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!
Ben Gifford
Site Director
Ben has been a part of Hillcrest Kids since 2003. He has been in various roles such as volunteer, Lead Teacher, School Age Program Coordinator and is now the Site Director.
Ben spends his time making sure our school runs smoothly and loves developing relationships with all of the kids that come through our doors. He enjoys fostering positive and healthy relationships between the kids and the staff!
Ben is a graduate of WWU with a B.A. in Human Services and interests 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 in their individual strengths. While not at work, Ben enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, juggling, board games, martial arts, cycling, and music production.
Jessica Smithson
Program Manager
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 Program Manager 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.
Alison Castro
Program Coordinator
Ali has been on our staff off and on since 2017. She started as a Transitional Preschool teacher and has since filled a variety of positions in the office. She is currently the Program Coordinator and works with teachers on curriculum implementation, professional development, and helps create opportunities for family engagement around our center.
Ali originally moved to Bellingham in 2013 to attend Western Washington University, were she received a B.A. in Human Services and minor in Psychology. Ali loves the joy that children bring into the world, and has a passion for crafting a learning environment for kids that taps into childlike imagination and wonder.
Ali was born and raised in Everett, Washington. She enjoys painting, scrap booking, and discovering new recipes to try at home. You may see her around town, exploring new restaurants with her husband and friends.