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About Us
Our History, Our Model, Our Structure & more
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About Charter
The Basics, The Economics, The Testing Requirements & Charter Related Links
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Administration & Faculty
A Profile of Our Teachers & Administration
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Mill Falls School Board
School Board Meetings & Info; Profiles of Our Board of Trustees & Founders
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Mill Falls Foundation
Information About the Foundation & a Profile of Our Board of Directors
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Employment Opportunities
Available Educational Program Positions & Application Instructions
Our History
In September 2010, ten parents, came together to establish Mill Falls Charter School — NHs first free, public Montessori school serving elementary education. The founders joined a growing national and global movement, which sought to create authentic Montessori programs within the public sector. Following approval of its charter application by the NH Board of Education in March 2011, Mill Falls became one of small group of pilot charter schools in the state. The founding parents were then joined by dedicated community members to serve on the School’s first Board of Trustees as well as the Mill Falls Charter School Foundation. In 2017, the school was granted its second five-year charter from the NH Board of Education. Renewal was granted by the NH Board of Education again in 2022.
In the spring of 2025, Mill Falls was a awarded a competitive federal Charter School Program Grant allowing for the planning of a future Mill Falls Middle School. Work to develop that program and identify expansion space is currently underway.
In the fall of 2025, as per changes in charter law, Mill Falls name was officially changed to Mill Falls Montessori Chartered Public School.
Our Pledge
We are dedicated to upholding our founding core values of welcoming and supporting all members of our learning community. Mill Falls seeks to provide an educational environment where our students progress toward independence, self-motivation and self-confidence as they strive to become well-rounded, engaged and curious learners.
Our Location
Mill Falls is located at 100 William Loeb Drive, just off of Holt Avenue in Manchester, NH. The location offers a safe, secure and green school site, easily accessible from I-93.
Our Structure
Like all NH state-issued charter schools, Mill Falls has its own Board of Trustees and is responsible for its own budget, as well as hiring the teaching and support staff. The school’s Board of Trustees is made up of parent and community members as well as the non-voting Executive Director and Education Programming Director.
In addition, to support our vibrant program and ensure the school’s long-term sustainability, we have established a non-profit foundation, the Mill Falls Charter School Foundation, to sit beside the school. It is singularly purposed to raise funds for the school in support of its needs and goals.
Please see the School Board page for biographical information about the Mill Falls Charter School Board and Founders. Information about the Foundation members can be found on the Mill Falls Charter School Foundation page.
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Mill Falls Montessori Chartered Public School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, national/ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, or disability in its programs, activities, admissions, and employment practices. This refers to, but is not limited to, the provisions of the following laws: Titles IV, VI, and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 – The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 – Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) – Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) – The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 – NH Law against discrimination (RSA 354-A).
About Us
Mill Falls Montessori Chartered Public School establishes high academic achievement and standards through the use of a curriculum that merges the Common Core with the Montessori Scope and Sequence. Our academic program integrates the development of community and responsible global citizenship; peaceful approach to conflict, and the integration of curriculum partners in areas of art, community service, and the natural world. We currently offer a stand-alone kindergarten, three Lower Elementary classrooms (grades 1-3) and three Upper Elementary classrooms (grades 4-6). Plans are underway for a future Mill Falls Middle School, supported in large part by a federal Charter School Program Grant.
Authentic Montessori Programming is integral to every aspect of the School. Our classrooms are led by Montessori-trained teachers who utilize the Montessori philosophy in curriculum development and delivery, while also ensuring that students’ academic and social/emotional needs are met.
Child-Centered Learning motives our students to seek their highest potential. The Mill Falls environment fosters creativity and curiosity, leading to the development of critical thinking, problem solving skills, and self-directed learning.
Respect develops and flourishes through the Montessori practice of Grace and Courtesy, which guides interactions among students, faculty, and families. This fosters a welcoming and supportive environment for children and adults. We value our community as a vital strength.
Service-Learning and Leadership/Mentoring Opportunities for students of all program levels connects them to the community and fosters responsible and engaged citizens within our school building and beyond. Students are called upon in their multi-age classrooms to practice leadership skills. This is further implemented and modeled through our coaching-model school which encourages staff professional growth through reflection, collaboration, and ongoing support.
Personal Growth and Development are nurtured through an emphasis on the mastery of core concepts across academic areas including our Integrated Arts Program. Mill Falls students are expected to advance at least one grade level per year and sit for standardized tests – as per state/federal requirements. As they progress through our program levels, students gain an understanding of their learning styles, and develop the skills needed to learn independently, to take a sense of ownership for their learning, and to self-advocate.
Parent/Guardian Commitment to our mission and success is essential for building and maintaining our school community. Students at Mill Falls achieve the greatest success when their parents/guardians and staff work together. We view parents/guardians as vital partners in both the educational and social development of our students, and in the continued success of Mill Falls.
Our Model
About Charter
The Basics
A charter school is a public school that is organized around a certain educational methodology, theme, curriculum, or core mission. In exchange for the freedom to approach education differently than traditional schools do, New Hampshire’s charter schools are required to meet strict state reporting standards and produce successful outcomes for their students. Students are required to participate in standardized assessment testing.
State-issued charters are awarded to schools by the New Hampshire Board of Education for 5-year periods. Mill Falls was first approved by the NH Board of Education on March 9, 2011, and renewed every 5 years since. State issued charter schools, such as Mill Falls, report directly to the NH Department of Education and other state departments, and function independently of the district where they are located.
As per charter law, in the event that the number of applicants exceeds capacity, a public lottery will be held. This has been true at Mill Falls since our first Lottery Enrollment Period in the sping of 2012 before we opened our doors in the fall of 2012.
Charter schools offer the potential for research and development, providing the public school system with space, time and support to develop practices beyond the traditional methods of education.
Student Assessment Requirements
All New Hampshire public schools, including charter schools, must administer standardized assessment testing as determined by the Department of Education. Like all public schools, our school is evaluated based upon our students’ achievement on this state standardized tests which looks at overall progress and growth. These tests are based on the curriculum frameworks adopted by the NH State Board of Education. As a public Montessori school, our goal is to remain faithful to the Montessori philosophy, while meeting the requirements placed on all New Hampshire public schools. Mill Falls maintains a highly-qualified, Montessori-trained faculty and adheres to the Montessori tradition in its teaching and learning activities, while promoting high performance on state-level standardized tests.
The Economics
Like all NH state-issued charter schools, the state provides Mill Falls with a set, per student/per year stipend (called ‘Equitable Aid’), which is part of the annual state budget. The school does not receive any local funding from the Manchester School District or the City, nor does the school have access to local property tax dollars. To ensure a sustainable and successful program, Mill Falls seeks private contributions and grant funding.
Here’s how you can help support Mill Falls.
Charter Related Links
Mill Fall’s originally submitted a charter application to the state of NH in January 2011; it was approved in March 2011. Mill Falls’ most recent charter renewal took place in August 2022 with the NH Board of Education unanimously supporting our continued operation through 2027 when the next renewal will take place.
For information on other NH charter schools visit the NH Department of Education’s Charter School page.
Our Team
School Administration
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Meryl Levin is a founder of Mill Falls and served as the School’s Founding Board Chair beginning in March of 2011 when the school received its approval from the NH Board of Education. In December 2015, after two earlier stints as an interim school leader, Meryl was selected by the school’s Trustees to serve as the Executive Director. Meryl has spoken widely on behalf of Mill Falls to legislators in Concord, on education and community panels, and as a 2013 TEDx speaker, among other venues. She is an alumnus of the Leadership New Hampshire Class of 2013 and served as Co-Chair of the Don’t Wait. Educate campaign, a 2016 initiative of Save the Children’s Action Network to bring public pre-k to Manchester. For the previous 20+ years, Meryl worked as a social documentary photographer with a focus on health, social welfare, and political engagement. She is the author of two monographs, editor of several publications, and curator of several group exhibitions. She has guest lectured at colleges and universities around the country, and has received several grants and fellowships in support of her work. She attended Trinity College in Hartford, CT, and completed her undergraduate degree, at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. She taught at The School of Visual Arts in NYC for seven years, until moving to NH where she was an adjunct professor at Southern New Hampshire University, teaching visual storytelling for seven years, and was deeply involved in the Service Learning Initiative there. She lives in Manchester, NH with her husband, Will Kanteres, and their son.
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Laura Wrubleski has served as Mill Falls’ educational leader since its founding in 2012, and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. She is state certified in NH and MA in both Elementary Education and Special Education. Laura obtained her Masters of Education in Literacy Studies from the University of Wisconsin Madison, and her undergraduate bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Keene State College. Laura taught in a variety of special education settings before completing her Montessori certification in Lower Elementary I at the Seacoast Center for Education. She taught for four years at Hill View Montessori Charter Public School aligning core curriculum standards to the Montessori environment. She also facilitated many mentor activities throughout Hill View. Laura was the first employee hired at Mill Falls and has helped envision, shape, and lead our educational program from the start. Laura and her husband live with their two children - both Mill Falls Students - in Manchester, NH.
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Grace Eaton is a graduate of the Westover School and The University of Vermont. Before joining Mill Falls, she spent five years at two independent boarding schools. There she learned how to fill multiple roles at the same time: admission officer, faculty member, adviser, dorm parent, and committee member. Grace joined Mill Falls in 2019, and in her role here she manages multifaceted tasks and programs as a member of our Admin Team. She was born and raised in the world of education and each year she continues to strengthen her love and respect for all educational models. Grace lives in Manchester, NH with her husband, their young daughter, and their two dogs.
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Jen Avery received her Bachelors of Arts from Southern New Hampshire University. Soon after graduating, she enrolled at the University of New Hampshire to study Biological Sciences for Pharmaceuticals. She then focused on raising her young daughter. The experience of being at home with her daughter, led her to open up a small in-home daycare center, which Jen ran for about four years. She first joined Mill Falls as a paraprofessional in 2017. In the winter of 2019, she joined the Admin Team as Office Manager. Jen merges her love for children with experience from her previous work at Catholic Medical Center’s physician’s practices where she was the office assistant, as well as her work in the hospitality industry in her role as part of our Admin Team. Jen lives in Manchester, NH with her daughter, a graduate of Mill Falls, and their cats.
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Allison DeCesere brings her efficiency and business expertise to her work with the Mill Falls administration in her bookkeeping role. She has extensive experience working with for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations. She is the owner/operator of By the Book, LLC, a bookkeeping business established in 2008. Allison received her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University in 1999 where she was a member of the National Business Honor Society. Before developing her own small business, Allison worked at State Street Bank pricing mutual funds. There she discovered she preferred helping small businesses thrive rather than working in the corporate world, and was soon hired as the business manager for a general contractor in Wellesley, MA. Over the next several years, she built up her bookkeeping business working with many in the construction industry at first, then broadening her client base. These days, her clientele is expansive, ranging from realtors to contractors, hair stylists to a manufacturer, as well as private individuals and families. Allison is originally from Londonderry, NH. She lives in Goffstown with her husband and their two children, both of whom previously attended Mill Falls.
Teaching Faculty
Each Mill Falls classroom has a Lead Teacher and an Assistant Teacher; the pairings are noted below.
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Kristin Lang obtained her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and New York teaching license with a music concentration from Plattsburgh State University. She also has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. Kristin started her career in education in Hoosick Falls, NY as a first grade teacher for six years. Before coming to Mill Falls, she worked in a Lower Elementary classroom as special education paraprofessional and then moved into a permanent Lower Elementary co-teaching position at Hill View Montessori Charter Public School in Haverhill, MA. Kristin has also worked as a Math Specialist at the Discovery Club, an academic, grant-funded after school program in the Haverhill School District. Kristin has her Montessori Primary training. Kristin’s has been the Lead Kindergarten Teacher at Mill Falls since we opened our doors in 2012. She lives in Manchester, NH.
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Shannon Murphy is thrilled to join the Yosemite Room this year and to be partnering with Ms. Kristin. This will be her second on staff. She most recently supported students in the Olympic Room as a paraprofessional, and also was a frequent sub for our Integrated Arts Program. Before having her children, Shannon worked as a childcare center director for two years. The center was quite small, so she also worked in the classroom with children aged 6-week to 5 years. Shannon is also the proud parent of three children, one is in Mill Falls‘ Lower Elementary and one a newly graduated 6th year student. Shannon lives with her family in Manchester.
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Meghan Sirois graduated from Rivier College where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development, Elementary Education, and Special Education. After graduation, Meghan was a lead teacher in a second grade classroom in Hudson, NH. She then turned her attention to her family and was a full-time, stay-at-home mom to her children for several years. This will be Meghan’s third year as Lead Teacher in Glacier. She has a tremendous commitment to her students, her colleagues, and to the Montessori method. Meghan loves supporting the individual growth and development in students. She makes deep connections with students, prioritizing their learning and social/emotional growth, working hard to ensure that the children and her colleagues have all they need to succeed. Meghan first joined the Mill Falls team in 2019, as an Assistant Teacher in the Olympic Room. She is a proud mom of two Mill Falls students, one in the Upper Elementary Program and one who recently graduated. Meghan and her family live in Manchester, NH.
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Jody Wilhelm began her service work as an AmeriCorps member with City Year Boston after graduating with a psychology degree from Susquehanna University. She remained at City Year for three years before moving on to work in development for Big Sister Association of Greater Boston. She joined the Mill Falls team in 2018 as our first Librarian, helping to organize our lending library and create a library program for our students. She also provided Family Tech Support during hybrid and remote learning models due to COVID. She has also served as our Music Teacher, Kinder Specials Teacher, Lower Elementary Reading Coach and part-time paraprofessional. Utilizing all of those experiences, and her gentle and nurturing ways, Jody brings a great deal to her current role as Assistant Teacher in the Glacier Room. Jody lives in Manchester, NH, with her two children – one who recently graduated from Mill Falls, and one in our Upper Elementary program – and their dog, Hope.
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Sue Champagne has been a part of the Mill Falls Family for quite some time, as a parent and member of the school’s Board of Trustees in our earlier years. She fell in love with Mill Falls when her daughter attended the school and has always wanted to return to pursue her love of teaching. She returned to our community in 2023 as an Assistant Teacher, and we are thrilled that she is now leading the Acadia Room. Sue is a NH native who attended Manchester schools and Dartmouth College. Trained as a lawyer at the UNH School of Law, she practiced for several years before focusing on raising her three children. In the summer of 2025, she received her Montessori Training at MTTC in Massachusetts. Sue has been an active member of the Manchester community and most recently served as Executive Director of Girls at Work, an organization with a mission of empowering girls by teaching them how to build with power tools. Over the years, Sue has discovered a passion for working with students to help them thrive and reach their full potential. Sue lives in Manchester, NH with her family.
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Adam Whittier comes to Mill Falls most recently from Sunapee Central Elementary School, where he worked as a substitute teacher while earning his Master’s in Education with a focus on elementary education through Western Governors University. Prior to this, he worked as a paraeducator at White Bluffs Elementary School in Richland, Washington, where he assisted with the student art club and oversaw the school’s AAA Safety Patrol program. It was there that Adam, a trained cartoonist, discovered his love of education. Adam earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Washington State University and a Master of Fine Arts from The Center for Cartoon Studies. As an artist, he specializes in nonfiction and educational comics and has collaborated with the National Park Service, the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance, and Kearsarge Magazine, among others. He has also produced numerous mini-comics, zines, illustrations, and greeting cards. This is Adam’s first year at Mill Falls. He enjoys calling both Mill Falls and Manchester, home.
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Anya Morales received her bachelor’s degree in English from Keene State College and attended Seacoast Center for Education where she obtained her Lower Elementary 1 Montessori Training, and she holds a Masters degree in Elementary Education from Southern New Hampshire University. Anya has been the Lead Teacher in the Denali Room since 2018, having first joined the Mill Falls faculty in 2014 to serve as the Assistant Teacher in the Glacier Room. Throughout her life, Anya has worked in many educational settings, and loves working with children. She develops strong connections with her students and families, which creates a strong sense of community in the Denali Classroom. Anya and her family live in Manchester, NH.
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Amanda Thompson attended Rivier College and has a broad background in teaching. Before joining the Mill Falls team, she most recently worked at Saint Patrick School and Education Center in Lowell, MA teaching second grade. Amanda enjoys working with Anya and the Denali Room students. She has two daughters, and loves going to the beach, watching movies, riding her bike, walking and fishing. Amanda lives in Hudson, NH with her family, including their two dogs and four chickens.
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Christine Bisson is a certified teacher in Elementary Education, with a Masters from Southern New Hampshire University, and completed her Upper Elementary Training at the Montessori Educator Teacher Training Collaborative (MTTC) in Lexington, MA. This is her second year as Olympic’s Lead Teacher. Christine also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from the University of South Dakota. That degree led her to acting and directing in children’s theater throughout her home state of South Dakota, as well as acting in New York City. She also spent a year in rural Japan with the JET Program teaching English, as well as a year in Washington, DC in AmeriCorps NCCC. Closer to home, Christine worked as a Title 1 Intervention Teacher at Gossler Park Elementary in Manchester before joining the Mill Falls team in 2015 as an Upper Elementary Assistant Teacher. Christine took a year off from our team to welcome her second child, and returned to Mill Falls in 2017 to work with Lower Elementary students in the Denali Room. The following year she was the Assistant Teacher in the Zion Room. Later, she shared the role of Upper Elementary Interventionist with Lauren Kolbe for one year, and she has also served as our Fitness Instructor. Both of her children attend Mill Falls. Christine lives with her family in Manchester, NH.
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Lauren Doukas enjoys partnering with Christine in support of their students in the Olympic Room. Lauren is also very well known to our larger school community and has supported so many students and staff members over the years. Lauren has been a very involved volunteer at Mill Falls since her oldest child enrolled in 2014. She joined our staff in 2022, serving as a floating classroom assistant and paraprofessional. Lauren attended the New Hampshire Institute of Art in Manchester with a concentration in oil painting. She left the Institute in 2008 to start a family and has been a stay-at-home parent for much of the time since. As an active community member, Lauren has served on Goffstown’s Budget Committee and various other sub committees for the town. She also previously sat on the School Board of Jacob’s Ladder Preschool. Lauren lives in Goffstown with her 4 children and more cats, dogs and chickens than she cares to count.
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Kaitlyn Taylor began her teaching journey at Red Oak Montessori as an Assistant Teacher, and later completed her master’s degree in education from Southern New Hampshire University where she also earned her bachelors. She holds her NH certification in Elementary Education as well as Special Education and earned her Montessori certification from the North American Montessori Center. Several years back, she paused her professional life to focus on her family. During that time, she worked as a substitute teacher in her hometown of Londonderry because it was hard to stay away from education! She brings all of her practical experiences and training into the classroom and our greater school community. Kaitlyn lives in Londonderry with her husband, their three children, and their many pets.
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Marissa Twomey has over ten years of teaching experience. Marissa holds her Master of Arts degree in Teaching Secondary English Education from Rivier University and her bachelor’s degree from Plymouth State University. She began her career at Alvirne High School in Hudson, NH and taught English for seven years. Marissa then established her own tutoring business that specializes in working with students with dyslexia. When her son started preschool at Southern New Hampshire Montessori Academy, she spent three years there as a volunteer librarian working with students in kindergarten through sixth grade. She joined our Everglades Room in the fall of 2019; returning families will recall that Marissa stepped into the Lead Teacher position during COVID while Ms. Lauren was out on maternity leave. Marissa lives with her husband and their son in Londonderry, NH.
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Michelle Contos is thrilled to join the Mill Falls team this year, and brings with her experience of working with students from elementary school to college. For Michelle, education is intertwined with her passion for advocacy and human rights; these have been at the heart of all of her professional and academic work. Michelle began her educational journey supporting second and third graders at the Christa McAuliffe Elementary School in Concord, NH, as well as teaching middle school students at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. Most recently, she worked at Massachusetts Institute of Technology supporting students holistically and fostering community as they navigated the new college environment. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Boston International Turner Syndrome Summit where she designs, implements and works at a summer camp program supporting children with Turner Syndrome as they explore the city. In her first year at Mill Falls, Michelle will be engaging in Montessori training and supported by Mill Falls’ Montessori Coaching Program. Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree of Liberal Arts from Sarah Lawrence College and her master’s degree of Science in Political Science and International Relations from Suffolk University. She has a deep commitment to interdisciplinary learning, and is passionate about facilitating individualized, student-centered education that prioritizes wellbeing and community, all of which she looks forward to sharing with her students and colleagues. Michelle lives in Medford, MA.
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Amy Broadhead joined Mill Falls in 2022 following 14 years at Hill View Montessori Charter Public School in Haverhill, MA. She began at Hill View as an Upper Elementary Assistant Teacher, and then transitioned into the role of Fitness Specialist. Prior to working in Montessori education, Amy spent many years in traditional public school settings as a paraprofessional supporting students with special education needs. She received her bachelors of science degree in Criminal Justice from the Rochester Institute of Technology and her bachelors of science degree in Physical Education from SUNY Brockport. She currently holds a Massachusetts License in prek-12 Physical Education. Amy has known many members of our staff from their past work together at Hill View, and greatly enjoys partnering with them, and the rest of our staff in support of our students. She enjoys teaching Upper Elementary Fitness and her afterschool club is a crowd favorite! She lives with her family in Salem, NH.
Student Support Faculty
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Kendyl Smith holds a B.A. in Psychology and Criminology and Criminal Justice, as well as an M.Ed. in School Counseling. She is a certified school counselor with over 10 years of experience working in New Hampshire public schools. Kendyl is passionate about social work, child development, crisis counseling, and supporting students’ emotional and academic growth through compassionate, student-centered counseling. Kendyl cares deeply about helping families during and in healing after trauma, and brings a compassionate, strength-based approach to her work, supporting post-traumatic growth and resilience. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, especially her three boys and their playful puppy, Roger, cooking, and reading. Kendyl is currently training puppy Roger to become a therapy dog, combining her love for animals with her commitment to student wellness.
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Brittany Pichette joined us in 2022, following her most recent position at Valley Collaborative Elementary School, an out-of-district placement for Special Education students, where she worked as a Special Education teacher for students from surrounding districts. Over the course of her teaching, Brittany has worked with students on the Autism Spectrum, as well as students with various emotional and behavioral needs. Special Education has been very fulfilling for her and she has valued the relationships she has made with her students and staff throughout her career. Brittany is a certified teacher in Elementary Education, and brings a positive attitude to her work. She graduated from Merrimack College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Elementary Education. She holds a Master’s in Special Education from Rivier University. Brittany lives in Hooksett, NH with her husband, two young boys and their dog.
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Kathleen Cline has been teaching for nearly 30 years in a variety of educational settings and has a diverse background in both regular and special education. Kathleen graduated from the University of Vermont in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Teaching Minor in French. After teaching kindergarten and preschool, Kathleen obtained her Master’s Degree in both Specific Learning Disabilities and General Special Education from Rivier University. Since then, Kathleen has worked as a middle school learning disabilities specialist in an inclusive regular education setting and as a special education consultant, presenting workshops to regular educators and participating in compliance reviews of district special education programs. She has also been an independent academic tutor to students of all abilities and ages and as a Title 1 reading instructor. She joined Mill Falls in 2018. Kathleen’s greatest teaching challenge and labor of love has been the home education of all three of her children from kindergarten through grade eight. She lives in Bedford, NH with her husband, Peter. Their youngest daughter, Olivia, is in college; their older children, Harrison and Izzy have graduated college.
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Sue Lambright obtained her Learning Disability Certification from Rivier University. She also holds her Master’s degree in Education from Simmons College and a BFA with a concentration in Studio Arts from Emmanuel College. Sue is licensed in MA and NH in Special Education K-12 and Learning Disabilities. After teaching for nine years as a Special Educator in Massachusetts, she turned her focus to raising her children and caring for her family. During that time, she participated in a variety of school-based activities as a volunteer, including running the Destination Imagination program for two years and organizing school field day events. Sue has been a Special Educator at Mill Falls since 2016. Sue lives in Nashua, NH with her husband, their two adult children and their pup.
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Rebekha Nichols has worked in the field of special education for over ten years, supporting students across a wide range of educational settings. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education as well as a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Applied Behavior Analysis, both from Fitchburg State University. Rebekha is Orton-Gillingham trained and has extensive experience working with neurodivergent learners, with a strong focus on individualized, strengths-based instruction. Throughout her career, Rebekha has been a dedicated advocate for her students, prioritizing meaningful progress, functional skills, and positive relationships. She is passionate about creating supportive and inclusive learning environments where students feel understood, valued, and empowered to succeed. Rebekha lives in New Boston, New Hampshire, with her husband and their three young children. She is excited to bring her experience, compassion, and commitment to student-centered learning to the Mills Falls community.
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Caitlin Gagnon is a certified teacher in Elementary Education, with a Masters from Southern New Hampshire University. She also holds a Bachelors in Communication Arts from the University of New Hampshire. After graduating with her undergraduate degreein 2007, Caitlin decided she wanted to follow her dream of one day working with and educating children. She first became a paraprofessional in the Manchester School District, and eventually went back to school to become a classroom teacher. After receiving her teacher certification in 2011, Caitlin worked for 1 year as a second grade teacher and 6 years as a first grade teacher at Manchester’s Hallsville Elementary and Parker-Varney Elementary Schools. Caitlin joined the Mill Falls Team in the fall of 2019 as the Assistant in the Acadia Room. Caitlin believes firmly in the Montessori method, and loves her role as Reading Interventionist which enables her to work closely with students in need of extra reading support. Caitlin lives with her husband, their son, and two pups.
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Amanda Smart graduated from Salem State College in Massachusetts, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and double majored in Art History. Amanda has been part of the Mill Falls Team since 2021, most recently as as our Upper Elementary Interventionist, and before that as the Interim Lead Teacher in the Denali Room during Ms. Anya’s maternity leave, and as a short-term Lottery and Enrollment Coordinator during Ms. Grace’s maternity leave. Amanda entered the Montessori world as an Assistant Teacher at Hill View Montessori Charter Public School in 2005, and quickly found that the Montessori Method paired well with her philosophy of education. Following her training at the Seacoast Center for Education, she gained her American Montessori Society certification in Lower Elementary. She then moved into a Lead Teacher position at Hill View which she held for six years. While there, she collaborated with others to align Core Curriculum Standards with Montessori Scope and Sequence. Amanda also piloted the Track and Field Team at Hill View, which participated with the Haverhill Public School District. She left the classroom to care for her two young children at home, and worked as an educational tutor. She homeschooled her children for six years. Amanda has supported her local library by serving first as an Alternate Trustee, and then Trustee, from mid 2020 to early 2022. Amanda lives in Southern NH with her husband, two children, an Australian Shepherd, a variety of fish, and almost two dozen chickens.
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Lauren Kolbe has been a member of the Mill Falls team since 2013. For most of that time, she served as the Lead Teacher in the Everglades Room, helping scores of students reach their highest potential during their Upper Elementary years. During that time, she has also welcomed two children to her family and at times has taken time away from teaching to focus on her two young boys. To facilitate that balance, Lauren’s recent work at Mill Falls has been outside the classroom, serving as our Upper Elementary Interventionist and Upper Elementary Math Guide. She looks forward to continuing to work with students and staff this year, as our Upper Elementary Math Interventionist. Lauren holds her masters in Elementary Education from Lesley University and her bachelor’s degree from Siena College where she was a member of the women’s soccer team. She has her NH and MA teaching certification and has been Montessori trained for ages 9-12 at the Seacoast Center for Education. Prior to joining the team at Mill Falls, Lauren was a Lead teacher at the Clark School in Danvers, MA teaching 3rd graders as well as 7th and 8th graders during her four years there; the Clark School has its roots in Montessori. Lauren also taught at the Belmont Day School in Belmont, MA. Before she began her teaching career, Lauren was the soccer coach at Siena College’s summer soccer camp. Lauren lives with her family in Bedford, NH
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Susan Nakos is thrilled to be part of the Mill Falls Team as our Upper Elementary Reading Interventionist after a thirty year career as an English educator in the Manchester, Londonderry, Hinsdale, and Portsmouth school districts. Susan received her BA in English from the University of New Hampshire, and is NH certified in secondary English. With a passion for fostering literacy skills, she brings extensive experience in supporting students at various reading levels. Committed to equipping every learner with the tools for academic success, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to unlock the world through books, she looks forward to making a meaningful impact in her new role. Susan resides in Manchester with her husband Mark, and enjoys visiting her two adult children who now live in Nashville, Tennessee, and New York City.
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Mindy Henderson has been a beloved member of the Mill Falls Staff since we opened our doors in 2012. She has filled many roles here at school, beginning as an Assistant Teacher in the Acadia Room (2012 - 2015). Each year since, Mindy has lent her expertise to Mill Falls in a variety of ways, including serving on our Board of Trustees for three years. For the last several years, she has been on staff as our Reading Coach and English Language Coordinator (ELL). Mindy first began her work in education as a Physical Education Teacher at Saint Ann’s School in Brooklyn, NY. She later worked with younger students at UNH’s Child Study and Development Center and with adult learners as she supervised UNH Manchester education students in their field placement. Mindy majored in Psychology at St. Lawrence University and traveled to Kenya as part of her undergraduate studies. She studied at NYU’s Graduate School of Education and at UNH’s School of Continuing Education. Mindy is the proud mother of three sons. She lives in Portsmouth with her three adult sons (when they are home visiting) and their beagle, Vinny.
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Kayla Messana attended Hesser College with a focus in Early Childhood Education. In 2010, she began working in the field as a Kindergarten Site Director at a local YMCA. She continued her journey in education when in 2013 she became an Intensive Needs Paraprofessional in Bedford, NH. Kayla has an extensive background in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and has worked for years supporting children with special needs. She joined the Mill Falls faculty in the fall of 2017 as the Assistant Teacher in Yosemite; she took on the role of Reading Coach in 2023. Kayla recently published her first books, Spiders Love Meatballsand Prickles and His Fuzzy Sweater. Kayla, is a mom of four who loves to garden and bake, lives with her family in Londonderry, NH.
Integrated Arts Instructors & More
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Melissa Fortin is a graduate of Endicott College and Rhode Island School of Design with degrees in Fine Arts and Architectural Studies. She works as a freelance designer, specializing in residential architectural design. While raising her two children, she volunteered extensively in their public schools, working on various fundraising events and special art projects. Melissa has been part of the Mill Falls Team since the school’s founding, initially as a volunteer, then sub, paraprofessional and front office assistant. She began working as our Art Instructor in 2019 and has created a robust program full of creative projects and meaningful art instruction. In 2022, Melissa conceived of the Cultural Arts Program, developing links to the all-school continent studies, travel and art and societies. This initiative has generated great excitement among our students and staff. Melissa lives in Manchester, NH with her husband, and enjoys visiting her two adult children who now live in California and North Carolina.
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Katey Avedisian has been teaching music professionally in a variety of individual and group settings for 20 years. Her love for music was so strong that she began working with children in music as a teen. Trained as a professional pianist and performer, Katey studied music through private instructors at the National Guild of Piano Teachers starting as a girl. She broadened her music studies as a high school student with courses and opportunities offered through the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University. She originally began college to pursue her dreams of pediatric medicine with Telos Institute; but when plans changed, she fell back on her love for music, the arts, and kids. Katey truly believes that the best teaching comes through creativity and hands on experience; it also comes through building relationships with students by keeping instruction real and engaging. Katey joined the Mill Falls team in 2022. When not teaching, her husband, two sons, and whole menagerie of pets keep her on her toes at their Goffstown home.
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Amy Broadhead joined Mill Falls in 2022 following 14 years at Hill View Montessori Charter Public School in Haverhill, MA. She began at Hill View as an Upper Elementary Assistant Teacher, and then transitioned into the role of Fitness Specialist. Prior to working in Montessori education, Amy spent many years in traditional public school settings as a paraprofessional supporting students with special education needs. She received her bachelors of science degree in Criminal Justice from the Rochester Institute of Technology and her bachelors of science degree in Physical Education from SUNY Brockport. She currently holds a Massachusetts License in prek-12 Physical Education. Amy has known many members of our staff from their past work together at Hill View, and greatly enjoys partnering with them, and the rest of our staff in support of our students. She enjoys teaching Upper Elementary Fitness and her afterschool club is a crowd favorite! She lives with her family in Salem, NH.
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Jennifer Blake attended the University of New Hampshire with a focus in writing and journalism. After spending many years working in graphic and website design, she took time off to spend with her children. Jen has been a familiar face around Mill Falls for many years. She began as a volunteer when her child enrolled in our kindergarten in 2015. In the years since, she joined our staff and has expanded her role as the years have progressed. Jen attended the University of New Hampshire with a focus in writing and journalism. Here at Mill Falls, she has taught Lower Elementary handwriting for many years, and enjoyed sharing her love of reading in her past position as Reading Coach. No matter what she is doing on our team, she enjoys supporting teachers, students and the school administration with their technology needs, while helping to keep Mill Falls students safe online. She lives in Manchester with her husband and their children.
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Diane Harrises, Ed.D. is a long-time educator whose work spans early childhood, special education, K-12, and higher education. Diane received her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Salem State University, her Master of Educational Leadership and Certificate of Graduate Studies in Behavior Intervention with a focus in Autism from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University. In her work, she is driven to create and support educational settings where every learner can thrive. Diane has served in leadership and program development roles at Mill Falls over the last several years. She first joined us as the Student Support Coordinator and later provided professional development programming to our faculty. She has helped our team advance instructional design, strengthen student support systems and family engagement, all aligned with our goals and mission. Diane serves as Adjunct Faculty at the School of Education and Social Policy at Merrimack College and is part of the team at the New Hampshire Registered Educator Apprenticeship Program, an innovative program designed to support Individuals currently working in schools as paraprofessionals or in other non-teaching roles and others who are looking to start a career in pre-k through 12 education. Through her company, Educators Explore, Diane provides workshops and training in growing staff capacity and cultivating culture; developing systems of reflective teaching practices; and integrating mind-body practices to support health and wellbeing. Outside of work, Diane enjoys reading, music, mindfulness, animals, nature, and spending time with friends, family, and pets.
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This year, our before care program is staffed by Amy Broadhead, Grace Eaton, Jen Avery, Adam Whittier and our former social worker, Maura Barber. Learn more about our Before Care Program by clicking here.
School Board Info
Next Mill Falls Board of Trustees Meeting:
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
All meetings begin at 6pm unless otherwise noted.
Future Mill Falls Board of Trustees Meetings:
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Wednesday, December 16, 2026
Wednesday, January 20, 2027
Wednesday, February 17, 2027
Wednesday, March 17, 2027
Wednesday, April 21, 2027
Wednesday, May 19, 2027
Please note, if school is canceled for any reason on the day of the meeting, the meeting will not be held that evening; all efforts will be made to reschedule the meeting.
Upcoming Meetings
Sara Bee Pichette, CPWA®, Chair, is a Business Development Senior Associate at Impax Asset Management in Portsmouth, NH. While she is a New Hampshire native, she ventured west to pursue her Bachelor’s in Psychology at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Sara has worked in the Financial Services Industry for her entire career, working for Transamerica, BlackRock and Merrill Lynch before moving to Impax. Sara enjoys working with and empowering Manchester’s youth and also serves on the Board of Directors of the Manchester Police Athletic League and coaches a girls lacrosse team with the Boys and Girls Club of Manchester. She leads the Greater Manchester Women’s Business League and is active with New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility, Queen City Rotary, and Women in Sales NH. Sara lives in Manchester with her husband, their two young daughters and beloved pup. Sara loves skiing, live music, and Lake Winnipesaukee.
Garth Corriveau, Vice Chair, is an attorney at Craig, Deachman & Associates, PLLC in Manchester, dedicating his legal practice largely to business and real estate law. He graduated from Middlebury College (B.A. 2000) and the University of New Hampshire’s Franklin Pierce School of Law (J.D. & M.I.P. 2004). Garth is an active community leader in Manchester. In addition to serving Mill Falls as a Trustee, he volunteers as a youth coach for the Manchester North and Manchester Angels Soccer Leagues. Garth served three terms as a Manchester Alderman representing Ward 6 from 2010 to 2016. He was an elected delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention and has held several leadership positions for political organizations and campaigns at the presidential, federal, state, and city levels. Garth is a proud Mill Falls parent residing in Manchester with his wife, Kate, and their 4 children.
Jeffrey C. Trombley, Treasurer, is a CPA with a Masters Degree in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelors Degree in Business from Mt. Washington College. In January of 2019, he joined the Manchester-based accounting firm, Karr & Boucher. Previously he ran his own shop, Trombley Tax & Accounting, after he served as a Senior Accountant at Penchansky & Co. Jeff’s accounting strengths lie in handling more complex tax issues. He has represented various entities in front of the Internal Revenue Service and is experienced in the preparation of Federal and State returns for corporations, small businesses, trusts and Individuals. Jeff also has experience in the audit and attestation services for local businesses and non-profits. Professionally, Jeff thrives on the personal interaction involved in supporting his clients as he works to assist them in meeting their goals and objectives. When not at the office, Jeff loves spending time outdoors. He and his wife, Marlana, and their young son, along with their pup, live in Manchester’s north end.
Amy Hollingworth, Secretary, studied exercise science and athletic training at Ithaca College, before completing a post-professional residency program in 2000. Early in her career, she worked in various athletic training settings in the Greater Manchester area, from out-patient rehabilitation, collegiate, semi-professional, and secondary schools. For over a decade, Amy worked as the Head Athletic Trainer and Health Officer at Manchester’s Trinity High School, where she was active in the school community teaching physical education and classes, as well as serving as a campus activity advisor. In 2013, Amy joined NH Musculoskeletal Institute’s leadership team as Program and Residency Director before being promoted to Executive Director in 2020. Throughout her professional career, Amy has been committed to expanding both her own knowledge and that of the athletic training community. She has been an author on several published research abstracts and articles, and has delivered various presentations at the local, regional, and national levels. Amy was recognized for her contributions to the profession with the 2017 New Hampshire Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award. Amy has also earned a Degree in Nursing, Certificate in Massage Therapy, and served on the State of New Hampshire’s Athletic Trainers Governing Board. Amy served on the Greater Manchester Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors from 2001 to 2012. She is passionate about supporting the youth of our community, and for nearly 25 years, her focus has been in keeping kids safe and well cared for physically and emotionally as they strive to reach their full potential. Amy is an active member of Kiwanis of Manchester and a participant in 2022-23 Leadership Greater Manchester. Amy and her husband live in Bedford with their daughter who is a proud Mill Falls graduate.
Naomi Butterfield has returned to the Bernstein Shur law firm’s Manchester office where she is Of Counsel, focusing on education and employment law. Most recently, she had served a the Merrimack County’s first in-house legal counsel. Naomi served as the first General Counsel for the Community College System of New Hampshire. Naomi has served on the Board of the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, the Human Resource Association of Greater Concord, and the Amoskeag Rowing Club. A long time rower and former US Rowing Team member, Naomi loves to row, kayak, hike, bike, knit and go for long runs with her pups. Naomi served as our Board Chair from the fall of 2018-2020. Naomi lives with her husband, Jack and her twin daughters in Concord, NH.
Hind Bashier was born in Saudi Arabia where she lived through her elementary school years. Her family moved to Sudan where she completed high school, and then she moved to The Netherlands to attend university. For three years, she focused on medical lab studies. She was strongly advised to move to America to complete this work in English, and so she moved to the Boston area. But as life would have it, her studies were put on hold once she and her husband welcomed their first child. They moved to NH, where she completed her certification as a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA). She worked as an LNA until the birth of her youngest child a few years ago. Hind currently teaches Arabic at the Islamic Society of NH (ISNH) in Manchester. She also serves as the Vice President and Secretary on the board of Donate to Educate, a NH-based non profit which raises funds to build schools in Sudan. The organization is working closely with the Minister of Education in Sudan at this time to partner in this important work. In addition, she is the Secretary of Education for the non profit group, Sudanese Community in New Hampshire. Hind lives with her husband and three children in Manchester, NH and has been an active and very generous member of our Mill Falls Community since our earliest days. Her sons, both of whom joined us in Kindergarten, are now in high school, and her youngest is in our Lower Elementary Program.
Tori Lucas is a seasoned mathematics educator with 15 years of experience teaching grades 6-12 in both public and independent schools. Currently, she is a teacher at The Derryfield School. Tori earned her undergraduate degree from the University of New Hampshire, followed by a master’s degree from Boston College, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Leadership from Plymouth State University. Deeply committed to supporting and empowering fellow educators, she has served on the board of the New Teachers Retreat, helping guide and mentor new teachers as they begin their careers. She has coached adaptive skiing with New England Disabled Sports and has been a dedicated member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for 12 years. Tori lives in Manchester with her husband and two young children. She enjoys skiing, hiking, and spending time in the White Mountains.
Carrie Green Loszewski is a seasoned nonprofit professional committed to youth development with a Masters Degree in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a bachelors degree with a major in Education and Anthropology from Smith College. After working for the New England Aquarium and as a substitute teacher, Carrie began her professional career at the Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, a youth oriented nonprofit that serves almost 10,000 members in New Hampshire and Vermont as summer resident camp director. In the subsequent 22 years with the Girl Scouts, Carrie has been responsible for summer camp, year round programs, volunteer support, marketing, data, events and fund development. She works collaboratively with staff, volunteers and partners to ensure the Girl Scout mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place is achieved. Having been a Girl Scout herself for 12 years as a child, Carrie finds it very rewarding to ensure the opportunities she enjoyed will continue for the future. Carrie currently serves as the Vice President of Engagement for Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains. In the past year, she is proud to have spearheaded a conference focused on mental health which engaged 300 attendees. Carrie has enjoyed serving as a parent volunteer at Mill Falls for 5 years assisting with the annual Calendar Raffle fundraiser, the Night of Community, Field Day and hand writing instruction. She serves as a Girl Scout troop leader and has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Volunteer NH, NH FCCLA and the Nottingham Harvest Supper. She enjoys exploring New England, camping and traveling. Carrie lives in Nottingham, NH with her husband, and their two children who are Mill Falls students.
Meryl Levin, Executive Director, is a founder of Mill Falls and served as the School’s Founding Board Chair beginning in March of 2011 when the school received its approval from the NH Board of Education. In December 2015, after two earlier stints as an interim school leader, Meryl was selected by the school’s Trustees to serve as the Executive Director. Meryl has spoken widely on behalf of Mill Falls to legislators in Concord, on education and community panels, and as a 2013 TEDx speaker, among other venues. She is an alumnus of the Leadership New Hampshire Class of 2013 and served as Co-Chair of the Don’t Wait. Educate campaign, a 2016 initiative of Save the Children’s Action Network to bring public pre-k to Manchester. For the previous 20+ years, Meryl worked as a social documentary photographer with a focus on health, social welfare, and political engagement. She is the author of two monographs, editor of several publications, and curator of several group exhibitions. She has guest lectured at colleges and universities around the country, and has received several grants and fellowships in support of her work. She attended Trinity College in Hartford, CT, and completed her undergraduate degree, at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. She taught at The School of Visual Arts in NYC for seven years, until moving to NH where she was an adjunct professor at Southern New Hampshire University teaching visual storytelling for seven years, and was deeply involved in the Service Learning Initiative there. She lives in Manchester, NH with her husband, Will Kanteres and their son, a Mill Falls alum.
Laura Wrubleski, Educational Programming Director, has served as Mill Falls’ educational leader since its founding in 2012 and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. She is state certified in NH and MA in both Elementary Education and Special Education. Laura obtained her Masters of Education in Literacy Studies from the University of Wisconsin Madison, and her undergraduate bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Keene State College. Laura taught in a variety of special education settings before completing her Montessori certification in Lower Elementary I at the Seacoast Center for Education. She taught for four years at Hill View Montessori Charter Public School aligning core curriculum standards to the Montessori environment. She also facilitated many mentor activities throughout the school. Laura was the first employee hired at Mill Falls and has helped envision, shape and lead our educational program from the start. Laura is a also a proud Mill Falls parent. She and her husband live with their two children in Manchester, NH.
Past Board Members:
Danielle Dalton, Trustee October 2021 – December 2024, Chair 2023/24.
Heather Marr, Trustee September 2020 – September 2023, Vice Chair 2022/23.
Greg DePasse, Trustee Jan 2016-September 2023, Chair 2017/18 & 2022/23.
Jill Connors, Trustee October 2016 – August 2023, Chair 2020 & 2021.
Donna Talbot, Trustee, Vice Chair, Secretary, August 2019 – January 2022.
McCeil Johnson, Trustee, September 2015 – September 2021.
Peter Marr, Trustee, Vice Chair Sept 2018 – September 2020.
Mindy Kacavas, Trustee, November 2015 – September 2019.
Michelle Roberge, Treasurer February 2014 – October 2019.
Melissa Brough, Trustee, March 2016 – September 2019
Jody Wilhelm, Trustee December 2017 – April 2018.
Roland Martin, Trustee 2014 – May 2016; Board Chair, June 2016 – September 2017.
Kate Callahan, Board Chair, February 2014 – May 2016; Founding Trustee, April 2011 – January 2014.
Sue Champagne, Trustee, December 2013 – September 2016.
Dr. Trinidad Tellez, Founding Trustee, April 2011 – April 2016.
Dr. Sally Ward, Secretary, October 2012 – April 2015; Board Chair from May 2015 – September 2015.
Jonnie Lyn Evans, Trustee, November 2011 – December 2013.
Bryan Bouchard, Treasurer, September 2012 – June 2015.
Members of the Board of Trustees
Note: The list of Founders includes those noted above in the School Board Trustees list as well as the following individuals:
Elise D. Annunziata (served on the MFCS Board of Trustees from April 2011 – May 2012)
Claudia Barrett
Christina D’Allesandro (served as Vice Chair on the MFCS Board of Trustees from March 2011 – July 2012)
Therese ‘Terri’ Giovagnoli
Teresa ‘Terrie’ Harris
Alicia Harressey (served on the MFCS Board of Trustees from September 2011 – August 2014)
Jessica Wachsman (served as Treasurer on the MFCS Board of Trustees from March 2011 – December 2012)
Dianne Martin (served on the MFCS Board of Trustees from March – October 2011)
Liz Purnell
Shannon Sullivan
Mill Falls Charter School Founders
Approved Board Minutes, Committee Meetings, Budget & Bylaws
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes: 2025/26 School Year
Approved August 20,2025 MFCS Board Meeting Minutes.Please click here.
Approved September 17, 2025 MFCS Board Meeting Minutes.Please click here.
Approved October 8, 2025 MFCS Board Meeting Minutes.Please click here.
Approved November 12, 2025 MFCS Board Meeting Minutes. Please click here.
Approved December 17, 2025 MFMCPS Board Meeting Minutes. Please click here.
Approved January 21, 2026 MFMCPS Board Meeting Minutes. Please click here.
Approved February 18, 2026 MFMCPS Board Meeting Minutes. Please click here.
Approved March 18, 2026 MFMCPS Board Meeting Minutes. Please click here.
Approved April 22, 2026 MFMCPS Board Meeting Minutes. Please click here.
Approved May 20th, 2026 MFMCPS Board Meeting Minutes. Please click here.
Upcoming Committee Meetings
Governance Committee:
Next Meeting: TBA
Finance Committee:
Next Meeting: TBA
Mission & Charter Committee:
Next Meeting: TBA
Approved Committee Meeting Minutes
Mission & Charter Committee
Finance Committee
Approved November 10, 2025 Finance Committee Minutes. Please click here.
Governance Committee
Approved Policies, Guidance & Bylaws
Please click here to view Student Life, Safety, & Rights Policies/Guidance.
Please click here to view School-wide Compliance & Conduct Policies.
Please click here to view Fiscal Policies.
Please click here to view HR Related Policies.
Please click here to view Mill Falls’ Bylaws.
Required Fiscal & Facility Reporting & Info
FY27 Board Approved Budget
At our May 2026 Board meeting, the Mill Falls Board of Trustees unanimously approved our Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget.
Please click here to view the FY27 Budget and related information.
Independent Financial Audits
NH public charter school law requires that we conduct an annual independent financial audit.
Please click here to view our FY25 Independent Financial audit.
Water Testing Results
On February 8, 2018, New Hampshire adopted Senate Bill 247 Prevention of Childhood Lead Poisoning from Paint and Water. This law requires, among other actions, that all schools and licensed childcare facilities test lead in drinking water at all locations where water is available for consumption by children. The first round of testing is required to be completed by July 1, 2019, and every 5 years thereafter, until at least 3 rounds are found to be below the standard, and safe for consumption and use. In early January, we completed the required testing here at Mill Falls, and our water was found to be safe! As per the law, we are required to share the letter documenting the tests with our school community. We worked with Engineer, Ian Gaudreau, at GZA which is a firm located in Bedford, NH, and thank him and his team for their work which has been filed with the state of NH, as per the requirements. Please click here to review their letter.
Following our first inspection by GZA, the Manchester Water Works for the final two tests, all if which have now found our water to be safe.
LegislativeTestimony
In the fall of 2014, several NH charter school leaders from across the state were asked to testify before the study committee that grew out of the legislative bill, HB-435. Had the bill passed, it would have increased the funding for public charter school students from the current level which is far less than 50% of the state average to 47% of the state average. Unfortunately, the bill did not pass, but was moved to study. The Study Committee presented a long list of questions which those who testified were asked to address. Here is the testimony delivered by Meryl Levin on behalf of Mill Falls.
Mill Falls Charter School Foundation
Mill Falls Charter School Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Foundation’s sole purpose is to raise funds for Mill Falls Charter Schoolin support of the school’s long-term financial sustainability. The Foundation Board comprises individuals with vast professional, business and community leadership experience and a strong commitment to the mission and goals of Mill Falls Charter School. For more information, please contact us at: Foundation@millfalls.org.
Board of Directors
David M. Sarvai (Chair) is a lifelong Manchester New Hampshire resident, who served abroad in the US Air Force for 11 years. He is a veteran of the Gulf and Bosnian War, and Kosovo conflict. He is currently the Vice President of Application Engineering for DSCI, which is a regional internet/telephone service provider. Prior to DSCI, he worked for DRC as a network security manager. He completed undergraduate degrees from University of Maryland University College (Europe) in Computer Sciences and Italian Studies, and an Applied Science degree from the Community College of the Air Force. He earned numerous industry certifications in both Computer and Security standards. He is active with Make-A-Wish, Friends Of Jaclyn, and Flashes of Hope organizations. David lives in Manchester with his two children, both of whom attended Mill Falls.
Maryclare Heffernan is a life-long educator with a passion for supporting successful student learning outcomes for all students, but particularly for students with an educational disability. She spent over 40 years as a Special Education Teacher, Administrator and Consultant guided her personal belief that students and adults are all life learners with an endless potential for discovery and growth. Maryclare has a BA in Psychology with a minor in Special Education from Salve Regina University and an M.Ed. in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of New Hampshire. She holds an Experienced Educator Certificate from the State of NH and is certified in Specific Learning Disabilities, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and General Special Education. Maryclare served at Mill Falls’ Student Services Coordinator for three years before retiring from full-time education work. Maryclare is also an accomplished artist working in oils and watercolors. Her pieces are exhibited throughout NH. Maryclare lives in Candia, NH. She has four grown children and ten grandchildren.
William J. Kanteres (Treasurer) is a lifelong New Hampshire resident and the President of Kanteres Real Estate, Inc. where he has been involved in the real estate business for 39 years. He served as the MFCS Foundation’s Founding Board Chair from September 2012 through January 2016. From 2005 to 2011, Will was an incorporator and member of the Board of Trustees of Hellenic American University in Greece. He has served on many community service programs in his native Manchester, and is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Manchester United Way. He has been involved with the national hunger relief organization, Share Our Strength, since its inception, serving as a founding director for over 20 years. In addition to his business ventures, Will has been deeply involved in civic and political activities, which have spanned 30 years. In 1998 he served on a mission as an election observer in the first democratic Presidential elections in Azerbaijan. Will attended Northeastern University and the University of New Hampshire before entering the real estate business. Will resides in Manchester, NH with his wife, Meryl Levin and their son, Elias – a Mill Falls graduate now in college – and returns to Greece annually to renew his Hellenic heritage.
Rachel A. Marziano (Secretary) works at NH Total Home Care in Manchester as the Operations Director and Bookkeeper. She attended Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, and later became an Initial Operations Instructor and lead flight attendant with Atlantic Coast Airlines while living and working out of Boston, DC and NYC. She and her husband, Nick, reside in Manchester and are involved in community work locally and state-wide. Rachel has been involved in each of the schools their children have attended, including by serving as Treasurer for the Manchester Hillside Middle School PTO. She and her family are active hikers and, to date, have hiked through 20 National Parks. All three of the Marziano children attended Mill Falls.
Jay Allen (along with partner David Gibson) created JDS tFlooring Associates, LLC in 2001. JDS is dedicated to the Builders’ and Developers’ growing needs offering programs, systems, and pricing to specifically target the builder and developer market. They are one of the leading floor installers in the New Hampshire area. Jay is also a committed and engaged community members with a focus on helping children in NH. Including: PAL, St Jude’s, Toys for tots, even play the Jolly old Fella every year for 35 years. He has done many fundraising events from Golf events … to a Charity event for CASA in Manchester for a number of years. Jay lives in Bedford and next year we will be welcoming his first grandson to Mill Falls - his mom is our Student Support Coordinator.
Dan Calegari has a long-time track record as an engaged New Hampshire citizen working on both the community level and in the world of electoral politics at home and abroad. Dan served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in a small town in Northeast Iran during the late 1970′s, later returning to Iran as a Language Proficiency Examiner for a private company. Once back in the states, he worked as a community organizer for Community Action establishing a 10-site food co-operative serving over 1000 families in rural NH. In 1988, Dan established Barwind Corporation in Manchester. He ran that small business, which specialized in home window replacement and siding, for nearly 20 years. During those years, Dan served as the Volunteer Development Director for the NH Autism Society, and has been a long-time volunteer for the Spaulding Youth Center in Tilton. Later, he served as the Manchester Coordinator for Southern New Hampshire Services, working mostly with refugee-related programs. Dan worked on six presidential campaigns and virtually every congressional and gubernatorial race in NH since 1975. Before joining the Southern New Hampshire Services team, he served as Special Assistant for Constituent Services for Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Originally from western Massachusetts, Dan came to NH in the 1970s where he lived first in the north country, later relocating to Deerfield, where he and his family lived for most of his children’s childhood. Dan has two now adult-aged, sons. and currently lives in Manchester.
Rick Loeffler may be best known for his many years as the owner of Shorty’s Roadhouse, a casual, family-friendly, and lively Tex-Mex restaurant known for its colorful, slightly kitschy “roadhouse” atmosphere, which blends Mexican decor with diner vibes and 80s music. At its height he had seven locations spread throughout the state. Rick has since sold Shorty’s but remains engaged with our community. For many years, he served as Trustee of SNHU and was involved in some of the earliest conversations about the founding of a public Montessori school in New Hampshire that would later become Mill Falls. Rick was part of the group of longtime business leaders who developed the idea and organization of Manchester Proud, and he remains focused on exploring ways to support young people in our state. He lives with his wife in Bedford, NH.
Non-Voting Member: Meryl Levin, (Executive Director of Mill Falls), is a founder of Mill Fallsand served as the School’s Founding Board Chair from March of 2011 until February 2014 when the Board appointed her to serve as the Acting School Administrator. She later returned to the Board until being named as the School’s Executive Director in late December 2015. Meryl is an alumnus of the Leadership New Hampshire Class of 2013. For over 20 years, Meryl has worked as a social documentary photographer with a focus on health, social welfare and political engagement. Her work has been exhibited and published worldwide. She is the author of two monographs, editor of several publications, and curator of several group exhibitions. She has guest lectured at colleges and universities around the country, and has received several grants and fellowships in support of her work. She attended Trinity College in Hartford, CT, and completed her undergraduate degree, at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. She taught at The School of Visual Arts in NYC for seven years, until moving to NH where she is an adjunct professor at Southern New Hampshire University and has been deeply involved in the Service Learning Initiative there. She lives in Manchester, NH with her husband, Will Kanteres and their son who is a graduate of Mill Falls.
Employment Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in joining the Mill Falls Team. Mill Falls is currently posting the following positions:
Special Education Teacher (part-time working with K, Lower Elementary - grades 1-3 & Upper Elementary - grades 4-6)
Paraprofessionals (Full & Part Time)
Substitute Teachers
Please scroll through the page for more details.
At the bottom of the page you will find application information.
In addition, we encourage you to return here to view future opportunities.
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Mill Falls is seeking a part-time Special Education Teacher to work with students in our public Montessori school environment with educational and behavioral challenges. Our Special Education Teachers provide specialized instruction for our students with disabilities, enabling those students to benefit from our general education Montessori curriculum to the greatest extent possible. Our Special Education Team is comprised of other Special Educators and our Student Support Coordinator, as well as our Educational Program Director, who also holds a masters in Special Education. Responsibilities of our Special Educators include instruction to assigned students by implementing IEPs; preparation of academic materials for students following approved curricula; special education case management including collaboration in preparation of IEPs, reports, assessments, and participating team meetings. Our Special Education Team works collaboratively with our classroom teachers in support of our students’ academic, personal and social achievement, safety and physical well-being.
Position Type: Part-time
Required:
Bachelor’s degree;
NH Special Education Certification K-12;
Experience with Elementary School aged students with disabilities;
A demonstrated willingness to collaboratively work alongside trained Montessori educators and with our innovative methodology;
Team-oriented with a collaborative approach to working with colleagues, administrators, and parents;
Strong written and verbal communication skills;
Appreciation for student diversity including learning, experiential, cultural & economic differences;
An open mind and sense of humor.
Preferred:
Master’s degree;
Trained in research based teaching methods such as OG and Wilson.
PARAPROFESSIONALS
Mill Falls is seeking Paraprofessionals to assist students with disabilities and support them in the public Montessori school environment. Under general supervision, the Paraprofessional assists teachers, program coordinators, and specialists in completing instructional and clerical duties and assignments involving students with mental, emotional, or multiple learning challenges. The Paraprofessional works with students whose IEP’s call for such support and performs instructional assignments, with minimal supervision, in comprehension and reinforcement of skills in language, reading, and math, as well as emotional, physical, and social developmental. The Paraprofessional works with Mill Falls’ Special Education Team in preparing and developing basic teaching materials, instructional aids, and other support materials.
Position Type: Full time based on the school day and schedule.
Qualifications:
Experience with children and adolescents in an educational setting;
Ability to instruct students in mathematics, reading, science, social studies, art, and/or related subjects;
Able to physically manage students, kneel, sit on floor, lift up to 40 pounds, and provide personal care;
Knowledge of educational and instructional techniques and willingness to learn;
Comfort and interest in working in a public Montessori environment;
Appreciation for students with learning differences as well as for students from diverse family and socio-economic situations;
An open-mind and sense of humor.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
Mill Falls is seeking Substitute Teachers. The majority of assignments include filling in for paraprofessionals and/or Assistant Teachers and occasionally our Integrated Arts Teachers (art, fitness, technology, library and music) intermittently throughout the school year. Our Paraprofessionals assist students with disabilities and our Classroom Teachers, Program Coordinators, and Specialists in completing instructional and clerical duties and assignments involving students with mental, emotional, or multiple challenges. Our Assistant Teachers work in collaboration with our Lead Teachers, and are responsible for the academic, personal and social achievement, safety and physical well being of the children under her/his supervision.
Requirements: Completion of two years of study (48 credits) at an institution of higher education or an Associates Degree or higher.
Qualifications:
Experience with children and adolescents in an educational setting;
Ability to instruct students in mathematics, reading, science, social studies, art, and/or related subjects;
Able to physically manage students, kneel, sit on floor, lift up to 40 pounds, and provide personal care;
Comfort in working in a public Montessori environment;
Strong communication skills;
Appreciation for students with learning differences as well as for students from diverse family and socio-economic situations;
An open-mind and sense of humor.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please email completed application package to HR@MillFalls.org including:
Cover letter
Resume
Written statement of philosophy of approach in teaching (not required for Paraprofessionals, Substitutes)
Three letters of reference
Completed application – please click here to download.
Copy of Montessori and/or other Teaching Credential(s), as applicable, including transcripts.
Notification of receipt of completed applications will be sent via email.
Questions? Please email HR@millfalls.org.
ABOUT US:
Mill Falls is the first public Montessori School in the state of New Hampshire. The School opened in Manchester in the fall of 2012. This state-issued charter school is open to all NH students via our annual public lottery. Mill Falls provides a full elementary program, currently serving 168 students in grades K-6.
Mill Falls is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and seeks and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Mill Falls is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity to all persons based on individual merit, competence and need. Mill Falls will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, marital status, physical or mental disability, age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin or ancestry.
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