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Hello Primrose Families! I am Jodi Mehta and I am excited to share a little about myself. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I have several years of management experience and 10 years experience as a pre-school educator. I have been living abroad for the past 10 years and have just returned to Minnesota.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, my two daughters and our pets. I love traveling, exploring new places and learning about other cultures.
Hometown: White Bear Lake, MN
Favorite food: Ka pao Moo
Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with family
Favorite children’s book: Stone Soup
Primrose character I most relate to: Percy the Rooster
What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know our Primrose families
Hello! My name is Whitney Walter and I am excited to share a little about myself. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Winona State University and teaching is my deepest passion. I have a beautiful history with Primrose Schools, where I began my career in Early Childhood Education back in 2014. I love how our Primrose Balanced Learning curriculum is ever-evolving and how exquisitely organized the lessons and activities are.
Outside of my love for teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Ben, our family, and our sweet dog, Max. I also love reading and expressing my creativity through photography and art.
Hometown: Rochester, MN
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite weekend activity: Thrifting and photography
Favorite children’s book: The Velveteen Rabbit
Primrose character I most relate to: Benjamin the Bear
What I’m most excited about this school year: Implementing ASQ – Ages & Stages Assessments
I love education! I have been working in Early Childhood Education for 5 years. I have a bachelor's degree from Concordia St. Paul in Psychology, and I am a huge people person. I love working with children and their families. I have 2 amazing dogs at home named Gracie Jane and Lola, and I love spending my free time outdoors on the lake or just being in nature! I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family!
Hometown: Coon Rapids, MN
Child care experience: 5 years as a Lead Teacher
Education Background: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology
Favorite food: Pineapple Pizza
Favorite weekend activity: Being on the lake
Favorite children’s book: The Napping House
Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin the Dog
What I’m most excited about this school year: Watching each child learn and grasp new concepts!
My name is Ms. Julie and I am excited to share a little about myself! I grew up in New Brighton, Minnesota and I currently live in Lino Lakes. I attended and graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. I provided 3 years of private-licensed childcare and have worked in child-care settings for almost 7 years, primarily with pre-school children and infants! I am so excited to be working at Primrose Arden Hills and getting to know you and your children!
Name:Julie Whiting
Hometown: New Brighton, MN
Child-care Experience: Almost 10 years
Education: Bachelor's Degree, Psychology
Favorite Food: Shrimp pasta
Favorite Weekend Activity: Taking a walk with my husband and English Bulldog!
Favorite Children's Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Primrose Character I Most Relate To: Billy the Duck
What I'm Most Excited About: I am excited to continue watching our Infants grow, develop and learn while engaging in our daily activities!
Best Way to Schedule Time to Talk: Email or ProCare message.
I was adopted from Cambodia when I was three months old, and was raised in Bloomington, Minnesota. I’m a student pursuing a BSN in nursing. I have a heart for taking care of people, especiallybabies. I’m so excited to play with the infants here at Primrose, and to watch them learn and grow. I can’t wait to meet you and your kiddos!
Hometown: Bloomington, MN
Child care experience: 1 year
Education Background: Currently pursuing a nursing degree at The University of Northwestern - St. Paul, and hoping to become a postpartum or a NICU nurse
Favorite food: Carne Asada Tacos
Favorite weekend activity: Reading or watching a romcom
Favorite children’s book: Winnie the Pooh and a Day for Eeyore
Primrose character I most relate to: Og the Bookworm
What I’m most excited about this school year: I’m excited to get to know different Primrose families and to walk alongside them.
I discovered early childhood education after graduating with my undergraduate degree in creative writing, while looking for an inspiring and engaging career that would feed my curiosity. Spending time with young children and helping them learn and explore has truly become a passion, and I love the new things I learn every day. I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family
Hometown: Shoreview, MN
Child care experience: 2 years
Education Background: B.S from University of Northwestern
Favorite food: Sweet treats
Favorite weekend activity: Going to the library
Favorite children’s book: Winnie the Pooh
Primrose character I most relate to: Og the Bookworm
What I’m most excited about this school year: Meeting new friends and learning with them!
I grew up in White Bear Lake, MN. I received my Bachelors Degree in Family and Consumer Science Education from the University of Minnesota State, Mankato. I have been working here at Primrose for the past two years. I love how teaching brings curiosity to everyone. That’s why I love teaching the infants. They find everything exciting and new. Some fun facts about me are that I have a twin sister. I have an Australian Labradoodle named Flynn Oliver. My favorite colors are blue and purple and I love Hockey.
Favorite food: Anti-Pasta Salad or Salmon
Favorite weekend activity: Being with friends
Favorite children’s book: The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn or any Dr. Seuss book
Primrose character I most relate to: Libby the Lamb
What I’m most excited about this school year: Watching all the students grow and learn!
I grew up in Minneapolis, MN. I currently live in Shoreview where I live with my husband, son and 2 Bengals. I received my CDA in 2005 and have been working with children, ages 16 months to 36 months since 2001. I started my journey here at Primrose in July of 2021. My heart belongs to teaching young minds and guiding them through the tunnel of many opportunities.
Favorite food: Chinese, Italian and Dark Chocolate
Favorite weekend activity: Time with my family and 2 Bengal cats
Favorite children’s book: Any Little Critters and How do dinosaurs say…
Primrose character I most relate to: Peanut the Horse
What I’m most excited about this school year: Being the light that shines on all the children and watching them shine brighter, seeing them express happiness through learning and hands on explorations.
I have a Bachelor's degree from the U of M in Youth Studies. I have worked with children for 5 years. I have a daughter who was born on August 21st, 2020. In my free time I like to spend it with my family, painting, sewing and listening to music. I grew up in Vadnais Heights and still live there! I am bilingual and can speak Vietnamese and English. I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family and I'm so excited to meet you all!
Favorite food: I like all food
Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with family
Favorite children’s book: The Book with No Pictures
Primrose character I most relate to: Libby the Lamb
What I’m most excited about this school year: Meeting all the new parents and children and getting to know everyone!
I'm a born and raised Minnesotan. I grew up in a small town which gave me a passion for wanting to be a teacher or in the education field. I have bachelor's degree from Concordia St. Paul in Elementary Education. I have worked with kids as young as zero years old to 12 years old for 3 years. I can't wait to have your child apart of my class! If you have any questions, please let me know or shoot me a message on Procare. I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Favorite food: Cheese, pasta, and seafood
Favorite weekend activity: Reading, Traveling, Sports
Favorite children’s book: I love you so much
Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin the Dog
What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know all the kids on a deeper level!
I grew up and currently still live in Arden Hills. I recently graduated from the University of Phoenix with my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. I have also received my CDA through Online Teachstone. When i was in high school, I graduated with my CNA degree. I have been working with children for 5 years! I chose Primrose for my long-term career path because of the quality curriculum for the children and because working with children has always been a passion of mine! I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Favorite food: Pasta and ice cream
Favorite weekend activity: Painting and drawing
Favorite children’s book: "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein
Primrose character I most relate to: Molly the Cow
What I’m most excited about this school year: Teaching and watching my little friends grow!
I grew up and currently still live in Arden Hills, MN. I recently graduated from Adrian College (MI) with my Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and a minor in Health Education.
I'm excited to work with kids and watch them grow every day!
Name: Jessie, Jess, or Jessica
Hometown: Arden Hills, MN
Childcare Experience: 1 year
Education Background: Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Minor in Health Education
Favorite Food: Strawberries
Favorite Weekend Activity: Hula hooping and spending time with friends, family, and my dogs (Coco and Basil)
Favorite Children's Book: "Fox in Socks" by Dr. Seuss
Primrose Character I Most Relate to: Og the Book Worm
What I'm Most Excited About This School Year: Building relationships with each student and meeting their families.
Best Way to Schedule Time to Talk: Procare message
Hello Preschool families! I am so excited to be your child’s preschool teacher! I recently graduated from Winona State University with a bachelor's degree Elementary Education. I currently live in Blaine, MN with my significant other and my 2 cats, Remus and Luna. I love to be creative, paint, and do DIY projects around my apartment. I wanted to be a teacher almost my entire life and when I came to Primrose, I knew this is where I wanted to be. I am so excited to share this experience with you and your child. I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Hometown: Mounds View, MN
Child care experience:
Education Background: B.S Elementary Education - Winona State University
Favorite food: Mashed Potatoes
Favorite weekend activity: Playing with my 2 cats, Remus and Luna
Favorite children’s book: Ms. Nelson is Missing
Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin the Dog
What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know all of the students and watch them grow!
I grew up on a tropical island with warm weather all year round until I was 16.Now, I can say that I have lived in Minnesota for 25 years with snow and freezing weather! Imoved from the Philippines as an exchange scholar and graduated from Santa Ynez Valley in California. I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from the University of California in Berkeley. I became interested in teaching and decided to pursue my Elementary Education (K-6) teaching license from the University of Thomas. I then completed my Master’s Degree in English as a Second Language to better teach a diverse student population. I worked in the public school sector for 6 years.
Primrose School has been a wonderful learning place! I started 1 ½ years ago and have loved it here.Their balanced child development and wellness approach is the ideal combination for children to grow. I am excited to connect and work with your family!
Favorite food: Spaghetti with meat balls
Favorite weekend activity: Running around the lake
Favorite children’s book: The Color Monster
Primrose character I most relate to: Libby the Lamb
What I’m most excited about this school year: Working with an awesome Primrose team
Hello! My name is Ms. Amanda and I started working at Primrose April 2021. I have 5 years of experience working in a child care setting and I received my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education in May 2019. I also received a minor in Spanish, which represents my passion for the Spanish language/ culture and ties into the Mucho Mundo curriculum taught at Primrose. Also, I grew up in this area, so I want to provide young children with a quality educational experience in a community that I live in.Name: Amanda
Hometown: Little Canada, MN
Child care experience: Volunteering at summer camps and 5 years at another child care center
Education Background: Bachelor’s degree(4 years) in Early Childhood Education from UW: Stout
Favorite food: Tacos and Pizza
Favorite weekend activity: Going on walks, watching movies, listening to music, and spending time with friends
Favorite children’s book: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin the Dog
What I’m most excited about this school year: Engaging in creative and meaningful learning experiences with the children and interacting using the Spanish language!
I grew up in Oakdale, MN. I recently graduated from Duluth with dual licensure for birth to age 8 in both general education and special education. I previously worked for the past 4 years in a mixed group of ages 4-12. I am excited to gain lead teaching experience as part of the Primrose family and am always happy to answer any questions you may have! I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Favorite food: cheeseburgers, seafood
Favorite weekend activity: Reading, Video Games, Swimming
Favorite children’s book: Oh The Places You'll Go!
Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin the Dog- Forming strong relationships is important to me!
What I’m most excited about this school year: Building relationships with students and having a fun time learning together!
I’m so excited to be working here at Primrose! I have a degree in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University and I’ve been working with kids for about 8 years now. I’ve worked with all ages and am having such a great time getting to know everyone here. In my spare time I love being with my friends and family! If you see me in the hallways make sure to say hi! I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Hometown: Forest Lake, MN
Child care experience: 8 years
Education Background: Century College, Concordia University with a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Favorite food: Mexican food!
Favorite weekend activity: Being with my family
Favorite children’s book: Are You My Mother?
Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin the Dog
What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know the children and staff.
Hello families! I am so excited to spend this school year with all these wonderful kindergarteners. I graduated from The College of Saint Scholastica in May with my bachelor's degree in elementary education and am thrilled to use what I learned there in the classroom here at Primrose! I recently just moved to New Brighton with my significant other and our two cats. I have always had a passion for working with children and cannot wait to see what this school year holds for all of us. I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Hometown: Lino Lakes, MN
Child care experience: 5+ years of experience
Education Background: B.S in elementary education from The College of Saint Scholastica
Favorite food: Wontons
Favorite weekend activity: Hiking
Favorite children’s book: The Day the Crayons Quit
Primrose character I most relate to: Og the Bookworm
What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know all of you!
Hi friends and family! My name is Brian and I am very excited to be guiding the wonderful young people who are just starting on their own journeys here at Primrose! My wife and I just moved here to Minnesota and are living in Mound. We have three fur babies ages 12 and ½, 10, and 7 years old. Their names are Sonny, Harley, and Libby Mae. I love movies, especially sci-fi and fantasy, and my favorite things to do are spending time with my wife, cooking, and playing with my dogs. I am looking forward to meeting you all and being a positive influence on your children!
Hometown: Mound, MN (Originally from Michigan)
Education Background: GIS certification; Schoolcraft College School for Culinary Arts
Favorite food: Ribeye Steak with Baked Potato and Sauteed Mushrooms in Wine
Favorite weekend activity: Playing with my dogs
Favorite children’s book: Clifford the Big Red Dog
Primrose character I most relate to: Percy the Rooster
What I’m most excited about this school year: Helping each child I interact with grow into the next phase of their development
Meet Saleem Karmaliani and Dr. Salima Mithani – dedicated parents of three daughters and active owners and operators of Primrose Schools located in the northern, central and southern neighborhoods of twin cities metropolis. These schools are actively serving neighborhoods within and close to the cities of Arden Hills, Prior Lake, Richfield, Savage, South Minneapolis and Shoreview
Primrose School of Prior Lake & Savage was the very first Primrose to open its doors in Minnesota in August 2006. With years of successfully serving the Prior Lake and Savage communities, the couple decided to organically grow into neighborhoods where the communities were still lacking high quality early childhood education and care. As a result they own Primrose School of South Minneapolis & Richfield and Primrose School of Prior Lake and Savage.
As parents of young children themselves, Karmalianis understand the importance of starting early to shape a child’s educational foundation and character. The couple, sees first hand, the difference early childhood education makes in young lives as they have themselves witnessed how Primrose School has positively impacted their own children. "We knew we wanted to deliver the same high-quality care and education for other families," said Saleem. Recognizing how challenging it was to find a quality, early childhood development program for their own children, Karmalianis embraced and continue to promote the Primrose mission with a well-balanced educational experience for the families they serve through these schools.
Saleem holds graduate degrees in Education and Public Policy, while Salima practices the field of Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine. Both are graduates of University of Minnesota and have been living in Twin Cities for 25 plus years. Together they have three daughters Cerena and twins Sophie and Sara. Karmalianis love sports and are die-hard fans of Gophers and Minnesota Vikings. The family loves to spend time outdoors and are frequent visitors to Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).
“Our mission remains consistent with the Primrose model: to provide our families with the premier well balanced early childhood development experience in a safe and loving environment. We know this is only possible with our parents and teachers’ continued partnership and support” said Saleem. His past experience in Education as well as working for the government in the field of Human Services for over 15 years is practically evident in his day to day operations in their schools. Between their schools, Saleem leads a dedicated and professional team of over 120 employees managed by 12 highly qualified and caring leadership team members.
“When we were introduced to Primrose for our own children, we immediately became enthralled with the curriculum, instruction methodologies and dedication of the teachers to develop each child emotionally and cognitively,” said Dr. Salima Mithani. The couple recognized that Saleem's experience in education combined with Primrose Schools's philosophy would allow their family to establish a strong model of early learning in Minnesota where parents and children would feel comfortable and part of a family.
Both Saleem and Salima volunteer for local community organizations in the field of education and public services. Dr. Salima Mithani also served as the board member and treasurer of their children elementary school's PTO.
Primrose School of Arden Hills and Shoreview opened its doors in October of 2019, and our teachers have been enthusiastically teaching the exclusive Balanced Learning system with STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math) Program for children ages six weeks to 6 years old. Developed by and taught exclusively at Primrose Schools, Balanced Learning Curriculum blends teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a special emphasis on character development in the schools.
We hope to see you around at the school. For more information about Primrose School of Arden Hills and Shoreview please visit our Facebook page. For pointers for parents please visit https://www.primroseschools.com/blog