Cynthia Achong, who started at St. Ann Early Learning Center 20 years ago as a teacher’s aide, is now the preschool’s director. She began her position on July 1.
Achong grew up in Kaneohe and now lives in Waimanalo with her husband Wayne and three daughters Leesa, Chelsee and Cailee.
Achong began at St. Ann Early Learning Center in 1993. In 1996, she earned her Child Development Associate credential and started her teaching career with the 3-year-olds. She taught in the 3-year-old program for 12 years before moving to the 4-year-old program.
Her leadership skills were recognized and she was placed in the roles of head teacher and afternoon supervisor. During the last five years she also assumed the duties of vice principal.
Achong is looking forward to her role as the new director of the Early Learning Center. She aims to be a leader who is approachable, fair and compassionate. She believes in leading by example and working as a team.
Her goals for the center include advancing the curriculum for the pre-kindergarten programs, motivating her teachers and aides to pursue higher education and fostering an open relationship with her coworkers and with the families who choose the school for the education of their children.
She believes fostering a welcoming and nurturing learning environment is a key responsibility that she shares with her faculty and staff.