About
School Leadership
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
Members
Alumni Association Representative
Sean Bersell '77
Parents' Association Representative
Mary Beth Adelson P '27
Trustee Emeriti
Hugh W. Pearson ’54
| 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 10 members.
Vermont Academy is a coed college preparatory boarding and day school in southern Vermont, serving grades 9-12 plus a postgraduate year.
