Meet Your Admin Team
Aloha Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School! My name is Kristin Walje and I am humbled and honored to serve as your principal.
Over the last fifteen years, I have worked in the Schofield and Wheeler communities as a counselor, teacher, academic coach, and assistant principal at Major Sheldon Wheeler Middle School. Growing up, I attended elementary and middle school in Wahiawa and graduated high school from Saint Francis School in Honolulu. I received my bachelor of science in social studies education from the University of Central Missouri and completed my master of science in counseling psychology from Chaminade University. In 2016, I earned my doctorate of education in K-12 education leadership from the University of Southern California.
Besides my love for learning, I cherish spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy chasing the sunshine, often hiking or relaxing at the beach. I’m an avid sports fan, love exercising and practicing yoga, cooking and baking, and listening to country music.
I believe an excellent education is not possible without supportive partnerships. I’m eager to collaborate with all members of our school community, always keeping our students’ best interests at the heart of our work. As we encounter challenges and celebrate successes together, we will stay focused on our school’s vision to empower learners to explore, discover, create, and share. I’m confident we will ensure our students’ academic, behavioral, social and emotional success because the Eagle spirit is one of vision, courage, and determination. I look forward to a wonderful and productive school year!
Aloha,
My name is Rachel Armstrong, and I am one of Daniel K. Inouye Elementary’s assistant principals.
My name is Rachel Armstrong, and I am one of Daniel K. Inouye Elementary’s assistant principals.
As a member of the military prior to teaching, as well as a current military family member, I feel privileged to work with students and families at our school. This will be my sixteenth year working at Daniel K. Inouye Elementary. I have had the honor of serving in many roles at our school, including as a fifth-grade teacher, mentor teacher, gifted and talented teacher, response to intervention literacy coach, blended learning teacher, technology coordinator, and assistant principal.
I believe that our school's vision of empowering learners to explore, discover, and share is vital to
our students. Curiosity, creativity, and collaboration are important values to foster in our
students as we seek to foster a love of learning and a sense of togetherness. As an
administrator of our school and the district’s distance learning program, I have a strong interest
in technology and how we leverage it to connect our students and create innovative
opportunities to live our vision in the school building and beyond.
I look forward to continuing to grow with you this school year as we take care of ourselves, each
other, and our school! Go Eagles, soar high!
Aloha! My name is Esther Kwon and I have the privilege of serving as your assistant principal.
I have taught and led various programs throughout my 11 years of service at Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School: Fifth Grade, Gifted and Talented Enrichment, World Language (Korean), Student Council, New Teacher Mentoring, School Community Council, and Pineapple Academy (100% Distance Learning for Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua Complex Area). My work continues to focus on living out our school vision of empowering learners to explore, discover, create, and share!
I have taught and led various programs throughout my 11 years of service at Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School: Fifth Grade, Gifted and Talented Enrichment, World Language (Korean), Student Council, New Teacher Mentoring, School Community Council, and Pineapple Academy (100% Distance Learning for Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua Complex Area). My work continues to focus on living out our school vision of empowering learners to explore, discover, create, and share!
I call the following places home: Seoul, Toronto, Virginia, and now O‘ahu. I was born in South Korea, but moved to Canada when I was in third grade, and then to the United States in seventh grade. I graduated from the University of Virginia with a bachelor's degree in Politics - Foreign Affairs and obtained my master's degree in Elementary Education from Johns Hopkins University. I moved to Hawaiʻi in 2012 as a Teach For America corps member and decided to stay in the islands. My family and I currently live in Honolulu.
Having attended 10 different schools in three countries myself, I believe that a strengthened sense of belonging is instrumental to our students' academic success and social emotional well being. It is important to me that students 1) feel seen and valued for who they are, 2) care, respect, and learn from the diverse people around them, and 3) feel empowered to create positive change through active participation in our school community. I look forward to partnering with you and building meaningful connections throughout the school year. Take care of yourself, take care of others, and take care of our school! 
