Brigham Young University–Hawaii is excited to welcome Dr. Kristina Moleni as a new associate professor in the Faculty of Education & Social Work. With a multicultural background in social work from two countries, Dr. Moleni’s particular focus is on supporting underrepresented communities in higher education.
Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Dr. Moleni's parents met at BYU–Hawaii. Her father is from Tonga, and her mother is from Idaho. Her academic journey began at BYU–Hawaii, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2004. During her undergraduate studies, she participated in a groundbreaking internship in Tonga. The experience not only deepened her connection to her Tongan roots but also launched her career in social work and education.
The internship was life-changing for Dr. Moleni as it gave her the chance to work directly with students in Tonga and explore how education systems can better serve Pacific Islander communities. "Growing up, mental health wasn't something we talked about. There wasn’t even a word for it," she shared. She’s passionate about bridging that gap and opening lines of communication to help families and communities support those struggling with mental health challenges. Afterward, BYU–Hawaii asked her to stay and help pilot a new program in Tonga. It was a short-term opportunity that turned into two and a half years of working to support students preparing for higher education.
Following her time in Tonga, Dr. Moleni pursued a master’s degree in social work at the University of Utah, where she worked in various fields, including juvenile justice, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and school-based social work. Encouraged by a mentor, she continued her education, earning a doctorate in social work, with a dissertation focusing on the barriers and supports for Pacific Islanders in higher education.
"My research centers on understanding what keeps Pacific Islander students engaged and what obstacles they face in completing their degrees," Dr. Moleni explained. "I’m passionate about creating strategies that colleges can use to foster success for these students, especially in culturally diverse settings like BYU–Hawaii."
Dr. Moleni has collaborated with Dr. Victor Kaufusi to explore self-care among social work students. "How can they practice self-care effectively to become better social workers?" she pondered. Mental health is another research focus, particularly in addressing grief and loss.
A teaching philosophy rooted in engagement is central to Dr. Moleni. "My goal is to make the profession come alive for my students," she said. "It's like the gospel of Jesus Christ—you share it with excitement," she explained, drawing a parallel between her faith and her approach to teaching. She believes in empowering students to take their knowledge and passion into the world, creating ripples of positive change.
Outside of academics, Dr. Moleni likes to spend time with her husband, Mone, their nine-year-old twin girls, and her extended family. Her hobbies include going to the beach with her daughters, who are both competitive swimmers.
"Nothing short of Jesus brought me and my family back here," she said, sharing how she was guided to return to BYU–Hawaii for a specific purpose. For her, this opportunity is a calling to mentor and uplift students, helping them realize their dreams. "I’m excited to be part of this beautiful community where we can create something extraordinary together and take it to the world."
Dr. Moleni’s addition to the Social Work program brings a perspective to the BYU–Hawaii community that focuses on the value of service. Whether she’s working on groundbreaking studies or encouraging her students to pursue their passions, Dr. Moleni’s ultimate goal on the BYUH campus will be to answer the question, “How can we be more kind to people?”