Our Board and Advisory Council
Carol L. Nowak
Board Chair
Carol is a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of experience in Hawai‘i. An ATRC Executive Committee member since 2018, she brings deep advocacy, professional expertise, and personal insight to advance access to assistive technology and support for individuals with disabilities statewide.
Desrae Kahale
Vice Chair
Jensen Tabil
Secretary
Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Jensen serves as Secretary on ATRC’s Board of Directors. With a background in project management and operations, he brings a collaborative, solutions-driven approach to improving systems and expanding access to assistive technology for communities across the islands.
Adrian Kerwin Kusumoto
Treasurer
Adrian is a consultant and educator with extensive nonprofit leadership supporting individuals with disabilities. As ATRC Treasurer, he brings expertise in operations, fundraising, and financial oversight, strengthening sustainability and expanding access to inclusive programs and assistive technology across Hawaii.
Pauline Aughe
Board Member
Pauline, founder of One Leg Up Productions, is a speaker, author, and courage coach. A longtime Hawai‘i resident and ATRC Vice Chair, she brings powerful advocacy, storytelling, and community leadership to expand visibility, connection, and access for individuals with disabilities across the islands.
Melissa Handy
Board Member
Melissa, Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Technology at Le Jardin Academy, brings over 12 years of leadership in education technology. She contributes strategic vision, innovation, and technical expertise to ATRC, helping expand access to assistive technology and improve systems that better serve communities across Hawaii.
Nikki Kepoʻo
Board Member
Born and raised in Kahaluʻu, Oʻahu, Nikki Kepoo is a dedicated advocate for Hawaii’s disability and Native Hawaiian communities. As a proud mother of two, she brings cultural insight, lived experience, and a heart for service to strengthen ATRC’s outreach, inclusion, and community impact.
Advisory Council
Debra Braiman
Rona Fukumoto
Jared Hollingsworth
Kristyl Kim
Amanda Lowe
Fulutusi Maʻilo
Cheryl Matthews
Kehau Newhouse
Drew Saranillio
Nate Sichter
Annette Tashiro
Noelani Watanabe
Keao Wright
John Zamarra