Administration
Dr. Christine Miller, Executive Director
Christie Miller became Executive Director at Vida in July 2018. She previously served at Vida as a founding Board member, and as Assistant Principal for three years. Christie earned a Bachelor’s in Spanish from the University of Pittsburgh, completed graduate studies at Northern Arizona University and McDaniel College, and earned a Doctorate of Education from the University of Pittsburgh. What Christie loves most about working at Vida is the pride in serving with so many amazing educators and staff members who genuinely want our students to reach the school's Vision. In her free time, Christie enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, and traveling.
Dr. Elana Nashelsky, Principal
Elana Nashelsky joined Vida Charter School in August 2016, and has been the Principal since 2022. Elana earned a Bachelor's Degree in Social Welfare and Education from the University of California-Berkeley, a Master's in Educational Leadership from Teachers College, and earned an Educational Doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania. Elana loves working at Vida because of the universal commitment to bilingualism, biliteracy, and community that exists here. When Elana isn't at school, she can probably be found gardening and cooking with her family.
Ms. Melissa Turner, Business & Operations Manager
Melissa Turner has served as the Business and Operations Manager at Vida Charter School since 2017. Prior to that, she was hired as the school's Office Manager in 2014. She has a passion for working with children and adolescents and previously worked in the mental health field for over 16 years after graduating with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Spanish from Saint Francis University. She earned a diploma from Upper Room International Ministries after completing two years of coursework at their School of Ministry. Additionally, Ms. Turner is a certified instructor for Temple University's Family Development Credential where she trains frontline workers in a strengths-based approach in working with families who have involvement with the Department of Human Services primarily in Dauphin and Cumberland Counties. Ms. Turner recently earned a Masters of Public Administration from Syracuse University. Without question, the students at Vida are Ms. Turner's best part of her day and delights in the fact that Vida boasts some of the greatest students on the planet. She enjoys seeing students succeed academically and behaviorally, and the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes along with their success is priceless. In her free time, Ms. Turner loves to read, read and read some more. She has nearly 27,000 ebooks and cannot go a day without reading. When she is not reading, she delights in spending time with her family, friends and rooting for her Michigan Wolverines.