Kumu’s Cupboard is Kauai’s nonprofit store where teachers can shop for free. Kumu’s Cupboard is filled with school supplies, office supplies, materials for art and science projects, and student incentives.

Many educators spend their own money to enhance the education of their students whether to buy basic school supplies or materials for a special project. Kumu’s Cupboard, located near Target, opened January 28, 2017, to support public, private and charter school K-12 teachers, counselors, and educational assistants.

Board of Directors

Elyse Litvack, Founder and President

I have lived on Kauai since September of 2012, but have had a strong affinity for Kauai since our first visit in 1986. We spent our summers on Kauai beginning in 2002. I was an elementary school teacher in Seattle, Washington for 30 years, teaching primarily 2nd grade, 5th grade, and the last four years, a science pullout program. I also taught a pre-service science class at University of Washington, Bothell in the winter of 2011. On Kauai I am glad to work with students through the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge’s program, “Albatross Lifecycles”. I am currently on the board of The Mokihana Club, Grow Our Own Teachers on Kauai, and the Jewish Community of Kauai. When not a Kumu’s Cupboard, I enjoy traveling, playing mahjong, baking, going to the beach, volunteering and being with friends. I am delighted to be involved with the founding and on-going operations of Kumu’s Cupboard.

Alicia Perlas Miyashiro, Vice President

I’ve been teaching on Kauai for 27 years. I’m currently a district resource teacher at Kauai Complex Area. I support Elementary Schools in the area of Inclusive Practices. I’m born and raised here on Kauai in Puhi. I attended Pacific University in Oregon where I taught one year in Beaverton, Oregon. I have my Masters Degree in Curriculum from Gonzaga University. I have a son who is a freshman at Kauai High School. I enjoy doing crafts and spending time with my 7 year old dog Miso. I’m active in my church and enjoy helping others. I also teach Driver’s Education at Kauai High School.

Merna (Kam) Jim, Secretary

Merna (Kam) Jim is a retired fifth grade special education teacher. She has been teaching at Kapaa Elementary School since 1989. Prior to entering the education profession, Merna was a Registered Occupational Therapist working with infants, toddlers and pre-school aged children in an early child development program in the Salt Lake City, Utah. Also, as an Occupational therapist, Merna has had experience working with special needs students on Oahu, both in the alternate school setting (Olomana School) and in the public school setting (Windward School District).

Merna appreciates the support she has had through the years from her family, friends, and colleagues.

Belinda Bartels, Treasurer

I have been coming to Kauai annually since 1985 and moved here full time in November 2018 after retiring. I have a Certified Records Management background, with work experience at Boeing, Microsoft, 2 large law firms and 2 credit unions. I taught Records Management for 7 years at the University of Washington Extension program and served on two college level business advisory boards. I have been active at the local and international board level for two Records and Information Management associations. I enjoy reading, gardening, ‘game nights’, and time at the beach. I am also active in my church and the Mokihana Club.

Pat Gegen, Director

Pat Gegen ( Mr.G) is returning to teaching after exploring other careers and vocations. His professional life began as a school counselor at Kapaa Elementary before moving into the classrooms of Island School. Transitioning from public schools to the training coordinator at an oil refinery began a 12-year career on the mainland. Returning to Kauai, Pat was able to become the stay-at-home parent to raise his daughter, help his other 6 awesome kids as much as he could and enjoy time with his 3 grandkids. Pat has actively been involved in the community especially around environmental sustainability issues and is now excited about helping a great organization that helps teachers!

Heidi Tokuda

Tyler Yee

Tyler Yee is a financial advisor and the president of YeeCorp Financial. Tyler was raised on Kauai, and he graduated from the University of Hawaii at Hilo with a degree in Business Administration. In his free time, Tyler enjoys traveling, snowboarding, watching sports, and fishing.

Our Sponsors

Businesses and Organizations that support Kumu’s Cupboard

Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay
Rotary Club of Kapa‘a
Safeway Foundation
Safeway Lihue
Servco Kaua‘i
Sheila Bradley—USBorne Books and More
SignArt
Table 53 – Sheraton Poipu
The Doyle Foundation
The Stanny Foundation
The Wright Foundation
Verstappen Family Foundation
Vicky’s Fabric
Waikoloa Plaza LLC
Walmart

Mahalo to Kukui Grove Center for generously providing Kumu’s Cupboard with our store space.