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Meet the Team

Dedicated & Certified

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Helena Hortman

Owner/ Early Educator

 

I have been in the early education field since 1999.  I operated a family child care home, certified with the military, for 8 years in both Louisiana and Alaska, where my home was nationally accredited.  I have been a preschool teacher, a director at both a 5 star rated church center and nationally accredited university center, as well as executive director, overseeing 3 large four and five star, and nationally accredited centers, for 14 years. 

I have a BS in Occupational Education majoring in business, and minoring in accounting and early education.  I have more than 28 years experience with special needs, specifically high functioning autism, speech delays, learning delays, behavior management, and sensory integration.  I hold a TX director license and now own and operate one of two licensed home in Greenville, TX.

 

I decided to open my home in TX for child care, to not only be a business owner again where my passion lies, but to also allow time for training and mentoring others in the field as well as take better care of my health.  It will also give one of my daughter's, Briana, a career she can enjoy.

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Briana Hortman

Early Educator

 

Ms. Briana is the oldest of the three Hortman girls.  She graduated in 2014.  She has completed all required state training for early educators.

Ms. Briana loves watching Dog the Bounty Hunter, Alaska-The Last Frontier, and anything on the history channel.  She plays the piano and loves putting together puzzles.  She has a huge Lego collection and is excited to share it with those children ready for the small pieces.

(Don't let her looks fool you!  She may look 14, but she's actually 30!)

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Kevin, Meghan, and Kristen Hortman

Husband, Other Two Hortman Daughters

Kevin is retired Army.  He enjoys hunting and helping others.  He will be a huge part of my home care when he's home and available, and is qualified as an early educator.

Meghan graduated in 2018 and currently lives in Colorado. She is expecting our first grandchild.

Kristen graduated UT Austin in May 2023 and lives in Dallas. She will be visiting regularly.  She enjoys being with the children and may volunteer when she is available.  She has volunteered for years at my previous centers. 

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Christina

Early Educator

 

Christina has been an early educator for 15+ years.  She has held a CDA for many of those years.  She was a previous employee of Helena's at a local center and when the center closed, Helena took the opportunity to invite Christina to join her in her home.  She has a true passion and love for children and their families.  The only things she loves more is her own family, which she talks about so proudly, and sunflowers!

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Buddy & Chloe

Sleeps & Plays Tag

 

We rescued Buddy & Chloe when they were about 8 weeks old.  They are litter mates, although Buddy looks more like a lab or rottweiler and Chloe looks more like an Australian shepherd, all which are in their DNA.  Due to their size and temperament, they stay in Briana's part of the home during the day.  The children only engage with them through the bubbles in the solid fence between the backyard and the playground and watch them out of the window in the learning area.

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Maverick

He's a Crazy Puppy

 

We got Maverick from Ms. Louise in North Carolina.  We had gotten our other two previous cocker spaniels from her and we wanted another of her precious puppies.  He is finally over his puppy stage of nipping and jumping, but still loves to eat toys and socks, so he doesn't get to stay with us in the learning area.  He spends short periods of time with us and often goes on the playground with us where him and the children love to run and chase balls.

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Goldfrost & PB

Eats Grass All Day

 

Goldfrost came with the house when we bought it.  All we really know is that he is a rescue horse and he is in his 30's.  

PB was given to us from someone who lived down our road after our other horse, John, passed away.  They were moving and couldn't take PB with them and we were looking for a companion for Goldfrost since he had been with John for so long.  PB is in her late 20s.  She neighs all the time and the children just love listening to her.

We have never had horses before, so we have learned a lot about how to care for them.  We really just want to give them a calm and peaceful life with lots of love.  We are so excited about what the children will bring to their lives.  We will keep our uneaten apples to give them and we will make special days throughout the year to make them treats.

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