CO-FOUNDER / PRESIDENT

Claudia was born and raised in Switzerland and Italy and has been a Maui resident since 2001. She raised her son Tim Thorsten, also known as musician Kayo 40, in the town of Makawao and she appreciates the small-town community. Claudia is a firm believer in giving back and has volunteered in various charities such as Wishing Well, the Humane Society, Soup Kitchens around the world, and volunteer positions at the local Real Estate Association of Maui. Claudia is the Owner and Founder of Maui International Real Estate Services, Inc. located in Makawao Town.

CO-FOUNDER / DIRECTOR

Francis is a lifetime volunteer for many causes all around Maui. He donates his time with event organization. Retired from HC&S, he has also been involved in music event planning. Francis is the proud father of Kerri, Kristie, and Kapono, and grandfather to 8 grandchildren.

DIRECTOR

After relocating from New Jersey to Maui in 2019 with her husband and two adult sons, Denise quickly became actively engaged in the Upcountry Maui community. With the conception of Upcountry Strong in 2020, the entire Hartje family enthusiastically showed-up to volunteer at every food distribution event. In addition to her passion for philanthropy, Denise is also a master baker and cook, skills she learned from her Italian Grandmother. Denise can often be found in the kitchen, cooking-up some love to share with others. Denise’s professional background includes education and healthcare administration; and her people skills shine as the Volunteer Coordinator for Upcountry Strong.

DIRECTOR

A native of the state of Hawai’i, Maile was born and raised on the island of Kaua’i. She pursued a higher education in Sociology and Hawai'i Studies at UH-Hilo campus on Hawaii Island. Maile married her forever partner and father of her sons, who is from Oahu. She has been an Upcountry resident of Maui County since 1992. Maile is the Vice President of Operations of Coldwell Banker Island Properties and by passion, also the Director of Facility Operations for the Oskie Rice Arena in Makawao. When she’s not assisting with real estate dreams, you can find Maile on the back of a horse, working cattle, or competing in various rodeo events with her family. Helping communities thrive has always been a part of Maile’s life and upbringing. Because of those who helped Maile along the way in her life, she is dedicated to "Pay it Forward", and is honored to be a member of the Upcountry Strong Board of Directors

DIRECTOR

Originally from France, Anne moved to California in 1995. She met her husband in the Bay Area who took her to Maui in 2001, they never left and are calling Maui their home. She lives in Haiku and loves her local community. They are blessed with a son who was born on Maui and is now in high school Upcountry. She has been a real estate agent on Maui since 2005 and specializes in Upcountry and North Shore Maui.
In part due to the pandemic, she has been a bit more vocal in the community and is now on the Government Affairs of her local real estate association.

TREASURER

Robert and Kristi moved to Maui in June 2023 to start new lives as farmers. After attending AgFest and Upcountry Strong volunteering events, Robert and Kristi learned a great deal about food security on Maui. They became regular volunteers with Upcountry Strong, and joined the board in 2024. Robert is using his experience with visual data analytics to share insight about food insecurity on Maui, and to help Upcountry Strong with budgeting and financial reporting. In his free time, Robert loves to cook, bake and stargaze.

SECRETARY

Kristi and Robert moved to Maui in June 2023 to start new lives as farmers. After attending AgFest and Upcountry Strong volunteering events, Kristi and Robert learned a great deal about food security on Maui. They became regular volunteers with Upcountry Strong, and joined the board in 2024. Kristi is using her data science and research background to find and secure funding through grant writing and grant reporting. For fun Kristi enjoys snorkeling, hiking in the forest and playing drums.