DirectorWith two and a half years of service as our director, and the center’s successor, Heather is a passionate advocate for children, families, and meaningful early childhood experiences. Heather has over a decade of experience and holds her B.S. in early childhood education and a M.S. in Educational Leadership.
Heather is deeply inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, seeing children as capable, curious and full of wonder. She believes early childhood should be a place where children feel safe to take healthy risks, ask questions, build relationships and discover who they are. She believes the center should be the foundation of community and everyone working together, knowing they are not alone.
Outside of HFCDC, Heather is a wife, mom, foster mom, dog mom, crafter and loves to explore the outdoors whether camping, or finding magic in everyday moments.
Deb VanPelt
Owner
Heather Ha
Assistant Director, Co-Lead Teacher SproutsMs. April brings over 6 years of service to HFCDC! She is a backbone of our center, ensuring things run smoothly! With over 25 years of experience in the field, April is continuing to learn as she heads back to school for her AA!
April is passionate about watching each child grow in their own unique way and is a deep advocate for their learning.
When April is not at the center, she enjoys time with family, her 2 children, pets, and relaxing at her cabin.
Ms. April
Ms. Kayla
Assistant Director, Co-Lead Teacher SproutsKayla has 7 years of service with the HFCDC community! She holds her B.A. in communication, a post-bach. in Pre-K-4 grade education, and is currently pursuing certification in infant-toddler mental health.
Ms. Kayla is passionate about the Reggio Emilia approach and fostering relationships with families and children.
Kayla enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and watching musicals. And…singing… she is the center CSO (Chief Singing Officer)
Seeds Lead TeacherRi has been with HFCDC for 6 years! From preschool, to infants, Ms. Ri has found her place. She recently completed her Infant-Toddler CDA and has been working in the field for over a decade.
Ri is passionate about the child-led approach, fostering connections with each child. Her favorite part of the job is the connection and community she builds.
In her free time, you can find Ms. Ri out fishing, camping, kayaking or out at a concert.
Ms. Ri
Ms. Julia
Seeds Assistant TeacherJulia has over 2 years of experience working with children and is hard at work completing her Infant-Toddler CDA. She’s found a rhythm in working with the smallest of learners.
Ms. Julia celebrates seeing children reach new milestones in their development.
In her free time, Ms. Julia enjoys listening to music and playing with her kitten, Cheeto!
Rootlets Assistant Kassey has spent the last 3 years as part of the HFCDC family. Kassey first joined the team after completing her AGS certification through the CTC program.
Kassey loves watching children grow and thrive. She speaks to children in Spanish and helps us all learn a little ASL!
Outside of HFCDC you can find Ms. Kassey drawing and listening to music. Her favorite thing to read is a good suspense and fantasy novel. The imagination continues!
Ms. Linda
Ms. Kassey
Sprouts AssistantMs. Jess joined us this summer, and we are so excited to have her here! Jess brings over 4 years of experience working with young learners and is excited to work with our Sprouts.
Watching children learn and grow into who they truly are is what drives Ms. Jess’ passion in the classroom.
Fun fact: Ms. Jess has several birds at home! 17 quails, 17 chickens and 2 ducks! Maybe a duckling visitor may be in order…
Ms. Bella
Ms. Adeline
Floater Assistant Floater Assistant 
Studio Instructor- L'atelieristaWith two years of service as our studio teacher, Lauren brings creativity, curiosity and a sense of wonder to every experience. She holds a B.S. of Education from Temple and is certified in Art Education with ECE certification.
Lauren believes the learning process is enriched by embracing the unexpected and uncommon, encouraging students to see challenges as opportunities for imagination, growth and joyful discovery.
In her free time, Lauren loves spending time outdoors hiking and biking, making memories with family and friends.
Ms. Lauren
Ms. Barb
Food Service ManagerBarb has been part of the team for nearly 3 years. Subbing, kitchen, you name it, she’s there!
Barb enjoys seeing the children excited to try new foods and fill their bodies for lots of playful experiences.
Outside of the kitchen, Barb enjoys time well spent in her garden and spending time with her family.
Ms. Barb
SubstituteMr. Anthony
Substitute
Buds Assistant Ms. Najea joined us this spring as she wrapped up her senior year as part of the CTC early education program. She’s working towards completing her CDA and holds her AGS certification.
Ms. Najea has a drive to be the teacher she needed growing up and to foster a love of learning.
Najea comes from a diverse family and loves traveling and being outdoors, especially with her two dogs, Kobe and Pakito!
Ms. Jess
Rootlets Lead Teacher
Ms. Najea
Buds Co-Lead Elle has been with HFCDC for over 3 years, moving between our preschool Buds and Blossoms. Elle joined the team after completing the CTC early childhood education program to build her knowledge. She is working towards completing her Preschool CDA.
Ms. Elle is passionate about supporting children build and expand on their skills, understanding that they are capable. She loves watching them grow and expand on skills their working on.
When Elle is not at the center, she enjoys spending time with family, including her dog Finnan, and enjoys watching Steven Universe.
Ms. Shelly
Buds Co-Lead TeacherMs. Elle
Blossoms Co-Lead TeacherNaomi just joined the team after making a big move! She brings with her over a decade of experience working with children in various capacities. She holds her PreK-6th teaching certificate as well as ESL certification.
Naomi is passionate about seeing the wonder that children hold. Finding ways to pull that wonder and curiosity drive Ms. Naomi’s teaching style.
Outside of the center, you can find Ms. Naomi on the pickleball court, or reading a book. Fun fact: She’s a Texan! Yeehaw!
Ms. Reed
Blossoms Co-Lead TeacherMs. Reed joined the team a year ago after making a big move from Wyoming. She holds her B.S. in Child Development and a passion for a slowed pace.
As a creator and crafter, Ms. Reed enjoys seeing what children are capable of creating and the learning that goes along with that evolution.
Ms. Reed and her husband just welcomed their first child and are soaking in all the baby snuggles. You can usually find her knitting and crocheting sweet things for the little guy.
Ms. Naomi
Floater AssistantMs. Kristy has celebrated 4 years with the HFCDC family. She’s been local to Lancaster County, going through cosmetology school, nursing certificate programs before finding ECE.
Ms. Kristy knows even on the toughest days she made a difference for a child in the early years and takes that to heart. She loves watching each child learn and grow in their own way.
Away from the center, Kristy enjoys making jewelry, diamond art, spending time with her family, and of course in her pool!
Mr. Junior
Floater Assistant Junior joined the team in Spring as he graduated CTC for early childhood education. He is working toward completion of his preschool CDA and continue on toward furthering his education in Early Childhood Education.
Junior loves the bond he is able to make with each individual child and considers HFCDC a second home. He is excited to continue learning and growing as a teacher alongside of his students.
Outside of the center, Junior enjoys traveling, going on walks and shopping. He is a big family guy including his 2 cats and 2 dogs.
Ms. Kristy
Ms. Carmen
SubstituteOur Team
Our team of professional educators and caretakers are the foundation of our school.