Teiana Nakano

Teiana is honored to be a part of Ampersand Families! She received her BA in Race & Ethnic Studies and Religion, along with a concentration in Education at St. Olaf College. Teiana spent much of her undergrad working and volunteering in classrooms with youth of all ages and backgrounds. She also has experience as a case manager working with mostly immigrant Minnesotans on finding employment. She comes to Ampersand after working as a foreign language English teacher at an elementary school in Taiwan in 2019.

Outside of work, Teiana is lead vocalist in a local band called The Umamies. Along with music, Teiana loves to read, go on long walks while listening to a good podcast, and spending time with friends and family.

Teiana is excited by Ampersand’s work of creating permanency for youth in Minnesota. She believes in the importance of youth having a say in making decisions about their own lives, and values Ampersand’s commitment to ensuring that relative/kin connections are maintained when possible.