Bob Whiting is in his fifth 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 be 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 and serves on the Executive Committee 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. In her position as the Director of Admission for the last three years, she has enjoyed having the opportunity to see not only her students, but also the entire school community flourish.

Now serving as the Director of Admission and Assistant Head of School, she 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 educational 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 huge sports fan and she most enjoys spending quality time with her family.


Dawn Yonamine (back to top)

Dawn Yonamine is in her fifth year teaching at Holy Nativity and her second as the religion teacher. Prior to teaching religion, she completed her student-teaching in the first grade class with Kelly Goheen and also spent time as an assistant in third grade with Lehua Alo Williams before becoming the first grade lead teacher from 2004-2007.

After graduating from LaPietra, Dawn received her B.S. in Elementary Education and a minor in Psychology from Chaminade University of Honolulu. This year, Dawn is currently in the process of obtaining her Master’s Degree in Private School Leadership from the University of Hawaii (in conjunction with HAIS, Hawaii Association of Independent Schools).

Dawn is trained in Orton-Gillingham’s sequential, multi-sensory approach to teaching reading and writing. She facilitates weekly “Thursday Thinkers” workshops in 1st and 2nd grade, working with students using direct language lessons to supplement what they are learning in class. She also works with 3rd graders every other week on language skills such as new phonemes, suffix/prefix, open/closed syllables, fluency skills, and other word attack & word building strategies.

In addition to working at Holy Nativity, Dawn enjoys working part-time with Outrigger and Ohana Hotels. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family, explore the outdoors, and travel.

Stephanie Dullum (back to top)

Stephanie Dullum is in her twelfth year as Holy Nativity’s Administrative Assistant. She has a combined 18+ 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 and Administration 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 imported Dutch Warmblood sport horses, is a member of, is a member of The United States Equestrian Federation and enjoys traveling, reading, skiing, horseback riding, visiting her daughters on the mainland and relaxing at home with her family of exotic felines!


Didi Wong (back to top)
Didi Wong's profile is coming soon!


Linda Ezuka (back to top)

Linda Lewis Ezuka is in her first year with Holy Nativity School as the new 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 current 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 (4 years old) and Ella (2 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.


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!”


Staci Frerichs (back to top)

A 2006 University of Northern Iowa graduate, Mrs. Frerichs completed her student teaching at Gladstone Primary School in Auckland, New Zealand. With bachelor degrees in both early childhood development and elementary education, as well as an endorsement in special education, Mrs. Frerichs was on the search for an educational institute of the absolute highest quality. After much research and comparing of schools, systems and districts Mrs. Frerichs felt she found just what she was looking for here at this little school in the valley.

"I have high standards for achievement and excellence in education so I am thankful and feel very blessed to have found a school as fabulous as Holy Nativity. There is a shared understanding here about achievable education outcomes and an underlying belief that all students can achieve under the right conditions. In addition to priority and philosophy, Holy Nativity’s small and intimate setting provides each child with the utmost care and attention.”

After accepting a position as the pre-kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Frerichs quickly found herself at home not only at our school but also in Hawaii.

“The culture here is amazing. A strong advocate of living and learning abroad, I was pleased to find myself experiencing so much diversity throughout the state and at Holy Nativity. I am the contracted teacher but believe me, my students are not the only ones learning here! On a daily basis traditions and cultures from not only Hawaii but all across the globe are shared and celebrated here at Holy Nativity. There is a genuine respect and appreciation for differences of all kinds at this school. It seems this is just one of the gateways to many of the wondrous discoveries happening here.

Just as Holy Nativity has many gifts to share Mrs. Frerichs believes that we all have gifts worth celebrating and, “it is the teacher’s role to help each individual discover, develop and celebrate those gifts.” She is continuously assessing and evaluating her own practices through reflection, research and professional development in order to better meet the needs of her students and to help them celebrate their gifts.


Pamela Kaaihue (back to top)

Pamela Kaaihue is in her second year at Holy Nativity School as the Kindergarten Teaching Assistant for Petey Kaneshiro. Before coming to Holy Nativity, she spent ten years at Punahou School as a first grade teaching assistant during the school year and still teaches Kindergarten Afternoon Fun during 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.

She has two daughters in their twenties and a grandson 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 20th 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 four 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 Crenshaw Christian Church, enjoys their dog, Mele, spending time with family, and watching movies.

Kim Chun (back to top)
Kim Chun's profile is coming soon!


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 teacher assistant in the 1st grade class at Holy Nativity School. 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's profile is coming soon!


Kristi Taniguchi (back to top)
Kristi Taniguchi's profile is coming soon!


Mrs. Lehua Alo-Williams (back to top)

Lehua Alo Williams is in her eighth year at Holy Nativity School and her sixth year as the third grade teacher. Lehua completed her student teaching in our Pre-kindergarten class and the following year assisted Jyo Bridgewater Borg in the third grade. Lehua holds a B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Chaminade University of Honolulu. Lehua’s interest in developing a positive classroom environment has lead her to the integration of intrinsic motivation and goal setting, the basis of her Master’s thesis. “Children do not learn in the same way nor understand concepts at the same place and time, so incorporating a variety of materials, skills, philosophies, theories and practices will most definitely enrich the lives of all students.”

Lehua is a member of the American Montessori Society and is certified for ages 3-6 and 6-9 years old. 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 year old son, ‘Ala’i. 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 teacher assistant. 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 21, Matthew age 19, Laura age 14, and Katherine age 12. 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 thirteenth 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. 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’ and the girls’ varsity team at Maryknoll.

Alan tells all his students, both in the classroom and on the play 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.


Megan Kroplin (back to top)

Megan Kroplin is the current fifth & sixth grade math and science teacher in her sixth year at Holy Nativity School. Prior to her venture to work with older students, she was the second grade teacher. She is enjoying the joys as well as the challenges that come with educating the leaders of Holy Nativity.

Megan received her Masters degree in Education from Chaminade University of Honolulu and holds her Bachelors degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Child Development from the University of Oregon. She attends various local and national workshops and conferences to stay current with best practice in teaching. Her training includes the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading and writing and she is also Montessori trained for ages 6-9.

Megan is a member of the National Science Teachers Association, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the American Montessori Society. Outside of school, Megan’s hobbies and interests include sports, going to the beach, dining out, movies, and spending time with her family and friends.


Heather Lum (back to top)

Heather Lum is in her ninth 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, taking her 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, and has attended many professional development conferences and workshops on language and writing. Most recently, she received training 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.


Iris DePonte (back to top)

Iris DePonte is currently the fifth and sixth grade teacher assistant. She also shared the responsibility of managing the after-school care program at Holy Nativity School. She began her career at Holy Nativity in April 2001 as the after-school care coordinator. She received a Certificate of Competency in Early Childhood Education at Chaminade University.

Iris has a son, Palani, who attends at Holy Nativity School and is now in the sixth grade. After her son was born, Iris realized how much she enjoyed working with children and watching them grow. “Our children are a gift from God and should be cherished and nurtured from deep within our hearts,” she says.

During her time away from Holy Nativity, Iris enjoys many outdoor activities with her son. On the weekends they can be found at the beach, or just spending time as a family. When it gets too hot to be outside, their favorite pastime is going to the movies with friends.





Julia Ringgold (back to top)

Julia Ringgold is in her eighth year at Holy Nativity School. She loves her jobs as both Computer Specialist and Tech Coordinator. She has extensive teaching experience at all the grade levels, both at Holy Nativity as the Kindergarten assistant, 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 and 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.”

In addition to her teaching and technology responsibilities, Julia also offers after school computer skills training for children and adults alike. Three days a week, Julia also teaches computer skills at a transitional homeless shelter facility.

Julia’s two daughters are her pride and joy. Her daughters attended Chapman University in Orange, California. Family fun includes swimming at the beach and babysitting adventures.


Kimo Todd (back to top)

Kimo Todd has taught music ... (coming soon!)


Cindy Fainberg (back to top)

Cindy Fainberg is in her 16th 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 20th 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, 12 and 16 years old. She enjoys watching her own children participate in soccer, volleyball, baseball and track. When she is not on the courts or ball fields, she enjoys working out at the gym, 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.




Kerina Salazar (back to top)

Kerina Salazar is currently the second grade teacher assistant. 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.