HSECP - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Manager of Quality Assurance at HotSpots Extended Care Program

Andrea Gurnsey is the Manager of Quality Assurance at HotSpots Extended Care Program. In this newly created role, she will ensure the academic environment of all HotSpots programs delivers an exceptional parent, child and team experience in a way that is a positive representation of the HotSpots brand, vision, mission, and values. She will also provide direct assistance and support to all programs as they navigate and execute the MSDE accreditation and EXCELS process to ensure quality education programs. One very important area she will focus on is bridging the learning gap and addressing the social & emotional well-being of our students. Andrea started her career as a School Age Teacher and her journey with HotSpots includes Assistant Director, Program Director and most recently District Director overseeing the Baltimore County district. Andrea graduated from Towson University with a degree in Family Studies and Human Services, Child and Youth Track. She has a passion for children's development and helping bridge the different community members that can support the growth of our children. It takes a village to raise a child.

Job Titles:

• Human Resources Manager
• HotSpots Extended Care Program Business Partner

Carrie Patrick is the HotSpots Extended Care Program Business Partner. Her role includes providing guidance through organizational development and operational change to support company growth. She is focused on ensuring each program is providing the highest quality of care and she is dedicated to improving policies & procedures to ensure a positive and safe working environment. Carrie graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Business Management and Human Resources. She has been working with school-age childcare since she was 14 years old, when she began volunteering at Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks. The last 13 years she spent with Open Door holding many positions throughout her tenure, most recently Director of Administration. Carrie's most important role thus far has been mothering her 3 young sons which has provided her with an even deeper understanding of the importance of safe and enriching childcare in today's society.

Job Titles:

• District Director

Job Titles:

• District Director

Cody Carr comes from a diverse and inclusive background of music education, business management, and childcare. He has studied both Music Education and Business Management at Towson University. Cody spends a great deal of his time creating safe spaces and building positive culture for youth in his community. In his spare time, Cody volunteers as a board member with Unmatched Athlete, a Maryland-based non-profit that encourages youth who identify as LGBTQ+ to participate in sports and fitness. He also enjoys being outdoors, spending time with his family, playing with his pets, and relaxing by the water.

Job Titles:

• District Director

Ellie Batkhan has a passion for making learning fun! She knows that the moments before and after school are ripe opportunities for growth, exploration, and resilience. In this way, she is thrilled to be working with HotSpots as a District Director. Ellie holds a Masters of Education, specializing in At-Risk and Diverse Learners from Goucher College and has 8 years of experience in directing play centers, child care programs, and building community amongst families with young children. In her spare time, she enjoys adventures in nature with her family, learning about different cultures through food, and sharing home cooked meals with friends.

Job Titles:

• District Director at Hotspots Extended Care Program

Lynn Adams is a District Director at Hotspots Extended Care Program. She has a passion for children and has worked with students in the public school system for over 20 years. Her experience includes teaching special needs students with a focus on behavior, social skills, and emotional wellness. Lynn's additional educational roles include crisis interventionist and summer camp director. Lynn has two grown sons and worked full time when her boys were growing up. She understands the challenges of finding reliable extended care programs for children of working parents. Lynn is dedicated to extended care that provides a safe, happy, and healthy learning environment where students are supported by attentive and caring adults. Lynn graduated from Springfield College with a degree in Human Services, and from Brenau University with a degree in Organizational Leadership. She has nonprofit experience as an Executive Director at the YMCA, offering children's programs in athletics, summer camp, and afterschool care.

Job Titles:

• Director of Operations
• Director of Operations at HotSpots Extended Care Program

Patrick Leist is the Director of Operations at HotSpots Extended Care Program. His role includes ensuring each program is promoting a high quality, safe, inclusive, and positive environment through proper training and guidance to the leadership team. Patrick has been working with children between the ages of 5 and 16 since 2007, continually gathering knowledge and information in his journey to improve educational environments. He is both an athlete and a coach, who supports his practice through leading by example. Patrick graduated from Towson University with a degree in Social Sciences and Secondary Education and was the previous Director of Operations for Open Door Care. He shares his passion for education with his wife who is an Elementary School Teacher in Baltimore County.

Job Titles:

• Founder
• Founder, President and CEO of Celebree School

Richard Huffman, Founder Patrick Leist, Director of Operations Carrie Patrick, Human Resources Manager Andrea Gurnsey, Manager of Quality Assurance Cody Carr, District Director Lynn Adams, District Director Ellie Batkhan, District Director Chiquita Veney, District Director Richard O. Huffman is the founder, President and CEO of Celebree School, a regional chain of educationally based preschool and child care centers. His company has found tremendous success through community based partnerships and affiliations such as the mutually beneficial arrangement with the Harford County Public Library system. A father of five and appointed participant to the Governor's Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education, and the not-for-profit board, The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Richard understands the fundamental need for educational preparedness.