Meet Your Admin Team

Aloha Families and Friends of Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School! My name is Shelley Rivers, and I’m proud to serve as the principal of this incredible learning community.

I had the privilege of supporting our Wahiawa community as a former high school English teacher, high school Vice Principal, and elementary school Principal. I received my Bachelor's and Master of Arts in English Literature and Theory, and my Professional Diploma in Education. I am passionate about children and truly love who we work for and the work that we all do. In my free time, I love to read, do yoga, swim, and spend time with my family. I’m also learning pickleball and loving every minute.

I believe that everyone has gifts to contribute to the overall success of Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School. Finding, sharing, and cultivating those gifts are critical to our overall success. I also believe that education is a community responsibility, therefore I encourage our families and community to be active in fulfilling our school’s vision and mission. Most of all, I believe that we are strongest together when we care, connect, and commit to ensuring all of our students receive the best education possible.

I look forward to meeting and collaborating with you as we celebrate with your children, our students, and the many ways they explore, discover, create, and share. Let’s have an amazing school year. Go Eagles! Continue to aim high!

Aloha, 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 Jerilynn Schaefer, and I am grateful to serve as one of the assistant principals at Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School.

I was born and raised in Pearl City, where I learned early on the importance of community, compassion, and perseverance—values that continue to shape my work in education. I earned my degree in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a Master’s in Instructional Leadership from Chaminade University.

This year marks my 20th year at DKIES, a school that truly feels like home. I’ve had the privilege of teaching Kindergarten and fourth grade, mentoring fellow educators, coaching robotics, and supporting students as a Student Success Advisor. These experiences have deepened my commitment to creating inclusive, student-centered environments where every child feels supported and inspired.

Our school’s vision—to empower students to explore, discover, create, and share—aligns perfectly with my educational philosophy. I believe in meeting learners where they are, using innovative tools, technology, and multisensory approaches to spark curiosity and foster growth. Working in a military-impacted community has further taught me the importance of adaptability and the strength that comes from connection and support.

As we begin this new school year, I’m excited to continue growing alongside our incredible students, staff, and families. Together, let’s bring our vision to life and help our keiki thrive—both in and beyond the classroom.

Go Eagles—Soar High!

Aloha! My name is Sherri-Lee Tallman, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Assistant Principal here at Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School. I am a proud graduate of the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) and have earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Hawaii. After serving as an educator in the HIDOE for the past 29 years, I am excited to bring my experience and passion for education to our wonderful school community.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working in various capacities—classroom teacher, curriculum development, instructional coaching, teacher mentor, and administrative roles across elementary, middle, and high schools. Each experience has deepened my love for education and reinforced my belief in the incredible potential of every student. I am committed to fostering an environment where all students feel valued, inspired, and encouraged to achieve their best.

I am also a proud mother of three amazing sons—Kaden, Cody, and Kyler. My twins, Kaden and Cody, are flourishing as civil engineers, and Kyler just completed his third year at the University of Hawaii, following in their footsteps. They fill my life with so much joy and laughter!

I am honored to step into this role and am eager to work alongside all of you as we continue to cultivate a school environment that is safe, academically challenging, and nurturing through kindness, excellence, and service. As I step into this new role, I want you to know that I am here to support our students, teachers, and families. My door is always open for any questions, ideas, or simply to say hello.

I look forward to getting to know each of you and working together to make this school year the best one yet. Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!

Warm regards,

Sherri-Lee Tallman

Assistant Principal

Kaulele Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School Image

“Kaulele” - Taking Flight