MEET THE BOARD MEMBERS
Vicki Boswell - Founder and President
Vicki’s love of acting came when she named her first Barbie doll ‘Doris Day.' In 7th grade she enrolled in drama lessons at the famous Alley Theatre in Houston, Texas and got hooked on drama. It became her lifeline and kept her in school. Vicki was in the National Forensic League, which is the Honor Society of the National Speech and Debate Association, wrote plays, and mentored other youth in drama as a teenager. As an adult she has taught performing arts in Molokai elementary schools. Knowing first hand that drama can change the direction of a child’s life she founded Hōkūlani CTOM in January 2023. Vicki has a BA in general psychology and a Masters in Social Work with an emphasis in child and family. Having years of experience as a Molokai business owner, community builder, social worker, and educator helps her to advance HCTOM's vision to help children develop the character and life skills to become contributing members of the Molokai community.
Guy Joao - Secretary
Guy Joao brings a lifetime of artistic talent and a grandfather’s heart to the Board of Directors for the Children’s Theater of Moloka‘i (CTOM). While Guy is famously humble and never seeks the spotlight, his work is a familiar part of daily life on the island. From the iconic Hawaiian Illusions of Moloka‘i and Moloka‘i Canoe Club designs to the annual Master Blasters shirts and the Turd Busters baseball logo for Maui County, Guy’s creativity has helped define the visual spirit of our community for years. His journey with CTOM began behind the scenes, building props and cheering on his grandchildren as they discovered their own love for the stage. Today, Guy remains a vital part of the theater ‘ohana, dedicated to ensuring every child on Moloka‘i has the same opportunity to find their voice and showcase their talents.
Deborah McKane - Treasurer
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Debbie McKane holds a master’s degree in accounting with a minor in economics and has experience in bookkeeping, payroll, and financial support for small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Her background includes international study with the European Union in Belgium and the International Accounting Standards Board in London, where she earned a Certificate in International Financial Accounting Standards. Debbie has served in financial leadership roles on Molokaʻi, including as treasurer for the Ke Nani Kai Resort AOAO, and enjoys using her skills to support organizations that serve the community. She loves living on Molokaʻi with her husband, Andy, and is grateful for the opportunity to give back to Molokaʻi youth through her work at Hōkūlani Children’s Theatre of Molokaʻi, helping strengthen programs and bring meaningful resources to local children and families.
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Patrick AhLoy - Board Member
Patrick was born and raised on the island of Molokai and is a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. He dedicated 30 years of service to the City and County of Honolulu Emergency Medical Services before retiring, while also building a lifelong career in contemporary Hawaiian music and media production. Patrick has performed with many well-known local artists, owned and operated a professional sound technician company, and worked as a set medic and safety officer on multiple Hawaiʻi-based film and television productions. He brings a strong desire to help Molokaʻi youth achieve their artistic and professional dreams, making him a valuable member of the Hōkūlani Children’s Theatre of Molokai board.
MEET THE STAFF
Kalā Bishaw-Juario - Executive Director
Wailana Purdy-Avelino - Artistic Director
Wailana Purdy-Avelino, raised in Hoʻolehua on Molokaʻi, has always had a passion for performing arts. Though shy as a child, she was encouraged by Aunty Vicki Boswell during her 5th grade production of The Little Mermaid, which helped bring her out of her shell. As a pre-teen, she pursued acting and modeling through Barbizon classes on Oʻahu, eventually earning the opportunity to attend a showcase in Hollywood and starred in a student-led short film in Hawaiʻi. Today, through Hōkūlani CTOM, Wailana hopes to inspire creativity while bridging the arts and Hawaiian culture for Molokaʻi’s youth. She hopes to show Molokaʻi’s keiki that she was once like them, and by stepping outside of their comfort zones through the arts can build confidence, create lifelong skills, and teach them to never be afraid of trying new things — “Kūlia i ka nuʻu,” always striving to reach their highest potential.
Sydney Harper - Acting & Film Production Director
Sydney Harper is a theatre educator, director, and acting coach serving as Director of Acting and Film Production for Hokulani Children’s Theatre of Molokaʻi. She has extensive experience teaching and mentoring children and teens in theatre, film, and performance-based education across Hawaiʻi, California, and internationally. Sydney is the founder of Harper Acting Studio and creator of the Harper Method, an acting technique designed to help young performers develop confidence, emotional authenticity, and strong storytelling skills. Her work focuses on creating inclusive, trauma-informed learning environments that empower students through creativity and collaboration. She is passionate about expanding access to high-quality arts education for youth on Molokaʻi through both theatre and film programs.