Meet Our Teachers
Caring & Qualified
Passionate, dedicated, and loving, Hilltop Early Childhood Enrichment Center teachers love their work and it shows in everything they do. Our goal is to make a positive difference on young kids who come through our doors.
Vicki Amburgy
Owner/Director
Experience:
Vicki has more than 30 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Over the past 20 years, she has served as the owner, operator, and administrator of two childcare centers. Prior to becoming an owner, Vicki worked for a nonprofit organization where she managed multiple childcare sites. Through this experience, she developed a deep understanding of the importance of community, compassion, and supporting the needs of families.
Vicki is passionate about creating high-quality early childhood programs that provide a positive, nurturing, and engaging environment for children while supporting the families and communities her centers serve.
Education:
Vicki earned a bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Miami University. She also completed business coursework at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) to prepare for ownership and leadership within the early childhood education field.
Kalah Walsh
Assistant Director
Kalah has grown up alongside her family’s childcare businesses for more than 20 years, gaining extensive hands-on experience in early childhood education and care. Over the years, she has worked in all classrooms and developed a strong understanding of Early Childhood Development, effective classroom management, and staff supervision.
Kalah attended and graduated from the Warren County Career Center’s Early Childhood Education program in 2017. She went on to graduate from Miami University in 2021 with a degree in Business. Her combination of early childhood experience, education, and business knowledge makes her a valuable part of the childcare team.
Katie Mullins
Floor Manager / Lead Infant Teacher
Experience:
Katie has more than 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and has been a valued member of the Hilltop team for 11 years. She has also worked alongside the current owner for more than 20 years. Katie is an experienced and versatile educator who is comfortable working with children of all ages. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she assists with staff management and helps support the day-to-day operations of Hilltop.
Katie’s dedication, experience, and ability to connect with children across all age groups make her an important part of the Hilltop team.
Education:Katie holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential accredited through the CDA Council.
Ruth Cowgill
Assistant Infant Teacher
Experience:
Ruth has more than 20 years of experience in childcare and has been a valued member of the Hilltop team for the past seven years. She earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in January 2021 and brings a genuine passion for teaching and caring for children of all ages.
Ruth is especially nurturing and attentive with infants, creating a warm, loving, and supportive environment where children feel safe and cared for. Her dedication to Early Childhood Education and commitment to the children and families we serve make her an important part of the Hilltop teaching team. Ruth also helps open the center each day and has maintained perfect attendance, demonstrating her exceptional reliability and dedication.
Education:
Ruth holds a high school diploma and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential from Cincinnati State.
Lexy Howard
Toddler Room Lead Teacher
Experience:
Lexy has worked in Early Childhood Education since 2017, with a primary focus on infants and toddlers. She also has experience working with older children and enjoys supporting children at each stage of their development. Lexy discovered her passion for teaching while attending MVCTC and has continued to grow her knowledge and experience in the field.
In the classroom, Lexy believes in creating a healthy balance of structure and play. She strives to provide a safe, nurturing environment where children feel comfortable exploring, learning, and expressing their creativity.
Education:
Lexy studied Early Childhood Education at Sinclair Community College after completing her education at MVCTC.
Grace Ward
Toddler Room Assistant Teacher
Experience:
Grace has more than three years of babysitting experience and has cared for children of various ages. She also has experience working in a nursing home, where she provided care and support to elderly residents. This experience helped her develop strong caregiving, communication, patience, and interpersonal skills.
Grace is responsible, caring, and dependable, with a genuine passion for working with children. She strives to create a safe, fun, and positive environment where children feel comfortable, supported, and encouraged to grow and learn.
Education:
Grace holds a high school diploma.
Carly Schenck
Pre-k Lead Teacher (3-4 years)
Experience:
Carly has eight years of experience in Early Childhood Education and has been a valued member of the Hilltop team for the past five years. She is a nurturing and caring teacher who enjoys creating a whimsical, fun, and engaging classroom environment for children.
Carly is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and develop while making their early childhood experiences joyful and meaningful. Her warm personality and dedication to creating positive experiences for children make her an important part of the Hilltop teaching team.
Education:
Carly holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with a focus in Preschool.
Lauren Davidson
Preschool Lead Teacher (4-5 years)
Experience:
Lauren is in her 7th year of teaching in a daycare setting and has experience working with children of all ages. In addition to her classroom experience, she also has experience in childcare administration, giving her a well-rounded understanding of both teaching and center operations.
Lauren is passionate about creating a positive, nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to learn and grow. Her versatility and experience make her a valuable member of the Hilltop team.
Education:
Lauren holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with a focus in Preschool.
Jessica Apgar
School-age assistant teacher / Cook
Experience:
Jessica brings a diverse background of experience to the Hilltop team. She has worked as a substitute teacher, gaining valuable experience working with children of different ages and learning styles. Her time in the classroom has helped her develop patience, flexibility, and a genuine appreciation for working with children.
Jessica has also spent much of her adult career working in kitchens, where she developed a strong passion for cooking. She enjoys bringing her love of cooking and her experience working with children together in a caring and supportive childcare environment.
Jessica is excited to contribute her skills, creativity, and nurturing personality to the Hilltop team.
Education:
Jessica holds a high school diploma.
Michelle Burks
Floater
Experience:
She currently works for Middletown Schools as a paraprofessional, where she supports children with a variety of learning needs, including special needs and behavioral challenges. This experience has strengthened her skills in patience, communication, and providing individualized support to help children succeed.
She is excited to bring her experience and passion for working with children to the Hilltop team. She enjoys helping children learn, grow, and thrive in a safe, caring, and supportive environment. Outside of work, she enjoys watching football and spending time with her grandchildren.
Education:
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and an associate degree in Early Childhood Education.
Amanda White
School-age Teacher
Amanda is a Paraprofessional with Middletown City Schools. When she is done working for the day, Amanda hustles over to Hilltop and supervises Hilltop's after school program. During the summer months, Amanda is the lead teacher for our summer school age program. Amanda has strong work ethics and is does a great job supervising and interacting with the children of this program. Amanda has 3 children. Amanda has worked for Hilltop for 7 years.
Education: High School diploma & Associate of Science Pre- Early Childhood Education from Cincinnati State
Carol Lester
Floater
Experience:
Carol has more than 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and is a valued floater at Hilltop. She is trained to work in every classroom throughout the center, allowing her to support children and teachers across all age groups and stages of development.
Carol is passionate about nurturing and engaging with children while helping them develop important social-emotional, academic, and life skills. She enjoys building meaningful relationships with children and supporting their growth and development throughout their time at Hilltop.
Education:
Carol holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education.