, enjoying the beach or just exploring nature. She played soccer and volleyball in high school, then earned a soccer scholarship to play at Trevecca Nazarene University. She has been coaching sports over the past 20 years. She has also been blessed with opportunities to teach PE and Health classes in Christian schools. Tawny has a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science with a minor in Exercise Science. She has a master’s degree in the field of Psychology with an emphasis on counseling and special training in addiction and mental health. Tawny is looking forward to teaching PE, Health, and Psychology, as well as coaching the girls’ volleyball team!

Jillian Caneda is wife to Jack and proud mom of four amazing KCA students. Ms. Jillian enjoys running, traveling, hiking and spending time with her family and friends. She feels blessed to be working as a teacher's aide to Ms. Brandi in the preschool because she adores children. Ms. Jillian and her family love this beautiful island, this wonderful school and its amazing staff.

Chrystal Grady was born and raised in Ashland, Oregon. In 2003 she moved to Seattle, Washington to attend Seattle Central College. In 2006 Chrystal moved to Kauai where she met her wonderful husband, Kamalei. Together they have two amazing children, Kaimana and Olena. In 2016 Chrystal followed God’s calling to be an early childhood educator/ caregiver and opened a Nursery School in Kapahi for 1–3-year-olds. In August of 2022, the Lord led her to KCA where she continues to work within the Preschool. In June 2023 Chrystal earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential in early childhood education. Chrystal is passionate about fostering the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of young children. She enjoys spending time with family, students, and animals and loves reading and drinking tea. 

Priscilla Milgrim was born on the island of Pohnpei in Micronesia and adopted at the age of two. Her parents, who had been called to the mission field, served on the island for 13 years until they moved to Kauai in 2014 where her dad continues to serve as a pastor. Ms. Priscilla attended KCA for her junior and senior years and she often helped as a teacher's aide for the preschool. It was then that she learned that she really enjoys working with kids. After high school, Ms. Priscilla was a part time aide in the KCA preschool for several years, but this is her first year as a full time aide! Outside of school, she enjoys going to the beach with her dog, watching the sunrise or sunset (or both!), and spending time with friends and family.

Keely Williams grew up in a small town in California where she met her high school sweetheart and future husband during her junior year. Ms. Keely and her husband Harry have been married for 47 years, and they have been blessed with 3 children and 8 grandchildren. They moved to Kauai in 2005. Ms. Keely loved raising her children and being a mom, but to be a grandma, or “KeKe”, is the best! Working in education has always brought her such joy and fulfillment. She feels that being able to teach children about Jesus along with assisting in their education at KCA is a privilege.

Lindsey Firestone is a welcomed addition to the KCA ohana.

Julie Gromer moved to Kauai from South Carolina. She’s lived in Kauai and many other places over the span of her 21 years, including, California, Colorado, and Georgia! She has a deep passion for youth and creating a space for them to thrive in Christ- like communities. Julie has a love for the outdoors and all things that lead to adventure. Some of her favorite hobbies include hiking, being creative through art, and exploring new places. Her love for the Lord is deep and she is so excited to grow and learn more about Him here on Kauai.