
Christian Garris
Head of Schoolcgarris@nativitynb.org(508) 994-3800 extension 118Christian started his teaching career over a decade ago in the New Bedford Public School system working at Keith Middle School, Roosevelt Middle School, and Whaling City Junior / Senior High School. He then went back to his alma mater, Tabor Academy, to work in the admissions office. Most recently he was the Director of Multicultural Outreach at The Thacher School in Ojai, California. Christian is currently attending the Harvard Graduate School of Education in pursuit of his Master’s degree in School Leadership. Christian is excited to be back home in New Bedford to help lead the future of Nativity Prep.

Beth Mello
Associate Head for Institutional Advancementemello@nativitynb.org(508) 994-3800 extension 120Beth has more than 20 years of experience in independent and international schools. Having served in several leadership capacities across grades K-12, she has a genuine understanding of the complex work of schools to meet the needs of students through innovative and inclusive practices. In addition, she began her professional career as a VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America – currently named Americorps) volunteer, and, with family roots here, she has a deep appreciation for New Bedford. Beth will be responsible for community outreach and garnering support for Nativity Prep’s future.

Nathan Argueta
Dean of Studentsnargueta@nativitynb.org(508) 994-3800Nathan Argueta returns to Nativity Prep for a fourth stint after having attended the school as a student from 2004-2008, served as English teacher from 2016-2019, Dean of Instruction from 2020-2022, and now as the Incoming Dean of Students.
Nathan attended St. Paul’s School followed by Davidson College where he received his Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Film and Media Studies. He has since committed his professional life to education and service. In addition to Nativity Prep, Nathan has held various roles and positions at New Hampton School and St. Mark’s School including as an Associate Director of Admission, House Head, and Assistant Director of Financial Aid. He has also coached various sports including cross country, baseball, and basketball.
In his free time, Nathan can be found on a beach somewhere, out for a jog, or deeply researching fantasy football topics. He is excited to support Nativity’s exceptional students in his new role, and firmly believes in the school’s mission and core values.
Why Nativity:
“Nativity Prep has made an indelible impression on who I have become as a young adult, and has cultivated in me interpersonal skills and professional values and expectations that will benefit me throughout my entire life. This school has instilled in me empathy, an insatiable desire to continue to learn, and a love for all things academia. I am so proud to call Nativity Prep home, and I am positive that I would not be the person that I am today without the experiences and interactions I have shared here with fellow alumni, teachers, coworkers, friends of Nativity, and members of the board. Nativity has a contagious way about it — it raises expectations for your and those around you, and it has the undeniable ability to make you feel as though anything can be accomplished through hard work, partnership, and generosity towards others.

James Amaral
Community Outreach Coordinatorjamaral@nativitynb.org(508) 994-3800James has worked in the New Bedford School system as a Positive Youth Coordinator at Parker Elementary for the past four years. While at Parker Elementary, James oversaw the 21st Century after-school program and developed local partnerships that enhanced the student experience. James takes pride in being a positive role model and an emotional support mentor for the children of New Bedford. He is a lifelong resident and product of the New Bedford School system having attended Hayden-McFadden, Keith Jr. High, and New Bedford High School; prior to attaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Jacksonville University in Florida. James places great value on local partnerships and providing out-of-school time experiences for the students in which he serves. Creating an environment of inclusion and building staff, student, and parent relationships are an emphasis of James’ work. He was a welcomed addition to the Nativity staff beginning in January 2025.

Devon Pires
Nativity for Life Coordinatordpires@nativitynb.org(508) 994-3800Devon graduated from Nativity Prep in 2014 as member of the Campion Class. He attended St. Andrew’s and Bridgewater State. He returned to Nativity in 2023 as a teacher and is now coordinating the Nativity for Life Program. “As an alum, I am giving back what I received as a boy; the knowledge, aptitude and confidence to apply myself and my knowledge to my challenges. I grew up in many fundamental ways here, and I am indebted to return and serve this community.”

Brendan Bonner
English Language Arts Teacherbbonner@nativitynb.org(508) 994-3800Brendan started teaching at Nativity in 2023. After graduating from the College of the Holy Cross this past spring, Brendan joined the AmeriCorps program at Nativity. Through his studies in English throughout college, Brendan developed a passion for reading and writing that he brings to the classroom. “I chose to work at Nativity because I wanted to be part of a community where tangible differences are being made on a daily basis.”

Kyle Farnworth
English Language Arts Department Chairkfarnworth@nativitynb.org508 994-3800Kyle Farnworth is a ten-year veteran English teacher, splitting his time between Oak Hill Middle School in Newton and Normandin Middle School in New Bedford. He graduated from Bridgewater State University with a Bachelor’s degree in English, then earned a Master’s in Teaching from Brandeis University. Outside the classroom, he channels his creativity into writing novels and finds balance on the golf course.
“I work at Nativity to inspire the next generation of readers and writers in the community where I was born and raised.”

Aleisea Guzman
Art Teacheraguzman@nativitynb.org(508) 994-3800Aleisea has six years of experience in art education and is passionate about inspiring creativity and critical thinking in her students. She graduated from UMass Dartmouth in 2018 with a degree in Animation and Game Design and a minor in Sculpture. Currently, she is pursuing her Master’s in Art Education at UMass Dartmouth. Aleisea enjoys working in both digital and traditional art forms, with a particular love for animation, digital media, and hands-on mediums. She believes art is vital for whole-child development, helping students cultivate critical thinking, collaboration, and self-expression skills.

David Kairu
Math Teacher/IT Coordinatordkairu@nativitynb.org(508) 994-3800David graduated from Amherst college in 2025 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. He loves working out and playing tennis.
“I grew up in Kenya in economic hardship and was a beneficiary of scholarships to get me through my education from high school to college. Working at Nativity Prep is the best way I can think of to give back and fight for a cause I believe in, which is free education for low income students.“

Adam Mendes
Social Studies Teacheramendes@nativitynb.org(508) 994-3800Adam started at Nativity in the fall of 2024. He graduated from Kenyon College in the spring of 2024 with a B.A. in Political Science. During his time at Kenyon, he played four years of varsity football, volunteered in elementary schools, and worked in the athletic center. In addition to Political Science, he also studied History, and Islamic Civilizations and Cultures. Adam attended high school at Tabor Academy where he played football, wrestled, and played baseball.

Jacob Rivet
Science Teacherjrivet@nativitynb.org508 994-3800Jacob recently graduated from Williams College in 2025 with a B.A. in History and a concentration in Global Studies. After teaching in North Adams during college, Jacob is returning to Nativity Prep, an alumnus from the Hurtado Class of 2017, to teach science. Jacob brings a strong commitment to youth development, with previous roles in adolescent therapy, research at Boston Children’s, the Massachusetts State Government, and international public health research. An avid lover of all sports, he played soccer at the collegiate level and is looking forward to coaching. Jacob is especially excited to help foster the growth of current Nativity gentlemen into curious scholars, active community members, and lifelong learners.

Brian Rudolph
Physical Education & Health Teacherbrudolph@nativitynb.org(508) 994-3800Brian started at Nativity Prep after teaching nine years of health education for New Bedford Public Schools at Carney Academy Elementary School. A native of New Bedford, Mass., Rudolph was a standout basketball player at New Bedford High School. He went on to be a four-year starter for the Men’s Basketball team at Loyola University (Md.). He graduated from Loyola in 2011 with Bachelor’s in Communications, Advertising and Public Relations. Brian also was a member of the Cape Verde National Basketball Team from 2012-2018. He has previously coached basketball as an assistant at UMass Dartmouth and also was the Head Varsity Coach at his alma mater New Bedford High School in 2017-18. In addition to teaching he currently is an assistant coach for the boys basketball team at Tabor Academy and owns a private basketball training facility called Next Level Factory Dartmouth. Brian is the program director of Leaders In Training LLC which provides basketball camps/clinics, summer basketball leagues, AAU basketball and mentorship for Southcoast youth. He will be teaching Health and Physical Education at Nativity.

Kelly Seitz
English Language Arts Teacherkseitz@nativitynb.org(508) 994-3800Kelly began teaching at Nativity Prep in the fall of 2024. She is originally from New York and graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 2024 with a B.A. in History and a minor in Education. She is very excited to teach and discuss some of the books she loved reading so much growing up. She has enjoyed getting to know the Nativity students, facilitating electives such as environmental action and the yearbook committee, and getting to know the school and the New Bedford community.
“I chose to work at Nativity to be able to create personal relationships with students and watch them grow over their four years here.”
Meet our dedicated Board of Trustees, championing our mission and ensuring Nativity Prep’s fiscal sustainability.
- Rachael Beare
- Tom Beaton, Strategic Planning Committee Chair
- Jake Berman, Nativity Alumnus, Gonzaga Class 09′
- William Bullard
- Ann Bruno, Emerita
- Helen Burke-Montague
- James Feeney
- Christian Garris, Head of School
- Barry Hynes, School Founder, Emeritus
- Bob Malm
- Fred Mock, Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair
- Ed Ottensmeyer, Clerk, Governance Committee Chair
- Thomas M. Quinn, III
- Richard Roller, Board Chair
- Martha Rooney, Emerita
- Terry Schaefer Severance, Advancement Committee Chair
- Daniel Surprenant
- Geoff Worrell, Building & Grounds Committee Chair
- Anika Walker-Johnson
- Warley Williams