Faculty & Staff

B.A. Psychology and African American Studies, UNC-Chapel Hill
M.A. Social Work, UNC-Chapel Hill

Brittany Allen grew up in Erwin, NC. Throughout her experiences in the public and private school sector, residential treatment, and outpatient therapy, Mrs. Allen honed her skills and worked diligently to serve children and families across the Triangle. Her passion for helping students is rooted in her personal experiences and social work background. She looks forward to continuing her work and building relationships with the Durham Nativity School community. Mrs. Allen currently resides in Carrboro, NC with her husband, William, and their two dachshund/chihuahuas, Bubba and May.

B.A. Modern Foreign Languages, North Carolina Central University
B.S. Family and Consumer Sciences, North Carolina Central University
M.S. Family and Consumer Sciences, North Carolina Central University

A native of Durham, NC, Tiffany K. Chavis has been teaching Spanish in Orange County for the last five years.  She has a strong passion for the strength and health of families, and has endeavored many years, in a plethora of veins to strengthen and heal families, in many capacities.  Ms. Chavis joins the Durham Nativity School faculty this year to continue her mission by educating and encouraging Durham’s male youth as one facet of strengthening families.

B.A. English, Wake Forest University
M.A. English, Duke University

Originally from Smithfield, NC, Mr. Cox has taught in Orange County Schools for thirty years. A National Board Certified Instructor, he serves during the summers as the academic director of Duke University’s Young Writers’ Camp, a program offering academic and creative writing courses for middle through high school students. For the last four years, he has taught at Gloucester High School in VA. In addition to being an avid reader and poet, he loves to cook and has three grandchildren.

Tom Dunne originates from Long Island, New York, and has lived and raised his two daughters here in North Carolina since 1990. He has had a long career in advertising and editorial illustration, graphic design, and fine art, including a long association with American Scientist magazine. He studied painting under one of only six students of Norman Rockwell. As a teacher, Mr. Dunne feels it is time to share some of the knowledge he has gratefully accumulated through a long and varied career in visual art.

Mrs. DuPree was born in Dennison, Ohio, grew up in New Jersey and lived in Reading, Pennsylvania, before eventually settling in North Carolina.  She attended Taylor Business Institute in New York City, as well as Reading (PA) Area Community College.  While in Reading, Mrs. DuPree founded the Girls Club for the Police Athletic League and served as its Director of Leadership Development, working with more than 65 girls, ages 6-18 years old.  Mrs. DuPree has been married to Willie L. DuPree for 41 years and has one daughter.

Mike Glenn originally hails from Newark, NJ and graduated from Catawba College in Salisbury, NC in 2006. Prior to joining our faculty, Mr. Glenn served in a management capacity for various retail businesses. An experienced youth soccer, basketball, t-ball and football coach, Mr. Glenn adds his talent to our sports teams. Mr. Glenn is the proud father of three and enjoys leisure time with his family as well as playing and coaching sports.

B.A. Business Administration, Elizabeth City State University
M.S. Strayer University

QuRita Hunter grew up in Durham and has recently returned back to the area after being away for nearly 15 years. Her years of experience in working with youth in nonprofit agencies, public schools and community colleges developed her passion for education and motivating youth to excel. She enjoys traveling, quilting, reading and watching basketball and football. She is married and has one son. She enjoys working closely with our youth and the community to make a positive difference.

B.A. Economics, Norfolk State University
M.A. Urban Education, Norfolk State University

Arthur Jimerson is originally from Norfolk, Virginia, where he attended and played football at Norfolk State University. Following his career as defensive end for the Los Angeles Raiders, Mr. Jimerson returned to Norfolk State to complete his studies. Mr. Jimerson brings an extensive background in teaching and counseling to his multiple roles at Durham Nativity School and is passionate about his work with our students.

B.A. Spanish, Metropolitan State College of Denver
M.A. Instruction, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota

After a high school trip to Bogota, Colombia, Kevin Mahoney became inspired to travel, teach and learn languages. After completing his undergraduate degree, he studied at the Conservatory of Recording Arts is Arizona and enjoyed five years working as a sound engineer in Los Angeles, California. He then spent four years in Korea teaching English in Korea before returning to the States to complete his Master’s degree. Mr. Mahoney teaches the 5th Grade Class.

B.A. Sociology & Anthropology, minor in African American Studies, Guilford College

Lateef Mitchell grew up in Durham, NC and became one of Durham Nativity School’ first graduates.  His passion for helping the community and the children in it comes from his personal experiences growing up in Durham, as well as his educational experiences at Carolina Friends School and Guilford College and later, working as the Community Engagement Coordinator for the East Durham Children’s Initiative.   Mr. Mitchell currently lives in Durham, enjoys sports and spending time with his family.

B.S. Mathematics, University of Notre Dame
M.S. Computer and Systems Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Born and raised in San Jose, California, Michael Newman has prior experience as a software engineer and  a middle and high school teacher. Mr. Newman brings his talents to the faculty teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math. He lives in Raleigh with his wife and three children where he enjoys coaching ice and roller hockey.

Randy Shepard grew up in Raleigh and Carthage, NC. Mr. Shepard began playing piano at age 7 and began training church choirs at age 14. He has a passion for vocal music and helping young people find their voice through choral music. He founded the Martin Luther King, Jr. All Children’s Choir of Raleigh in 1986. He recently celebrated 30 years with that organization. He has been at Durham Nativity School since 2011.

B.S. Biological Sciences, The Ohio State University
D.D.S., The Ohio State University

After graduating from The Ohio State University, Dr. Vannelle returned to his hometown, Shadyside, Ohio to practice dentistry. Twenty years later, Dr. Vannelle made a career change and began teaching science and math at Eagles Nest Ranch and Academy, an alternative school for at-risk youth in Canal Winchester, Ohio. He later moved to North Carolina where he continued his career as a science and math teacher at Durham Nativity School. Prior to his promotion as Durham Nativity School’ Head of School, Dr. Vannelle taught three grade levels of science and served as the school Dean of Admissions. He lives in Efland, North Carolina with his wife, Beth.