Kalani welcomes Mrs. Jennifer Ladao, as class of 2027’s new counselor.

Before coming to Kalani, Ladao worked as a counselor at Kaimuki Middle School but high school counseling was “always something” she wanted to do as her career.  

“My journey here took a few years, but as a school counselor, my goal is always to grow,” Ladao says. “The reason why I’m thankful for being here is because my children go to school in this community, so I feel a great sense of responsibility to also contribute to this community.” 

She added that it is “even greater” to see former Kaimuki Middle School students at Kalani. 

Mika Velasco (9), a former Kaimuki Middle student, describes Ladao as a “caring person.” 

“She’s really nice and considerate,” Velasco says, “I would feel comfortable going up to Mrs. Ladao and asking her for help if I needed it. She is very personable, very friendly, and easy to talk to.” 

During college she used to dream of becoming a Disney Imagineer or a theater prop designer, but as she discovered her “passion” for school counseling, she indulges her first love by making homemade Halloween costumes for herself and her family. 

Previous Halloweens, Ladao, her husband, and her three kids have dressed up as Back to the Future, Star Wars, a bowl of saimin, a shave ice truck, and a taco truck. This year, Ladao hopes to dress as various items from a movie snack shop. 

As for school counseling, Ladao believes a counselor isn’t just there for schedule changes or grades. 

“I think the perception is that you go to counselors because you did something wrong,” Ladao says. “I really would love to grow the idea of counselors for students as being a support person. We are here to help and we are here to support you and to find success no matter what success means. So know that my door is always open.”