Donor Profile: Matthew Monahan, Brian Monahan, and Catlin Powers of Biome Trust

Namahana was deeply honored to receive a $150,000 gift from Matthew Monahan, Brian Monahan, and Catlin Powers of Biome Trust, whose commitment to earth care, self care, and community care beautifully mirrors Namahana’s ʻāina-based model.

For Matthew, Brian, and Catlin, learning goes beyond academics. It’s about cultivating balance, belonging, and responsibility. They were drawn to Namahana’s approach because it nurtures children to grow in harmony with themselves, their communities, and the living earth. Namahana represents what schooling can be at its best: a place that fosters both understanding and a deep sense of connection.

Their generous gift comes at a moment they describe as a turning point for our world. As the pace of global change accelerates, they see a Namahana education as essential—one that allows young people to craft futures shaped by connection rather than disconnection, care rather than extraction, and balance rather than imbalance. 

“The North Shore is a place of extraordinary beauty and legacy, and Namahana is ensuring that its children grow up not only prepared for the challenges ahead, but anchored in the values and practices that can carry them, and all of us, toward a more life-giving future,” said Catlin Powers.

Matthew, Brian, and Catlin also recognize the school’s vital role in strengthening families and the wider community. By offering a place of learning close to home, Namahana not only supports local children but also eases the daily burdens many families face, creating more time for connection with one another and with the ʻāina that sustains them.

“Our hope is that this gift helps strengthen Namahana’s capacity to live its values—supporting teachers, families, and children to thrive in a community of learning rooted in ʻāina and pono. We believe the ripple effects will extend well beyond the school, helping to nurture a generation of young people who can carry forward earth care, self care, and community care as guiding principles. In turn, the wider community gains not only a school, but a living example of how education can restore balance and cultivate hope for the future,” Catlin shared.

Mahalo nui loa to Matthew, Brian, Catlin, and Biome Trust for their generosity, partnership, and heartfelt commitment to our North Shore keiki and the brighter future they are helping to grow.