Aloha! My name is Amanda Kaahanui and I am the new Program Specialist for SPIN. I was introduced to the world of SPIN 10 years ago when my son, Ikaika, was born with multiple health complications. My husband, Solo, and I had to navigate through doctor consults, tests, surgeries and a diagnosis we’ve never had experience with. After four months in the hospital, our beautiful boy came home with more than balloons and flowers—he came home with a trach tube, g-tube and two tiny hearing aids, plus medical equipment, Medicaid, home nursing and early intervention services.
That was the beginning of our amazing parenting journey. Now Ikaika has had his trach removed, is working hard to eat and drink his way out of his g-tube, a 5th grader at Aikahi Elementary and learning to ride his two-wheel bike. We are half way thru our “first 20” years of being parents to an amazing and special kid, and can’t wait to see what comes next!
I have the heart and soul of an educator, spending the last 16 years in the Education Department at the Honolulu Zoo. To me, education and parent support are two peas in a pod, as both share information, talking-story to learn new ideas and make connections to our community. I have been a part of the Hands and Voices organization of unbiased parent-to-parent support for Deaf and Hard of Hearing kids.
Their motto is “What works for your child is what makes the choice right,” and I wholeheartedly embrace that philosophy. What worked for me may not work for you, but we can still support each other’s goals of the best possible outcomes for our children. I worked with a fantastic group of parents and professionals to start our own Chapter of Hands and Voices here in Hawaii, where I am currently the Board President. Besides being a parent to Ikaika, helping other families in their journey is the most worthwhile and important thing I have done.
I’m excited to be a part of the SPIN family, as they have been a part of our ohana for the past 10 years! I’ve made calls and sent emails to SPIN, asking for information and resources, connecting families with each other and attending a few of their outstanding conferences. I’m looking forward to being that connection for families looking for help, support and, sometimes, just someone to talk to.
SPIN is about parents helping parents, and its value and contribution to our community is priceless. So next time you need information on your upcoming IEP, need to know who to call for services or support or just need to chat before your next meeting with the school principal, I hope you’ll give us a call here at SPIN, and I’ll have the opportunity to pay forward the aloha and warm embrace that SPIN has given me.
