Grow With Us!

We are thrilled to announce that RAI Hawaii was accepted into Cohort #5 of the USC Rossier Ed-Tech Accelerator Program!!

https://www.edge.usc.edu/accelerator/

Check out the amazing companies all over the world in our incredible cohort!

FIGHT ON!!

RAI Hawaii Founder and COO

A team made of dedicated, inspired, independent educators!

Dr. Phaedra Robinson and her team at RAI Hawaii, are dedicated and passionate teachers and researchers in the field of Computer Science and STEAM education.

We are committed to empowering children of all ages and abilities through access to: quality educational programs, experienced, licensed teachers, and research based programs.

Our founding member teachers each have 20+ years of experience teaching, and hold graduate degrees in education.

We believe in STEM + Art + Metacognition + Mindfulness for all of Hawaii's keiki from the earliest age.

Dr. Phaedra Robinson

Founder & CEO

These robots changed my life! I first met Kebbi the coding robot in 2021, online at a USC Rossier School of Education alumni networking event. I fell in love with this adorable little robot, and was inspired by the infinite possibilities for children to create and learn about coding by programming robots.

In 2022, with over 30 years of teaching experience from preschool to college, and several graduate degrees in Education, I began creating my dream educational program in a field that I am very passionate about-Computer Science and Educational Technology!

Our company's aim is to provide children of all ages and abilities in the Hawaiian islands access and opportunities to learn and engage in Computer Science and STEAM through enriching learning experiences with Makerspaces.

In RAI Hawaii's first year we created or sponsored over 10 free mobile Makerspaces with 'coding playgrounds' all over the island of Oahu for kids aged 3-23 in a mission to bring the movement of "Coding for All" to include all of Hawaii's and Pacific Island keiki.

FOUNDING MEMBERS

Gary Emelle has a BA in Psychology from Bradley University, a Masters in Early Education/Special Education, and a Masters in Administration/Leadership, from the University of New Orleans. He has 21 years teaching experience in both special education and general education, and was an administrator for 5 years as a High School Vice Principal, and for 1 year at an Elementary School. Gary volunteered his time in establishing our program in its' first year.

Veronica Willkie has a BS in Early Ed, a BA in Elementary Ed from Auburn, and a MEd in Special Education from Chaminade University, and has taught in the classroom for 28 years, for 5 years was a Curriculum Coordinator. Roni graciously volunteered her time in establishing our program in its' first year.

TEAM MEMBERS

Dr. Laura Morrison - Dr. Morrison is a new research partner with RAI Hawaii, and holds a doctorate in Education with a focus on promising practices with pre-service teacher education. She is an instructor in the College of Education at UH West O'ahu and Ontario Tech University. Her areas of expertise include online teaching and learning, critical digital literacies and making and STEAM for education.

Olivia DeMarco- Volunteer member for our free coding events. Olivia is a student at UH Manoa currently working on a degree in education and is a preschool teacher in West Oahu.