Our Mission

Central Union Church Preschool and KindergartenCentral Union Church Preschool is a Christian-based early childhood program that promotes spiritual, cognitive, socio-emotional and physical growth in a nurturing environment and provides a solid foundation for early learning. Its program of educating the whole child promotes a life-long enthusiasm for learning and provides a smooth transition from home to school.

It promotes the value of early childhood education throughout the community and supports the ongoing growth of its faculty and parent community.

Get Started By Calling Us At (808) 946-4025 Or Applying Online.

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Meet our ADMIN and Some OF Our Team

VERONIQUE BRAITHWAITE
VERONIQUE BRAITHWAITEPreschool Director
Dr. Veronique Braithwaite brings 26 years of specialized experience to the field of Education. Entering her eighth year as Director at Central Union Church Preschool (CUPS), her background includes a variety of teaching and leadership roles across independent schools on O’ahu. She holds a Master of Education with focus on Early Childhood (ECE) and Elementary Education, alongside a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change from Chaminade University of Honolulu.
SHELLY TAIRA
SHELLY TAIRAAssistant Director
Shelly holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and has been working with young children since high school. She has served as a Lead Teacher for 20 years and brings extensive experience in early childhood education. Prior to joining the Central Union Church Preschool (CUPS) team in February 2023, she served as a Preschool Director for five years.

One of her favorite memories is visiting the campus as a college student and instantly appreciating its beautiful outdoor learning environment, which fosters exploration, discovery, and a connection with nature. She values being part of the CUPS community because of its strong sense of ʻohana and commitment to supporting children and families.

ALANA ALISSA YOSHIKO ANDERSON
ALANA ALISSA YOSHIKO ANDERSONAdvancement & Communications Manager
Alana has spent the last 25 years managing fundraising and events in the non-profit sector, not only in Hawaii but across the East Coast, where she spent 15 years in New York City, New Jersey, and Washington D.C. She attended Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, just outside of Boston and earned a Master’s Degree in Asian Studies at the University of Hawaii. Prior to this, Alana worked at a non-profit that manages children in foster care. However, Alana’s favorite position is here at CUPS – the kiddos and ‘ohana, both families and staff, are truly ah-MAY-zing, and her heart has been won over when she walks outside the campus with our CUPS keiki screaming, “Ms. Alana” with hugs. Alana would like to say thank you for embracing her and she promises to give her 150% in everything. She loves all K-Dramas and K-Pop (NOT BTS but GOT7). And…she looks forward to a new hair color every month!
KAT PEREZ
KAT PEREZPreschool Chef
Chef Kat, or Ms. Kat has an Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts from Kapiolani Community College and has been cooking in restaurants since 1996. CUPS is grateful to have had her since 2003, but before us, she was the Pastry Chef at Coffee Talk and also spent one year at Noelani Elementary School. Her favorite CUPS memories are the days when we had garden beds, worm bin, chickens, and the hydroponic garden by the kitchen, where she worked with the keiki. May of the kiddos found those days very enlightening and continued to keep her updated over the years about their own gardens at home. Harvest Day was always a fun time, and the children would be so proud of what they produced together.

Chef Kat originally started at CUPS so that she could align her schedule with her then young children. Over time, she fell in love with the people, the job, and the campus and decided that CUPS would be her forever home. Ask any of our kiddos and they all unanimously agree that Chef Kat’s food is the bestest and constantly go home to their parents to rave about “make your own tuna sushi day” and her super yummy meatballs with teriyaki sauce. She can cook for any diet- vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free and makes food just taste super.

ELIZABETH CHRISTENSEN
ELIZABETH CHRISTENSENOffice and After School Care Administrative Assistant
Liz has been with Central Union Church Preschool for over 41 years, where both her sons attended Preschool. And that’s how her career started those many years ago. She has led the After School Care (ASC) and extracurricular programs. Originally from Panama and fluent in Spanish, she shares her diverse cultural background and experience with the children, families, and staff. Her favorite CUPS memory is being around the keiki who lift her spirits, and she looks forward to coming to CUPS every day.
CAYANNA HERRERA
CAYANNA HERRERADirector of Children's Ministries, Central Union Church & Music Teacher, CUPS
Cayanna graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Business Administration in Management and also has Training as a Goldly Play Storyteller. She has over 22 years of teaching experience behind her. She’s been our CUPS Music Teacher and the Children’s Ministry Director at Central Union Church for 8 years now. Prior to this, Cayanna spent 12 years teaching music at various K-12 private schools here in Hawaii and on the continent. Her absolutely favorite CUPS event every year is…Christmas Chapel! Cayanna loves working at CUPS because it gives her the opportunity to watch our keiki grow physically, academically, musically, socially, and spiritually from year to year. It also gives her the chance to inspire a lifelong love for music!
SANDRA BALDWIN
SANDRA BALDWINAdmissions Manager
Sandra graduated from Kamehameha Schools with an Associate of Science Degree in Computer Operations and Programming from Kapiolani Community College. She’s been with CUPS for 13 years after retiring from First Insurance Company of Hawaii, Ltd. in 2013, where she worked for 37 years before gracing us with her presence as the Admissions Manager here at CUPS. You can find Sandra at Gerell Gate during morning drop-off!
AMY INOUYE
AMY INOUYEAccountant
Amy graduated with a BS degree in Hotel Management from the UH School of Travel Industry Management. She spent her first 20 years working in the hospitality industry, starting as an intern during college at Hilton Hotels. She left the hotel chain as the Assistant Director of Finance in 2014. Amy joined the Central Union Church Accounting team in 2015 to spend more quality time with her family as her daughter was growing up. Amy truly enjoys working collaboratively with our CUPS Preschool Director, Mrs. Braithwaite, to manage the finances.
Leslie Lui-Yuen
Leslie Lui-YuenJunior Accountant
Leslie, one of our own CUPS parents, has an Associate in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. She’s been a part of the Church and Preschool since 2016, and before that, she was the Accountant at a plumbing company and the Administrative Assistant at a realty company. Leslie enjoys watching our CUPS families come together and enjoys being a part of a truly caring company that supports our children, their families, and the staff. CUPS is a place where people feel welcome, encouraged, and valued!

Historical Timeline

1928

Opens with the first class of 14 children.

1941

While other schools close after Pearl Harbor attack, the school obtains special permission to remain open.

WWII

School undertakes wartime community support projects—Victory Gardens.

1948

Atherton Chapel is constructed.

1950

Central Union Church Preschool was established. Innovations include after-school groups for working mothers and accreditation from the first licensing entities. Preschool moves into the new educational building.

1968

The Curriculum Evaluation Committee is created.

1970

Develops a core of qualified and caring staff and volunteers that focus on broader experiences via field trips to places such as Honolulu Symphony and the Humane Society.

1980

Becomes one of the largest church-affiliated preschools in the state and receives national accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

1990

Establishes the Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Scholarship Fund and begins fundraising for scholarships with events that benefit the Doris Rewick Tuition Assistance Fund. Becomes the host for the first Oahu Early Childhood Director’s Meeting. Participates in the first World Forum on Early Care and Education.

2000-present

Opens an additional 4-year-old classroom and Toddler Program. Creates a Professional Development Program to encourage faculty to pursue college-level degrees in Early Childhood Education. Receives national accreditation (NAEYC) for 5 years.