Vineyard Montessori School (VMS), an independent nonprofit school educating children from preschool to grade six, is pleased to announce the appointment of two new staff members. According to a press release, Nora Dyke has been hired as the Elementary I teacher for children 6 to 9 years, and Emily Melnick has joined VMS as the office assistant. The expanded staff will meet the needs of the growing enrollment of elementary students at VMS.

Nora Dyke is an alumni parent and past teacher at VMS. She worked at VMS for six years before she left to have her second child. She is a graduate of Lesley University, where she earned her master’s degree in elementary education, and then completed her American Montessori Society Elementary I Certification from the Seacoast Center for Education in Maine.

Emily Melnick will be a member of VMS’ administrative team in her role as office assistant. She has served as the Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank volunteer for the school. She is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in restaurant management and her associate’s degree in baking and pastry. She currently works at the Terrace at the Charlotte Inn as the pastry chef.

“The faculty and I are thrilled that Nora and Emily will be joining the VMS team for the 2016-2017 school year,” said Deborah J. Jernegan, Head of School. “We have a strong team in place that has an exceptional passion for Montessori, and the desire to guide our children on their educational path.”

In addition, Deborah Jernegan, Head of School at Vineyard Montessori School (VMS), has been named to board of directors of Montessori Schools of Massachusetts. MSM, made up of 11 schools, is a leading Montessori organization for Montessori teachers and administrators in Massachusetts and New England. As a board member, Ms. Jernegan will be a part of the policymaking body of MSM and contribute her expertise to enrich the board’s discussions and decisions.

Ms. Jernegan earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and human services from Curry College in Milton. She was employed by Martha’s Vineyard Hospital for 12 years, working in administration. During her years with the hospital, she acquired a master’s degree in administration from Lesley University. After her third child was born, she returned to Lesley University and began studies in education, becoming passionate about working in this field.

“I am honored to be selected to MSM’s board,” said Ms. Jernegan. “During my tenure, as Head of VMS, I have embraced the Montessori philosophy, researching the history, studying the philosophy, participating in conferences, and finding inspiration meeting with heads of other Montessori schools. I am excited by the prospect of working together with such a highly motivated team of colleagues.”

Ms. Jernegan begins her role in September.