Our People

Gail Clarke

Board President, Director, & EO (2003)

Resource Developer & Grant Coordinator, P/T at HAASPCS, Volunteer EO at ASC

I am honored to help facilitate ASC’s evolution from a collection of needs, interests and visions, rooted and alive in Puna. My personal vision is to know and share the strength and genius in our community as we live, learn, and thrive together. I studied Marine Ecology in college, I am fascinated by human capacity and how many opportunities there are to learn new things. I hope ASC grows into a gathering place where we can engage, produce and celebrate at every age.

Suzette Ridolfi

Vice President (2017), Director (2012)

Teacher, entrepreneur, experienced fundraiser

I was born and raised in Brazil, studied fine arts in Europe, and graduated from UH Hilo in 1995 with a Linguistics degree and a TESOL certificate. Coming to Hawaii, I was welcomed into a family of friends who showed me if you can’t find what you are looking for, you just make it happen. This new way of thinking was an enormous switch to what I had experienced in my years living in Europe where everything is already established for you a long time. The idea of becoming an active participant in our destiny was very attractive. I was directly involved in the foundation of the HAAS public charter school following the birth of my daughter, and am proud to have seen it go from a few private tutoring programs to a vibrant hub of children, parents, and educators in the community. I’m honored to serve as a board member of ASC where I try to bring my view as a parent, teacher, and business owner.

McLean Eames

Secretary (2019), Director 2015

Athletics & Activities Coordinator at HAASPCS, Lead Boys Mentor

I have been working and playing with communities and youth of ALL ages to empower individuals to thrive for over 20 years. Whether learning how to guide visitors as a high school student volunteer at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), or leading the adventure as a summer ranch camp administrator, my enthusiasm for growth, development and FUN are always apparent and infectious. I obtained 2 undergraduate degrees from Oregon State University in the studies of Filmmaking & Education. As a community educator, it is a dream come true for me to be a part of the Arts & Sciences Center team and the vision for community that we are growing here in Puna. I moved to the Big Island in 2011, and became a Dad in 2013. My deep respect for Hawaiian perspectives has grown daily over the past 10 years, and I am thrilled to be learning a new language ~ 'Ōlelo Hawaii!! I became an ASC Director in 2015, and am thrilled to be a part of the Puna and Big Island Community!

Sandra Silva

Director since 2019

Certified Public Accountant, Accountant, Mom, Volunteer 

I am the mom of five - four of whom graduated from HAAS - I love the school and am so honored to be a part of the organization that supports it. I am a Certified Public Accountant, in private practice with 20 years of experience, much of it in non profit accounting. I am on several non profit boards and serve on my church's leadership committee. I enjoy being in service to my community and my family.

Shelby Smith

Director since 2017

Art teacher, Artist, entrepreneur, active volunteer in local non-profits (Orchid Society)

I moved to the island 10 years ago. I have 2 undergrad degrees in Architecture and Ceramics, as well as an MFA in Sculpture. Prior to joining the HAAS faculty I worked for multiple local non-profit arts organizations. The design Company, Blue Cinder Studio, in which my wife and I are partners, continues my individual studio arts practice. I have worked on the ASC Master planning project extensively since joining the board.

Dr. William Steiner

Director 2014-15, 2017

Retired – Dean of UHH School of Agriculture, consultant – bio-fuel entrepreneur

I returned to my birthplace of Hawaii to join the USGS to establish the Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, and later became the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Management at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, where I also served on the STEM program. Now I am working on developing a project to grow oil palms as a source of vegetable oil for the islands. I believe it is necessary to give back to my Hawaiian heritage and I serve on Boards of three foundations (including ASC). I believe my education and work experiences can help guide the next generation of youth into creative, new pathways of success to build an even brighter and more sustainable Island future.

Greg Henkle

Director

Greg Henkel; Vietnam Veteran, Artist, Entrepreneur, Educator

Taliesin McEnaney

Development and Grants Specialist

Teacher, entrepreneur, experienced fundraiser

Taliesin McEnaney comes to the Big Island via Canada.  A director, producer, writer/translator, and arts educator for more than 20 years,  her work has toured internationally in Europe, Mexico, the US and Canada. She has produced national and international tours for Why Not Theatre, and was Dramaturg and Associate Artist at Canadian Stage.  Since moving to Puna makai, Taliesin has put her focus into arts and agriculture-centered community development. At the Seaview Performing Arts Center for Education she led Program Development; creating programs and securing funding, and co-founding the community agriculture and food rescue program Out-on-a Limb.  She is currently working with both HAASPCS and ASC to produce and secure funding for programming that serves the needs of the community, brings folks together around art, science, fresh food and gardens!

Kendra Tidwell

Operations Manager

I am a Pahoa High School and University of Hawaii at Hilo graduate with a colorful work history encompassing marketing, sustainable agriculture, youth mentoring, tech support, legislation, and more. Most recently, my experience within organizational development and consulting is brought to my current role in Operations. Meanwhile, I freelance with other Hawaii non-profit organizations and maintain a deep passion for meaningful work within my home community - especially among artists, entrepreneurs, and underprivileged populations. I am also a triple certified equine masseuse, classical violinist, temporary tattoo artist, aspiring art collector, and die-hard foodie.

Jillian Hurne

Communications Manager, Programs Coordinator

A humble midwestern girl at my core, from a 1st-gen. immigrant parent, I was reluctant to stake any sort of claim to Hawai’i, despite moving here in 2010, immediately after earning my undergrad degree in Anthropology & Sociology. Yet, working with ASC has allowed me to focus my organizational skills and knack for supporting others to honor Puna and its residents in such a way that I now confidently call the Big Island “home”. I have spent the last 15 years facilitating educational programs & events that encourage family participation and showcase community collaboration. I appreciate hybrid & holistic approaches to just about everything. I love learning about past & present cultures - largely through cooking & travel. I am fascinated by the human experience. I’m a big fan of simplicity & efficiency. I value being a mom, following my heart, honest conversations, no-equipment exercise, reading, writing, card games, crafting, quality, acceptance, and time spent in nature.

Danielle Preston

Garden Coordinator

Dani has a passion for working with youth outdoors, teaching languages and facilitating creativity in the learning environment. She has been a swim coach, a French and English teacher, a bilingual art teacher, and now she is currently our Garden Coordinator at the Hawai'i Academy of Arts & Science. Her role in the garden involves tending to the outdoor learning space, organizing student excursions to the garden, creating culturally-relevant curriculums, facilitating Summer Garden Camps & Community WorkParties, developing a 5-yr sustainability plan and educating students on sustainable, regenerative agriculture in our tropical setting. Much of her experience with Hawaiian farming has come from her involvement with the East Hawai'i Master Gardeners. She has a Bachelor of Arts in French Language & Culture, and a minor in Education from UCDavis. Please reach out to Dani with any questions regarding the garden programs at HAAS.