Dr. Bob Whiting (back to top)

Bob Whiting is in his eleventh and final year as Holy Nativity’s Head of School. He is an experienced educator, having served for 37 years as teacher and administrator at the Kamehameha Schools before coming to his present position. He holds a Ph.D. in curriculum from the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he wrote his dissertation on school change and improvement.

“How schools can change successfully to best serve children has been of continuing interest to me,” says Bob, “and I’m honored to have been part of change at Holy Nativity School and to work with such a dedicated and competent faculty.”

Bob has extensive community service experience. Currently, he is on the Board of the American Red Cross as Chair of Volunteers for the Hawaii State Chapter. He is also a trustee of ASSETS School, a member of the Hawaii Private School Licensing Board and serves on the Henry and Dorothy Castle Children’s Community Advisory Committee. When time permits, he enjoys reading, swimming and acting. He is a past president of the Hawaii Branch of Screen Actors Guild.


Kelly Goheen (back to top)

As the first grade teacher at Holy Nativity from 2001-2004, Kelly Goheen loved watching her students grow each year. Over the last six years as Director of Admission and Assistant Head of School, she has enjoyed having the opportunity to work with the greater school community. Kelly is excited to continue to welcome new families to our school all the while helping our current students and families to fully benefit from all that Holy Nativity School offers.

Kelly was born and raised in Honolulu. After graduating from Iolani School in 1995 she attended Arizona State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. After graduation, she served as a substitute teacher and then as a kindergarten lead teacher in Tempe, Arizona. She moved back home to Hawaii in 2000, and joined the Holy Nativity family in January 2001. In 2005, she received her master’s degree in education administration from the University of Hawai`i-Manoa.

”Holy Nativity is an incredible place where each child is known and cherished. I am honored to have the opportunity to represent our school in the community and to tell others about this amazing little school in the valley.” Kelly is a sports fan and she most enjoys spending quality time with her family.


Dawn Kurisu (back to top)

“Walking into the gate nestled between neatly trimmed hedges, I am greeted everyday with smiles and laughter of children, families and faculty members who like myself, have fallen in love with this little school in the valley. Inside the gate, a community of learners, visionaries and our future leaders gather everyday to work, play and DREAM.” This is Dawn’s seventh year working at Holy Nativity and her fourth year serving as chaplain. Prior to teaching religion, she completed her student-teaching in the first grade classroom and also spent time as an assistant in the third grade classroom before serving as the first grade lead teacher from 2004-2007.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Dawn graduated from LaPietra and later received her B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology from Chaminade University of Honolulu. In 2009, Dawn obtained a Master’s Degree in Education with a focus in Private School Leadership from the University of Hawaii (in conjunction with HAIS, Hawaii Association of Independent Schools).

Dawn feels blessed to have the opportunity to teach because each child is a gift, a treasure! “I teach because I wonder. I teach because I believe. I teach because I hope. I teach because I love. I teach because I AM. I AM someone who wonders about the possibilities harnessed within the heart of a child. I AM someone who believes in a child’s unique talents, ideas, and dreams for the future. I AM someone who hopes that one day a child will be inspired. I AM someone who loves that teaching holds endless possibilities-- I love what I do and I love learning. I AM because I teach.”

Stephanie Dullum (back to top)

Stephanie Dullum is in her 15th year as Holy Nativity’s Administrative Assistant. She has a combined 20+ years of experience as a Corporate Executive Secretary and Assistant to a Fortune 500 company’s Human Resource and Industrial Relations Vice Presidents. She attended Virginia Wesleyan College and majored in Business at The Washington School for Secretaries.

Steph is a huge advocate of Holy Nativity, as both her daughters are Holy Nativity graduates. “This little school in the valley instilled a love of learning that my daughters continue to embrace at every crossroad they have encountered. I am proud to be a part of this little school that has given so much to my family.”

She is a breeder of Dutch Warmblood sport horses, is a member of the KWPN and AQHA associations and enjoys traveling with her daughters, reading, horseback riding, and relaxing at home with her family of exotic felines!


Makoa Jacobsen (back to top)

Similar to many that grew up in East Honolulu, Makoa’s first experience with Holy Nativity School & Church was playing KAC basketball in the school gym. A Kuliouou native, Makoa Jacobsen comes to Holy Nativity School serving as the school’s Business Officer.

After graduating from Kamehameha Schools in 2005, Makoa attended Hawaii Pacific University on a Presidential Scholarship. In 2009 he graduated summa cum laude with a BS in Business Administration. He then continued at HPU earning his MBA and graduating with distinction in 2010.

Makoa has over 7 years of experience working in independent schools. During his senior year in high school, Makoa started out working for six years in Information Technology for Kamehameha Schools designing, implementing and supporting a student-parent portal called KS Connect. He has also worked in the Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Middle School as the school’s registrar and scheduler. Understanding the struggles schools experience with student data, Makoa owns his own software systems business, specializing in student information systems, hoping to solve many of those struggles.


Linda Ezuka (back to top)

Linda Lewis Ezuka is in her fourth year with Holy Nativity School as the Development Director. Linda comes to HNS with background in community development and nonprofit management. Recently Linda served as the Chief Operating Officer of Goodwill Industries of Hawaii. Prior to Goodwill, she served in various capacities as Vice President of Bank of Hawaii for 12 years focusing on community development loans and investments, nonprofit capacity building, charitable giving, and compliance. Linda has a BA in Speech from University of Hawaii at Manoa and an MBA from Hawaii Pacific University.

Ms. Ezuka is the immediate past President of the Board for HUGS, whose mission is dedicated to providing support and enhancing the quality of life for Hawaii 's seriously ill children and their families. She has also served in various leadership roles on the boards of Good Beginnings Alliance, Big Brothers, Big Sisters Inc., Self Help Housing of Hawaii, YWCA of Oahu, and Honolulu Habitat for Humanity.

Linda is married to Brian Ezuka, an attorney focusing his practice and commitment to the nonprofit sector. They also share all of their “free time” playing with their son Zack (6 years old) and Ella (4 years old). Together, they are honored to join the Holy Nativity School’s family and they look forward to many years of development and the realization of the School’s long-term strategic goals.

Nalani China (back to top)

Nalani China is the Development Associate and will be assisting with Holy Nativity School’s capital campaign efforts. Previously, she worked for a non-profit organization, and has experience with supporting fundraising events. Nalani has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, emphasizing in public relations, from the University of Hawaii. She is also a graduate of Hawaii Baptist Academy and Epiphany School.

Nalani is excited to raise funds for the new campus that will provide a quality education for many children. She lives in Honolulu and works part-time at Koolau Ballrooms as a banquet server.


Stanell Koanui (back to top)

Stanell Koanui’s childhood dream to be a teacher came true later in life. She is a 2000 graduate from Chaminade University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in Religion. She also belongs to the Hawai’i Careers with Young Children registry.

Stanell Koanui is in her second year as the Keiki Co-Op teacher at Holy Nativity School. The uniqueness of the program allows her to embrace the little ones and their families with open arms and kisses. She works with children to shine a light in dark places, open windows to the whole world, encourage respect, and nurture dreams. Stanell has been teaching for eleven years, six years at The Toddler Program as a 4-year old teacher and three years at Epiphany School has a Kindergarten teacher assistant.

Stanell’s daughter Desiree was her inspiration to return to college and fulfill her dream. A firm believer that life is so precious, Stanell spends quality time with her daughter, family and friends.


Kuni Koga (back to top)

Kuni Koga, our Keiki Co-Op Teacher Assistant, believes that “respect should be a basic quality in caregivers and teachers of young children.” She demonstrates that respect every day through her understanding of how and why children act the way they do in responding to their environment and to other children.

Kuni came to Holy Nativity with a wealth of experience in early childhood education, having served for four years in the 2-year-old program at Merry-Go-Round Child Care Center in Kahala, and last year as a teacher assistant for 3 and 4 year olds at Waiokeola Preschool. In addition to her work as a teacher assistant, she is presently attending Honolulu Community to complete her Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Kuni enjoys reading, especially about the environment and issues concerning children. She also enjoys working with Holy Nativity’s children and parents. She says, “Children are happy here and so are their parents. Just ask them!”


Jodi Yoshioka (back to top)

Jodi Yoshioka's profile is coming soon!


Pamela Kaaihue (back to top)

Pamela Kaaihue is in her seventh year at HNS and her second year as the 1st grade Assistant Teacher. Before coming to Holy Nativity, she spent ten years at Punahou School as a first grade teaching assistant during the school year. Pam still teaches Kindergarten Afternoon Fun at Punahou Summer School.

She grew up and graduated High School in Ventura, California and attended Kapiolani Community College in Honolulu.

She loves working with younger children because of their spontaneous and genuine attitude towards life and the world around them. She also loves working at Holy Nativity School because of the size and closeness of the school and being able to know all of the children and their families by name. She feels lucky to work with such caring, professional and dedicated people and she treasures the friendships she has made with her co-workers at Holy Nativity.

Pam has two daughters and two grandsons and enjoys spending time with them. She loves hand crafts. sewing, crocheting and swimming. She is an animal lover who lives with a Siberian Husky and three cats.

Mrs. Petey Kaneshiro (back to top)

A “transplant” from New York in 1968, Anna Ruth Peterson Kaneshiro, known as Petey, began her teaching career at Kilohana Preschool in Niu Valley after graduating with a BA from the University of Hawai'i-Manoa. One year later, in 1989, she became a faculty member at Holy Nativity School where her sons, Daren and Dean, had attended from preschool through sixth grade.

"As a parent of eleven years at HNS, I knew about the quality education our school offers, its rich traditions, the `Ohana atmosphere and the strong Christian teachings which I also embrace. When I was offered the job as the kindergarten teacher, I jumped at the chance to continue my affiliation with this beautiful elementary school. Holy Nativity is my second home."

Now serving in her 22nd year, Mrs. Kaneshiro says working with five and six year olds is a special privilege. "Kindergarten is a magical time in a child's life when they begin to read, write, and work with numbers, which opens their world in new and meaningful ways. To share in this adventure is an incredible blessing in my life."

Always in search of the most effective teaching methods, Mrs. K attends seminars, reads, and networks with other teachers in the community. In the summer, she teaches kindergarten at Punahou School, and in 2005 was trained in the Orton-Gillingham Language Approach at Assets.

An avid photographer, Mrs. K’s home is a gallery of pictures of her family, including her six grandchildren. She exercises at Curves, is a member of Ka Hale I o Kahala Halau Hula in Kahala Mall, and loves to read. With her husband, Wayne, she is a member of Andrew Womack Ministries, enjoys their dog Mele, spending time with family.

Kim Chun (back to top)

Kimberly Chun is returning for her sixth year at Holy Nativity School, her second year as Third Grade Lead teacher. Previously, she had been the Kindergarten Assistant Teacher to Mrs. Kaneshiro. After graduating from Iolani School in 2001, she furthered her education at Seattle University, earning a B.A. in Liberal Studies focusing on Elementary Education with minors in Psychology and Chinese. She received her Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Chaminade University in May 2009 and was privileged to be able to complete her student teaching with Mrs. Kaneshiro.

It has been a dream of Kim’s to be a teacher since she was a little girl. Now, her dream has become a reality as she is able to make a difference in the lives of her students each day. She believes that teaching is truly an honor and tries to make every moment in the classroom a “teachable moment”.

Kim also loves to share her passion for dance with others. She will often choreograph the faculty dance number in the HNS Spring Talent Show. Another one of Kim’s passions is to bake. She loves to find new recipes or invent new ones for her friends and family to try. In her free time she also enjoys cooking, eating at new restaurants, watching movies, and being with her fiancé, friends and family, especially her three nieces and her nephew.


Jennifer Tanaka (back to top)

Jennifer Tanaka is in her fourth year at Holy Nativity School. She spent two years as a first grade teacher’s assistant and is now in her second year as the first grade lead teacher. Prior to joining the HNS faculty, Jennifer was a substitute teacher at Punahou School, Maryknoll School, and at Midpacific Institute. During the past four years she has piloted, developed and taught an innovative multimedia creative writing course at Punahou Summer School. Jennifer is excited to take her love of technology and writing into her classroom this year.

“There are so many new ways to teach children,” says Jenn. “Technology gives us the tools to capture the student’s interests and to be creative in both teaching and learning. There is a whole world out there waiting to be explored and we now have the ability to do that from our very own classrooms.”

A graduate of Punahou School, Jennifer received both her B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Hawaii. She is currently enrolled at Chaminade University of Honolulu where she is pursuing a Masters in Teaching degree. She is also a member of the National Science Teachers Association and of the National Council of English Teachers.

Jennifer is married and has a 3 year-old son. She spends most of her free time with both her husband and her son and admits she would spend all day with them if she could. When they are together, they enjoy going to the beach, visiting the library, touring the zoo or the aquarium, playing in the park, working out, or just hanging out in the backyard. Although parenting has taken up much of her time, this published author hopes to find the time to start that novel which has been brewing in the back of her mind. She also hopes that one day she may return to the courts where she spent 5 years as a basketball coach.


Lisa Yanagihara (back to top)

Lisa Yanagihara is Assistant Teacher in the Pre-K class. She attended Honolulu Community College where she earned a Certificate of Completion in Early Childhood Education.

She has worked in a preschool setting since she graduated from high school in 1992. Her first preschool experience was at Calvary-By-The-Sea School where she served as an assistant for five years in both morning and after-school care programs. She came to Holy Nativity School in 1998.

During her years here at Holy Nativity School, Lisa has had the opportunity to work with wonderful teachers, one who had been at Holy Nativity School for 25 years. As a result, she confidently shares all that she's learned with each new pre-k teacher.

Lisa hopes to continue her education by completing an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and, in the not too distant future, a B.A. degree in Elementary Education.


Jessica Spondike (back to top)

Jessica Spondike was born and raised in Hawaii and graduated from Punahou School in 1995. She attended Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and received an Undergraduate Degree in Elementary Education and a Graduate Degree in Childhood and Adolescent Literacy. Jessica taught both first and second grades in Santa Monica, California and is thrilled to be back home teaching at Holy Nativity School.

Jessica strongly believes children learn best by “doing.” Her students become scientists by exploring the world around them, writers through the use of Writing Workshop, strong readers who comprehend various types of texts, and mathematicians who enjoy problem solving in creative ways.

When not at school Jessica enjoys reading great books at the pool or the beach. She also loves cooking and baking for her friends and family.


Mrs. Lehua Alo Williams (back to top)

Lehua Alo Williams is in her thirteenth year at Holy Nativity School. For ten years she served as our third grade teacher. In order to devote more time with her family, Lehua decided to return last year as the assistant second grade teacher. Lehua holds a B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Chaminade University of Honolulu.

Lehua is a member of the American Montessori Society and is certified for ages 3-6 and 6-9 year olds. She is also a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematic and the National Science Teachers Association. Lehua has also received training in Orton-Gillingham, a language-based approach used to assist children and adults to read, spell and write.

When she is not at school, Lehua is busy with her two children. She still finds time occasionally to relax, enjoy the beach, and spend time with family and friends.


Grace Terada (back to top)

Grace Terada is currently the third grade assistant teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Japanese from the University of California at Los Angeles and has also earned a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential from California State University at Los Angeles.

Grace worked as a Japanese translator for the State of California prior to teaching grades three and four in Hollywood, California. She left her career in 1984 to become a full-time mother of four children – Christine age 25, Matthew age 23, Laura age 18, and Katherine age 16. All four of her children were fortunate to start their school careers at Holy Nativity in pre-kindergarten.

Grace returned to teaching in 1997, becoming a substitute teacher for independent schools in Honolulu. In 1999 she was offered a full-time teaching assistant position at Holy Nativity School.

Grace keeps busy with work and caring for her children and many pets. Her favorite pet is her bichon frise, Hokulani. Grace is committed to providing a secure and stimulating classroom environment and helping all the children develop their full potential. “I have always had the passion to teach children and to be a part of the community.”


Mr. Alan Ching (back to top)

Alan Ching is in his fourteenth year of teaching 4th grade at Holy Nativity School. Before coming to Holy Nativity, he taught for three years at Epiphany School as the head of their P.E. program and one year at Kapalama Elementary as a Kindergarten and 6th grade assistant. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Redlands, and has worked towards completing an M.A. in Social Studies at the University of Hawaii - Manoa.

Outside of Holy Nativity School, Alan has been very active in athletics, coaching basketball at both Punahou and Maryknoll Schools. He was the head coach of the boys’ Intermediate team at Punahou for 3 years and then was promoted to head coach of the Junior Varsity team for 5 years. He has also assisted on both the boys’ and girls’ varsity teams at Punahou and the girls’ varsity team at Maryknoll.

Alan tells all his students, both in the classroom and on the playing field that if they give everything their best, the best will come to them. He follows this philosophy himself, by trying his best in everything he does to help all his children grow academically and physically and most importantly, become better people.

Liz Cunningham (back to top)
Liz Cunningham has been at Holy Nativity School since 1989. She began her work at "The Little School in the Valley" assisting Petey Kaneshiro in Kindergarten. She also assisted in first grade and now serves as fourth grade assistant.

Liz finds it especially rewarding being able to provide valuable “TLC” in the classroom and on the playground. "The teachers have so much to do," says, Liz. "It brings me great satisfaction to tend to the smaller, but no less important, needs of the children."

In her spare time, Liz loves to read and garden. . Whenever possible, she enjoys spending time in San Francisco where her daughter lives.


Danny McInerny (back to top)

Danny McInerny is in his second year teaching fifth and sixth grade Science and Math at Holy Nativity School. It is his twentieth year over all. He also teachers afterschool volleyball and basketball for the school and will continue to coach the Holy Nativity Hawks basketball team. Prior to joining Holy Nativity he worked Cadinha and Company as a financial advisor and at It's All About Kids in Sales. Prior to that he was at Punahou School. Mr. Mac, as the kids call him, has a B.S. in Natural Science from Loyola Marymount University.

“I have taught all grades from third to twelfth. For me, fifth and sixth grade is the best. The students are curious, engaging, and genuinely excited about learning. The students of HNS exemplify these qualities and this is just one of the reasons I love coming to HNS everyday.”

Danny is very active in coaching. He has coached basketball, volleyball, flag football, soccer and a little baseball. He enjoys playing sports and working out but does admit he should workout more… When not at school you will most likely see him with his wife and kids. Danny and Liana have been married for 13 years and have 5 children.

Heather Lum (back to top)

Heather Lum is in her twelfth year teaching fifth and sixth grade language arts and social studies at Holy Nativity School. She also teaches an after-school SSAT prep class for sixth-graders in the fall. Prior to joining the Holy Nativity ‘ohana, Heather spent twelve years at ‘Iolani School, teaching Russian and Russian history, traveling with students to Russia, and working on admissions. Before moving to Hawaii, she worked for one year as the administrator in charge of dormitories at Middlebury College in Vermont. She holds both her B.A. and M.A. in Russian from Middlebury College, has extensive coursework in history, poetry, and computers, has attended many professional development conferences and workshops on language and writing, and has been trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching reading and writing.

"I love what I get to do in my job. I try to make my classroom a place where students enjoy learning, grow in confidence, and develop the academic and personal skills that will serve them well all their lives. For me, the challenges of fifth and sixth grade are especially exciting and rewarding."

Heather volunteers at the Friends of the Library Bookmobile and annual booksale, at the Wailupe aid station for the Honolulu Marathon, and doing yardwork at her church. She works as a precinct official in the primary elections and serves on the Kuliouou-Kalani-Iki Neighborhood Board. A vegetarian and avid environmentalist, she enjoys hiking, cycling, kayaking, gardening, reading, solving puzzles and spending time with her husband and pets.

Julia Ringgold<(back to top)

Julia Ringgold is in her eleventh year at Holy Nativity School. She has several Professional Development certificates including Apple Training MacOS X Support Essentials. She has extensive teaching experience at all the grade levels, both at Holy Nativity, and as a teacher at Holy Trinity, ASSETS, Maryknoll, Aliamanu Middle School and Castle High School.

She holds a B.A. Degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, certifications in computer competency and Hawaii Orton Dyslexia Society as well as an abiding interest in our school’s information technology needs from classroom to website.

“Teaching and learning go hand in hand”, says Julia, “and I am privileged to enjoy both here at Holy Nativity where the spirit of serenity makes our beautiful campus a wonderful place to teach and learn.”

This past Summer, Julia presented her award winning Service-Learning Video Project presentation at Google Headquarters to teachers from around the nation. She is an active member in the HAIS Tech Group, holds professional memberships in CSTA, Computer Science Teachers Association, and is a Youth Hawaii Philanthropy Board member.

Julia’s two daughters are her pride and joy. Her daughters attended Chapman University in Orange, California. She is expecting her first grandchild in November 2010.


Kimo Todd (back to top)

James Todd, known as Kimo, was born and raised in Hilo and attended the Kamehameha Schools as a boarding student. He received his Bachelor’s of Music degree from the University of Hawaii and his Masters of Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix. He began teaching music in 1993 at Ahuimanu Elementary School where he remained for twelve years before moving to Lanikai Elementary Charter School where he taught until accepting the Music/Hawaiian Studies position at Holy Nativity School in 2008.

Kimo comes from a musical family and began performing professionally while in high school. He has led several ensembles, performs as a soloist and is a long time musician accompanying hula halau in competition and general performances. He finds working with elementary school children to be the most rewarding of all his musical experiences. “Nothing compares with seeing the light go on in a child’s eyes when they realize they’ve acquired a new skill or level of understanding.”

Kimo uses the Kodaly system of music education in the classroom. Students begin reading music in the first grade with a strong emphasis put on learning folk repertoire.

Away from campus, Kimo volunteers with the hula and Hawaiian studies program at the Nuuanu YMCA, does farming, and plays as much tennis as possible.


Cindy Fainberg (back to top)

Cindy Fainberg is in her 20th year as the Physical Education Teacher at Holy Nativity School. Prior to teaching P.E., she was our kindergarten and fourth grade teacher. She is also the summer school program director. This is her 25th year at Holy Nativity School, her second home.

“I love working with children!” says Cindy. “They continue to teach me new ways to use our P.E. equipment. My favorite unit is ‘Teach a Game’ where children design and teach their own games. Children are natural movers. I hope that through giving them opportunities to experience a variety of activities they will find one or two they enjoy, and that their experiences here will help them continue to stay active throughout their lives.”

Cindy is married and has two children, 17 and 21 years old. She enjoys watching her own children participate in sports. When she is not in the bleachers supporting her children, she enjoys reading books and magazines about health and nutrition, baking, yoga and body boarding. Cindy continues to keep abreast of the best practices in physical education through her association with the Hawaii Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. She is a past elementary school P.E. chairperson and currently serves on the scholarship committee. She received the 2000 Top Coordinator Award and the 2003 Multi School Award for her efforts in Jump Rope for Heart.




Kerina Salazar (back to top)

Kerina Salazar is currently the Art Specialist. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Fresno State University and has over 15 years of experience working with children in a variety of settings.

Her career began as a licensed home daycare provider which inspired her to complete her education. While attending college Kerina worked as a counselor for troubled teen-age girls. After graduating from FSU, she taught computer classes to elementary school students. The next step on her career path took her to Kuapa Preschool. After four years she moved to the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base where she had the opportunity to share her experience by training and supervising home daycare providers on base.
Kerina wanted to be closer to her three daughters so she moved on to Hahaione Elementary School where she worked as a teacher assistant, education assistant, after school art teacher, substitute teacher, kindergarten teacher and 2nd grade teacher. Before coming to Holy Nativity, Kerina spent a year at the Hawaiian Humane Society teaching students of all ages the importance of treating all creatures with respect.

Kerina also illustrated “ A Hawaii Japanese New Year with Yuki Chan” and continues to create art in her free time. She loves spending time with her family, paddling, fixing up her house, and transforming discarded stuff into treasures.