Nathalie Curtis joined HRS in August 2024 as Director of Auxiliary Programs. In her role, she supervises our team of amazing Program Aides and manages HRS Auxiliary Programs – including Extended Day, Day-On programs, Music Academy, and Summer Activity Camps.  

Q: Tell us about your background. 

A: I grew up in Seattle and just moved back after 20 years living in Los Angeles. I spent the last decade working at the American Film Institute, running the production department for the graduate school. I’m so happy to be back in Seattle as part of the HRS community!  

Q: What interested you about the role of Director of Auxiliary Programs? 

I’d spent my time at the AFI conceiving and supporting the hands-on practicum to complement what students were learning in the classroom. It was the “practical application” element, which allowed students that essential step of putting their newly-learned skills to use. I saw similar potential at HRS—the chance to develop programs for students’ more unstructured, imaginative time that would blend their classwork, social-emotional learning, and creative energy. 

Q: What is your vision for developing and growing Auxiliary Programs? 

A: I want Extended Day and Day-On programs to feel like a destination – not just convenient childcare! These programs are part of the larger HRS experience that educates the whole person. This year, we have reimagined Day-On with fun themes like School of Rock, Spa Day-On, and Around the World. We’ve invited special guests and planned off-campus field trips to museums and farmers’ markets. Whether it’s through an After School Program like Jazz Dance, or a Day-On exploring the cuisine of East Africa, I want Auxiliary Programs to allow students to discover their interests and develop new skills. 

Q: How do you see Auxiliary Programs enriching the HRS community? 

A: Auxiliary Programs bring so much to our community – and we have big dreams to expand our offerings even further. For one, they give students a chance to explore things they may never have discovered (e.g., special effects makeup and prosthetics, songwriting in the style of their favorite singers, the magic of a worm-bin). These shared experiences are huge for strengthening social connections away from screen time. Looking ahead, I hope to get students more connected to our Beacon Hill neighbors through field trips, service projects, and other opportunities for local engagement. We’d also love to get parents more involved and connected with each other, creating fun events where the whole HRS family can come together. 

Q: What’s been your favorite program or event you’ve been a part of so far? 

A: Halloween brings out the creative side in everyone. This year during our Halloween-themed Day-On, we supplied the kids with a mountain of random garments and accessories from Goodwill, a glue gun, and a challenge: make the best costume you can using only three items. The results blew us away with the students’ humor, fearlessness, and ingenuity. Who knew that a gold belt from the 1980s could serve as a pirate’s hook, a bandito’s bandolier, AND a princess crown? It was a hoot!