Meet the Teachers

My name is Maureen McArdle, and I am the director as well as the 4’s teacher at Pleasant Hill. I have worked here since 2003. I started as an assistant in the 4-year-old class and then became the head teacher. I took over as director in 2011. 

I grew up in Buffalo and I graduated from St. Bonaventure University with a degree in Elementary Education. I then received my master’s degree in children’s literature from Queens College. Initially I taught third grade in Queens and then taught first grade and Kindergarten in the Bronx. I stayed home when I had my daughter in 2003 and my son began preschool at Pleasant Hill. I have been here ever since!

I have been married to my husband, John since 1991 and we have two children, Connor, and Maeve. We live in Hawthorne, but my children have recently moved out on their own. We are true empty nesters!

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, swimming, and walking. Our favorite thing to do as a family is travel!

I have always loved working at Pleasant Hill. My favorite thing about this job is all the many families I get to meet! I am lucky enough to watch these children grow as they all live locally. I run into former students in restaurants, grocery stores, and movie theatres! It is always so wonderful to see them and see how much they’ve grown and what fabulous people they have become. 

Hello everyone my name is Rosemarie Licciardone and I am one of the teachers for the 4’s. I am better known as “Ms. Roe” . I have been a resident of Mount Pleasant for 29 years. I received my degree in Psychology/Human Relations with an emphasis in early childhood development.  I worked in Manhattan for twelve years in Human Resources and took a hiatus from the hustle and bustle to raise my children. My relationship with Pleasant Hill Nursery began 26 years ago when my daughter attended and my son followed two years later. I was an active substitute in the 2’s class during that time, and years later circled back to assist Maureen McArdle in the 4’s classroom. It has been such a privilege to work with an amazing staff and a wonderful community. I love children and I am always happy to be a part in helping them begin their journey into the world.

Kerry Ann Viviano is the 3’s morning teacher at Pleasant Hill Nursery School.  She feels so lucky to be starting her 5th year at this amazing preschool. 

Mrs. Viviano grew up in Thornwood.  She attended Pace University where she received her Education Degree.  She then went on to earn her master’s degree in Reading and Literacy from Fordham University.  

Prior to joining Pleasant Hill, Kerry Ann taught first and second grade in Westchester.  She currently lives in Pleasantville with her husband, three daughters and her golden retriever.  Spending time with her family, reading and going to the beach are a few of her favorite things.

Teaching the 3-year-olds at Pleasant Hill has been extremely rewarding for Mrs. Viviano.  She loves to see the social, emotional and academic growth that happens from September through June.  Facilitating play based learning, gives her children the opportunity to grow and develop in a nurturing and loving environment. 

I have been part of the Pleasant Hill Family for 13 years working in the 3's program. Before working at Pleasant Hill, I was busy raising my three boys, Nick, 25, Vincent, 24 and Luca, 20. I have been married to my husband Pat for 27 years and we have lived in Hawthorne for 25 years.

I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology and worked in the fashion industry until I had my first child. I took  classes in early childhood education t Lehman College and that's where my interest in working with children began. 

I love working at Pleasant Hill for so many reasons. It is the most fulfilling job in the entire world. The children make me smile and give me joy every day. I get to spend my days working with all of the wonderful ladies here at Pleasant Hill and I have met so many really great families along the way. 

I was born in White Plains and moved to Wappingers Falls where I graduated high school. Shortly after graduating, I moved to Mount Pleasant where I met my husband Lou and began my corporate career and our family. I was later blessed with the privilege to stay at home with my three kids, Niko (21), Rocco (18) and Jaiden (15). After a lot of consideration and some research, we decided to send our kids to Pleasant Hill Nursery school. Shortly after Jaiden graduated from the 4’s class, I was asked if I would like to be a substitute assistant teacher, I gladly accepted and have been here ever since! I am grateful for the opportunity to nurture, play & teach the children who choose our program. I am also grateful to work alongside an amazing group of women who are not only there for the children but also for each other which makes us a Pleasant Hill Family! A fun fact about me….I was born on a spooky day in October. I love to celebrate with family, friends and all the kids who come to my door for treats! BOO

Ms. Jen is a longtime resident of Pleasantville. She graduated Pleasantville High School in ‘92

and went on to coach volleyball and soccer for the next several years after college. She studied

at Siena College to be a high school math teacher. After graduation she started teaching at a

preschool and later pursued her Masters degree in Elementary Education at Manhattanville

College. She wouldn’t trade her preschoolers for HS math students any day of the week!

Before starting at Pleasant Hill Jen took several years off to start a family and raise her three

boys Aiden (19), Sean (17), and Danny (13). During this time she was an active member of their

PTA and coached all three of their soccer teams.

After starting at Pleasant Hill in 2019, she immediately fell in love with the warm and inviting

environment of teachers and families at the school. The best part of being a preschool teacher

for her is seeing the transformation of the students from September - June.

When Jen is not in the classroom she enjoys watching her kids play sports and spending as

much time at the beach as she can!

Fun Fact: Jen sang in a band at College and enjoys an occasional Karaoke night :)

Up until starting at Pleasant Hill in 2011, I was a stay at home mom. I am starting my 13th year at Pleasant Hill. I have always been in the 2's classroom. I absolutely love my job, the kids, the parents and the amazing ladies I work with at Pleasant Hill. 

The best part about working in the two's class is seeing the kids come in as babies in September and leave in June as little people who have grown and learned so much in the school year!

Fun Fact: In 2011, I was walking with Lisa Sica (3's teacher) and she mentioned to me that she had gotten a job at Pleasant Hill. I asked were there any other positions opened. I reached out to Maureen McArdle and the rest is history! 

Hometown: Bronx, NY

I am married for 34 years to my husband, Gerry. A very proud mom t Kristin 28, Kevin 26, Nicholas  22 and Kelly 20. Mother-in-law to Brian and Hailey and our greatest joy, our granddaughter, Lily Grace. We have two rescue dogs, Landon and Little Bear. 

I have lived in Thornwood for 25 years and my kids all went through the Mt. Pleasant Central School District. 

This is my third year working at PHNS and I must say, I absolutely love it. I adore the children. The parents and staff are all so warm, welcoming and understanding.

Prior to working at PHNS I ran a home based childcare business for 18 years. I provided daily supervision for 2-3 children per day, ranging in age from 6 months to 5 years old.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Science from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY. I was born and raised in the Bronx. I currently live in Valhalla. I've been living there for the past 31 years. I've been married for 33 years and I have 3 grown children who mean the world to me.

I love working in the 2's classroom, one of my favorite units is transportation. I love when the children make airplanes out of paper towel rolls and then we "fly" them in the classroom - their smiles and enthusiasm is a joy to witness. 

A fun fact about me : The front man from the band Aerosmith, Steven Tyler - his father was my music teacher in High School. He instilled a love of music in me that I carry with me to this day!