Key to Kane

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Key to Kāne is a fatherhood messaging service that helps fathers become more involved in their children’s lives. Kāne was the father of living creatures in the Hawaiian mythology and represented the god of procreation, being worshipped as an ancestor of chiefs and commoners. Key to Kāne delivers weekly text push-messages. Messages are tailored by child’s age. It includes information about normative child development, ideas for fathers on ways to become engaged with their children, and encouragement of men in their role as nā mākuakāne (fathers).

Key to Kāne was developed by a team of academics and practitioners including:

Professor Selva Lewin-Bizan holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and a Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology. She is a professor at the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Hawaii. Dr. Lewin-Bizan is an expert in the evaluation of fatherhood programs. She has published articles in leading peer-reviewed journals, co-authored book chapters, and co-edited journal special issues.

Dr. Vicki Draeger holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. She works part-time for both Maui Family Support Services, Inc. and Keiki O Ka Aina Family Learning Centers. Dr. Draeger has written multiple curricula and children books, and was a finalist for the Department of Energy’s Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship.

Mr. David “Kawika” Mattos is the program supervisor of KĀNE Connections (father involvement team) at Maui Family Support Services, Inc., where he facilitates men’s groups and a parenting class. He has many years of experience in fathering, including 20+ years of experience working with children, youth, and families in different agencies, in capacities such as Program Director and CEO.