The 2024-2025 academic year marks an exciting shift in ‘Iolani School’s Upper School administration, with two familiar faces stepping into positions that are pivotal to the success of ‘Iolani. Both Mr. Erik Yamamoto ’99 and Ms. Melanie Pfingsten have a long-standing history at ‘Iolani, as well as a shared dedication to the excellence of the school. As Ms. Pfingsten and Mr. Yamamoto step into their new administrative roles, they bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to promoting a collaborative and inclusive community at ‘Iolani, all while continuing their own personal growth as educators.
Ms. Pfingsten began her career as a History teacher, eventually becoming Dean of the Lower School and finally the Associate Head of School and Dean of Upper School Faculty. Her progression within a reputable institution such as ‘Iolani School reflects the versatility as a leader and educator the school has prided itself on. As of now, she has a clear vision for her first year in this position. “We are trying to provide opportunities, but then also provide guidance so that the students get the best of both worlds, that both interest you and will help you get ready for college, but also the healthy things of friendship and connection,” she says. Ms. Pfingsten emphasizes the importance of balance, helping students prepare for college while ensuring that they cultivate friendships and healthy relationships. In light of the ongoing Arrillaga Student Center construction, she expresses her goal to maintain stability amidst the transformation and extensive change at ‘Iolani this school year. She expresses, “My goal is to keep things as steady as possible, I am not trying to change much this year, because all around us everything is being changed.”
Although Ms. Pfingsten highlights her value of consistency, she believes that “There are two big changes that I think will bear fruit.” For one, she plans to foster a stronger sense of collaboration among the Deans by encouraging them to work closer together rather than solely on their isolated responsibilities. This Upper School leadership team – including Ms. Pfingsten, Mr. Yamamoto, Dr. Michael Lomuscio, Mr. Omar Lópes-Thismón, Ms. Lori Yoneda ’94, Mr. Nathan Hue ’18 and Mr. Tate Brown–will prioritize teamwork, helping to ensure that the needs of the students are met. She verbalized the strategy of “rounds,” similar to that used in hospitals, where the deans walk around the campus and increase their visibility so that they feel better connected with the students and ensure that their voices are being heard.
Mr. Yamamoto’s path to his current position of Associate Dean of Upper School took an unexpected turn when he temporarily left ‘Iolani to help manage his parents’ construction company. Despite this break, he found that his passion for education drew him back to ‘Iolani when the opportunity arose. “I still get to work with students in a different capacity,” he notes. Even though he misses his former role as the Associate Dean of Students, he still remains deeply involved in the student body. He says, “I know that what I do in this new role, as far as influencing and working and supporting adults in their roles in your lives, that it has a connection to you all.”
Prior to his administrative positions, Mr. Yamamoto was an ‘Iolani History teacher, and he thoughtfully recalls his daily engagement with students: “I do miss the day to day engagement in pretty much every facet of what I was responsible for in my other role,” he reflects, noting that he felt like there were 1,400 students in his class. Nevertheless, his new role allows him to impact the student body on an even larger scale by shaping policies and supporting faculty. A primary motivation that he expressed was his goal to empower students and provide them a voice with their education. “Something exciting about being back is seeing that growth, that maturity, the evolution of all of you,” he says. Mr. Yamamoto has a deep commitment to student-centered decision making, demonstrating how he cares for the ‘Iolani community and its success.
Hand in hand with Ms. Pfinsgten’s plan of maintaining and securing a close connection between students and faculty, Mr. Yamamoto shares a similar philosophy. He recommends and advises staff and faculty to adopt the following approach: “To get out of your office or classroom spaces and have those moments and go walk around, go see the kids. Be around them. And you’ll see why you’re doing what you are doing.” This particular engagement, he believes, enriches and motivates the work of faculty and reminds them of the vital role they play with the students’ lives. For all of ‘Iolani’s faculty and staff, Mr. Yamamoto makes a point that they are deeply connected to the student body’s journey and that this will “give your work a different layer of meaning in life.”
Ms. Pfingsten and Mr. Yamamoto’s new administrative positions mark a new positive chapter for ‘Iolani. Their plans to foster collaboration and prioritize the experiences of the student body and faculty reflects the core values of ‘Iolani. They are undoubtedly dedicated to enhancing the school, and as they further continue to grow in their roles, ‘Iolani is well-positioned to pursue its legacy of excellence in all facets.
