Paia Youth and Cultural Center Home Page

Melekai Jenson , House Host
Aloha, My name is Melekai. I grew up in Pa‘ia and was an active P.Y.C.C. member in my youth. Growing up I participated in many of the programs that the youth center offered. I knew in my youth that I wanted to work at the youth center someday so it is exciting to be here. I have an AA degree in Liberal Studies and am currently going to school for a degree in Social Services and Elementary Education. I love working with kids, and am glad to be working somewhere that means so much to me. I hope that I can give back at least half of what this place has given me.

Laura Civitello, KOPO-LPFM 89.5 “radiOpio” Program Director
Aloha, I’m Laura Civitello the Program Director here at radiOpio, Pa‘ia Youth and Cultural Center’s very own radio station. I’ve lived and worked as an artist and entertainer on Maui for over twenty years. I discovered my own love of radio as a DJ at non- commercial Manao Radio. I love to share the powerful medium of radio with youth. There’s nothing that’s more fun than putting our members behind the mic here at 89.5FM! There are lots of interesting ways to be part of radiOpio. PYCC members can learn the basics of engineering their own radio show and share the music they love, their own original music, poetry, ideas, and thoughts with our listening audience, which is growing daily. radiOpio is ready and waiting for YOU to speak out, so come down and help make KOPO-LP 89.5FM the coolest radio station on the planet!

Kelley Kuhlman, Pa‘ia Bay Café Program Specialist
Howdy- that’s Wyoming for Aloha- you know the saying, “you can take the girl out of the West…” I have been a youth leader in some capacity since the late 80’s in various places; including two years teaching children with disabilities and in after school programs as a contract artist for Very Special Arts Nevada in Reno. I have always had an affinity for youth. Helping them experience positive occasions during the difficult period of growing up is my desire. At the Pa‘ia Bay Café it is our desire to create an atmosphere of a home kitchen for the youth who spend their time here and in doing so teach them how to “feed themselves.” We try to raise awareness of healthy and culturally relevant food choices and hope to introduce some new things along the way.

Ben Rachunas, Program Specialist
My name is Benjamin and I graduated from Rowan University where I studied sociology, psychology, and child development. During my many breaks from the university I traveled the country living and worked in various communities where I was given the chance to experience raw and living foods, ayurvedic and macrobiotic lifestyles. I have come to the PYCC to share my experience of the world's diverse cultures and how they are expressed through the foods we enjoy..

Patrick Malpass, Stonewave Skatepark Director
Hey, What's up? My name is Patrick Malpass and I hail from New Jersey originally. I moved here with my wife, three kids and dog. We live upcountry and enjoy the beauty and laidback lifestyle. I spent 10 years in NYC, where I worked as a studio manager and photographer. I have my BFA in Photography and a minor in painting from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. My photos are published in several skate magazines and The New York Times. I have also done catalog work for a variety of skate companies. I have been skating since I was 9 years old and look forward to working and skating in Paia.

Peter Swanzy, Hekili Multimedia Lab Manager, PR Director, Database Mgr.
Aloha! I grew up in Seattle and came to Maui in 2004. I earned my B.F.A. in Music Performance and Composition from the College of Santa Fe. My music and film work has been commissioned, premiered, and presented in Europe, Australia, New York, Hawaii, and throughout the West Coast. My work has also been featured in the Telluride Film Festival, Mountain Film on Tour, and in several festivals of new and experimental music. As an artist and educator my goal is to investigate, push, and surpass boundaries and limits established by mainstream convention. At the PYCC I teach music, photography, video, audio engineering, photoshop, graphics, web development, and whatever else I can offer!

Susun White, Executive Director
Aloha! I have been the team leader at the Pa‘ia Youth and Cultural Center since 1994. It has been a wonderful adventure and I am grateful to all the youth and community members who have graced our doors. I love teenagers and consider myself blessed to be able to spend the majority of my days within hearing range of their perspective of the planet. Both my children were raised at the PYCC and my husband Gregory has spent many hours tending to the grounds. Throughout the years I have strived to make PYCC a safe loving place that supports and enhances the creativity of all our members. My personal passions are yoga, dance, bike riding, and ocean swimming.