Christine VanDerslice, Director

My name is Christine VanDerslice. I have been teaching in different settings for over 20 years. I graduated from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelor in Arts. I moved to the East Coast and taught preschool for twelve years in Connecticut. In 2003 I moved to New Hampshire with my husband and three children. I worked as a Health Educator at Exeter Hospital and became the Christian Education Director for Stratham Community Church. In July of 2016 I decided to return to the preschool setting and joined the SCLC team as the Director. When I am not working, or attending one of my children’s activities I enjoy running and reading.

Grace Dixon, Lead Teacher 

My name is Grace Dixon, and I am a lead preschool teacher at SCLC. In December of 2019, I graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Reading. After graduating, I substitute taught at Noblesville Schools. In June of 2020, I moved all the way from Indiana to this great state of New Hampshire. My Husband and I enjoy walking our two huskies, bowling, and going to the movie theatre. I began working at Stratham Circle Learning Center in September of ’20 and I really enjoy working here! One of my goals as a preschool teacher is to build a strong/positive relationship with my preschool friends so that they can feel safe and learn a lot from me and the other teachers here at SCLC.

Keri O’Shea, Lead Teacher 

My name is Keri O’Shea. While studying at UNH to receive a Master’s Degree in Art Education, I had also been working with children for several years. As a college student, I began interning at SCLC in 2009 and after graduating in 2011, I ran the after-school program for many years. I am now head teacher in the Caterpillar classroom.  I enjoy incorporating as much art and creativity as possible into my work with the children. I was also a member of SCLC’s advisory board from 2011 – 2018. When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband JJ, our dog Sedona, and the rest of my family.

Olivia Farrell, Lead Teacher

My name is Olivia Farrell. I have lived in the Seacoast area for many years, and attended Phillips Exeter Academy before earning a Bachelor’s degree from Gettysburg College in 2010. I joined the SCLC family in January 2018, and I aim to foster creativity and inspire imagination in the classroom. Helping children to learn and explore through play is the most joyful experience, and I love every minute! When I am not at the school, I spend my free time reading, crafting, baking, dirt biking, and hiking with my husband Jeff, our son Finn, and our dog Boo.

Hayley Hitchmoth, Assistant Teacher 

My name is Hayley Hitchmoth. I am a 2001 Hamilton College graduate where I studied Spanish and Literature. After traveling Central and South America as an assistant and translator for ING, I settled in Stratham where my husband and I quickly fell in love with the Seacoast and began our family. I became a yoga teacher in 2015 and began sharing yoga with children at SCLC while my daughter attended the school. In 2017 I became SCLC’s yoga teacher and fell in love with both children’s yoga and the whole SCLC community. Becoming more involved as an assistant teacher since 2020, I love enjoying both classroom and yoga time with the friends and integrating the two. In my free time you can generally find me outside somewhere – hiking, skiing, gardening, and just being with my husband, two girls and dog!

Nicole Glenn, Lead Teacher 

My name is Nicole Glenn. I have been working with young children since I graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies, with an Early Childhood Development and Education concentration. I began my teaching career at Rye Country Day School, and over the years I have worked at various private preschools. I worked as a paraprofessional at Kensington Elementary School before I started at SCLC in 2012. I taught the Ladybugs and Honeybees, then I took some time off to be home with my girls. I returned to SCLC in 2021, and I’m so happy to be back in the Ladybug classroom. When I’m not with my Ladybug friends, I can be found spending time with my two daughters and my husband, teaching a fitness class, or taking care of my four dogs.

Ally Childs, Lead Teacher

My name is Ally Childs. I am a recent graduate of UNH with a degree in Psychology and have also taken many courses in the field of Human Development and Family Studies. For the past five years I have been an Assistant teacher at SCLC, and am thrilled to begin my journey as the Caterpillar teacher in my own classroom.  I hope to further my education and receive my Master’s degree to pursue a career working with children in the future. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside with my family, friends, and two dogs and also exploring new recipes!  I have a true passion for working with young children and supporting their growth by bringing positivity, structure, patience, and joy into the classroom.

Anthony Theos, Lead Teacher

I graduated from the University of New Hampshire in Spring 2025 with a degree in Psychology and Human Development. In 2018 I joined the SCLC community, working as an Assistant Teacher.  I am so excited to now step into a lead teacher position. Currently I live in Dover, New Hampshire with friends.  In my free time I love to play the piano and cook. My long-term plan is to attend graduate school to become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  I look forward to bringing my passion for child development and positive social relationships to our classroom.

Jessica Pence, Lead Teacher

My name is Jessica Pence and I am a dedicated early childhood educator with a degree in Early Childhood Education and extensive experience as both a classroom teacher and childcare director.  A wife and proud mama to her daughter, Evelyn, Jessica brings her passion for creating safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environments into every classroom she leads.  She believes strongly in play-based learning, social-emotional growth, and helping each child reach their fullest potential.  With a background in both education and wellness, Jessica values fostering healthy habits for children and families alike, making her classroom a place where learning, growth, and care all come together.