About Sant Bani School

Welcome to Sant Bani School!

From Head of School Elizabeth Clayton

Hello!  My name is Elizabeth, and I am so excited to welcome you to Sant Bani School.

We are a close-knit school, and that closeness is one of our greatest strengths. In a world that often moves too fast and feels too big, our community offers something rare: a place where every child is truly known, every voice matters, and every person contributes to the fabric of school life. This deep sense of connection creates a foundation of trust and belonging — essential ingredients for meaningful learning and personal growth.

SBS was built on the belief that we have something to learn from everyone. Students here learn from teachers, classmates, younger students, older students, family members, and friends. We learn in classrooms, on trails, in the woods, on athletic fields, during service projects, and in quiet moments of reflection. At SBS, education is not simply about acquiring knowledge; it is also about developing character, compassion, and wisdom.

The best way to learn more about us is to come visit – see our beautiful campus, hear from our talented teachers, and observe the hands-on teaching and learning that takes place here at SBS.  I hope you will explore our website to learn about our challenging and engaging academic programs, and our after school and athletic offerings as well.  I look forward to seeing you on campus soon!

Best,

Elizabeth on 2026 Field Trip to Mt. Washington Observatory

Meet Sant Bani School

Sant Bani School, founded in 1973, is an independent PK-8 day school in central NH. Our students gain self-confidence and a passion for learning through an integrated program of academics, creative arts, athletics and service to others. Believing there is something to learn from everyone, we create a diverse community, interacting in mixed-age groups, and practicing respect for self and others. 

Our campus is located less than five miles from Interstate 93 – Exit 22 and is within 30 minutes of Concord, Plymouth, New Hampton, Bristol, Andover, Tilton, Franklin, and Laconia.  Surrounded by 200-acres of woods and fields, the School’s location allows for students to enjoy ample outdoor time each day.  

The school is a member of AISNE (the  Association of Independent Schools in New England) and is accredited with NEASC (the New England Association of Schools and Colleges).  Sant Bani School is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt educational organization and is fully approved by the New Hampshire Department of Education.

Nondiscrimination Statement
Sant Bani School does not discriminate in any of its educational programs, activities or employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, creed, religion, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity or disability in compliance with the Provisions of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1974 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Staff Directory

Michael Akerman

Michael Akerman

Facilities Director

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Kari Allen '98

Kari Allen '98

Second Grade Teacher, K-2 Grade Team Leader

Smith College, BA
Plymouth State Univ., MEd
NH Elem. Ed. Cert.

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Liz Beveridge '17

Liz Beveridge '17

Preschool Teacher

University of New Hampshire, BS
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Parker Bergholm

Parker Bergholm

Facilities and Maintenance Technician

University of New Hampshire, BS

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Linda Billin

Linda Billin

Spanish Teacher

Universidad Tecnica de Babahoyo
Universidad Tecnica Estatal de Quevedo

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Brendan Bonner

Brendan Bonner

Middle School English Teacher

College of the Holy Cross, BA
Boston University Wheelock College, MEd

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Jessica Boynton

Jessica Boynton

Middle School Science Teacher

University of Mary Washington, BS
Antioch University New England, MS

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Elizabeth Clayton

Elizabeth Clayton

Head of School

Smith College, BA
Indiana University, Bloomington, MS

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Abby Desharnais

Abby Desharnais

Student Services

Keene State College, BA
Elem. Ed. Cert.

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Sarah Benton Feitlinger

Sarah Benton Feitlinger

Preschool Teacher

Skidmore College, BA
University of Washington, MEd

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Eben Gannett

Eben Gannett

Fifth Grade Teacher

Keene State College, AA
Granite State College, BA

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Kristin Jarvis

Kristin Jarvis

Art Teacher

University of New Hampshire, BFA
Plymouth State University, MEd

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Harold Jones '06

Harold Jones '06

Music and Drama Teacher

Keene State University, BA

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Barbara Laughy

Barbara Laughy

Front Desk


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Kayla Lopez

Kayla Lopez

First Grade Teacher

Suffolk University, BS
Bank Street College of Education, MEd

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Abi McGee

Abi McGee

Physical & Outdoor Education Teacher

Plymouth State University, BS

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Kassie Merzi, ADN, RN

Kassie Merzi, ADN, RN

School Nurse

New Hampshire Technical Institute

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Sara Nicolaisen '04

Sara Nicolaisen '04

Director of Admission & Student Life

Plymouth State University, BA

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Colleen Mulholland

Colleen Mulholland

Special Project & Substitute Coordinator

St Anselm College, BA
Salem State University, MEd
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Amy Paganelli

Amy Paganelli

Director of Advancement

University of New Hampshire, BS
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Brittney Peterson '03

Brittney Peterson '03

Student Services Coordinator

Keene State College, BS
Plymouth State University, MEd

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Stephanie Bendixsen

Stephanie Bendixsen

Third Grade Teacher

Brigham Young University, BS

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Kate Fox Ransmeier

Kate Fox Ransmeier

Middle School Social Studies Teacher

University of Pennsylvania, BA
Bank Street College of Ed., MEd

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Meghan Merritt Schaffer

Meghan Merritt Schaffer

Director of Educational Programs

Rivier University, BS
Plymouth State University, MA

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Esther Shartar-Howe '97

Esther Shartar-Howe '97

Kindergarten Teacher, Preschool Grade Team Leader

Hampshire College, BA
UVEI, NH Elem. Ed. Cert.

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Marin Smith '15

Marin Smith '15

Communications & Advancement Manager

Clark University, BA

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Addison Swanson

Addison Swanson

Fourth Grade Teacher

Plymouth State University, BA

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Lissa Tupeck

Lissa Tupeck

School Counselor

Lesley University, BS
Plymouth State University, MEd
School Counseling K-12 Cert.

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