Program CORE Leadership Bios

Chief Program Officer - Krystal Ross

Krystal Ross has six years of Program Director experience and 13 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. Over her tenure, she has served in federally funded programs such as Early Intervention, Head Start, and Early Head Start. Ms. Ross holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Education, M.S.E.d in Curriculum and Instruction, and is a Certified Class Observer. In addition, she serves on education council committees for Malcolm X College, North Lawndale, Brighton Park. She has presented at the Illinois Head Start Association's Annual Conference and the National Head Start Annual Conference.

"GHC aligns with my personal mission to deliver quality services to families and children through servant leadership while ensuring quality and efficacy in early childhood programs."

Program Operations Coordinator - Dae Reynolds

Dae earned his B.S. in Communication with focuses in both Intercultural Communication and Communication from a Black Perspective from the University of Illinois in Chicago – and graduated in December of 2021. Currently, Dae is a certified grant writer, is a photographer, a community organizer and internationally published writer/poet. Dae speaks French, and can be often be found poppin in and out of the center-based sites. Dae serves as the Gads Hill Center, CSD Administrative Liaison, and Project Lead.

"GHC aligns with my personal goals of working to better the lives of Black and Brown families by helping me to advocate on their behalf daily."

Associate Director of Center-Based Quality Programs and Operations - Dorothy Turner

Dorothy holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education Administration from National Louis University and a Bachelor's in Business Management from Robert Morris University. She has experience in staff supervision, training and development, curriculum and instruction, licensing standards, and many other ECE industry areas.

"GHC aligns with my personal mission to ensure we are helping to build a strong academic foundation for children from the start of their treasured lives."

Assocaite Director of Compliance - Karen Luckett

Karen Luckett-Horton joined Gads Hill Center in September of 2021 as an ERSEA Specialist. Karen earned her BA in Early Childhood from National Louis University. Karen has been in the Early Childhood field for over 20 years serving in different capacities that range from being a classroom teacher to a Family Support Specialist, and even an Assistant Director. Karen is the mother of 4 boys who all participated in the Head Start program as children. During her time as a parent in the Head Start Program Karen served on the Parent Policy Board as a Treasurer and a Secretary.

"GHC aligns with my personal mission to be an advocate for children while promoting lifelong learners in a safe and positive environment."

ERSEA Subsidy Manager - Lucero Galvan

Education & Disabilities Manager - Rashida Hatch

Rashida earned her Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, her Associate’s in Early Childhood Education from Olive Harvey College. Rashida has received her Illinois Gateways Level 5 Credentials for both Early Childhood Education and Infant/Toddler. Rashida has worked in the early childhood field for over 20 years, she has worked in Head Start/Early Head Start for over 10 of those years. Rashida has worked in the roles of teacher, and Education Disabilities Coordinator, and presently she is in the role of Education Disabilities Manager.

"GHC aligns with my personal mission to design opportunities for children and families to be able to live better lives through education and having access to resources to aid our children and families in reaching their goals as well as their full potential."

Mental Health and Disabilities Manager - Blanca Gabino

Blanca earned her B.S in Social Work and her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education at St. Augustine College. She earns a Family Specialist Credential Level 5, and ECE level 4, Blanca volunteered in CPS as a teacher assistant for over 5 years, and after graduating in 2018 she started working in the field of Disabilities and Mental Health with HS and EHS Programs. She was recently accepted in a 9-month program with Illinois Action for Children, Maria Whelan Leadership Institute (MWLI) Early Childhood Emerging Leaders Fellowship.

"GHC aligns with my personal mission to bring transformational strength and resilience to Early childhood programs."

Family Engagement Manager - Eva Espana

Eva has two degrees: one in Administration and the other in Early Childhood Education. She received her bachelor`s degree from a University in Mexico named Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila and her Associate's degree from Richard J. College. Ms. Eva was awarded with the Family Credential Specialist level 4 and is currently enrolled with the American Against Language Barriers to increase her skills as an interpreter. Eva has worked in roles as a Home Visitor, Family Support Worker, and Family Engagement Specialist for Early Head Start and Head Start programs in the Children Services Department.

"GHC aligns with my personal mission to support families and children with resources and educational skills to fulfill their needs leading them to a successful path in life and contributing with any other additional support as families participate in family engagement activities with GHC`s early childhood programs."

Family Support Specialist Manager - Adriana Rivera

Program Manager Home Visiting - Liliana Romero

Liliana Romero earned her BA in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in English as a second language from Kendall College. Holds an infant-toddlers credential level 5, ECE credential level 5, and Family Specialist Credential level 3. Has 18 years of experience with Early Head start and Head Start working directly in the classroom and with administration. Currently is the Home Based programs manager for Early Head Start, Head Start, and Preventive Initiative.

"Gads Hill Center aligns with my personal mission to provide resources and help children and families thrive in early childhood programs."

Site Director North Lawndale - Caprice Ellis

Caprice Ellis is the Site Manager at Gads Hill Center-North Lawndale. She is a new addition to the GHC family. Caprice has been teaching for over 20 years and hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Development from Governors State University. She Currently holds her Professional Educators License from The University of Illinois at Chicago. She is currently working on her Masters in Early Childhood Education at The University of Illinois at Chicago. Caprice currently holds an Illinois Gateway Early Childhood Credential Level 5, Illinois Gateway Infant Toddler Credential Level 4, Illinois Gateway Director Credential Level 2 in addition she is a Teachstone Certified CLASS Coach for Preschool. Caprice is also a mentor and member with the National Women of Achievement, Chicago Chapter Organization. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ~Nelson Mandela

Site Director Brighton Park - Jacelyn Serrano

Jacelyn earned her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Purdue University and is working towards her Master’s in Psychology through the University of Arizona Global Campus. Since 2013, Jacelyn has worked as a teacher and director in early childhood. She currently mentors at-risk teens and young women outside of GHC and has a published book that focuses on healing from childhood traumas.

"GHC aligns with my personal mission to bring transformational strength and resilience in early childhood programs."

Partner Network Support Services Manager - Ca'Linda Williams

Ca’Linda holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Applied Behavioral Sciences from National-Louis University, focusing on Child Development, as well as ECE Level 5 and Illinois Director I Credentials. She is an experienced education and administrative professional specializing in written and oral communication, early childhood education programs, non-profits, consultation, planning, development, and leadership. Ca’Linda is also skilled in classroom instruction, classroom management, lesson planning, and curriculum development, taking her role as an Early Childhood advocate very seriously.

These experiences have strengthened Ca’Linda’s attention to detail, allowing her to be a highly effective advocate for children and the families served by Gads Hill Center (GHC). As Partner Network Support Services Manager, Ca’Linda utilizes her skills and personable approach to assist GHC with longevity, growth, and successful partnerships.

“GHC aligns with my personal mission to bring thoughtful engagement and holistic support to our families and partners in early childhood programs."

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