As HOPE Toledo’s Director of Early Childhood, Elisa Huss-Hage is leading and guiding the early learning initiatives of HOPE Toledo Pre-K. As a lifelong Toledoan, she is passionate about the mission of HOPE Toledo and assuring that all children have access to high-quality early education experiences.

Ms. Huss-Hage spent 25 years at Owens Community College as a Professor of Teacher Education and Human Services, focusing on the preparation of educators to serve Toledo’s young children.

Elisa is involved in local and state ECE initiatives, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children where she is currently serving on the Higher Education Accreditation Commission. She was a NAEYC Governing Board member (2016-2020), leading the creation of the Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education position statement, revising the foundational Developmentally Appropriate Practice position statement, and shepherding the elevation of the Professional Standards and Competencies for the Early Childhood Educators.

Ms. Huss-Hage earned her MEd in Educational Administration and a BEd from the University of Toledo. She is married to Chuck Hage, and together they are Just Kiddin’ Around, providing a fun, lively children’s music experience for children and families.