Meet Head of School Mike Peller

Mike Peller became Head of School at Vermont Academy in July 2025, bringing more than 20 years of leadership in progressive, purpose-driven education. A champion of experiential and place-based learning, Mike has helped design and lead innovative school models rooted in purpose, engagement, and real-world impact.

His work blends curriculum expertise with advancement, admissions, and entrepreneurial school leadership. Before VA, Mike was the Founding Head of Upper School at Hillbrook School in California and previously served as Assistant Head at both The White Mountain School (NH) and The Nueva School (CA).

He holds degrees from Harvard and Teachers College, Columbia University, and is a frequent speaker on educational innovation. A lifelong boarding school educator, Mike grew up on a campus as the son of two career teachers. He now lives on campus with his family, where he enjoys exploring the land and playing on the fields with his wife and two children.

Board ofTrustees

Officers
Jeremy Herbert '99
Chair
Linda Saarnijoki
Secretary
Jayson Dunbar '86, P '07, '24
Vice-Chair
Mike Choukas  '73, P '94
Treasurer

Members
Lisa Bianconi P '08, '08, '11, '11, '24  Jeannlis Sanchez '00
Jeff Jacobs P '24 Adam Tschorn '83
Mary Libutti P '21 Nick Vaughn
Phil Peck Diane Wilder '79
Shawne Robinson P '21, '22, '25 Mike Peller, Ex-Officio

Alumni Association Representative
Sean Bersell '77
Parents' Association Representative

Mary Beth Adelson P '27
Trustee Emeriti
Hugh W. Pearson ’54

Administrative Team

List of 9 members.

  • Photo of Mike Peller

    Mike Peller 

    Head of School
    Columbia University - MA
    Harvard University - BA
  • Photo of Peter Ahlfeld

    Peter Ahlfeld 

    Director of the Center for Learning & Coordinator of the MAPS® Program / Math Faculty / 9th Grade Class Dean
    University of Connecticut - MA
    Clark University - BA
  • Photo of Adrian Diaz Guerrero '14

    Adrian Diaz Guerrero '14 

    Dean of Student Life and Athletic Director / Post Graduates Class Dean / Head Coach, Boys' Varsity Soccer
    (802) 869-6236
    Saint Michael's College - MEd
    Saint Michael’s College - BA
  • Photo of Nora Dock

    Nora Dock 

    Director of Admissions
    802.869.6258
    Drexel University - MS
    Mills College - BA
  • Photo of Tonia Fleming

    Tonia Fleming 

    Director of Advancement
    (802) 869-6298
    University of Chicago - MBA
    Wellesley College - BA
  • Photo of Ben Gardner

    Ben Gardner 

    Director of Vermont Academy Mount Snow
    (802) 365-8267
    University of Colorado Denver - MA
    Colorado College - BA
  • Photo of Greg Martin

    Greg Martin 

    Director of Strategic Initiatives / Humanities Faculty
    Drexel University - PhD
    Western Connecticut State University - MA
    Wheaton College - BA
  • Photo of Lorna Schilling

    Lorna Schilling 

    Academic Dean
    (802) 869-6649
    Tufts University - BA
  • Photo of Butch Schuck '94

    Butch Schuck '94 

    CFO / COO
    (802) 869-6218
    University of New Hampshire - MBA
    Keene State College - BA
Vermont Academy is a coed college preparatory boarding and day school in southern Vermont, serving grades 9-12 plus a postgraduate year.