Tracey Hill
CEO

Favorite STEAM Kit: Zip Line Carrier

Tracey is the Chief Executive Officer for Child Creativity Lab. She is an accomplished leader, having spent over twenty years as a marketing executive in the entertainment industry and has held several leadership positions in non-profit and community organizations. Tracey spent the bulk of her entertainment career working at the studio-level, most recently as Vice President of Marketing for Sony Pictures Television; and has worked on marketing campaigns for numerous film and television properties. As an active member in her community, Tracey has served on the board for National Charity League and as President of her local Parent Teacher Association. Tracey graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in Film Studies from the University of California, Irvine and received an MBA from USC Marshall School of Business.

Erika Lopez
Depot Manager

Favorite STEAM Kit: All of them!

Erika has been with Child Creativity Lab since early 2018. As the Depot Manager, Erika is in charge of all of the materials that come in & out of the depot, as well as finding new purpose for them. In addition to keeping the Depot organized, Erika is involved with the day-to-day Depot functions at CCL—managing volunteers and helping material donors, scheduling depot membership shopping sessions, and curating the materials used in each STEAM kit with the Director of Operations. As the first face one sees in CCL, Erika is well-known for her patience, kindness, and great customer service.

Tiffany Hayden
Director of Operations

Favorite STEAM Kit: Upcycled Robot

Tiffany has been with Child Creativity Lab since June 2019. As a credentialed teacher, she brings over 20 years of elementary education experience and has been instrumental in aligning CCL STEAM Challenge Kits with Next Generation Science Standards. In addition to developing new curriculum and updating existing curriculum, Tiffany is involved with the day-to-day operations of CCL—managing staff and instructors, scheduling educational programs, and leading team building workshops with corporate partners. As an active member in her community, Tiffany has served on the boards for National Charity League, Vista Irvine Chapter and the Parent Teacher Association at her children’s school.

Katy McInnes
Director of Partnerships

Favorite STEAM Kit: Upcycled Robot

Hailing originally from Brooklyn, New York, Katy learned about Child Creativity Lab through an informational interview with CEO Tracey Hill. She fell in love with CCL’s mission and began volunteering from across the country with her graphic design skills. Upon moving to California, Katy worked closely with CCL as an instructor. Today, she is excited to wake up every morning and come to work as CCL’s Director of Partnerships.

Kat Chumley
Program Coordinator

Favorite STEAM Kit: Pulley

Kat is a graduate from the University of California, Irvine, holding degrees in Education Sciences and Environmental Science and Policy. Having previously worked with several environmental non-profit organizations, Kat is passionate about instilling a sense of environmental stewardship and adaptive thinking in young students, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future. With a strong belief in fostering innate creativity, Kat manages the logistical aspects of our programs, making the big ideas come to life.

Alex Blatchford-Smith
Marketing Manager

Favorite STEAM Kit: Marble Ramp

Originally hired as a part-time Instructor, Alex quickly grew into the Child Creativity Lab team and became an integral member of the “behind the scenes” staff. Her passion for creativity can be seen in CCL’s social media and website - which she pours her love into. Before her job at Child Creativity Lab, she was teaching English in Nagoya, Japan!

Brie Achmad
Volunteer Coordinator

Favorite STEAM Kit: Monster Mate

Brie graduated from Chapman University with a degree in Integrated Education Studies and specialization in Disability Studies. Starting off as a volunteer at Child Creativity Lab, she now serves as the Volunteer Coordinator to arrange and create engaging activities for volunteers that advance CCL's current projects and mission. There is nothing she loves more than creative expression through different mediums and inspiring young minds. She believes that the power of thoughtful education will enact meaningful social change.

Chenise Hardy
Educational Manager

Favorite STEAM Kit: Upcycled Robot

Chenise has been an instructor with CCL since its inception. She brings an enthusiastic energy to each and every class she teaches. When Miss Chenise or Miss Shenanigans as many of the students have called her (or fellow roller skaters), isn’t at Child Creativity Lab doing what she loves: empowering others to create and bring their dreams to life, she is sharing her love of creativity, service, and exploration. She brings with her a professional background in early childhood education with an emphasis on Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf pedagogy, school age education and dance education. She studied and graduated from the Waldorf Institute of CA Northridge, with an elementary teaching certification and completed her ECE training and certification at Irvine Valley College. In Chenise’s life INSPIRATION rules! She is always experimenting with new mediums to create with and finding unique ways to upcycle. One of her favorite creations she loves to make and teach others how to make are dream catchers. Her love of music and connection to vinyl records since childhood, has turned into a huge part of her life and she could be found DJing (pre-Covid) behind the analog turntables if you knew where to find her. She enjoys life with her hubby and her golden furry pup Gertie, who loves to steal tomatoes from their garden.