Meet the staff at Nursery on Notch Hill

All of our teaching staff is trained in First Aid, CPR and Administration of Medication. We all participate in continuing education classes and workshops throughout the year.

Misaki Vongher, Director/Head Teacher (4’s preschool program)

Ms. Misaki was born and raised in Japan. She came to the United States to attend a college. She has an Associate’s degree in Hospitality (restaurant and hotel) Management and Bachelor’s degree in English Literature with Biology and Early Childhood Education minors. After working in hospitality industry for a short time, she became a substitute teacher for age group 6 weeks to 5-year-old and then a teacher for 4/5-year-old class at the Child Development Center in West Haven. She accepted a position at NONH in 2021 when her youngest son turned 3 years old although she had been a stay-at-home mom since her second son was born. She resides in North Branford with her husband, their 6 sons and her father-in- law. Four of her children attended NONH.

Betsy Sachs, Teacher (3’s preschool program)

Ms. Betsy has been teaching at NONH since 2011. All six of her children attended NONH. Ms. Betsy has a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College and Master’s degree in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University. She taught 5 grades at Branford Public Schools for eight years before deciding to become a full-time mom. After being out of the classroom and having her 6 th child graduate from NONH, she was eager to get back to teaching and accepted a position at our school. Ms. Betsy resides in Branford with her family.

Rita Melillo, Teacher Assistant

Ms. Rita has been at NONH since 2006. Both of her daughters and her grandson attended NONH. When her youngest graduated from NONH, Ms. Rita accepted the position as a Teacher Assistant. She received her CDA credential in the spring of 2010 and has taken several classes in Early Childhood Education at Gateway Community College. She resides in North Branford with her husband. She enjoys spending time with her children and two grandsons on her free time. She and her husband are the owners of Melillo’s Greenhouse and General Store here in town.

Raelene Weyhreter, Teacher Assistant/Teacher (top-notch two’s program)

Ms. Raelene has been working at NONH since 2018. All four of her children attended NONH. She earned a BSBA in Accounting and worked as a Property Accountant in a Real Estate Development company before settling down in North Branford and starting a family. She was a stay-at-home mom before being asked to be a substitute teacher assistant and then a teacher assistant. Ms. Raelene also accepted a top- notch two’s teacher position in 2023. She enjoys watching the children develop confidence and learn new skills each and every day. During her free time, she loves to go to her children’s sporting events and cheer them on.

Donna Hart, Substitute Teacher Assistant

Ms. Donna became a member of NONH staff 25 years ago. She is a parent of three sons who attended Notch Hill. When her youngest son was in our 4-year-old class, she accepted a position as a teacher assistant. Over the years she continued her education in the world of Early Childhood Education and earned CDA credential and Head Teacher Certification in May of 2010. Although she retired as a head teacher in June 2022, she continues to be involved with NONH as a substitute teacher assistant. Ms. Donna resides in North Branford with her husband. In her free time, she loves camping, going to the beach and reading. She also enjoys being a grandmother to 3 wonderful grandchildren.

Debbie Anderson, Substitute Teacher Assistant

Ms. Debbie had been our Substitute Teacher Assistant for years before she decided to take some time off from NONH duties. She has been the Zion Episcopal Church Parish administrator and her children attended NONH. When offered the opportunity to return to NONH as a Substitute Teacher Assistant again in 2021, she accepted the position and enjoys the time she gets to interact with students. Ms. Debbie resides in North Branford with her family.