We are excited to welcome Ms. Kellianna Ward to the ‘Iolani community. She has a bachelor’s degree in biology as well as a master’s degree in STEM from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Before ʻIolani, she worked at ‘Ewa Elementary where she taught all subjects in fifth grade, including science.

Outside of teaching, Ms. Ward has two cats and a fiancé whom she enjoys spending time with. She likes to do numerous things with her fiancé, including watching movies and anime and even playing video games. Ms. Ward grew up wanting to be a veterinarian because she loves animals, but she did not want to see them ill or hurt. She was also very intrigued by spending time outside and looking at nature. What inspired her love of teaching, however, were her early jobs working with little children. She worked in after school programs as well as with the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). Eventually, she found that the ability to work with kids while simultaneously being able to embrace her passion for science was her true calling. “Since you’re working with kids, it has to be fun,” Ms. Ward explained. “I like to work with people and make others laugh.” In the future, Ms. Ward has aspirations to pursue a doctorate.