Admissions Team

Tiare Judd Police ’86, P ‘13, ‘15, ‘21

Director of Admission

Tiare’s roots at HPA run deep. Born and raised on Hawai‘i Island, she is an alumna, the daughter of a 1962 graduate, the wife of a 1985 graduate, and the proud parent of three Ka Makani alumni. After graduating from HPA, she attended Colorado State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies.

Since joining HPA in 2009, Tiare has loved building connections with students, families, and educational representatives from around the globe. She is passionate about helping others experience the heart of HPA — from its ambitious academic program and character-building experiences to the countless opportunities for creativity and innovation. Drawing on her own journey as both a student and a parent, she speaks from the heart about the unique magic of HPA and the deep sense of love and aloha that students carry with them for each other and for Hawai‘i.

Tiare lives in Waimea with her husband, Albert ’85. She enjoys Pilates, weightlifting, photography, traveling with friends, and visiting her adult children — Kepa ’13, Maiah ’15, and Isabella ’21 — all now living on the mainland.

tpolice@hpa.edu
(808) 881-4023

Janet Kalaniopio, P ‘17, ‘20, ‘24, senior associate director of admission

Specializing in grades 9-12 (PG) domestic US and Asia boarding student admissions

Janet’s connection to Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy is rooted in family and her years of dedication to the school. Originally from Southwest Virginia, a place whose close- knit community and natural beauty remind her of Waimea – she graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

Janet joined HPA’s advancement team in 2013 and transitioned to Admissions in 2019. She loves connecting with students, families, and educational consultants from around the world and is passionate about helping them understand the unique spirit and opportunities that define the HPA experience.

Her ties to HPA are deeply personal—her three children are HPA alumni, Brandon ’17, Keilani ’20, and Nikki ’24, and she is married to HPA alumnus TJ Kalaniopio ’94. She admires the school’s deep-rooted community ties and its devotion to nurturing a lifelong love for Hawai‘i.

Janet lives in Waimea with her husband and family. She enjoys running, hiking, exploring the island’s natural beauty, and spending time with friends and loved ones.

jkalaniopio@hpa.edu
(808) 881-4085

Maria Mora, international boarding

Specializing in grades 9-12 (PG) in Europe, Latin/South America, and other international locations except Asia

Maria Mora joined HPA’s admissions team in the summer of 2019 as an international consultant, working from HPA’s satellite office in Madrid, Spain. She brings many years of experience in admissions and international education, having worked with a variety of boarding schools around the world. Maria holds a master’s degree in corporate communication from IE Business School in Madrid and a bachelor’s degree in communication from Eckerd College in Florida.

Her passion for admissions is deeply personal — shaped by her own journey of moving from her home country to the U.S., and later to Spain, to study and build an international career. She loves working with students and families from different cultures, helping them navigate the same transformative process she once experienced herself.

Maria lives in Madrid with her husband and young son, and cherishes every opportunity to visit Hawai‘i and reconnect with the HPA ‘ohana. Her favorite time of year is the start of the school year, when she welcomes new international students into the HPA community.

Creative at heart, Maria enjoys art, crafting, and adding personal touches to everything she does. She recently began exploring Cricut projects and is known for making handmade, personalized gifts for family and friends. She also enjoys painting ceramics in her free time.

mm.admissions@hpa.edu
WhatsApp me: +34 637.122.488

Stephanie Stewart, P ‘38, assistant director of admission

Specializing in pre-K and kindergarten to 8th-grade day student admissions

Stephanie Stewart brings a wealth of experience in marketing, sales, and relationship building to her role as Assistant Director of Admission at HPA, where she oversees enrollment for PreK, kindergarten through 8th grade. A long-time Waimea resident and proud HPA parent, Stephanie blends her professional expertise with a heartfelt commitment to the school’s mission and values.

She is passionate about welcoming new families, guiding them through the admission process, and sharing the unique spirit of the HPA community. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys life with her husband and their two energetic boys, whether they’re catching waves at the beach or cheering from the sidelines on the soccer field.

sstewart@hpa.edu
(808) 881-4091

Tayler Wang ’10 P ’35, assistant director of admission

Specializing in grades 9-12 day and in-state boarding admissions

Born and raised on Hawaiʻi Island, Tayler is a proud Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy alumna from the Class of 2010. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where she developed a strong foundation in interpersonal communication, storytelling, and relationship-building. Tayler later cultivated a career in hospitality at luxury resort properties on Hawaiʻi Island, gaining extensive experience in guest relations, service excellence, and guiding people through high-touch, personalized experiences.

In 2024, Tayler returned to HPA as the Student Store and Ka Makani Café Manager, revitalizing the student and community experience on campus. She now serves as Assistant Director of Admission, drawing on her perspective as an alumna, former student, and current HPA parent. Tayler enjoys connecting with families, understanding what matters most to them, and supporting them through every step of the application process with warmth, clarity, and sincere care. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her three sons and being part of the Hawaiʻi Island community that shaped her.

twang@hpa.edu
(808) 881-4063

Hui-Chun O’Leary, P ‘23, ‘29

Admissions office manager, SEVIS PDSO

Hui-Chun O’Leary joined HPA’s admissions team in January 2017, bringing with her years of experience supporting students through a variety of roles, including the Lower School Afterschool Program, the College Counseling Center, and the Residential Life Program. As Office Manager, she oversees a wide range of responsibilities — from managing the application process and international student visa procedures to coordinating internal and external communications.

A native speaker of Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese, Hui-Chun often serves as an interpreter for Chinese-speaking students and their families. She is passionate about problem-solving and committed to guiding families through the admission process with clarity, care, and confidence.

Beyond the office, Hui-Chun enjoys music, movies, art, and all things handmade — but her favorite moments are those spent with her family. She lives in HPA’s faculty residence with her husband, Patrick, a member of the HPA faculty and marketing and communications team, along with their children who are HPA alumna ‘23 and student ‘29.

soleary@hpa.edu
808-881-4007