Kim Gonzalez
Pre-K 1 Teacher
Mrs. Gonzalez has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Science from Indiana University. She also has a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Indiana Wesleyan University. Mrs. Gonzalez is excited to be teaching in the Pre-K 1 class! Prior to joining the Primrose team, Mrs. Gonzalez taught Pre-K and kindergarten as well as seventh grade science at Greenwood Middle School. Mrs. Gonzalez and her husband, Carlos, reside in Carmel and have two boys, Zachary and Drew. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, yoga, and spending time with family and friends! |
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Julie Gayes
Director
Mrs. Gayes is our Director here at Primrose. She graduated from Ball State University with degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Kindergarten Primary Education. She previously taught in Hamilton Southeastern Schools and at Castleton United Methodist Nursery School, where she was also the Assistant Director. She and her husband, David, have two girls who attend Primrose. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending quality time with her children. |
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Kendra Dunagan
Assistant Director
Mrs. Dunagan is one of our Assistant Directors. She graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Family and Child. She taught at a nursery school in Muncie, IN, before teaching Pre-K 1 for two years here at Primrose. In her spare time, Mrs. Dunagan enjoys spending time with her husband and going on vacations. |
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Jill King
Assistant Director
Ms. King is one of our Assistant Directors. She graduated from Butler University with a degree in Elementary Education. She previously taught both 2nd grade and preschool. Ms. King enjoys spending time with her 3 daughters, extended family, and friends. In her spare time, she likes to exercise and read. |
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Gus Jones
Infant Teacher
Mrs. Jones has 19 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She obtained her CDA, and has 120 hours of Conscious Discipline Training. Mrs. Jones has two adult daughters. She is very active in her church. She teaches Junior Girl's Sunday School class, and sings on the praise team. Mrs. Jones also occasionally teaches a Women's Night class at her church. She is very enthused and excited when it comes to teaching children. She has a true passion for teaching and nurturing children. |
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Melinda Painter
Infant Teacher
Mrs. Painter graduated from Ball State University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been a part of our Primrose family since September 2007. Before joining our Infant room this past June, Mrs. Painter was one of our Pre-K 2 teachers. In her spare time, Mrs. Painter loves spending time with her husband and two sons. |
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Nahla Wajeeh
Infant/Young Toddlers Teacher
Mrs. Wajeeh works in both the Young Toddler and Infant rooms. She has a bachelor’s degree in Educational Psychology. Last year, Mrs. Wajeeh moved to the Carmel area from Florida to be closer to her two brothers and mother. Her goal here at Primrose is to provide a happy and safe environment for the children. |
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Amy Staton
Young Toddlers Teacher
Ms. Staton has six years of experience working in the early childhood field. She is currently finishing her Child Development Associate degree, while working at Primrose. She is originally from Frankfort, Indiana. In her spare time, Ms. Staton likes to spend time with friends, watch movies, and go shopping. |
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Sabrina Mrkaljevic
Young Toddlers Teacher
Ms. Mrkaljevic moved here from Bosnia nine years ago. She graduated from Hamilton Southeastern High School in May of 2008. This is her 5th year working in early childhood. In her spare time, Ms. Mrkaljevic likes to play soccer, go shopping, and go on road trips with friends. |
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Mary Burchette
Older Toddlers Teacher
Mrs. Burchette is originally from Michigan. After finishing college she lived in Tennessee for a few years before moving "north". She currently lives in Westfield, IN, with her husband, Jim, and two dogs. She has taught preschool for the past four years and also has experience as a nanny. She enjoys teaching at Primrose and watching the little ones learn and grow! |
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Georgina Grant
Older Toddlers Teacher
Ms. Grant is originally from England and moved to the United States when she was young. She graduated from the University of Dayton with a degree in Graphic Design. Ms. Grant plans to pursue a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She lives in Indianapolis with her dog, Mona, and they enjoy taking long walks together. Ms. Grant loves to travel back to England to see her family and friends there. |
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Ashley Staton
Young Toddlers/EPS 1 Teacher
Ms. Staton is really looking forward to be working your children in Older Toddlers and EPS 1. She previously has eight years of experience working with children and also working at a retirement home. In her spare time she enjoys playing the piano, working out, shopping and spending time with friends and family. She is looking forward to a wonderful year!
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Lori Smiley
EPS 1 Teacher
Ms. Smiley has been working with children for six years. Before coming to Primrose, she worked both as a nanny and as a teacher at another preschool. Ms. Smiley is in the process of getting her CDA. She enjoys reading, watching movies, and being outdoors. Ms. Smiley loves working at Primrose and working with the children in her class. |
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Julie Sparks
EPS 1 Teacher
Ms. Sparks is one of our EPS 1 teachers. She has worked at Primrose for two years. Ms. Sparks especially enjoys creating art projects with the children. Ms. Sparks has three children of her own. In her spare time, she likes to take nature walks, make earrings, and listen to music. |
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Heather Kapavik
EPS 2 Teacher
Ms. Kapavik has 7 years of experience working in the early childhood field. She graduated from Lawrence North High School and has her Child Development Associate degree. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, Katelynn, scrapbooking, and working out. She is excited to have the opportunity to work with the children in her class! |
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Shannon O'Dell
EPS 2 Teacher
Mrs. O’Dell is one of our Early Preschool 2 teachers. She has a great deal of expereince with young children and really enjoys the two-year-olds in her class. Mrs. O'Dell has an eleven month old daughter and twin step daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. |
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Ashley Cannon
EPS 2/EPS 3 Teacher
Ms. Cannon has a bachelor’s degree in Educational Psychology. She grew up babysitting and worked as a cadet teacher in high school. Ms. Edens enjoys watching movies, shopping, and learning new things. She is very excited to be working with your children! |
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Keady Smith
EPS 3 Teacher
Mrs. Smith has a degree in Early Childhood Development from Purdue University and a degree in Early Childhood Education from Ivy Tech. She is recently married and has an eight year old stepson. In her spare time, Mrs. Smith enjoys playing her Wii and spending time with her family. She is excited to work in the EPS 3 classroom at Primrose. |
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Nikki Whitehead
EPS 3 Teacher
Ms. Whitehead graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s degree in photography. She has worked with young children for more than 10 years. Ms. Whitehead is originally from Richmond, Indiana. She currently lives in Noblesville with her son, Samuel, and enjoys reading, cooking, exercising, and playing outside. She loves watching how much the children grow throughout the year. |
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Amanda Hughes
Preschool 1 Teacher
Ms. Hughes joined our Primrose team in May of 2008 to work with our preschoolers. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work at IUPUI. Ms. Hughes has been teaching preschool for 2 years. In her free time, she likes to play with her son, Ethan. Ms. Hughes is also involved in several activities at her church. |
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Keli Etchison
Preschool 1 Teacher
Mrs. Etchison is originally from Anderson, Indiana. She graduated from Ball State University with a degree in general studies. She enjoys making pottery and hopes to have her own studio one day. Mrs. Etchison loves teaching Preschool and has so much fun with the children! |
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Allison Riordan
Preschool 1 & 2 Teacher
Ms. Riordan attended Indiana University for three years to purse a degree in nursing. Ms. Riordan taught in Preschool rooms for the first half of last school year, and then took a break to from teaching to be a stay-at-home mom. Ms. Riordan enjoys spending time with her daughter, Ava, and her family. She is glad to be back at Primrose! |
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Erica Caplinger
Preschool 2 Teacher
Ms. Caplinger grew up in Shelbyville, IN, and currently resides in Indianapolis. She graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a bachelor of science degree in Marketing, and she recently completed her CDA credential. When she is not teaching Preschool, Ms. Caplinger enjoys spending time with her dog, Dakota, camping, and playing golf. |
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Courtney Rivera
Preschool 2 Teacher
Ms. Rivera is so excited to be one of our Preschool 2 teachers this year. She has a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University. Ms. Rivera worked as a flight attendant for 12 years before coming to the early childhood field. She has a 6 year old son with whom she spends her free time. Ms. Rivera loves teaching preschool children. |
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Jessica Juda
Pre-K 1 Teacher
Ms. Juda is one of our Pre-K 1 teachers. She has a bachelor's degree in English Education. Ms. Juda has worked with children for the past ten years in various capacities including instructing swim lessons, running youth and family programs on board a cruise ship, and teaching early childhood. She loves to travel, scuba dive, and spend time outdoors. |
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Abigail Taylor
Pre-K 1 Teacher
Ms. Taylor is a graduate of Indiana University’s Early Childhood Education Program. She comes to Primrose after two years as a first grade teacher and is excited to be teaching Pre-K. Ms. Taylor enjoys dancing, reading book series, playing with her kitten, Moxie, and planning her upcoming wedding. |
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Natalie Evans
Pre-Kindergarten 2 Teacher
Ms. Evans is excited to be teaching in Preschool 1 and 2. She graduated from Freed-Hardman University with a Bachelor’s in Childhood Education-Early Child and Family Studies. She worked as a nanny and student taught in kindergarten and second grade. She enjoys watching movies, being with friends, and going to adult group at church. She is looking forward to be teaching your child. |
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Kelly Tipton
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Tipton is excited to be teaching in Pre-Kindergarten 2. She went to Ivy Tech for General Studies and also has a certificate in Dental Assisting. She worked as a nanny and taught two year olds. She enjoys watching movies, swimming, and reading. She is looking forward to getting to know all the children.
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Nicole Doll
Pre-K 2
Ms. Doll is one of our Pre-K2 teachers. She is currently taking classes to obtain a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She has worked with young children for twelve years in various roles including a nanny, a camp counselor, a swimming instructor, a life guard, a Phonics/Math/Reading program teacher, and an assistant teacher. Ms. Doll enjoys spending time with family and friends. |
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Nicole Wells
Explorers Teacher
Mrs. Wells is one of our Explorers teachers. She has a degree in Political Science and French and a Masters of Art in Teaching. In her spare time, she enjoys playing rugby. She is excited to be working at Primrose.
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Hope Parker
Explorers Teacher
Ms. Parker is one of our Explorers teachers. She is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. She has worked at Primrose the previous summer. She enjoys going boating in her spare time. She is excited to be here for the summer!
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Dina Schmitt
Kitchen Manager
Mrs. Schmitt lives in Zionsville with her husband and five children. She has a bachelor's degree in Commerce, as well as a Certificate in Child Care. Mrs. Schmitt loves working with children and being a part of the Primrose family. |
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Susan Seuring
Floater
Mrs. Seuring is one of our floating teachers. She graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Elementary Education and a Kindergarten Endorsement. When Mrs. Seuring is not lending her valuable and helping hand at Primrose, she keeps busy with three wonderful boys of her own. |
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Michelle Lady
Floater
Mrs. Lady graduated from Texas A & M University with a Bachelor's in Management. She also graduated from South Texas College of Law. She moved to Carmel with her husband and two sons in March. She is looking foward to meeting all the children. |
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Kathryn Aucker
Floater
Ms. Aucker graduated from Anderson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. She worked as a nanny and student taught in kindergarten through fiftth grade. She enjoys working out and spending time with her husband. |
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Riley Walker
Floater
Ms. Walker is a senior at Carmel High School. She is planning on attending IU in the fall. She enjoys running, spending time with friends, and shopping. |
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Madeline Lytle
Floater
Ms. Lytle is a Junior at Carmel High School. She is attending a program called Early Childhood Education with Carmel High School. She enjoys spending time with friends and shopping. |
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Sunble Wajeeh
Floater
Ms. Wajeeh graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Biology and a Master in Special Marketing. She is now pursuing a degree in Medical Lab Science. She loves to read and to dance. She is looking forward to meeting all the wonderful children. |
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Caroline Farmer
Floater
Ms. Farmer has been with us the past three summers while on break from Ball State University. There she will be a junior working towards her degree in Early Childhood Education. In her free time she likes spending time with her family and her dog Guini. |
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Danice Celis
Floater
Ms. Celis graduated from Far Eastern University in the Philippines with a degress of Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is currently reviewing for her Licensure Exam. In her spare time, she likes reading and watching movies. She is excited to be working at Primrose! |
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Erika Celis
Floater
Ms. Celis graduated from Far Eastern University in the Philippines with a degress of Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is looking forward to working with the children at Primrose! |
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