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.

Hi, my name is Kaylyn Baker, and I am so excited to get to aid in the nurturing of your precious babies.  I have always been the older cousin in my family, and with that responsibility, I always loved taking care of my baby cousins and playing with them while they grew up.

I love taking care of others which is one reason that I was drawn to Primrose School of Athens.  The school is based on caring for your children, and I am honored to be a part of that mission! 

In my free time I enjoy listening to music and taking time to reflect on my day, as well as going for occasional swims whenever I can.  I love crafting and doing DIY projects as well.  My family is a huge part of my life, so I am a big family gal that loves building connections with others.  With that said, I am ecstatic to be able to connect with your babies, as well as building connections and trust with you!

Hometown: Fort Oglethorpe, GA

Childcare experience:  5 + years

Education Background: Currently pursuing a degree in Human Development and Family Science with an Emphasis on Child Life 

Favorite food: Super hard question, but I would have to choose brownies

Favorite weekend activity: Watching a movie while drinking hot tea

Favorite children’s book: Anything Dr. Seuss, The Giving Tree, Clifford, Where the Wild Things Are

Primrose character I most relate to: Libby the Lamb

What I’m most excited about this school year: I am excited to build connections with the children and their parents, as well as provide a safe, nurturing environment for them.

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 myself.

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

Hello, my name is Shauna Bradley. I am a certified teacher from Gainesville, GA. I earned my degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Georgia, and I began teaching in 2015. Before I became a Pre-K teacher, I taught fifth and fourth grade in Gainesville City Schools. 

I decided to make a switch in 2020 and landed a job at the Primrose School of Gainesville. I enjoyed teaching Pre-K there for two years. My daughter and I recently moved to Athens and I am excited to begin a new journey at the Primrose School of Athens. I love Primrose and I am happy to be a part of this family.

For fun, I enjoy hiking, reading, and traveling. I have loved exploring Athens and eating all of the great food here. I feel fortunate to live in such a fantastic city and to work at a wonderful school. My favorite part about working at Primrose is teaching my students and watching all the growth they make in a school year. I am excited to progress at Primrose and watch my students learn and grow. 

Hometown: Gainesville, GA

Childcare experience: This is my eighth year in education. 

Education Background: Bachelor’s of Science in Education

Favorite food: Tacos

Favorite weekend activity: Hiking

Favorite children’s book: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Primrose character I most relate to: Percy

What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know my students

Hello, I’m Karen Carbonara.  I was born and raised in the Atlanta area and am a graduate of Emory University.  I hold degrees in both Early Childhood Education & Psychology. 

I realized at a very young age the beautiful spirit that children possess.  I knew that I wanted to be a mother and a teacher.  I am blessed to be the mother of two sons:  Joseph & Michael.  I have had the pleasure of teaching children for over 25 years. 

This year I look forward to getting to know your children and families; learning together and having a great time!

Hometown: Roswell, GA

Childcare experience: 25 years; including three Primrose schools J

Education Background: Emory University

Favorite food: Thai

Favorite weekend activity:  watching college football & cooking

Favorite children’s book: Where The Wild Things Are

Primrose character I most relate to: Og

What I’m most excited about this school year:  Being back in a Primrose classroom with your children

Hi, I’m Kylah Chase, I wanted to tell you a little about myself! I recently graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelors in Human Development and Family Science. I love seeing what I have learned come to life every day in the classroom! After growing up with four sisters, the excitement of the toddler classroom feels like home to me.

When not at school, you can find me spoiling my pup, Goose. We enjoy long walks throughout Athens… and sometimes T.J. Maxx too. Some of my favorite hobbies include collecting records, reading books, and attempting to have a green thumb.

I am so excited to be a part of the Primrose Team, and especially the Older Toddler Classroom. There is something very special about the growth and development that occurs in 1-2 year olds. I am so grateful to be able to watch each of your little Tots' big personalities come to life!

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.

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, I'm Lizzy Lamb. I wanted to tell you a little about myself!

I am a junior at the University of Georgia working on my bachelor's degree in Psychology. Once I finish with school, I am hoping to become an elementary school counselor!  I love to spend time with friends, be outside, shop, and I'm always looking for new restaurants in Athens to try! A lot of the time when I'm not at work or with my friends, you can find me in the library studying! I have had a passion for working with children since I was young. I cannot wait to continue my passion here at Primrose School of Athens! Back in my hometown of Cumming, Georgia I worked at a Primrose location for 4 years. There is nothing better than being able to help students grow and thrive! I love finding new ways to teach and entertain children everyday. I focus on making children smile each and every day, while also teaching them. I am so excited to be able to share my love for the children here!

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!

Hello, I’m Grace Ledford! I’m from Raleigh, North Carolina and am currently studying Communication Sciences and Disorders, Spanish, and Human Development and Family Science at UGA.

I have worked with children my whole adult life in many different environments. I have worked day camps in local communities, been a buddy for students with disabilities, and have been both general and leadership staff at Camp Don Lee summer camp! I love working with children because they remind me of the joy in life. I am able to learn from them just as much as they are learning from me.

During my free time I like to cook and read; there is nothing more satisfying than enjoying your own homemade meal with a good book! In the summers I like to sail and be on the water. I am so honored to be part of the Primrose community and cannot wait to meet and work with all of your children!

Hometown: Raleigh, NC

Childcare experience: 4+ years

Education Background: studying Communication Sciences and Disorders, Spanish,& Human Development and Family Science at UGA

Favorite food: Doughnuts

Favorite weekend activity:  Spending time with my family & friends outdoors

Primrose character I most relate to: : Katie because I love school and learning, both about specific subjects and the people around me!

What I’m most excited about this school year:  I can’t wait to make some crafts and get to know the students

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 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’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, I’m Kiara Rodgers. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.  I’m a recent graduate from The University of Georgia. I have a Bachelors in Spanish with a minor in Human Development & Family Sciences.  I was born in Georgia but spent most of my childhood in Hawaii before coming back here.

I have worked with children for as long as I can remember & love every minute of it! In my free time, I love to read, cook, & study more languages. I am currently well versed in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, & Latin.

Hometown : Valdosta, GA

Child care experience: 5+ years

Education Background: Bachelors in Spanish with a minor in Human Development & Family Sciences

Favorite food: Pizza

Favorite weekend activity: Reading and playing video games

Favorite children’s book: Harry Potter

Primrose character I most relate to: Peanut

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

Hi, I am Diana Rodriguez, and I prefer to go by Dee. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I am 22 years old and I recently graduated from the University of Georgia. I am seeking my Masters in School Counseling. I grew up involved with children. My mom had many different jobs from working at a local daycare, church nursery, and assistant Kindergarten teacher. I have been a Sunday School Teacher and spent most of high school volunteering at my former elementary school. I grew my love for children during college in a developmental psychology class. My goals are to work with children and aid their social, emotional, and cognitive development. In my free time, you can find me at home spending time with my fiancé and 2 cats Moon Pie and Sophia. I enjoy going to the gym, playing video games, and traveling to new places. I am so excited to be working at Primrose Athens and being a part of your children’s education. 

Hometown: Lawrenceville, GA

Childcare Experience: 3+ years 

Education Background: B.S. in Psychology 

Favorite Food: Chicken Quesadillas 

Favorite Weekend Activity: spending time with my fiancé, friends, and family

Favorite Children’s Book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? By Bill Martin, Jr. 

Primrose character I relate to the most: Arturo because I love to share things about the Spanish language and culture! 

What I’m most excited about this school year: Building relationships with these amazing students and the fun we will have learning new things

Hi I’m Nysia Romain, and I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

I graduated from Framingham State University where I dabbled in a bit of each major so I’m pretty well versed. I recently moved to Georgia; I was born and raised in Massachusetts! I come from a big family, and I am the oldest out of 10! As a kid I always said I wanted to be a teacher and that still holds true. Being able to be a resource and being helpful is always something I’m trying to achieve. 

In my free time you can find me cuddling with my 3 cats listening to music. I love anything music related, from the creative process to dancing. Let me know your favorite song! I am very excited to be a part of the Primrose Athens Team. I look forward to building relationships with you all!

Hometown: Boston, MA

Child Care Experience: First time in child care

Education Background: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies

Favorite Food: Chocolate Cake

Favorite Weekend Activity: Watching Movies

Favorite Children’s Book: The Snowy Day

Primrose Character I Most Relate to: Billy

What I’m Most Excited About This School Year: To connect and grow with the 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.

Hello, My name is Madison Tilley and I’d like to tell you about myself! This year I moved from my hometown in Charleston, West Virginia to Athens, Georgia. While in West Virginia, I studied and got my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and studio art and loved my classes in psychological development and ceramics. I also spent some time in West Virginia working as a camp counselor and afterschool teacher, and many years babysitting my many cousins. I’ve also spent time working with at-risk adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities. As I’ve always felt my purpose in life was to help others and to foster positive and meaningful relationships through education and creativity. It is such a gift to practice this passion of mine while working with children , to influence their lives and to watch them grow.

I love to spend my free time with my best friend: my husband. We like to cook fancy dinners, go on nature walks, and travel. I like to visit local cafes and the Georgia botanical garden here in Athens.

I am so excited and grateful to get to know you and your little ones and am happy to be a part of the Athens Primrose team!

Hometown: Charleston, WV

Childcare experience: Two years

Education Background: BS Psychology & Studio Art

Favorite food: Collard Greens

Favorite weekend activity:  Drawing at local cafes

Favorite children’s book: Ellison the Elephant

Primrose character I most relate to: Libby

What I’m most excited about this school year:Seeing everyone’s big and beautiful personalities shine.

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!!