Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees comprises The Birches Academy parents and community members. The Board of Trustees is responsible for ensuring that the academic program of The Birches Academy is successful, that the school’s program and operation are faithful to its charter, and that The Birches Academy is a viable, long-term, sustainable charter school. The Board meets monthly at the school; the public is always welcome. Additional information is available in The Board of Trustees Bylaws.
If you want to become a member of the Board of Trustees, read the Board Nomination Policy or email trustees@birchesacademy.org.
Members
Christie Storniolo (Founder) was raised in Windham, NH. She attended Pinkerton Academy and is a graduate of Merrimack College in North Andover, MA, with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. Christie is Team Lead for ADP Retirement Services in Salem, NH working with companies across the United States. She has been engaged in 401(k) administration since 1992. Christie founded The Birches Academy, served as Board Chair in the inauguration year, and now serves on the Finance Committee. Christie lives in Atkinson, NH, with her husband, Frank and three children.
Becca Allan (Chair) grew up in Needham, MA, and attended Boston University, where she graduated with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education. She moved to Pelham, NH, with her husband in the spring of 2014. Before having children, Becca worked in special education with students in grades K-5, and she’s—currently a stay-at-home mom to two daughters. Since the spring of 2020, Becca has served as a member of the Windham Cooperative Kindergarten’s executive board, where both of her children have attended preschool. She’s also worked as a substitute teacher at the Windham Cooperative throughout the 2021-2022 school year.
Michael LeBlond (Vice Chair) was raised in Boxford, Massachusetts and attended Bates College in Lewiston,ME graduating with a B.S. in Biology. Michael worked for over 20 years as an information technology professional at Lawrence General Hospital, most recently as Chief Information Officer. Since 2022, he has served as Vice President/Chief Technology Officer for Martin’s Point Health Care, in Portland, ME. Michael’s daughter was part of the first class to enroll in kindergarten and graduate 8th grade at the Birches and his wife is currently a teaching assistant in the kindergarten. He and his family have resided in Windham, NH for the last 15 years.
Dani Richards (Treasurer) was born in Wales, UK and moved to the USA in July of 2013. A graduate of the University College of Wales, UK, with a Bachelor of arts in Education. Dani gained her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction in May of 2020 and has created and implemented curriculums for public and private schools in the UK and US. She currently works at Relay, a Medicaid Billing Software for Schools as the Associate Director of Client Success where she supports over 800 school districts across 23 states. Dani lives in Londonderry, NH with her wife and two children who attend the Birches Academy.
Allison Egitto grew up in Methuen, Massachusetts and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Stonehill College, as well as a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. Allison has over a decade of experience in education, including roles in admissions, advising, and academic technology. She currently works at SNHU as an Academic Technology Solution Owner, where she helps enhance online learning environments through data-driven strategy and stakeholder collaboration. A strong believer in education and the power of arts-integrated learning, Allison is excited to bring her skills in educational technology, analytics, and strategic planning to The Birches Academy Board of Trustees. She lives in Southern New Hampshire with her family and is proud to support a school that values creativity, individuality, and academic excellence.
John MacLeod was raised in Methuen, MA and is a graduate of Saint Anselm College, with Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. John has spent the last 15+ years as a high-performing sales and revenue leader within the financial technology and banking sector. John and his family reside in Windham, NH and he remains actively involved in youth athletics and community programs.