Faculty & Staff

Jairee Counterman, M. Ed., Executive Director/Principal - has degrees in education from East Stroudsburg University and Shippensburg University .  She brings to Nativity over 25 years of experience as an educator and non-profit executive.

Jeffrey Mack – Assistant Director – is a 1992 graduate of Bloomsburg University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice.  Mr. Mack has over 15 years experience in youth social services.  Mr. Mack is an active officer and member=2 0of Kappa Alpha Psi’s Harrisburg ’s Alumni Chapter.

Andrew Hermeling, Teacher – is a 2006 graduate of Messiah College and has experience as a youth leader at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and a Sycamore House worker.  Mr. Hermeling advises Nativity’s Student Senate and works with the State YMCA’s Youth inn Government program.

Kari Dyrli, Teacher - is a 2006 graduate of Messiah College and recently completed a year of teaching at a mission school in Honduras .  She is fluent in Spanish.   In 2009, one of Ms. Dyrli’s students won national recognition for essay writing.  

Meredith Scheiner, Teacher - is a 2006 graduate of Hamilton College and before coming to Nativity-Harrisburg, completed two years of teaching in Costa Rica . Ms. Scheiner interned at Nativity while a student at Harrisburg Academy and is fluent in Spanish.

Jonathan Desmarais, Teacher  – is a 2007 graduate of Messiah College and brings to Nativity a variety of camp, afterschool and music instruction experience.   Mr. Desmarais coaches Nativity’s soccer team.

Benjamin Simcox, M.Ed., Teacher – is a 2005 graduate of the University of Toledo .  Mr. Simcox most recently served at Milton Hershey School ’s Springboard Academy and brings with him years of experience working with middle school students.

Arlen Zerbe, Bookkeeper - recently served as Executive Director of the Schuylkill County Symphony.

Pam Gladfelter, Volunteer Secretary – is a graduate of Harrisburg Area Community College

Alexander Steele, Assistant Teacher – Mr. Steele is a 2009 graduate of John Harris High School and is attending Harrisburg Area Community College .  Mr. Steele is a senior camp counselor for Nativity during the summer program, and will coach the basketball team.

Demond “DJ” Bates, Mentor – Mr. DJ is a well known Harrisburg coach.  During the school year, he works as a mentor/counselor with Nativity students.