Hello Head Start,
My name is Bonnie Hill and I’m excited to return to Head Start.
Moving to Oregon at just 7 years old was a transformative experience for me, as I left behind the bustling streets of San Jose, California, for the serene landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Growing up near “the ditch,” more commonly known as Fern Ridge, I spent my childhood surrounded by five acres of filbert trees, along with the delightful chaos of goats, chickens, and horses. By the time I turned 15, I made the move to Santa Clara, a place that has remained my home and community ever since.
When I became a parent, I started my own in-home daycare, opening my doors to care for up to eight kids, who were mostly infants and toddlers. This allowed me to not only stay home with my little ones but also to foster a loving, educational atmosphere for other families in our community.
During an annual licensing renewal, I was introduced to what Head Start provides and how it could benefit me and my family. To my surprise and relief, we qualified for the program, and my children, a then four-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter, were soon enrolled. Almost immediately, I was drawn to the warm and inviting environment of the classroom and found myself eager to contribute. I began volunteering, and it was in those early days that I fell deeply in love with the Head Start mission
It was then when I was ask to join Policy Council. I am so very thankful they did because as soon as I was accepted, I grew to love the way it was organized immediately. After a while, I became the PC Secretary and then the Parliamentary. I loved to be a part of the interviewing panel and asked a ton of questions to HR when I was there.
It was during this time that an opportunity arose. The HR department asked if I could lend a hand one day a week. Initially, it was to assist with basic tasks, however, I quickly discovered a hidden aptitude for the work. I then applied for a job and eventually extending an invitation that would alter the course of my career: a full-time position as an HR Assistant in which I worked there for 5 years.
After 5 years I decided to spread my wings and venture out. I became the HR Coordinator at Pape and moved into an HR Director for Dari Mart a few years after that. Within that time frame I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Business with an emphasis in Human Resources and obtained my General Management certification. I have grown to love HR, and it became my passion and career.
Here we are 10 years later! My son is almost 17 and a junior in high school and my daughter is 15 and is thriving as a sophomore doing homeschool. I would not be where I am today if it was not for Head Start and I am truly so thankful to be returning!
I look forward to meeting you and continuing the work for the mission of Head Start of Lane County
Bonnie
