{"id":4,"date":"2017-01-27T07:52:12","date_gmt":"2017-01-27T07:52:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/new.hillndale.org\/?page_id=4"},"modified":"2026-04-24T02:10:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T02:10:03","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hillndale.org\/new\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"programs\">\r\n<div id=\"programsbox\" class=\"container\" style=\"max-width: 627px;\">\r\n\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" id=\"about_block\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/block_about1.png\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/block_about1@3x.png 3x, \/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/block_about1@2x.png 2x\" \/>\r\n<div id=\"about_div\">A CHILDHOOD CARE\u00a0CENTER<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"container\">\r\n<div id=\"about_us\" class=\"row regtext\">\r\n<p class=\"bigtitle\">About Us<\/p>\r\nHill &amp; Dale Family Learning Center is a NAEYC accredited childcare and educational facility in Santa Monica. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit and our mission is to support the working families of our community.\r\n\r\nWe have been helping children, families, and educators grow for over sixty-five years. We believe in play-based Early Childhood Education, built on secure, empathetic, and nurturing relationships within a community as well as within the individual.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p class=\"bigtitle\" style=\"font-size: 26px;\">Hours, Location and More<\/p>\r\nOur Infant program is open from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday.\r\n\r\nOur Toddler program is open from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday.\r\n\r\nOur Preschool program is open from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday.\r\n\r\nHot lunch and snacks provided by an on-site nutritionist. Our programs are open year-round. We close for most major holidays as well as a few Professional Development days for our staff to stay current with educational research and plan curriculum. We also close for two weeks in the Winter, one week in the Spring, and one week in the Summer around the 4th of July holiday.\r\n\r\nHill &amp; Dale has two locations:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>The Learning Center Campus in Clover Park houses our Infant and Toddler Programs as well as the My Family &amp; Me program.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Discovery Center Campus in the Colorado Center office park houses our Preschool program.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"background: #fff; position: relative; width: 100%; margin-top: 50px; padding-top: 30px;\">\r\n<div class=\"container\">\r\n<div id=\"about_history\" class=\"row regtext\">\r\n\r\n<span class=\"bigtitle\">History<\/span>\r\n<div id=\"about_history_container\" class=\"container\">\r\n\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" id=\"about_block3\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/block_about2.png\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/block_about2@3x.png 3x, \/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/block_about2@2x.png 2x\" \/>\r\n<div id=\"aboutCarousel\" class=\"carousel slide \" style=\"margin-top: 20px;\" data-ride=\"carousel\" data-interval=\"false\">\r\n<div class=\"carousel-inner\" role=\"listbox\">\r\n<div class=\"item active\">\r\n<div class=\"container\">\r\n<div class=\"carousel-caption\"><span class=\"bigtitle\">1950 &#8211; The Beginning<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%;\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/history7.jpg\" \/>Hill &amp; Dale Family Learning Center was founded as a privately owned preschool in Pacific Palisades. After thirty years, the owners, Eleanor and Lee Kendall, no longer wished to continue operating their school, and a group of Hill &amp; Dale parents decided to reorganize it as a nonprofit run by a parent-community Board.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"item\">\r\n<div class=\"container\">\r\n<div class=\"carousel-caption\"><span class=\"bigtitle\">1979 &#8211; Rebirth<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%;\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/history3.jpg\" \/>Inspired by the strong educational philosophy of the Kendalls, we opened our doors in September 1979 at 1512 Pearl Street in Santa Monica with 10 children. Less than a year later, we were at full enrollment with 25 children and have had a continual waitlist ever since.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"item\">\r\n<div class=\"container\">\r\n<div class=\"carousel-caption\"><span class=\"bigtitle\">1984 &#8211; Colorado Center<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%;\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/history4.jpg\" \/>Hill &amp; Dale moved its operations in August 1984 to the business development at Colorado Center (formerly Yahoo Center). This move into larger facilities offered new opportunities for promoting quality education and child care. Hill &amp; Dale at Colorado Center has also been a highly successful experiment in developer-assisted creation of new child care facilities in the Santa Monica community. The Colorado Center Campus houses our Preschool Program.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"item\">\r\n<div class=\"container\">\r\n<div class=\"carousel-caption\"><span class=\"bigtitle\">1987 &#8211; Firehouse<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%;\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/history5.jpg\" \/>As the program grew and the demand for infant care became greater, we opened the Learning Center, our second campus, in a converted firehouse owned by the City of Santa Monica at the West end of Clover Park. Hill &amp; Dale holds a lease with the city for use of the building and Watt Industries, a local developer, committed funding and construction assistance necessary for building renovation and setup costs. The Learning Center Campus houses our Infant\/Toddler Program and is another example of public\/private cooperation to provide necessary child care for Santa Monica working families.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"item\">\r\n<div class=\"container\">\r\n<div class=\"carousel-caption\">\r\n\r\n<span class=\"bigtitle\">Today<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%;\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/history6.jpg\" \/>The success of our school validates the principles on which Hill &amp; Dale was established:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Nonprofit status<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Well-qualified directing and teaching staff<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Parent participation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A strong guiding philosophy<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe are proud to celebrate over 65 years of service to children, their families, and our community.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<a class=\"left carousel-control\" role=\"button\" href=\"#aboutCarousel\" data-slide=\"prev\">\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-prev\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/parenttalk_left.png\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/parenttalk_left@3x.png 3x, \/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/parenttalk_left@2x.png 2x\" \/>\r\n<span class=\"sr-only\">Previous<\/span>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<a class=\"right carousel-control\" role=\"button\" href=\"#aboutCarousel\" data-slide=\"next\">\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-next\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/parenttalk_right.png\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/parenttalk_right@3x.png 3x, \/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/parenttalk_right@2x.png 2x\" \/>\r\n<span class=\"sr-only\">Next<\/span>\r\n<\/a>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- \/.carousel -->\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"container\">\r\n<div id=\"about_philosophy\" class=\"row regtext\" style=\"background: #fff;\">\r\n<p class=\"bigtitle\">Our Philosophy<\/p>\r\nHill &amp; Dale&#8217;s philosophy is built on the ideas of many theoreticians such as Dewey, Erickson, Bruner, Piaget, Blatz, Vygotsky, Adler, Maslow, Kohn, Brazelton and Greenspan. We&#8217;ve further refined our philosophy based on decades of interactions with children and their families.\r\n\r\nWe believe: that human beings develop best in nurturing relationships; that there are stages of development; that emotions and feelings are what give development meaning; and that every human being is an integrated whole and must be related to as a whole person.\r\n\r\nOur goal is that each child sees himself or herself as a person who has valuable ideas and the ability to make decisions and take responsibility for their own feelings and actions. In addition, we strive to help parents gain the skills, knowledge and support to thrive as a parent.\r\n<div id=\"about_tabs\"><img decoding=\"async\" id=\"about_block2\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/block_about2.png\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/block_about2@3x.png 3x, \/wp-content\/themes\/hillanddale\/i\/block_about2@2x.png 2x\" \/>\r\n<!-- Nav tabs -->\r\n<ul class=\"nav nav-tabs\" role=\"tablist\">\r\n \t<li class=\"active\" role=\"presentation\"><a role=\"tab\" href=\"#home\" aria-controls=\"home\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Nurturing\r\nRelationships<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li role=\"presentation\"><a role=\"tab\" href=\"#profile\" aria-controls=\"profile\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Routines &amp;\r\nStructure<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li role=\"presentation\"><a role=\"tab\" href=\"#messages\" aria-controls=\"messages\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Our\r\nApproach<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li role=\"presentation\"><a role=\"tab\" href=\"#settings\" aria-controls=\"settings\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Play\r\nEnvironment<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<!-- Tab panes -->\r\n<div class=\"tab-content\" style=\"background: #efefef; padding: 30px;\">\r\n<div id=\"home\" class=\"tab-pane active\" role=\"tabpanel\">\r\n\r\nIn a nurturing environment, children learn to communicate their feelings, reflect on their wishes, and develop their own relationships with peers and adults. These emotional interactions are the foundation of a child&#8217;s intellectual abilities. In a structured and predictable environment, a child is empowered to learn that they have good ideas and that they can affect change. This child will believe that they belong and can contribute. The child is encouraged to make choices and learns that there are consequences resulting from these choices. As children make choices and learn about consequences, they begin to develop the understanding that they are responsible for their own thoughts, feelings and actions. In this environment, the children sees themselves as competent and worthy of happiness.\r\n<p class=\"bigtitle\">Trust &amp; Security<\/p>\r\nTrust and security are the basis of any child&#8217;s mental health. At Hill &amp; Dale, we believe that the first stage of developing a relationship with a child is to provide opportunities for the parents and child to develop trust in the educators at the Center. This relationship starts with Hill &amp; Dale&#8217;s My Family and Me program. This is a discussion group for parents and a playgroup for children. Families learn about early childhood development and explore Hill &amp; Dale&#8217;s philosophy of early learning and family development with our educators and other parents.\r\n<p class=\"bigtitle\">Transitioning<\/p>\r\nWhen a child is enrolled in one of our learning center programs, an educator will be that child&#8217;s Primary Caregiver. By developing this trusting relationship, the child will feel secure as they learn the routines and structure at the Center. This reassures the children that their needs will be met and that they will be protected and cared for at the Center. During this transition time, one of the child&#8217;s parents stays at the Center, encouraging their child to develop trust in their new Primary Caregiver. It is important at this transition time that the parents see the Primary Caregiver as a support for the parent as well as for the child. We want the parent to see us as a member of their team helping them be the parent they want to be. This transition time also provides the parent an opportunity to observe how we interact with their child and to develop a trusting relationship with the adults in the Center. During this transition time the Primary Caregiver will also make a visit to the family&#8217;s home. This visit is another way for the child, parent, and Primary Caregiver to strengthen the connection between home and Hill &amp; Dale.\r\n<p class=\"bigtitle\">Team-Teaching<\/p>\r\nOnce the child has established a relationship of trust with their Primary Caregiver, we have found that most children enjoy developing relationships with other educators. These extended relationships are similar to the relationships your child develops with other members of your family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc). To support the development of relationships with other educators at Hill &amp; Dale we team-teach. We plan for the children to spend time with each of the educators in the team for different curriculum experiences, circles, and discussion groups. This helps the children see Hill &amp; Dale as a community that is safe and supportive. It also helps children develop skills when dealing with adults who have different personalities, cultures, and languages.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"profile\" class=\"tab-pane\" role=\"tabpanel\">Children build security and trust from nurturing relationships with parents and educators as well as maintaining structure and routine. It is important for children to be confident that their needs will be met. Structure for daily activities provides predictability. A Hill &amp; Dale child always knows when it is snack-time, lunchtime, naptime, group time, and open play time. Within this context, they are able to make choices for themselves and take responsibility for the outcome of those choices.<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"messages\" class=\"tab-pane\" role=\"tabpanel\">\r\n\r\nWe believe that the parents and educators in a child\u2019s life need to provide different kinds of learning approaches at different times. Hill &amp; Dale utilizes the following three approaches:\r\n<p class=\"bigtitle\">Creative Approach<\/p>\r\nThe creative approach is built around play. The child sets their own goals and discovers their own procedures. During playtime, the parent and educator have a permissive attitude. The adults appreciate the child\u2019s efforts, show interest, and are enthusiastic, watchful and protective. In this approach, the child feels satisfaction, success, and pleasure. It fosters imaginative, self-directing, adventurous attitudes leading to independence and enthusiasm.\r\n<p class=\"bigtitle\">Guidance Approach<\/p>\r\nThe guidance approach is formed around relationships and feelings. The adult provides support for the child to deal with emotions and situations that arise in relationships (often when life presents struggles or challenges). The adult\u2019s role is to be friendly, suggesting, helping, informing, encouraging and allowing the child to deal with the consequences of mistaken behavior. In this approach, the child will develop purpose, happiness, and security.\r\n<p class=\"bigtitle\">Conformity Approach<\/p>\r\nThe conformity approach is based on routine. The parent or educator\u2019s role is directive, giving the goals and procedures to the child. The adult is consistent, definite, factual, and concerned. The adult is directive in setting the routines, such as those at circle time, nap time, or meal time. It\u2019s important that the goals set for the child and the procedures to achieve them are developmentally appropriate. In this approach, the child feels satisfaction, success, and pleasure when they have reached a goal. It fosters cooperation, responsibility, self-esteem, dependence, trust, respect and warm feelings for adults.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"settings\" class=\"tab-pane\" role=\"tabpanel\">The educators provide an environment rich with materials and opportunities to create and explore. The adult is permissive in the play environment, watchful, protective, showing interest and enthusiasm. This is when the child sets their own goals and discovers their own procedures. Play gives children an opportunity to practice and experiment with what they know as they imagine and create new and deeper understandings of how the world works.A child at play is like a scientist doing research. If children are in charge of their own play, they will be thinking, imagining, experimenting, exploring and learning through their own senses. At Hill &amp; Dale, we structure our day so that the children have long periods to play and to make their own decisions regarding what and who to play with. We provide many hours of outside playtime; we believe it is vital for all children to be comfortable outdoors and to develop a love of our Earth.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"container\">\r\n<div id=\"about_team\" class=\"row regtext\" style=\"background: #fff;\">\r\n<p class=\"bigtitle\">Meet the Team<\/p>\r\nPeople, including children, families and educators, are at the center of Hill &amp; Dale&#8217;s philosophy and mission. To support our programs, the staff at Hill &amp; Dale works in teams to provide an environment where children, parents and educators have the opportunity to develop nurturing relationships. Our team includes multicultural educators with diverse talents, skills and educational levels. Together we strive to support the development of one another as well as of parents and children.\r\n<div class=\"member\">\r\n<div class=\"row regtext\">\r\n<div class=\"col-md-2 col-sm-12 col-xs-12\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-450\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Agatha-Feldman.jpg?resize=300%2C199&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Agatha-Feldman.jpg?resize=300%2C199&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Agatha-Feldman.jpg?resize=1024%2C680&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Agatha-Feldman.jpg?resize=768%2C510&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Agatha-Feldman.jpg?resize=1536%2C1020&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Agatha-Feldman.jpg?w=1600&amp;ssl=1 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"col-md-10 col-sm-12 col-xs-12\">\r\n<p class=\"name\"><b>AGATHA FELDMAN<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"name\">Executive Director<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agatha has been part of the H&amp;D family since October 2002 as a then toddler parent and then January 2005 as a staff member. She is the wife of a High School Teacher with the LAUSD and the mother of two H&amp;D alumni who graduated in 2005 and 2024. Agatha came to H&amp;D as a young parent attending the My Family &amp; Me Classes with a then 2 year old son. She studied at SMC, National University and Pacific Oaks College with a degree in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Administration. She has since performed every role at H&amp;D: My Family &amp; Me facilitator, Support Educator, Infant Educator, Toddler Lead Educator, Preschool Director and has even filled in as chef on occasion. Agatha grew up in Santa Monica and prides herself on being an advocate for Early Childhood Education. She is a member of the Santa Monica Task Force for ECE, the Building Blocks for Kindergarten Work Group and has long-standing relationships in the community with the City of Santa Monica, Connections for Children and Community Corp of Santa Monica. H&amp;D is her second home and she remains committed and confident that our community is nothing short of extraordinary!<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"member\">\r\n<div class=\"row regtext\">\r\n<div class=\"col-md-2 col-sm-12 col-xs-12\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-452\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Zulma-Hernandez-1.jpg?resize=300%2C202&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"202\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Zulma-Hernandez-1-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C202&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Zulma-Hernandez-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C690&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Zulma-Hernandez-1-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C517&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Zulma-Hernandez-1-scaled.jpg?w=2000&amp;ssl=1 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"col-md-10 col-sm-12 col-xs-12\">\r\n<p class=\"name\"><b>ZULMA HERNANDEZ<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"name\">Director of the Infant and Toddler Program<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zulma Hernandez joined the Hill &amp; Dale family as an apprentice while completing her Early Childhood Education studies at Santa Monica College. She quickly embraced the Hill &amp; Dale philosophy and went on to complete her Bachelor\u2019s degree in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Administration. Over the years, Zulma has served as Support Educator, Primary Educator, Toddler Lead Educator, and Infant Lead Educator. She also held the role of California Teacher Mentor, guiding college students who later became part of the Hill &amp; Dale team.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zulma is the proud mother of Aanaya, a Hill &amp; Dale alumni now in 3rd grade, and Leo also a Hill &amp; Dale alumni in kindergarten.\u00a0 She is also stepmother to Emily, a joyful and resilient 14-year-old. Passionate about curriculum development, documentation, and building strong connections with families, Zulma is honored to now serve as Site Director and continue her journey with the Hill &amp; Dale community.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"member\">\r\n<div class=\"row regtext\">\r\n<div class=\"col-md-2 col-sm-12 col-xs-12\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-454\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ashley-Barstis.jpg?resize=300%2C195&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"195\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ashley-Barstis.jpg?resize=300%2C195&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ashley-Barstis.jpg?resize=1024%2C666&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ashley-Barstis.jpg?resize=768%2C499&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ashley-Barstis.jpg?resize=1536%2C998&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ashley-Barstis.jpg?w=2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"col-md-10 col-sm-12 col-xs-12\">\r\n<p class=\"name\"><b>ASHLEY BARSTIS<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"name\">Director of the Preschool Program<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nAshley has a lifelong interest in Early Childhood Education and received a B.A. degree in Child Development from California State University, Northridge. After experiencing several different models of preschool education in the community, she came to Hill &amp; Dale in April 2008. In her many years at Hill &amp; Dale, she has served as a Primary Educator at the Preschool, My Family and Me facilitator and Parent Tour and Program Coordinator. What she values most about the Hill &amp; Dale philosophy is the emphasis on community and teamwork. It is her view that the classroom and the school community are an extension of the child&#8217;s family. She is committed to helping children, families and staff feel comfortable, known and appreciated at Hill &amp; Dale.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"member\">\r\n<div class=\"row regtext\">\r\n<div class=\"col-md-2 col-sm-12 col-xs-12\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-455\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Heather-Aymie.jpg?resize=300%2C196&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"196\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Heather-Aymie.jpg?resize=300%2C196&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Heather-Aymie.jpg?resize=1024%2C670&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Heather-Aymie.jpg?resize=768%2C502&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Heather-Aymie.jpg?resize=1536%2C1004&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Heather-Aymie.jpg?w=2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"col-md-10 col-sm-12 col-xs-12\">\r\n<p class=\"name\"><b>HEATHER AYMIE<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"name\">Education Coordinator<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heather Aymie has been part of the Hill &amp; Dale Family since the summer of 2001. She is wife to a retired LAUSD teacher, a bonus mom, to his daughter, Emma who was her inspiration to coming back to the field of Early Childhood Education. She is mother to two grown boys Thomas and Zachary, who are both alumni of Hill &amp; Dale, class of 2009 and 2014. Heather has been a support and primary educator in all of Hill &amp; Dale\u2019s Programs: Infant, Toddler, Preschool and Camp in the City. She began teaching our My Family &amp; Me parenting classes in 2004 and continues to teach them to this day. She has always been passionate about Early Childhood Education and began her studies, mentorship and advocating work in high school. She earned her Bachelor Degree in 2009 from Antioch University. Heather loves the Hill &amp; Dale community and is happy to be able to share all about it during tours, parenting classes, and training staff!<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"member\">\r\n<div class=\"row regtext\">\r\n<div class=\"col-md-2 col-sm-12 col-xs-12\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-453\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Victoria-De-La-Rosa.jpg?resize=300%2C205&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"205\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Victoria-De-La-Rosa-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C205&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Victoria-De-La-Rosa-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C698&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Victoria-De-La-Rosa-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C524&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Victoria-De-La-Rosa-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1048&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Victoria-De-La-Rosa-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1397&amp;ssl=1 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"col-md-10 col-sm-12 col-xs-12\">\r\n<p class=\"name\"><b>VICTORIA DE LA ROSA<\/b><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Victoria has been part of the Hill &amp; Dale family since 2017. She began as a substitute and support educator in both the Preschool and Camp in the City programs, before joining the Administrative Team in 2023. She is a graduate from California State University, Fullerton with a degree in Business Administration, concentrating in General Management. Her older sister is Gaby De La Rosa who is also part of the H&amp;D family as a primary educator in the Infant Program. In her free time, Victoria enjoys going to the movies, concerts, and spending quality time with her family and friends. She is also the proud owner of a playful black Labrador named Campe\u00f3n (Champion).<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"container\">\r\n<div id=\"about_team\" class=\"row regtext\" style=\"background: #fff;\">\r\n<p class=\"bigtitle\">Meet the Board Members<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"member\">\r\n<div class=\"row regtext\">\r\n<div class=\"col-md-10 col-sm-12 col-xs-12\">\r\n<p class=\"name\"><b>TEDDY CHO<\/b> &#8211; President &#8211; <a href=\"mailto:boardpresident@hillndale.org\">boardpresident@hillndale.org<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"name\"><b>MATT NILES<\/b> &#8211; Vice President<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"name\"><b>CHIP HARSH<\/b> &#8211; Treasurer<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"name\"><b>PAUL CURTIS<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; Secretary<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"name\"><b>JULIA GRAHAM<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"name\"><b>TJ HARNEY<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"name\"><b>ANDREA MANNING<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"name\"><b>CORINNE NOVELL<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"name\"><b>LINDSAY O&#8217;CONNOR<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"name\"><b>ANDREW SHAPIRO<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"name\"><b>KEVIN SWARTZ<\/b><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A CHILDHOOD CARE\u00a0CENTER About Us Hill &amp; Dale Family Learning Center is a NAEYC accredited childcare and educational facility in Santa Monica. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit and our mission is to support the working families of our community. We have been helping children, families, and educators grow for over sixty-five years. We believe in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":465,"href":"https:\/\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4\/revisions\/465"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hillndale.org\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}