610-525-7660 [email protected]

Meet WHS

Head of School

Dear Parents/Guardians and Visitors,

Welcome to the West Hill School Website. The West Hill School is a unique coeducational preschool for children 2 years 7 months to 5 years that is accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS).  Founded in 1966 and situated on over two beautiful acres, West Hill was built especially for young children. At West Hill, talented and dedicated staff members, enthusiastic children, involved parents/guardians, and a supportive community join forces to create a positive and innovative environment where children engage in joyful learning.The West Hill School offers pre-school age children a safe and nurturing environment that encourages a life-long celebration of learning. Through our rich and varied curriculum, balanced with play and multisensory academic instruction, the children explore and satisfy their curiosities while developing their cognitive, social/emotional, and physical skills. Children experience and practice the self-regulation skills of careful listening and focus and attention that promote school readiness. Through activities that reinforce the development of empathy and emotion management, children learn to build friendships and successful interpersonal relationships. It is our goal that each child progresses to kindergarten with the tools to achieve a balanced education that promotes self-confidence, joy of discovery, pride in accomplishment, and respect for differences in our school, our community, and our world.The West Hill staff and I believe that children grow and develop the most when there is a strong connection between the home and school.  West Hill parents/guardians are outstanding in their support and encouragement of their children and their school. West Hill parents/guardians devote enormous time and energy to the school, serving as invaluable partners in their children’s education. They assist us in providing a range of activities and fund-raising projects to enrich and support the preschool program. Social events are scheduled regularly to continue to build a strong sense of community among the families.

Thank you for visiting our West Hill School Website. Please browse through our website to learn more about our school activities, learning opportunities, and school procedures and contact us at 610-525-7660 if you have questions and/or comments.

I am delighted to be a part of your child’s preschool experience and am committed to making it a learning adventure full of growth, development, and fun.

Respectfully,

Connie M. DiMedio

Head of School

The West Hill School Staff Members, 2024–2025

The school employs caring, professionally trained  staff members. In the classroom, a maximum 9 to 1 student teacher ratio is maintained.

Connie M. DiMedio
Head of School
B.A Eastern University
M.S. Villanova University
PA Administrative Certificate -Temple University
Superintendent Certificate – Widener University
[email protected]

Nikki Serafim
Office Assistant
B.A. University of Delaware
M.S. Villanova University
[email protected]

Kim Maloney
Director of Admissions & Communications
B.A. Catholic University
M.S.W. Temple University
[email protected]

Kathleen McAloon
Director of Development
B.S. State Univ. College of Oneonta
[email protected]

Paulette Hutchinson
Accountant
B.S. Villanova
M.T. Villanova School of Law

Patricia Braunlich
Yellow Group Head Teacher
B.S. Cabrini University
[email protected]

Jackie Cellucci
Yellow Group Teacher
B.A. University of Boulder
M.A. Univeristy of Pennsylvania
[email protected]

Christie Cooper
Yellow Group Teacher
Early Morning Supervisor
Summer Session Director
B.S College of New Jersey
[email protected]

Alison B. Smith
Head Blue Group Teacher
B.A.University of Colorado
St. Joseph’s University
[email protected]

Natalie Ruocchio
Blue Group Teacher
Afternoon Enrichment
B.S. West Chester University
[email protected]

Sheryl Rothman
Blue Group Teacher
Spanish Teacher
B.A. and M.S.W. Connecticut College
[email protected]

Lauren Finore
Head Red & Green Group Teacher
B.S. St. Joseph University
M.A Fordham University
[email protected]

Mary G. Talucci
Red/Green Group Teacher
B.S. University of Delaware
[email protected]

Nancy Merriam
Music & Creative Movement Teacher
B.M. Hartt School of Music
M.M. Brooklyn College
[email protected]

The West Hill School Board of Directors, 2024–2025

West Hill is a non-profit corporation with a Board of Directors comprised of past and present parents/guardians, educators and business people. 

Jennifer Kettner (’25)
Chair
Contract and Commercial Law
Former West Hill Parent

Michelle Rademacher  (’25)
Vice Chair
Executive Director & Assistant General Counsel
JP Morgan Chase Legal Department
Former West Hill Parent

Lauren Lawson (’25)
Treasurer
Former Financial Executive, CPA
Former West Hill Parent

Matt Simpson (’25)
Secretary
Senior Client Executive
Former West Hill Parent

Connie DiMedio
Head of School
Educator

Samuel Takvorian  (’25)
Physician (Hematology/ Oncology)
West Hill Parent

Ashley B. Cook-Fitzgerald  (’25)
Child, Adolescent, Adult & Family Therapist
Former West Hill Parent

Cori English  (’25)
Finance/ Private Equity
West Hill Alumni and Parent

Amy Kane  (’27)
TV Sports Anchor
West Hill Parent

Ben Alden (’27)
Principal at Vanguard
West Hill Parent

Suzett Hamilton (’28)
Pharmacist
Former West Hill Parent

Ranger Mack (’28)
Financial Services Professional
West Hill Parent

Kelley Carabasi (’28)
Portfolio Manager
West Hill Parent

Grace Gaspari (’28)
Lawyer
Former West Hill Parent

Supporting Professional Development

At West Hill School, we are committed to professional development for our faculty and staff. We embrace expanding our “teacher toolkit” and enjoy the wealth of information that comes from active participation in professional development courses.

The West Hill School
1455 West Hill Road
Rosemont, Pennsylvania 19010
Phone: 610-525-7660
[email protected]

The School is accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS).

Employment at WHS

We are committed to provide equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including selection, hiring, promotion, and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, pregnancy, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or any other protected status in accordance with the requirements of all federal, state and local laws, including the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability. If you believe you have been treated inconsistently with this, please immediately report your concern to The Head of School. You will not be retaliated against for bringing forth a complaint in good faith.

Diversity Statement

At The West Hill School, we create a nurturing atmosphere where individuality is valued and honored. We believe that a diverse and welcoming community fosters a positive experience and enriches understanding of oneself and others. We respect and appreciate all differences among members of our school family, including age, culture, disability or handicap, ethnicity, family structure, learning styles, national origin, citizenship status, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socio-economic status. We are committed to achieving a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment across all areas of school life.