Kate Monti
Kate Monti is a teacher for the Halfpints and 3-year-old programs. Her three children are all Hiland Preschool graduates, and she joined the teaching staff in January 2014. Kate and her husband live in the Avonworth school district where Kate is very involved with her childrens’ school activities and is very active in the district. Some of her hobbies include baking, sewing, knitting and crocheting. Kate loves to see how the kids learn and the challenge to reach each individual student where they are and help them develop and grow throughout the year. Kate adopted a philosophy from a beloved teacher her children had: All kids have the ability to be successful and learn. They just don’t learn all the same things, at the same times and in the same ways. Our job is to help all those pieces come together!
Andrea LaMaide
Andrea LaMaide is a teacher in the 3-year-old program. She grew up in the North Hills and resides in Ross Township with her husband and her two children. Both of her children are Hiland graduates and she joined the teaching staff at Hiland in 2016. Andrea discovered her passion for working with children by volunteering at her children’s school and is an active member of the PTO. Andrea also has a passion for animals and enjoys spending her time attending her children’s activities. She looks forward to helping your children learn and grow throughout the school year!
Darlene Waddingham
Darlene Waddingham is a teacher in our 4-year-old classroom. She grew up an hour north of Pittsburgh but has resided in the North Hills with her husband for 17 years. She attended Point Park University for Public Relations and Advertising. In her free time, Darlene is a Girl Scout troop leader, attends her children’s sporting events, and volunteers at the school library. She also loves gardening, reading, playing games, and camping. After she had her three daughters, she realized that her true joy came from helping children grow and discover their world. Her youngest two daughters attended Hiland Preschool where they made many memories and lasting friendships. She is honored to become part of a program that gave such a positive start to her children’s educational journey.
Jessica Meyers
Jessica Meyers is the teacher in the four-year-old program. She grew up in the North Hills and graduated from North Hills High School in 1997. After graduate school, she moved back to the area and now resides with her husband and three children in Ross Township. Each of her children are graduates of Hiland Preschool and they thoroughly enjoyed their experience going through the program. Jessica is a regular volunteer in her children’s classrooms and activities within the district. She enjoys making art, taking Zumba classes, and learning new ethnic recipes. She is passionate about giving children a fun and engaging first experience of learning in a school environment.
Christie Goff
Christie Goff is the Director of Hiland Preschool, where she is passionate about creating a warm, supportive environment where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. As a mother of four, she brings both personal understanding and professional leadership to her role, helping children build confidence, kindness, and a love of learning during these important early years.
Christie values strong relationships with families and staff, and believes children thrive when they feel encouraged, capable, and celebrated for who they are. She holds an Accelerated Management Certificate from Yale and looks forward to making every family’s time at Hiland Preschool a joyful, memorable part of their child’s early years.