Grade K-12 Tutoring
Kindergarten & SSAT Prep
Special Needs Services
Our tutoring approach supports foundational skills that help students thrive both in and out of the classroom. We use proven, research-based programs such as Reading Mastery, Reading Milestones, Expressive Writing Programs, and Touch Math to support individualized learning and measurable progress.
Our experienced tutors help students prepare for entrance exams, including the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) and the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT). We focus on building academic confidence, test familiarity, and readiness skills so students feel prepared and supported on exam day.
With over 27 years of combined experience, our therapy-informed tutors support a wide range of learners, including students with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia, emotional and behavioral needs, and speech and language differences. Our team is experienced in supporting IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) services.
The team at MICAA Kindergarten Prep and Tutoring Services is made up of passionate, collegiate educators who work collaboratively to strengthen each student’s academic skills and confidence. Honolulu’s education environment is highly competitive, especially when it comes to private school admissions, which is why our approach goes beyond tutoring. We stay current with effective educational tools and resources to create personalized lesson plans that address individual learning differences, while balancing encouragement with structure to support consistent, long-term academic growth.
We partner closely with families who value progress, preparation, and strong academic foundations.
Thoughtful preparation for Hawai‘i’s unique education landscape
A unique learning Environment
Our experienced professional tutors provide personalized academic materials with proven strategies that develop the essential education skills.
Flexible Scheduling
Tailored Plans
DOE Educators
Proven Results
Cari Yamafuji, RBT
Gina N., CDA
Kylie Pastrana
Denise Uyeki, RBT
Gina Ebato, RBT
Early education support families can trust
Founded by Alissa Katada, MICAA Kindergarten Prep and Tutoring Services was built from a deep passion for education and student development. Alissa is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Behavior Analyst, and Autism Consulting Teacher with over 17 years of experience working within the Hawaiʻi Department of Education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, a Master’s degree from Chaminade University, and a Behavior Analyst degree from the Florida Institute of Technology. Her background blends academic instruction with behavioral insight, shaping MICAA’s thoughtful, student-centered approach to learning.
Our team
outcomes driven
students supported in kindergarten readiness and early learning
250+
98%
5+
90%
acceptance rate into Hawai‘i private schools
years supporting Honolulu families
of families continue beyond their initial program
We love, MICAA! Our son is a fifth grader and has been working with their tutors for six months now. They are all kind, compassionate and caring. They have incredible patience, and a wealth of knowledge to help their students.
"We are lucky to have found them!"
We have seen significant improvement overall with her confidence and ability to work on her own without getting frustrated or struggling everyday with homework. She is willing to learn, motivated, and hasn’t given up.
"She enjoys going to tutoring every week "
We always talk about our day at the end of the night before bed. And I just have to share with you what Tytus said. He said “ mom, I feel good when I go to aunty Cari. I feel like I’m really learning stuff. Like I feel it in my brain. Not like Kumon that I already know and not like school.” Thanks guys for making my lil guy feel good!
"I feel like I’m really learning stuff."
When schools closed at the beginning of the pandemic, I ambitiously bought a bunch of homeschooling material for my 4 year old but after a couple of months, everything went down hill! That is when I found MICAA who took over throughout the pandemic and he enjoyed his tutoring sessions. Now I want MICAA to assist my son with executive function skills.”
"We are so grateful for the approach!"
Give Your child a confident start
Registered Behavior Technician and Austism Consulting Teacher that has worked with special education in public schools since 1996.
Graduated in education from University of Irvine with a post graduate certificate from UH Manoa. 3 years of intensive training w/ autism partnership and have operated the model autism classroom for various Hawaii schools.
Tutor
Cari Yamafuji, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician and Autism Consulting Teacher with a Master's degree in general education K-6 and special education in K-12 (severe autism).
Gina has been a special education teacher for 7 years and a autism consulting teacher for 16 years.
Tutor
Gina Ebato, RBT
Educational Assistant within DOE in various Special Educational classrooms for over 5 years before enjoying her role as a CDA (Child Development Associate) licensed pre-school teacher at a private preschool for the last 10 years.
Also providing her Kindergarten Prep expertise for kindergarten readiness & private school testing through MICAA tutoring.
Tutor
Gina N., CDA
Registered Behavior Technician and Autism Consulting Teacher with a Master's degree in general education K-6 and special education in K-12 (severe autism).
Gina has been a special education teacher for 7 years and a autism consulting teacher for 16 years.
Tutor
Denise Uyeki, CDA
Registered Behavior Technician and Autism Consulting Teacher with a Master's degree in general education K-6 and special education in K-12 (severe autism).
Gina has been a special education teacher for 7 years and a autism consulting teacher for 16 years.