Beth Bergquist
Executive Director
Our Executive Director is Beth Bergquist. Beth has been a part of Hillcrest Kids since 1995 starting out as a teacher, then as Program Coordinator, and Site Director. Beth has always been an integral part of our Hillcrest Kids staff.
She spends time accepting schedule requests from families and figuring out the right group for your child when enrolling. Facility tours, orientations and keeping up to date on Washington State licensing codes are just a few of the other things to which Beth attends. In the midst of her busy schedule, she still finds time to visit classrooms and teachers and imparts valuable wisdom and guidance to all staff. Beth has a B.A. from Western Washington University in Human Services.
Beth is such a special part of Hillcrest Kids. She brings so much energy to her job and is constantly going above and beyond leading us in excellence. We are so lucky to have Beth!
Ben Gifford
Site Director
Our PM Site Director is Teacher Ben. Ben has been a part of Hillcrest Kids since 2004. He has been in various roles such as volunteer, break teacher, school age program coordinator and now as the Site Director and School Age Program Coordinator.
Ben spends his time making sure we have adequate staffing for our wonderful school age kids. He makes sure our school age program runs smoothly and loves developing relationships with all of the kids that come through our doors. Ben also coordinates Smooth Sailors which is our summer program for school age. He does an excellent job providing fun activities while fostering positive and healthy relationships between the kids and the teachers!
Ben is a graduate of WWU with a major in Human Services with minors in Psychology and Music. Some of the best things about being at Hillcrest Kids for Ben are being a part of something big! He believes kids’ lives are important and loves watching them grow and wants to show that they matter. While not at work, Ben enjoys spending time with his new wife, Sarah, pretending to be a master chef, and street performing as a juggler.
Meg Brotnov
Office Administrator
Our Office Administrator is Meg Brotnov. Meg has been a part of our team since 1996, keeping the office running smoothly. She maintains our student files and staff files, prepares the montly tuition bill, and is usually the first voice you’ll hear when you call Hillcrest Kids.
Meg brings a smile to the day and is always available to help out with kids, parents and teachers. She and her husband Mort have two grown sons Marcus and Matthew. Meg has a B.A. in Multiple Disciplines of the Social Sciences from Trinity Western University with a Human Services Certificate.
Lori McMurtrey
Program Coordinator
Teacher Lori is our Program Coordinator. She has been at Hillcrest Kids since 2004 beginning as our Chef. After years of preparing delicious meals, Lori transitioned into the Program Coordinator role and oversees the morning and afternoon staff and schedule.
Lori has been happily married for over 28 years and has 2 adult children – daughter Amy and son Shawn. She has lived in Bellingham for 10 years and was born and raised in Spokane. Prior to working at HK, Lori was a children’s director at her church and in charge of a summer camp program. She is trained in floral design and spent 26 years in floral design.
Lori loves being creative and she loves seeing parents and children through out the day. Lori loves where she works and we know God has truly blessed us with her gifts!
Annaka Bahm
Office Assistant
Annaka is our Office Assistant in the afternoon. You might see her helping out a class by reading books, singing songs, helping walk kids down the hallway, answering the telephone and answering questions you might have in the office.
Annaka graduated from WWU with a BA in Human Services. She enjoys reading, baking, and the great outdoors. It is her absolute favorite thing to talk to the kids and hear all the funny things they have to say. Annaka loves being part of the HK family and is eager to assist you and your child. We are thrilled and blessed to have Annaka on our team.
