Alan Ching

Lead Teacher - 4G

Alan Ching has taught a generation of Hawks at Holy Nativity School, teaching since 1996. He enjoys teaching 4th grade and seeing the growth in his students, who take more ownership for their education, start to ask inquisitive questions and take more responsible risks in class.  He looks forward to their annual Big Island trip each spring, and enjoys coaching Hawks Athletics.  Alan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Redlands. 

Liz Cunningham

Educational Specialist - 1st Grade

Liz Cunningham has been part of the Holy Nativity School family for a major portion of her life. She is a graduate of HNS, and has worked as a teacher here since 1989. Liz finds it especially rewarding providing valuable “TLC” in the classroom and on the playground. Working as an Education Specialist, she finds great satisfaction tending to the smaller, but no less important, needs of the children.

Maddie McGraw

Lead Teacher - 3G

Ms. McGraw grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana.  She attended Mt. St. Mary's University in Maryland for her undergraduate studies and recently graduated from the University of Portland with her master's degree.  Ms. McGraw brings a wide breadth of experience having previously been a learning support specialist and teaching middle school social studies.

Nancy Greenberg

Educational Specialist - 2nd Grade

Nancy Greenberg is an honor graduate in Family Consumer Science and over twenty years of management and administration experience. She is thrilled to bring her love of early education back to her hometown.

Dawn Robertson

Lead Teacher - 5G

I am so excited to be joining your school community as the SG teacher!
Throughout my 20 years as a professional educator, I have been blessed to
participate in many outstanding experiences such as co-creating an innovation
center and participating in a transformational STEM Fellowship. However,
nothing has brought me more professional joy than working beside young
people as they courageously learn, grow and develop. I am counting down the
days until together we can build character, heart and excellence through
hands-on, collaborative and personally engaging learning experiences.
 

Jenna Kieburtz

Lead Teacher - 1G

Jenna Kieburtz joined the Holy Nativity School team in 2014. She was born here on Oahu, but was raised in the beautiful state of Washington. Jenna received her Bachelor’s in Sociology and Master’s in Teaching from Washington State University. Jenna taught internationally in Shenzhen and Chengdu, China. She is grateful to have the experience working with the international community abroad. Jenna first grade students learn to be kind and considerate members of their community, while also embracing the many opportunities to explore, inquire, and develop their individual passions.

Connor Torres

Education Specialist - 5G

Dr. Kirtland Peterson

Lead Teacher - 2G

A graduate of Princeton University and Hahnemann University’s clinical psychology program, “Cat” Peterson believes in academic rigor and lots of fun. A change-of-career elementary-school teacher, Cat spent most of his professional life as a management consultant to Fortune 500 and International 1000 corporations. Arriving at Holy Nativity School in 2014, he felt immediately at home at our little school in the valley.  Dr. Cat strives to be good company for the right journey, acknowledging the journey is different at every age, and unique for each and every student.

Robin Whalen

Educational Specialist - Keiki 3s 

Lehua Alo Williams

Educational Specialist - 3G

Lehua Alo Williams has been at Holy Nativity School since 1999. Born and raised in the islands, Lehua graduated from Punahou School, holds a B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Chaminade University. Lehua is also a certified member of the American Montessori Society, and enjoys teaching in an environment where children are encouraged to investigate the world around them, while also feeling a sense of belonging and responsibility to their little school in the valley.

Jan Israel

Religion

After joining HNS in 2014, Jan Israel now serves as the Religious Studies teacher. She has thirty years of teaching experience, a Master’s in Learning Disabilities, and a family of happy HNS graduates and current Hawks.

Pepper Bunting

Physical Education Specialist and Athletic Director

Pepper, or “Coach Pepper” to students, has been teaching/coaching for 15 years. She’s passionate about developing a love for exercise in children. There are so many life lessons that can be learned through sports and team building!

Jordan Gibson

6th Grade

Jordan Gibson is thrilled to be part of the Holy Nativity School 6G teaching team.  He is a Behavioral Analyst with Island Behavioral Health. He enjoys teaching mathematical concepts and logical thinking skills to the 6th graders, and coaching the HNS Hawks Basketball team. Jordan received his MA in anthropology and education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a BA in political science from Yale University.