Meet Our Team - Ta’ita’i Ma Fa’avae

Guided by Culture. Grounded in Service. United by Purpose.

At TMA Siva Foundation (Taupou Ma Le Aloali’i), our team is more than staff - we are a family (aiga) of cultural guardians, teachers, and mentors. Each member brings deep respect for fa’a Samoa and a passion for empowering the next generation through traditional dance, education and service.

  • Beauty Ilaisa Soliai

    FOUNDER/ CREATIVE DIRECTOR/VISIONARY LEADER/LEAD DANCE INSTRUCTOR (GIRLS)

    With over 20 years of experience in Siva Samoa and community service, Beauty Ilaisa Soliai founded this academy to create a safe, sacred space for cultural expression. She choreographs all performances and mentors students in dance, etiquette, and Samoan identity.

  • Apelu & Nimo Sauvao

    Apelu - LEAD DANCE INSTRUCTOR (BOYS)/LANGUAGE & CUSTOM ADVISOR

    Nimo - BOARD OF DIRECTORS VICE PRESIDENT - PARENT LIAISON

    Specialist in “fa’ataupati" (slap dance), and warrior movements. Leads with discipline and cultral grounding.

    Organizes events and helps with families as a liaises.

  • Amber & Abraham Thomas

    Amber - SECRETARY & TREASURER

    Abe - COMMUNITY LIAISON & EMCEE & MUSICIAN

    Keeps records, takes meeting minutes, and manages official documents and communications. Manages financial reports, budgets, and oversees fundraising and spending transparency.

    Builds relationships with families, partners, and schools. Serves as official spokesperson during academy events, performances, and functions. Ensuring the academy’s public voice aligns with cultural respect, clarity and energy.

  • Rosalie Collins-Soliai

    CULTURAL ELDER - DANCE ADVISOR - CULTURAL ADVISOR

    MATUA FAUFAUTUA

    We are honored to be guided by our elder and the one who taught our owner her siva Samoa. Who ensures that everything we teach reflects the true heart of Samoa. Their wisdom keeps our feet and spirits rooted in truth. “O le aiga e tupu i le poto a le matua.” "“A family grows from the wisdom of it’s elders.”

  • Samoa Soliai Jr

    BOARD CHAIR/PRESIDENT

    Leads board meetings, oversees board duties, and ensures that the organization stays true to it’s mission. Ensures that the board operates with integrity, cultural respect, and alignment with the mission of preserving and promoting Fa’a Samoa through dance, education and community programs. Serves as the spokesperson and ambassador for the academy. Strives to support board recruitment, development & accountability.

  • Lisa Mailo

    BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER AT LARGE -COSTUME COORDINATOR / CULTURAL ADVISOR

    Oversees design and creation of traditional attire (ie lavalava, puletasi and more) ensuring every garnment honors it’s meaning. Supports general board duties, attends meetings, and offers input across all areas. Also assists with cultural aspects to ensure decisions align with Samoan values, traditions and protocols.