Staff

Program Director and Garden Teacher, Amanda Rieux was invited to the Big Island in January 2005 to start WMS’ Mala’ai Garden after working as a garden teacher for several years at chef Alice Waters’ Edible School Yard in Berkley, Ca. – the project that Mala’ai is patterned after.

Trained in Ecological Horticulture at the University of California – Santa Cruz, Amanda has studied sustainable agricultural systems across the U.S. as well as in Cuba, Afghanistan, and Vietnam. Ms. Rieux earned a Certificate in Ecological Horticulture from the Center For Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems at U.C. Santa Cruz. Her Bachelors degree in International Relations with concentrations in Peace and Conflict Resolution and Intercultural Communications is from The American University, Washington, DC. She also holds an International Baccalaureate from United World College of the American West, Montezuma, New Mexico.

Executive Director Alethea Lai started at Mala`ai in 2010. Alethea moved to the Big Island in 1994 to finish her undergraduate degree in Marine Science at the University of Hawai`i at Hilo. She then went on to complete a Masters of Art in Geography from the University of Hawai`i at Manoa. Before working for Mala`ai, Alethea was the Development Director at the Kahilu Theatre. An avid locavore, Alethea brings her passion for fresh sustainable food to the garden.

Garden Teacher Assistant, Holly Sargeant Green became involved with Mala`ai when her son was a student there. Since then, she has been a volunteer, a board member, and is now our Garden Teacher Assistant. Holly’s enthusiasm and care for the garden is a true asset to the organization.

Garden Teacher Assistant, Susan Conley Tuason is a professionally trained chef with over 12 years experience. After a career on Wall Street, Susan began her second career, working as a dishwasher before rising through the ranks to become sous chef of an independent rustic French restaurant. Susan also worked for Dean & DeLuca in Kansas City where she managed several departments until moving to Hawai’i. Susan is an alumni team member of CulinaryCorps, the “Peace Corps for food professionals” and has worked with Edible Schoolyard NOLA, Boys and Girls Club of Mississippi, and at risk youths at Cafe Reconcile. She has a BA from Miami University. Susan joined Mala’ai in July 2011.

Garden Teacher Assistant, Nabaui Khentamentiu has volunteered at Mala`ai since 2010. His rapport and enthusiasm with the students always leaves everyone smiling.