Staff Bios

Greg Gearhart

Director of Financial Aid

I have worked in financial aid for 25 years, all of that time here at Messiah College. I am a 1982 graduate of Albright College, with a bachelors degree in Political Science. In 1990, I received a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the Pennsylvania State University.

As the Director of Financial Aid at Messiah College, I am responsible for the overall operation of the Financial Aid Office.

I live in Dillsburg, Pa. with my wife Tammi. I have a son, who graduated from college and got married this past year, and a daughter who is a junior in college. We attend Good News Free Methodist Church in Mechanicsburg, Pa., where I am a member of the Leadership Team, and play electric bass in the Praise Band. I am also co-founder and chairman of Olive Mount Bowhunters, the local chapter of Christian Bowhunters of America.

Michael Strite, '83

Associate Director of Financial Aid

I graduated from Messiah College in 1983 with a degree in History and a minor in Business Administration.

I began working for the Financial Aid Office at Messiah College in 1988 and have been Financial Aid Counselor and Assistant Director of Financial Aid before assuming my current position in July, 2010.  As the Associate Director, I am responsible for many different aspects of financial aid including preparing financial aid packages and counseling students and parents in regards to financial aid issues.

I am an avid sports fan and enjoy playing racquetball and softball for recreation.

Ryan Hannigan

Senior Financial Aid Counselor

Coordinator of Grant Processing

I graduated from Lebanon Valley College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education and from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg with a Master of Arts in Religion degree in Christian Education and Counseling.

I have worked in financial aid since 1992.  The majority of my time in the office is spent meeting with students and parents on aspects of financial aid programs and issues. Also, I am responsible for processing federal grants, state grants and outside scholarship information, as well as, verifying and packaging financial aid. When students or parents have changes in their circumstances, I review their information.

In my spare time, I serve on the council at my church, I sing in the concert choir, I play the great big bells in our hand bell choir, and I play the piano for our Saturday evening service. I enjoy spending time with my wife, Kim, and my sons, Jesse and Matthew, both who attended Messiah College, and my daughter, Sarah. For recreation, I like walking, playing tennis, and kayaking.

Cathy Poiesz

Senior Financial Aid Counselor

Coordinator of Loan Processing

I began working for Messiah College in 1995, and moved to the Financial Aid Office in 2005. As the Loan Processing Coordinator, I am responsible for processing Federal Stafford, PLUS, and Private student loans. In addition, I counsel students and families on all aspects of the Financial Aid process, as well as provide information related to student loans.

As a volunteer, I advise and organize activities for the Newman Club on campus, in conjunction with College Ministries and the Diocese of Harrisburg. I look forward to completing my degree in the next few years and graduating with a BS in Psychology. In my spare time, I enjoy walking and gardening.

Carol Good

Financial Aid Counselor

I earned my degree in Social Work from West Chester University. I've been working in Financial Aid since 2006.

My primary responsibilities are working with graduate students and with students who receive veterans’ benefits.  I enjoy meeting with students and parents to help them understand the financial aid process.

I'm a pastor's wife and mother of three young adults who were homeschooled. My oldest son is a Messiah graduate in Youth Ministries.

Kim Peters

Assistant Loan Coordinator

I came to Messiah College in November 1998 as part of the Development Office before joining the Financial Aid office in June 2005. I serve as the Assistant Loan Coordinator and oversee the Perkins and Nursing loans along with the TEACH grant. In addition, I'm happy to assist our students and parents with any loan related questions including Federal Stafford, PLUS and Private loans.

When I'm not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and 3 children, scrapbooking & reading. I serve in various capacities at Cumberland Valley BIC Church, Dillsburg, PA including our Youth, Women's ministries, and as an Elder. On campus I'm part of Staff Council and enjoy meeting regularly with students for one on one spiritual counseling.

G. Diane Shearer

Financial Aid Office Coordinator

I began working in the Financial Aid Office in 1996 and have been the FAO Coordinator since 2005. I am responsible for hiring and supervising three work-study students, providing counseling to students and parents on many aspects of financial aid issues, updating the Financial Aid webpage and processing weekly reports.

I live on a farm with my husband where we both enjoy country living. We have a son, who graduated from Messiah in 2003, and a daughter-in-law.   I enjoy singing in my church choir where I am an active member of the Outreach Committee. I am also an active member of a local Farm Women group and volunteer at Messiah Village, a local community for the aged.

Gretchen Greenwood

Financial Aid Office Technical Coordinator