Meet the Board & Staff

Amy took on the role of Executive Director in July 2005.  As ED she is responsible for providing professional leadership necessary to ensure the development and expansion of the human and financial resources necessary to carry out the organization’s mission of improving the quality of life for children and families in Horry County. 

She enjoys spending time outdoors going kayaking, hiking, and fishing.  She and her husband, Joe, are completing visits to SC State Parks to obtain the designation of Ultimate Outsiders.

Melissa joined HCFS in August 2011 as Facility Quality Enhancement Technical Assistant.  She then transferred to the Program Assistant.  She became Program Coordinator in 2016.   As Program Coordinator, she ensures that HCFS-funded programs achieve their goals and objectives.  

As a former Director and Preschool teacher, Melissa brings with her over 20 years of experience in the Early Care and Education field. She is a native of Horry County and is passionate about the children and families we serve in our community. Melissa and her husband Bob share four wonderful children together and love to travel.

Gloria has been a part of the HCFS staff since October 2011.  She recently took on the role of ECE Program Specialist.  Previously she served as a Parents As Teachers Parent Educator. 

Brittany was born and raised in Georgetown County where she still resides with her husband, three boys, and her doggy girl.  She enjoys rural life but also loves to travel and learn about other cultures.  

Throughout her career, she has focused on supporting the needs of the community.  Becoming a community health worker (CHW) comes naturally as she has always been a community leader for Spanish-friendly resources like doctor's offices.

Guanessa is from Greenville, North Carolina, and she started her career in Early childhood education in 2009. She has now earned her Masters in ECE and has served for over 13 years in the ECE field as a teacher, assistant director, parent educator, and college professor. She is a certified trainer with SC endeavors.

She married her husband and moved to Horry County for his career; they now have three amazing boys. She enjoys sports with her sons, church, and traveling with family. ECE has always been a passion for her, and she believes that sometimes a smile is all needed to help someone have a brighter day!

Ingrid joined HCFS in July 2023 as a Program Specialist.  In her role as Program Specialist, she is providing direct services to families through our Early Identification and Referral program.  She is also providing support in the Raising A Reader program and Core Services initiatives.  In sharing the mission of Horry County First Steps, her belief is every child deserves to be ready for school.

Ingrid is a native of Horry County, and she served as an educator for Horry County Schools.  She enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, reading, art, and travel. 

Yesenia has recently joined the Horry County First Steps and PASOs team in June 2024. Working as a Community Health Worker, she will be providing the best support and care for the Latino families in Horry County. Her primary focus will be collaborating with women in accessing perinatal resources. She was previously a freelance Spanish Interpreter for immigration matters concerning asylum. Shaped greatly by her firsthand experience, working and helping various Latin and Indigenous communities, she hopes to expand her knowledge.

Recently she has moved from Long Island, New York where she has lived since the age of three. She was born in Honduras and was a DACA recipient. Yesenia has a deep connection and love for all animals including her cat Nyx, Python Achilles, and new rescue pup Mila! She enjoys all things creative and outdoorsy such as reading, writing, foraging for medicinal plants, painting, and sculpting.