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About HSTE
Our Vision
Leverage technology in education to accelerate a more innovative, resilient, and sustainable Hawaii.
Our Mission
HSTE inspires educators to use technology to innovate teaching and learning, encourage best practices, and solve tough education problems. Through shared knowledge and a supportive community, we strive to empower learners and create equitable technology access.
History of HSTE
The Hawaiʻi Society for Technology in Education (HSTE) was originally established in 2011 when Tech Corps Hawaiʻi’s application to form a Hawaiʻi affiliate of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE®) was approved. In 2014, the organization officially changed its name to the Hawaiʻi Society for Technology in Education and became a registered nonprofit in the state of Hawaiʻi.
For over a decade, HSTE proudly served as an ISTE affiliate, collaborating with a global network of more than 70 affiliates to share best practices and strengthen local impact. In the summer of 2025, HSTE entered a new chapter by transitioning into an independent nonprofit organization, charting its own course while remaining deeply committed to empowering educators through innovative technology and community connection across Hawaiʻi’s schools.
2026-2027 HSTE Board
The HSTE Board consists of educators with a variety of interests and backgrounds in public, private, and charter school education and technology.
We are very excited to introduce the incoming Board of Directors this year!
Dagan Bernstein, Capstone Coordinator, Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Malia Draper, Curriculum Coordinator, Waihe'e Elementary School
Donna Ikeuchi, Teacher, Lihikai Elementary School
Mindy Montalvo, Teacher, Kula Elementary
Kai Nishibayashi-Rincon, Teacher, Kahului Elementary
Laurel Oshiro, Librarian, Hawaii State Public Libraries
Tami Saito, Teacher, Waihe'e Elementary School
Jill Schwindler, Counselor, Kula Elementary School
Alan Tamayose, Sr. Instructional Technology Specialist, Kamehameha Schools
Please take a moment to read the bios below of these fantastic educators.
The HSTE Executive Board Members
Dagan Bernstein - President (Hawai‘i Island)
Dagan is an innovative leader in project and inquiry-based learning, leveraging technology to facilitate deep, meaningful educational experiences. With expertise in a variety of digital tools, he has led professional learning initiatives and education projects with skill and creativity. As president of the Hawaii Society for Technology in Education and Digital Content Manger for the National Capstone Consortium, Dagan continues to collaborate with educators across the globe to shape the future of education.
Tami Saito - President-Elect (Maui)
Tami was born and raised on Maui and currently teaches at Waihe'e Elementary School, with experience spanning all K-12 levels. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Technology from Walden University, driven by her passion for integrating innovative tech solutions into the classroom and empowering both educators and students through shared knowledge.
Donna Ikeuchi - Secretary (Maui)
Donna was born and raised in Waikapu, Maui. She graduated from University of Hawai'i at Manoa with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. Donna is currently in her 3rd year of teaching 1st grade at Lihikai Elementary School. Aside from teaching, she has a passion for music and coaches for Lahainaluna High School Marching Band and Colorguard.
Jill Schwindler - Treasurer (Maui)
Jill has previously been the ELL Coordinator at Wailuku Elementary School on Maui, and has she taught RTI, 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. She is an innovative teacher that strives to prepare students for their future through innovation, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. She is part of the GLAD team for Maui, Student Voice Facilitator team for Maui and served as a co-founder of Edcamp Maui. Jill received her Bachelors Degree from the University of Southern Colorado, Master’s Degree from the University of Phoenix.
The HSTE Board Members
Malia Draper (Maui)
Malia Draper is a Curriculum Coordinator at Waihee Elementary School with a rich 20-year teaching career. A nationally board-certified educator, she is committed to nurturing new teachers and guiding them toward professional excellence. Her passion for educational advancement is evident in her instrumental role in supporting teachers as they bring their creative visions to life, such as establishing a school band and an innovation lab. A lifelong learner herself, Malia continually seeks new knowledge and effective strategies to enhance her teaching practice.
Mindy Montalvo (Maui)
Bio coming soon!
Kai Nishibayashi-Rincon (Maui)
Bio coming soon!
Laurel Oshiro (O‘ahu)
Bio coming soon!
Alan Tamayose (O‘ahu)
Alan Tamayose is a Sr. Instructional Technology Specialist at the Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. Alan is passionate about moonshot thinking, collaborative learning, and community building. In the past 20 years, he has worked with the Kamehameha elementary, middle, and high school campuses. Previously, Alan was a teacher with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education. He is a TED-Ed Innovative Educator and an Apple Teacher. Alan presents regularly on new media, digital storytelling, and project-based learning.
Past Presidents and Emeritus Members
Shane Asselstine - Past President and Honorary Board Member (O‘ahu)
Shane joined the Hawai‘i Department of Education in 2004 as a 4th grade teacher. He has spent most of his years as the Technology Integration Specialist at Momilani Elementary School. Outside of school, he serves in many roles across various organizations such as the HSTE President, CSTA Hawai‘i Chapter Past-President, Code.org K-8 Facilitator for Hawai‘i. He has been integrating technology from Google to Micro:bits for almost two decade with lessons ranging from economics to humanities. He is also a strong advocate for implementing computer science in the classroom through unplugged, digital and physical computing. Since August 2015, he has trained over 1400 K-8 educators in Hawai‘i, to bring CS into the classroom.
Previous HSTE Presidents
2022-2024 - Shane Asselstine
2020-2022 - Cecilia "CC" Chung
2019-2020 - Shane Asselstine
2018 - Nathaniel Evslin
2017 - Melissa Handy
2016 - Michael Fricano II
2015 - Elizabeth Garrison
2014 - Mike Travis
2013 - Brett Tanaka
2012 - Mark Hines
2011 - Phil Bossert
Board Member Emeritus
Dr. Phil Bossert
Dr. Mark Hines
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