Staff

Mikayla Essex

Home Visitor, Parent Group Facilitator & Kinship Support Specialist

Hi, I am Mikayla and I first met The Grapevine in 2018 while looking for a baby group to join with my infant son. Very happily we found Better Beginnings for Babies and eagerly came each week to meet with other parents and children. Later on we participated in Better Beginnings and enjoyed the sense of community we received from the program and treasured the many wonderful experiences we had there. 

In 2023, I happily joined The Grapevine staff as the home visitor providing one-to-one support to individuals and families connected here. I have always enjoyed meeting people and hearing their stories since I was a child so I kind of feel like I am living a dream to get to do so professionally! I feel fortunate that I get to meet and talk with so many people each day in this wonderful community that I also call home. 

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and our son doing whatever it is we find ourselves doing! I enjoy baking, amateur gardening, learning about foraging, hearing my son tell me jokes, playing with our pets, and trailwalking when I can.  

Karen Pellicano

Community Health Case Coordinator

Hi, I’m Karen.  I started at the Grapevine in 2023 as the Community Health Case Coordinator.   

I attended child and parent programs with my kids when they were younger, and have always loved the sense of community at the Grapevine. I returned to school in 2023 to earn my degree in Public Health, and knew I wanted to work in the community to help families find their strengths and necessary resources.

Before coming to the Grapevine, I worked in a non-profit organization that secured funding for family resource centers around the state. I’ve advocated for policy change and increased funding, but I was missing the connection of working in a close community to help families. The Grapevine has been exactly what I was hoping to find.  I enjoy speaking with people about the challenges they face, and problem solving solutions together.

Rosemary Nugent

Kinship Support Specialist

Hi, my name is Rosemary Nugent and I first connected to the Grapevine as a grandparent.  In 2015, a new group, “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren “ was formed and I became an avid member of the group and like they say, the rest is history.

As Kinship Navigator, it is my hope to support and connect other grandparents and kinship caregivers to resources  that will help them in their new roles. My position as state rep for Generations United and my work on  the NH Senate Commission, Studying Grandfamilies in NH, will certainly work to my advantage.

I live in Antrim with my husband, grandson, 3 cats and one crazy dog and enjoy camping with my family and substitute teaching at Antrim Elementary School.

Carol Lunan, M.Ed.

Parent Group Facilitator

Hi I am Carol and I have been with the Grapevine for a long time! In 2000, I joined a group of parents of four year olds to create the Learning Vine Preschool and taught as lead teacher from 2000 to 2017.

I collaborate with staff, families and community members to develop programs that support families.

I have worked in a variety of positions including as a teacher at Happy Valley Preschool, as a public school kindergarten teacher, and a Harris Center environmental educator.

I love my job and have heard this from others who work with me at The Grapevine. I have worked here for 20 years and I still love my job. I cannot imagine working anyplace else!!

My children are both grown up and I have 3 grandchildren…. they really do keep you young. We play all the time!!

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 Resource Center Network of NH 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 Human 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.