Board of Directors

 

 

Nancy Findeisen, President

Youth Educator, Hawaii Department of Education

 

Erin Lowenthal, Vice President  

Attorney, Lowenthal & Lowenthal 

 

Carlayna Nakamura, Secretary          

Development Manager, American Cancer Society (retired)

 

Carter Barto, Treasurer

Owner, Aloha Self Storage

 

Learn more about our passionate, talented and dynamic Board members here:

Nancy Findeisen, President

Nancy has worked in Maui County’s sexual health field for over 20 years, developing curricula and programs that teach youth to recognize and develop healthier relationships in their lives. She has also worked with Maui Sexual Support Services for many years as an educator, hotline operator, and assistant to the forensic examiner. She now has her own business called Puberty Plus with Ms. Nancy. She stays busy in the DOE and private schools with puberty classes for 5th /6th grades, and sex education classes in the upper grade levels. Nancy says, “Being part of the Roots Board is an honor and a great way to feel a part of a unique inspiring alternative school. As an educator, I believe in alternative learning. Roots School has consistently impressed me with the opportunities and individual attention it can offer its students and parents. I am proud to represent Roots School and honored to be a Board member.”

Erin Lowenthal, Vice President

Erin is a practicing attorney and proud mother of two children at Roots School. She is passionate about early education and believes in the power of nurturing kind, community-centered individuals. Erin brings both personal commitment and professional perspective to her role on the Board and is dedicated to supporting Roots’ mission of cultivating confident, compassionate learners who will contribute meaningfully to the world around them.  

Carter Barto, Treasurer

Carter was raised on Maui, learning the ropes in his family’s boat‑charter business before becoming General Manager of Aloha Self Storage in Lahaina and a licensed Realtor® with experience in commercial and residential property planning and management. As the father of four keiki who attend Roots School, he’s witnessed how its arts‑integrated, project‑based curriculum, multi‑age classes, and emphasis on creativity and critical thinking ignite a true love of learning. Drawn to Roots’ close‑knit, ʻohana‑style community, Carter joined the Board of Directors to give back to the place that feels like an extended family for his kids. By sharing his operational, real‑estate, and financial experience, he aims to help Roots sustain its nurturing environment so every child can continue to thrive—academically, socially, and as caring members of the Maui community.

Carlayna Nakamura, Secretary

Carlayna worked in healthcare for most of her life starting out in Honolulu as a Nurse Manager and Clinical Specialist in Maternal Child Health, which led to various administrative positions in the development of new nonprofit organizations.  Carlayna has enjoyed working in Development and Fundraising over the last 20 years and is now semi-retired, working as a consultant. Carlayna says, “I am so grateful to be a part of the Roots School Board.  It is wonderful to work with dedicated staff and Board members who strive every day to make learning fun and exciting.  What drew me most to the school was the philosophy and commitment that create an environment where each child is unique and special, with the goal of helping them be all that they can be!”

                                                                                                 

You can contact our Board of Directors at rootsboardmaui@gmail.com.