Primrose School of Athens

Hi, I’m Helen Alvarez. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. 

I am 24 years old and I just moved from Los Angeles, CA. I graduated from California State University Northridge with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development. 

I have always loved working with children. I have been a Sunday School teacher, Toddler teacher, and Pre-K teacher. I love to teach because I get to witness the “ah ha” moments. I am able to impact the lives of the children I teach and make a difference. 

During my free time I like to discover new hikes. The views and waterfalls I am able to witness here are amazing! I am so happy to be part of the Primrose family and I look forward to getting to know all of your children and be the best teacher that I can be for them. 

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Childcare experience: 4+ years

Education Background: B.A in Early Childhood Development 

Favorite Food: Enchiladas 

Favorite weekend Activity: Spending time with my husband, hiking, and playing with my new puppy! 

Favorite children’s book: Animal Boogie by Debbie Harter 

Primrose character I most relate to: Benjamin because like him, I enjoy the outdoors and we have the same birthday! 

What I’m most excited about this school year: I can’t wait to be a part of your child’s pre-k experience! Being able to do all kinds of fun projects, explore, engage together and above all, form relationships with both you and your children.

Hello! My Name is Simona Barnett. I was born and raised in Hong Kong. I came to the U.S. when I was 16 years old. I enjoy my lifestyle here in the States. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Curtis, for over 3 years. We have a 16-month-old daughter, named Nova. She is full of personality and is definitely keeping us busy. We enjoy spending time together and going on different adventures.

I am a certified Early Childhood Education teacher in the state of Georgia. I have been teaching for about 10 years. I am passionate about teaching young children...they inspire me! I especially love watching how each child grows over a period of time. Children amaze me! I am excited about being part of the Primrose family.

Hometown: Hong Kong

Child care experience: 10 Years

Favorite food: Japanese

Favorite weekend activity: Rest and spending time with my family

Favorite children’s book: The Giving Tree

Primrose character I most relate to: Libby the lamb

What I’m most excited about this school year: Learning about my students and growing with them!

Hi, I’m Emily Baxter. I wanted to tell you a little about me .

My parents are originally from Mexico, but I was born and raised in Athens. My goal is to obtain a degree in Early Childhood Education and attend Athens Technical College to obtain an Associate and Bachelors degree in Early Childhood education.

I love working with kids! Watching children learn new skills, play each and every day as they interact with friends, and have fun brings me a lot of joy!

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, going on adventures, trips, and love doing and trying new things!

Hometown: Athens, GA

Child care experience: 4 years

Favorite food: Chicken

Favorite weekend activity: Watching movies and outdoor activities

Favorite children’s book: The Rainbow Fish

Primrose character I most relate to: Benjamin the bear

What I’m most excited about this school year: watch children learn and discover new things as they play and learn every day

Hi, I’m Nisha Blackwell. I wanted to tell you a little about me. 

I was adopted from India. I was in an orphanage that had children with disabilities and it helped teach me about inclusivity. I have a big heart for teaching and connecting with children because of my experience in India. I was eight years old when I moved to Georgia. 

I am working towards my Associates degree in Social Work at Athens Technical College. I would also like to get my Bachelor’s degree later. 

In my free time, I love decorating and being crafty. I love traveling the world experiencing new cultures with my Mom. I also love going on exciting adventures like hiking, jet skiing and outdoor activities with my boyfriend.

Hometown : Athens, Georgia

Child care experience: 4+ years

Education Background: Currently attending Athens Tech

Favorite food: Indian food

Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with my boyfriend and swimming

Favorite children’s book: Oh, the Places You’ll Go

Primrose character I most relate to: Ally

What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to connect with students and families

Hi! I’m Mallorie Boles and I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

I graduated Winder Barrow High school and want to continue my education in childcare. I have imagined myself working with kids since I was very young. I believe school is a fun place full of learning about ourselves and the world around us.

I am from a small town in south Georgia and am the youngest child of three. In my free time, I enjoy being with my friends, sitting by the lake, and reading whenever I can. I’m so excited to learn about you and your favorite books too!

Hometown : Statham, GA

Child care experience: 1 year

Favorite food: Steak tacos

Favorite weekend activity: Reading at the lake

Favorite children’s book: The story of Ferdinand

Primrose character I most relate to: Ally

What I’m most excited about this school year: Connecting with my students through reading!

Hi! I’m Lori Daniel and I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I was born in Gainesville, GA and moved to Athens at three years old.  I am married and have two adult children. At home, we have one dog, one cat, and two turtles. 

Recently, I was a receptionist in a veterinary clinic. I am excited to be back with children. My favorite thing about working with children is seeing their face light up when they learn new things. 

In my free time I like to craft and use my Cricut machine. My favorite place on earth is the beach and I love spending time with my family there. I’m so excited to start working at Primrose and get to know everyone!!

Hometown: Athens, GA

Child care experience: 20 years

Favorite food: Chicken salad

Favorite weekend activity: Crafting

Favorite children’s book: The Kissing Hand

Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin

What I’m most excited about this school year :Getting to know everyone and  helping the children grow.

Hi, I’m Christie Evans.I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

I have worked in Early Child Care for four years and I love working with children and helping them with their early learning and development.I am a Medical Assistant Graduate from the Medical Institute of Northeast Georgia.

I have two children.My son is Zachary is 16 and my daughter Logan is 25.We enjoy going to the movies, camping and just spending quality family time. My favorite hobbies are reading, swimming, camping, and travel.

I’m excited to be a part of this educational journey with the children here at Primrose Athens! I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

Hometown: Monroe Ga.

Child care experience: 4+ years

Education Background: Medical Assistant certification through The Medical Institute of North East Georgia

Favorite food:Pizza

Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with Family and friends.

Favorite children’s book: All of the Dr Seuss books

Primrose character I most relate to: Og

What I’m most excited about this school year: Learning my students’ personalities and learning techniques

Hi, I’m Mary Grahl.

I recently moved to Athens from South Carolina to be near my son and his family.

I was in the child care industry for many years. The birth of my 9 month old granddaughter reignited the part of me that loved helping to nurture and be a part of children's learning experiences.

I am so excited to be a part of the Primrose team, and can't wait to get to know you and your children!

Hometown: Spartanburg, SC

Child care experience: 10 years

Education Background: Early Childhood Education & Psychology at Wofford University; Elementary Counseling at Baptist College of Charleston

Favorite food: Cantoloupe & Watermelon

Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with my granddaughter

Favorite children’s book: "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch

Primrose character I most relate to: Og

What I’m most excited about this school year: Doing what I love…helping children learn.

Hi! I'm Natalia and I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself.

My husband, my dog Cuzco, and I landed in Georgia from Madrid, Spain in summer of 2022 giving a radical change to our life. We will be in Athens for a few years.

I am a social worker and have experience working with people with disabilities.  Although I have worked in schools, I have never worked in a childcare setting. Until now I had only cared for my nieces and nephews, so I am very excited to live this experience, which I know will be very enriching.

On weekends you can find me on the streets of Athens getting to know new places to walk around, enjoying a concert or having a coffee with friends!

Hometown: Madrid, Spain

Childcare experience:  First time working in childcare

Education Background: BS in Social Work.  MS in Disabilities

Favorite Food:  Cheese with Anchovies

Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with friends and family  

Favorite children’s book: Kika Superbruja

Primrose character I most relate to: Libby

What I’m most excited about this school year: Learning from and enjoying working with children on a daily basis.

Hello, My name is Hannah Keheley and I am so excited to be in the classroom with your kids! I have always had a passion for children and teaching. I have been working with children of all ages for the last 5 years. I began working with middle school students as an afterschool teacher. When summertime came, I spent my time as a camp counselor.

I am currently pursuing a Nursing degree at Athens Technical College in hopes of one day being a Pediatric Oncology Nurse. I love having the opportunity to care for little ones which is one of the reasons why I love being apart of Primrose.

During my free time you can always find me reading a book or planning my next Disney trip. When the weekend rolls around I am usually spending time with my family or my friends. I am so excited to be able to build relationships with you and your kids throughout the year!

Hometown: Loganville, GA

Childcare experience: 5+ years

Education Background: studying Nursing at Athens Technical College

Favorite food: Cookies

Favorite weekend activity:  Spending time with my family and friends

Primrose character I most relate to: : Og because I love to read!

What I’m most excited about this school year:  I am so excited to build relationships with my students.

Hi, My name is Brianna LaQuins hailing from Georgia’s illustrious lake country of Greene County! I am a 2020 graduate of The Fort Valley State University Receiving my bachelors degree in social work.

During my senior year in college I moved back to Greene County to be closer to my family. In that time I began teaching Georgia Pre-K in Oconee county. I learned so much from my introductory class and I am grateful for each lesson that they taught me. After seeing my class off to kindergarten I perused my career field And began working with the department of family and children services as a family development specialist. I enjoyed being able to help families come closer together in times where we need family the most. Recently I decided to take my social work background and pursue my future as an educator by enrolling into the GaTAPP program and getting my teaching certification. In my spare time I like to spend time hanging out with my friends, at home with family, tending to our small farm or somewhere listening to a podcast.

I am so excited to have the opportunity to teach Pre-K here at Primrose! This age group is at a point where they are so curious and soak up all the knowledge that they can. Thank you for allowing me to make a difference in your child’s future!

Hi! My name is Isabella Lee, but I go by Bella. I am extremely excited to be working with your children and the staff at Primrose School of Athens! I’m originally from Gainesville,Georiga but grew up in Clermont, Georgia .

I am enthusiastic about the work I do and working with such wonderful children and staff. My goal is to have a degree in early childhood education and make a difference in the lives of children everyday! 

Hometown: Clermont

Childcare experience: Six months

Favorite food: Fried Pickles & Corn Nuggets

Favorite weekend activity:  Spending time with friends

Favorite children’s book: Where is the Green Sheep?

Primrose character I most relate to: Molly

What I’m most excited about this school year: What I’m passionate about most …. Loving and helping children grow!

Hello!  My name is Sasha Looby and I'm excited to be working with the children and staff at Primrose School of Athens! I'm originally from Ohio and grew up in Suwanee, GA before moving to Athens to pursue a B.A. in English and a B.S. in Psychology.

I'm passionate about the work I do and am excited to help the children learn and grow. I want to make a difference in the lives of the children I work with everyday. I look forward to getting to know you and your children.

Hometown: Suwanee, GA

Childcare experience:  One year

Favorite food: Pasta

Favorite weekend activity: Going on walks, reading, and watching movies with family and friends

Favorite children’s book: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse

Primrose character I most relate to: Benjamin

What I’m most excited about this school year: Having fun with the children

Hi!  My name is Samantha Maxwell. I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself. I am a student at Athens Technical College studying early childhood education. I have always loved working with children and have been a nanny for the past few years. I have experience in all age groups from infants to 12 years old. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, gardening, painting, and spending time with my 2 cats.

Hometown: Monroe Ga

Childcare experience:  6+ years

Favorite food: Mexican

Favorite weekend activity:  Going to the lake 

Favorite children’s book:  Green Eggs & Ham

Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin

What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know the children!

Hello, I’m Genesis Mendoza. I wanted to tell you a little about myself! I am 21 years old and have lived in Georgia for 8 yrs. I am originally from Florida but I love it here in Georgia.

I am currently in school at Athens Technical College for my Associate's degree in Early Childhood Care and Education and will graduate in the Fall of 2023. I have always wanted to be an Elementary school teacher because I enjoy teaching children and seeing their growth and success. The success and growth of all children is very rewarding to see and experience with them and their families.

I am bilingual (Spanish and English). I love to run, go shopping, and dance in my free time. My favorite thing about working at Primrose is learning new things about childcare and building relationships with the students and their families

Hometown: Miami

Education Background:  TCC in ECE

Favorite food: Steak tacos

Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with loved ones and dancing

Favorite children’s book: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

Primrose character I most relate to: Benjamin

What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to work with children, see and celebrate their growth and successes, and meeting new students and their families.

Hi! I’m Leslie O’Neal, I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

I was raised in Lavonia, GA and have lived in the area all my life. I have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Piedmont University and plan to further my education in the future.

I find interest in how children develop certain skills and how their minds process things. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I love to cook, read, play with my dog, and go hiking when possible. I am excited to see your little ones grow and learn with my assistance and celebrate their milestones!

Hometown: Lavonia, GA

Childcare experience:  Two+ Years

Favorite food: Mexican

Favorite weekend activity:  Hiking and playing with my dog

Favorite children’s book: Dragons Love Tacos

Primrose character I most relate to: Og

What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to learn and grow with my students

Hi, I’m Daniela Osorio. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

I was born and raised here in Athens, Ga. I graduated from Clarke Central High School and continued my education at Athens Technical College. I received an Associate degree in Early Childhood Care and Education in August 2019. I have been working with children for the past two years and I can honestly say I love what I do. I love watching children learn and grow with the world around them. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, traveling to new places and taking lots of pictures.

I am so excited to work and grow alongside your child and become a part of the Primrose family.

Hometown: Athens, GA

Childcare experience: 3 years

Education Background: Associates in Early Childhood Care and Education

Favorite food: Chick-Fil-A

Favorite weekend activity: spending time with family, traveling

Favorite children’s book: The Rainbow Fish

Primrose character I most relate to: Katie

What I’m most excited about this school year: I am excited to grow with the Primrose family and connect with all the children.

Hi! I wanted to take a minute to introduce myself. My name is Alex Pizarro.

This is my second year teaching Pre-K. I have worked in many different classrooms throughout these years and I have obtained my Teacher’s Certification in Early Childhood Education. I plan on furthering my degree at Georgia State University. I am so excited to be a guide in your child’s education & development!

Hometown: Buford, GA

Childcare experience:  One and a half years

Favorite food: Chicken Wings

Favorite weekend activity:  Playing with my dogs

Favorite children’s book:  The Kissing Hand

Primrose character I most relate to: Benjamin

What I’m most excited about this school year: Having a good connection with each student

Hi!  My name is Susannah Prather and I wanted to tell you a little some thing about myself. I have lived in Georgia my whole life. I am the 3rd oldest in a family of 9 and I just got married this past February.

I have been in childcare almost my whole life. If I wasn’t babysitting my little siblings, it was the neighborhood kids or in the nursery at my church. I have always loved watching little ones play, learn and grow. Their creativity, innocence and resilience is something I am honored to learn from them.

I have a lovely cat Pibb and 2 geckos. I love trying new dinner recipes and DIY home projects. I am looking forward to working with this great staff to help nurture young minds and give each child the best day every day.

Hometown: Athens

Childcare experience: Two years

Favorite food: Pizza

Favorite weekend activity:  Movie night with my husband

Favorite children’s book: Little Bear’s Little Boat

Primrose character I most relate to: Katie

What I’m most excited about this school year: To have fun and learn with these amazing kids, getting to know them and their families.

Hi, I’m Megan Raines, and I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

I’ve worked in child care industry for 6 years, three of those at Primrose. I moved from Kennesaw, GA to Athens over the summer.

I have a little girl, Isabella, who is almost one year old. I love spending all my time with her and going on adventures together. I love working with children, and I look forward to teaching yours!

Hometown: Gainesville, GA

Childcare experience: Six years

Favorite food: Crab legs & Pizza

Favorite weekend activity: Loving on my daughter and anything outdoors

Favorite children’s book: Pete the Cat

Primrose character I most relate to: Billy the Duck

What I’m most excited about this school year: All the laughs and learning about my children

Hi! My name is Sierra! I graduated from the University of Georgia in May of 2022, with my Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Science. I aspire of becoming a Child Life Specialist, and having the privilege of working at Primrose furthers those aspirations.

I have been surrounded by children for as long as I can remember and have loved every second of it. Working with children provides a fulfilling sense of joy and creativity, that one can only get by doing so. When not helping with kiddos, I tend to find myself exploring local thrift stores and surrounding myself in nature. I enjoy picking up new hobbies and crafts that catch my interest, as well as experimenting with the old ones.

I’m so excited to get to know each child I interact with at Primrose, as well as watch their minds grow and creativity flourish!

Hometown: Covington, GA

Childcare experience: 10+ years

Education Background: BS in Human Development and Family Science

Favorite food: Strawberries

Favorite weekend activity: Thrifting & being out in nature

Favorite children’s book: Junie B. Jones Book Series

Primrose character I most relate to: Percy

What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know the kiddos in my class and making friends at Primrose.

Hi, I'm Yolis Ugalde! Let’s get to know each other…

My name is Yolis. I’m from Mexico, but I moved here 5 years ago. I started working with children in a childcare center in Michigan, and I fell in love with the job. I love their joy, the authenticity and being a witness of how they grow and develop. I love spending time with my family, taking long walks and learning how to do different crafts. I’m very happy to be part of the Primrose family and I can’t wait to see how much I learn about my students.

Hometown: San Luis Potosí, Mexico

Child care experience: 4 years

Favorite food: salmon

Favorite weekend activity: Long Walks

Favorites children's book: Cammy y Turrón

Primrose character I most relate to: Molly

Hello, my name is Kimberly Wooten. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I was born in Athens and have lived most of my life in Oconee County.

I am married to my high school sweetheart, Alan. We have been married four years and have a precious baby girl named Margaret.

Family is most important to me.I spend most of my weekends at my family’s lake house.I enjoy photography, crafting, and reading.I have eleven years of childcare experience.I have worked with all age groups and am a certified paraprofessional.I am so excited to be working at such a great school!

Hometown: Bogart, GA

Child Care Experience: 11 years

Education Background: Certified Paraprofessional

Favorite Weekend Activity: Spending time with family at the lake

Favorite Food: Chicken

Favorite Children’s Book: Goodnight Moon

Primrose Character I Most Relate To: Erwin

What I’m Most Excited About This School Year: Getting to watch my students grow and learn how to be a good friend

Hi! I’m Courtney Wright. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

I am currently a student at Athens Tech, but I will soon transfer to Lanier Tech to study nutrition. For fun, I love to play disc golf at Sandy Creek, and I also love to go hiking with my friends.

I love working with the two year olds. I love getting to know and interact with my kiddos. I can’t wait to get to know your child & your family!!