Staff

Michelle Heath

Early Childhood Educator

Hi, I’m Michelle, I started coming to The Grapevine as a parent through the Hillsborough playgroups in 2018 when my youngest was 2 years old. I joined the staff in the fall of 2019.

My love for children started at a young age when I would babysit in my neighborhood. In my teenage years I volunteered at a girl scout summer camp where once In college I eventually became the Program Director for all things science and art related.  I attended NHTI and studied Visual arts along with taking early childhood development courses.

I’m now the proud mother to two wonderful girls. I spend my free time with my husband and girls hiking, camping, kayaking, swimming, playing board games, cooking, and painting.

When my oldest was born we didn’t live near family, I regularly attended mom groups and I think it was important to my success at the time as a new mother. I love working at The Grapevine knowing that we offer that comfort and support to parents.

Melissa Gallagher

Executive Director

Hi, I am Melissa and I first came to the Grapevine as a parent with my six month old son in 2007.  Well, I came and I never left! I got involved as a parent volunteer and then joined the Grapevine Board of Directors in 2011.  I became Chair of the Board in 2013 and assumed the position of Executive Director in 2015 after my predecessor of 18 years, Kristen (Vance) McCormick stepped down.

I am responsible for the Grapevine’s finances, day to day management and operations and overall well-being of our staff and organization. I also represent our organization on several statewide groups including as a board member of Family Support New Hampshire and a member of the NH Wellness and Primary Prevention Council.

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Relations from the University of Connecticut and my Master’s of Business Administration in Health and Humans Services from the Heller School at Brandeis University. I have spent my career working with and on behalf of families and children.  I have worked for United Way in Boston on youth advocacy initiatives, at the Providence After School Alliance in Providence, RI to build a system of out of school supports for youth and, after a move to New Hampshire in 2005, worked at the state level to advocate for policies in support of child and family well being.  

This role at the Grapevine is my dream job – it requires an amazing blend of direct service, community connection and advocacy.  I live in Hancock with my husband Mark, and two children. I think this area of NH is an ideal place to raise a family!

Amy Doyle, M.Ed.

Learning Vine Preschool Teacher

Hi, I am Amy and my first experience at The Grapevine was as a parent in 2008 when my son Thomas attended the Learning Vine Preschool Program.  I completed my college internship here at The Grapevine and eventually became part of the staff in 2010.

It is my great joy to teach our Learning Vine preschool program and also to work in the children’s enrichment portion of our Better Beginnings programs.

I have my Bachelors Degree in Sociology and my Master of Education Degree in Child Growth and Development.  I couldn’t think of a better place for me to work than The Grapevine.  

The Grapevine is such a special place.  The staff I work with are exceptional and I feel very supported.  I love this place.

I live in Deering NH with my husband, three children and my dog Betty. 

Paula Coombs

Children’s Program Coordinator

Hi, I’m Paula and I started with the Grapevine when my 16 year old was a toddler! I joined as a volunteer and then as a staff member.  All four of my boys have attended the Grapevine programs and camps.

My interest in childhood work began in high school.  I have taken many courses through the years in child development.  

I love the children at the Grapevine because of their unique personalities.  My boys are older now so it is refreshing to have a hands on position with the toddlers.   I enjoy my peers at the Grapevine as well. It is my “second” family.

As a family we like warm weather activities.  The ocean is a favorite of all of ours and we also like hiking and camping.  Winter will find all six of us gathered around the television rooting on New England sports teams.

My boys all play multiple sports but I enjoy reading and baking.

Sarah Beaumont

Administrative Office Support

Hi, I’m Sarah, and I have been with the Grapevine since 2011.

In my administrative role at the Grapevine, I greet people, answer phone calls, check emails, and work behind the scenes on events and fundraising.

I have two children who have attended Grapevine programs.  Being involved in these programs showed me how important community is in raising children.  This led me to the path of being a part of children’s programs across our community. 

I love my job because helping our community is important to me. I enjoy being home with my husband, two children and dog. We like to spend our time with family and friends either swimming at the lake, enjoying a cup of coffee, going for walks, playing a game in the yard or hanging out around a campfire.