Beth Bergquist
Executive Director
Beth has been a part of Hillcrest Kids since 1996 starting out as a Lead 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!
Jessica Smithson
Assistant Director
Jessica began at Hillcrest Kids in the winter of 2020 as a school age teacher. In the fall of 2020, she transitioned into the office as the School Age Program Assistant. She is currently our Assistant Director and oversees both our Preschool and School Age Programs. Jessica has come back to Bellingham after spending six years in Portland, Oregon. While in Oregon, she was the Director in a school age after school program.
Western Washington University is where she received her Bachelor’s Degree. Bellingham has always held a special place in her heart. Jessica loves the outdoors and enjoys playing in the snow, at the beaches and on the trails with her husband and three children. She enjoys spending time with family, baking, crafting and watching Disney movies.
Jessica has a passion for helping children. Encouraging, mentoring, and just spending time watching them laugh keeps her motivated in her work. She enjoys walking through the classrooms and hearing the hilarious stories the kids always love to share.
Erin Smalley
Program Coordinator
Erin Smalley has been a part of Hillcrest Kids off and on since 2015. She has taught in almost all age groups, from Toddlers up to Preschool, even a summer as a PreK teacher. After several years in the classroom, Erin transitioned into the office in Spring 2024 and is currently our Program Coordinator, working with teachers on curriculum implementation, professional development, and helps create opportunities for family engagement around our center.
Erin originally earned her Bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University in Environmental Science, but, after working at HK, went back to earn her Associate’s in Early Childhood Education from Whatcom Community College. Erin loves seeing children’s creativity and providing opportunities for children to question and explore.
Erin loves the outdoors – hiking, kayaking, visiting various parks with her husband and son. She also loves to bake and try out new recipes, read, garden, and spend time with friends and family.
Heather Jenkins
Office Manager
Heather started at Hillcrest Kids in January 2014 as a Transitional Preschool teacher. She taught in the classroom for 6 years, before moving to the office. Now as the Office Manager, she finds purpose in keeping things in order, helping kids with big feelings, and supporting our teachers, staff, and families.
Heather was born and raised in Washington, and comes from a big family. She lives in Bellingham with her husband and son. She enjoys reading, thrifting, cleaning & organizing, watching movies, listening to music, and spending time with her family.