Homegrown here on Maui, our Campus Minister and Religion teacher, Kumu “Kiana” Cornell, is enthusiastic about teaching in the Marianist tradition especially after teaching in public schools for nearly 20 years.  She is grateful for all the opportunities given her in preparation for her current role. An alumna of St. Anthony School, she attended Boston College, where she received her B.A. in Education and Human Development while being active in campus ministry and liturgical arts. While in Boston, she was able to take advantage of serving the poor on missions to both Appalachia, the USA & Kingston, Jamaica. Her love of music and diversity grew as she traveled the world performing in the international Cast of Up With People in 1987 where she stayed with host families around the world. She has been involved in youth ministry both in Texas and here on Maui and is a parishioner of St. Ann’s Parish in Waihee. Additionally, she is proud to have other meaningful professional experiences outside of the classroom such as working for the San Jose, Earthquakes, MLS soccer team in their inaugural year which is where she met her husband, Mr. Matt Cornell.

 

As an educator of diverse learners over the years, she has developed a great passion for supporting students in becoming the best version of themselves which means being true to themselves by bringing Christ’s light to others. She enjoys sharing her talents and her passion for her faith with our St. Anthony School community by playing and singing during masses, but what she enjoys most, is witnessing students’ faith experiences in recognizing that they matter and are loved beyond measure by our God.