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 20 years of experience as an educator and non-profit executive.

Kirk Hallett, Co-Founder & Dean of Students - co-founder of Nativity-Harrisburg, has served as Acting Director, mentor, counselor, religion teacher, disciplinarian and community outreach contact.  Mr. Hallett is a graduate of St. Francis College in Loretto, PA. 

Deb Miller, Teacher - graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a BS in Elementary Education.  For nine years, she taught pre-kindergarten at Trinity Lutheran Preschool.   Deb and her husband Dave have 4 children. 

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.  He has also substitute-taught for several local school districts.

Purnell Richardson, Intern Teacher & Coach - attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Valley Forge Christian College.  He teaches physical education and guidance, and serves as Nativity’s soccer and basketball coach.

Barinyima Tee, Teacher – has a bachelor’s degree from Marist College and is completing her master’s degree in education from Grand Canyon University.

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. 

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

Andrew Hart, Program Assistant – is a graduate of Messiah College and youth pastor at Harrisburg’s Brethren in Christ Church. 

Eugene Henry, Program Assistant – is a graduate of Nativity School and a senior at Bishop McDevitt High School.

Jamel McMillian, Office Assistant – is a graduate of Nativity School and a junior at Trinity High School.

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

Jean S. Funck, Librarian/Clerical Support – is a graduate of Indiana University of PA and Clarion University