When school lets out, the learning and joy continue.
Here, summer is a time to recharge, explore, and grow. Our 9–10 week summer program offers children a safe, supportive environment filled with laughter, connection, and opportunity.
Our summer activities encourage creativity, build confidence, and promote physical and emotional well-being. Whether it’s through outdoor adventure or hands-on play, children are discovering new strengths and making lasting memories, all while surrounded by trusted adults and peers who care.
Summer at Kurn Hattin isn’t just a break from school, it’s a season of growth. It’s a time when kids can just be kids, surrounded by a community that sees their potential and supports their future.
Melissa is mission-driven, committed to advancing young people and communities through sustainable, innovative, and equity-centered solutions. She is deeply invested in cultivating environments where people, systems, and families can thrive.
Previously, she led community planning, advocacy, and grant implementation efforts through the Camden County Youth Service Commission in New Jersey. And social emotional learning through play in Philadelphia, PA. Her global experience includes living and working in Ghana, Morocco, India, and Macedonia through the United States Peace Corps and Cross-Cultural Solutions, where she focused on program design, capacity building, and community engagement.
Melissa holds a Master of Science in Communication for Development and Social Change from Temple University. A lifelong learner, she continues to deepen her expertise in executive leadership and healing-centered practices for youth, organizations and communities alike.
Outside of her professional work, Melissa values adventure and wellness. She enjoys activities such as aerial arts, running and spending time at home with her dog, Achilles, reading or watching movies.
Mary Beth Culver serves as Residential Living Director at Kurn Hattin Home and School for Children, where she focuses on helping students develop life skills and socially appropriate behaviors that support long-term success.
With experience as a Residential Director at a residential treatment facility, Mary Beth has led wilderness trips, high and low ropes courses, and other experiential education programs. She believes deeply that learning through doing leads to lasting change, a philosophy reflected in the wide range of hands-on opportunities available to students at Kurn Hattin.
Mary Beth loves working with children and finds great joy in watching their faces light up when they accomplish something new.
Outside of work, she treasures time with her granddaughter and visiting her children. She enjoys being outdoors, gardening, and repurposing items into creative yard art.