Faculty & Staff

Alainna Hertel

Alainna grew up in Massachusetts and moved up to New Hampshire in 2018 with her family. She holds a dual BA in Early Childhood Education and Psychology from Salem State University. She began working with children between the ages of 6 weeks to twelve years in both public and private schools, as well as after school programs and as a counselor at various summer camps. Alainna also has extensive experience working in management as a program manager where she oversaw preschool and Pre-K classrooms. In this role, she supported classroom teachers with curriculum development, behavioral management as well as parent outreach. She is passionate about providing a learning environment where children can develop a sense of self, engage in a natural curiosity about the world around them and encourage lifelong learning. When not in the classroom, Alainna enjoys reading, spending time at the beach, going on adventures with her daughters and husband or taking her dog, Toby, on a hike! 

Molly Verville

With a background in wildlife conservation and a deep love for the natural world, Molly brings curiosity, care, and hands-on experience to her role as the grades 3–5 teacher. She holds a B.S. in Wildlife Conservation and has led environmental education programs that connect children to a wide range of topics, including marine ecosystems and freshwater macroinvertebrates.

Molly believes learning is most meaningful when it’s rooted in real experiences, student questions, and a sense of wonder. Her classroom is a space where inquiry is welcomed, ideas are explored together, and every child’s voice matters. She’s especially passionate about outdoor education and loves weaving sustainability, science, and creativity into everyday learning.

Outside of school, you’ll likely find Molly hiking with her family, camping, gardening, or caring for her backyard chickens. She’s excited to grow alongside her students and build a learning community that’s thoughtful, joyful, and deeply connected to the world around us.

John Vigneau

I'm so glad to extend the warmest of greetings to the Wellheart-School community here in Merrimack! I am so glad to be joining the Program as a 6-8th Teacher. My education consists of an Undergraduate Degree from City College of New York in Western Liberal Arts/Literature, along with a Master's Degree in Ecology/Natural Sciences from Unity College of Maine. Along with a being a Teacher of Math, Science and Ecology, I am a Massachusetts State Ranger and Mountaineer, living in Milford New Hampshire with my wonderful family. I am also a practicing painter, musician, and published photographer. I am so excited to share all of these practices and experiences with the WellHeart community.

Anastasia Edry

Anastasia Edry is an artist and arts educator from the Greater Boston Area. She holds a BFA in Craft And Materials Studies from the College For Creative Studies in Detroit MI, and is very excited to be back in New England. She is inspired by movement and historical art works and is passionate about educating not only art skills but art history. Her artwork has been featured in various group shows including EVERYTHING MUST GO: CERAMICS LIQUIDATION, 2023, at Public Pool, Patchwork, An Eclectic Experience, 2023, at Design Studio 6, and There’s A Light: A One Night Show of Art Lamps, 2025, at Ceramics School Yard Gallery. When she's not making or teaching art you can find her playing pickleball, taking ballet classes, or antiquing! 

Jessica Salois

Jess spent her senior year of high school and her first three years of college working in a learning center based on Reggio Emilia pedagogy, and perused a bachelors degree from Plymouth State University in psychology focusing on mental health. As a recent graduate, she is excited to work with WellHeart Chartered School to create a safe learning environment where creativity and curiosity create a passion for learning. Jess grew up in southern New Hampshire, and has always found nature to be the best teacher! In her free time, Jess enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and crocheting! 

Peggy Hafenberg

Peggy Hafenberg is a dedicated educator with a lifelong passion for guiding young people in discovering their unique gifts. She holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies and completed her Elementary Credentialing Program at California State University, Northridge in 2007. Peggy began her career supporting children in elementary classrooms, leading play-based science programs, and working in Reggio-inspired summer camps. Her educational philosophy was deeply shaped during her decade at The Growing Place in Santa Monica, where she embraced the Reggio Emilia approach, one rooted in dialogue, reflection, and child-centered learning that honors intellectual, emotional, and developmental growth. Now a parent herself, Peggy is more inspired than ever to help reimagine education for future generations. In 2023, she became a founding board member of Wellheart Charter Public School, where she is committed to helping cultivate a vibrant Reggio culture and bring meaningful, reflective learning experiences to children and families in southern New Hampshire.