UCEDD It! Logo

2026 May News
A teal and yellow graphic with a headshot of Katrina. An “Accepted Participant” medal overlaps the headshot. Text reads “Excited for my ride ahead in the National Disability Leadership Series.” The WIHD logo is in the bottom right corner.

ASCC-PCHS Representation in the National Disability Leadership Series


Exciting announcement that our Communications Manager, Katrina Helsham, has been selected as a participant in the first cohort of My Ride Ahead: The National Disability Leadership Series.


This 10-month virtual program, presented by the Westchester Institute for Human Development and the team behind The Ride Ahead, brings together emerging disability leaders from across the country—including professionals, educators, advocates, and family members—to strengthen leadership and advance disability inclusion.


We are also happy to announce that Katrina shares the honor of representing American Samoa with two of our close networking partners at the American Samoa Center for Independent Living, Alofaeleuma Faualo and Mercy Aperaamo.


We’re excited to see the impact this experience will have and look forward to the contributions they’ll continue to bring to our work supporting individuals with disabilities in American Samoa.


Congratulations on this well-deserved opportunity!

A teal and yellow graphic with a headshot of Alofaeleuma. An “Accepted Participant” medal overlaps the headshot. Text reads “Excited for my ride ahead in the National Disability Leadership Series.” The WIHD logo is in the bottom right corner.
A teal and yellow graphic with a headshot of Fenomarama aka Mercy. An “Accepted Participant” medal overlaps the headshot. Text reads “Excited for my ride ahead in the National Disability Leadership Series.” The WIHD logo is in the bottom right corner.
 
Graphic banner: Pacific Atamai - Interdisciplinary, Preservice, Continuing Education
Group photo of guest speakers Mercy and Hope, with iEM trainees and PCHS staff.

Season Four Finale of Morning Atamai "Voices from the Community: Disability and Resilience in Emergencies"


We are proud to close out this season of Morning Atamai "Voices from the Community: Disability and Resilience in Emergencies" with two incredible guests who helped us bring this important conversation full circle.


Although they were unable to attend our initial networking event in March, Hope Maui and Mercy Aperaamo graciously returned to film our talk show segments with inclusive-Emergency Management student hosts Tumanu Fesilafai and Nehemiah Lutu.


Representing the American Samoa Center for Independent Living, both guests shared powerful lived experiences and thoughtful perspectives on the importance of inclusion in emergency management. Mercy serves as Vice Chairwoman, and Hope serves as Secretary, and their leadership and advocacy continue to uplift our community.


We are deeply thankful for their time, their voices, and their commitment to ensuring that all members of our community are considered in preparedness and response efforts.



Click here to see more photos of the event!
Hope and Tumanu having discussion in front of cameras
Mercy and Nehemiah having discussion in front of cameras
Headshot of Ninna Balauro

iEM Trainee to Present at the 2026 IAEM Region 9 Symposium


We’re proud to celebrate one of our inclusive-Emergency Management trainees, Ninna Mikaela Balauro, who has been selected to present at the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Region 9 Symposium in Hawaii this August.


Ninna is part of the first cohort of the inclusive-Emergency Management degree program at American Samoa Community College, where she focuses on building equitable, culturally grounded approaches to disaster preparedness. With a background in education and a passion for community resilience, her work highlights the importance of ensuring all communities are represented in emergency management.


As a 2026 IAEM Region 9 Symposium speaker, Ninna will present on how Fa’a Samoa, American Samoa’s cultural system rooted in collective responsibility and leadership, strengthens disaster resilience. Her session explores how traditional practices, from village leadership structures to community-based communication systems, offer powerful, real-world models for preparedness and response.


Below are photos of Ninna with IAEM Region 9 President Jon Shear and her networking at the 2025 IAEM Conference in held in Louisville, KY.

Ninna posing with IAEM Region 9 President, Jon Shear
Ninna networking at the 2025 IAEM Conference
Group photo of Lions Club and OSS members with their food donations, canned food and water.

Lion's Club and Order of the Sword and Shield EPIC Food Bank Donation


ASCC Lions Club and the Order of the Sword and Shield (OSS) came together in the spirit of service to support the EPIC Inc Community Food Bank through a joint food donation drive.


With a shared commitment to giving back, both organizations worked side by side to help address food insecurity in our community—collecting and donating essential food items to help families, elders, and individuals in need.


This collaborative effort reflects the power of unity and service. By working together, these student-led organizations helped fill a critical need and contribute to a stronger, more food-secure community.


Every donation makes a difference. Every act of service matters.


Fa’afetai tele lava to everyone involved in making this initiative a success—together, we continue to uplift and support one another.
Donations, canned food, water, instant noodles on a table.
Students loading canned food boxes into van.
 
 

Morning Atamai with Alofaeleuma Faualo


In this episode of Morning Atamai, we sit down with Alofaeleuma Faualo for a powerful and heartfelt conversation on Disability and Resilience in Emergencies.

Alofa shares the importance of intentionally including individuals with disabilities in emergency management planning, emphasizing that true preparedness must reflect the needs of all members of our community. Through his lived experience, he highlights both the challenges and the gaps that still exist in creating inclusive systems.


Beyond emergency management, Alofa also speaks about his passion for digital art as a form of expression and advocacy, using his creativity to raise awareness and tell meaningful stories. He also discusses his involvement in podcasts and how conversations across different platforms can help amplify voices that are often overlooked.



This episode is especially impactful as Alofa openly shares his personal journey, including moments of vulnerability around navigating family understanding of his disability. His honesty reminds us why conversations like these matter—they build awareness, empathy, and a stronger commitment to inclusion.
Thumbnail photo of two pacific island women with podcast mics and headphones.

Who's Caring? Charisma Fano Taufete'e


In this episode, we sit down with Charisma Fano Taufete’e, founder of Mealofa Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Spectrum, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation.


Hosted by inclusive-Emergency Management trainee Tumanu Fesilafai, this discussion explores Charisma’s journey as a mother raising a young son on the autism spectrum and how that experience inspired her to establish a new organization aimed at supporting families in American Samoa.


Charisma shares openly about the realities of navigating available services—highlighting both the challenges and gaps she has encountered from her own experience. She also reflects on the strength she draws from her support system, especially her siblings and mother, and how that foundation has helped guide her advocacy.


This episode offers an honest, unfiltered perspective alongside heartfelt words of encouragement for parents and families walking a similar path.


See more photos of the podcast recording here.


Charisma and Tumanu posing next to the Money Follows the Person banner.
Charisma and Tumanu with podcast mics and headphones in a classroom with Money Follows the Person and Pacific Talk: Communications banners in the back
 
Graphic saying Community Announcements

Adult Day Services Opening


Congratulations to EPIC Inc. on the opening of St. Catherine’s Senior and Community Services, Adult Day Services on April 14!


This center, located in Vailoauta, represents more than just a new facility—it is a commitment to dignity, inclusion, and community for our aging population.


Creating safe, supportive spaces where older adults can remain socially engaged and actively participate in community life is essential to human security. It strengthens well-being, reduces isolation, and ensures that every stage of life is valued and protected.


Our ASCC President, Dr. Rosevonne Pato, and PCHS State Director, Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola, were in attendance in support of this important milestone for the territory. We commend EPIC Inc. and the team for their leadership and dedication to building a more caring and resilient community for all.


For more information, call 688-9675 / 688-3742 or visit their St. Catherine's Senior & Community Services and EPIC Inc pages. Their main office is located in Leone across from the Post Office.


Photos are courtesy of HB Media and you can view more of the opening here, and watch the video stream here.

Dr. Rosevone Pato and Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola with other attendees in the Adult Day Services lobby
Kathryn McCutchan
What is the most interesting information in this issue of UCEDD It!? Choose one to let us know:
ASCC-PCHS Representation in the National Disability Leadership Series
Morning Atamai "Voices from the Community" Season Finale
iEM Trainee, Ninna Balauro to Present at the 2026 IAEM Region 9 Symposium
Lion's Club x Order of the Sword and Shield, EPIC Inc Food Bank Donation
Morning Atamai with Alofaeleuma Faualo
Who's Caring? Charisma Fano Taufete'e Podcast Episode
Community Announcement: Congratulations to St. Catherine's Adult Day Services
 

Pacific Center in Human Security

pchs@amsamoa.edu | pchs.amsamoa.edu | (684) 699 - 2722 ext. 4202
 

Pacific Center for Human Security | PCHS American Samoa Community College PO Box 2609 | Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA 96799 AS

Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

Constant Contact