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

Hi! I’m Josie Callahan. I graduated from the University of Georgia in December 2020 and have been working in childcare ever since!

Upon graduating, I found a daycare job to fill my time until I found a job in my field of study, but I soon discovered that I really enjoyed working with children! They make me laugh and you can learn so much from them everyday.

When I am not at Primrose, I spend my time making and recording music with friends, playing in my band, and flexing my creativity. I love helping kids grow confidence in their creativity and social skills and am so excited to get to know the children in my class!

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!

I'm Haydee Concuan, I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I am from Dalton, GA, but my family is from Guatemala! I am a junior at the University of Georgia majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Spanish. I hope to one day become a Bilingual Speech Therapist! I have always been around children whether it was at Sunday school, babysitting or volunteering, I love being around children.

In my free time, I enjoy laying out by the pool, cycling, and hanging out with friends. I think children are so fascinating and love to see them in all stages of development plus they're very funny. I hope to learn more and grow at Primrose. I think Primrose's mission and values align with mine. I cannot wait to be more involved with this school to help in any way I can and get to know the amazing staff, families, and children who make this school what it is!

Name: Haydee Concuan

Hometown: Dalton, Georgia

Childcare experience: 5+ years

Education Background: CMSD Major with Spanish Minor

Favorite Food: Pasta

Favorite weekend activity: Hanging out with friends and family

Favorite children's book: Rainbow Fish

Primrose character I most relate to: Kati

What I'm most excited about this school year: Being a part of this school!

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, 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 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.

My name is Shannon Miller and I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I have been married to my husband for 24 years. We have 3 children, Tyler-22, Daniel-19, and Brianna-16. In the Fall of 2010 I started teaching at another child care center and continued my teaching career there for 10 years. Afterwards, I continued teaching at another school before making the transition to Primrose in March of 2022.

My passion is working with children and families to start children off on a firm foundation of learning. I am family oriented and love spending time with my family and my church family. I have been working with one and two years olds for the past 12 years and absolutely love it. I love watching children learn and grow and get excited about new accomplishments.

Hometown : Jacksonville, FL

Child care experience: 12 years

Favorite food: Steak

Favorite weekend activity: Sunday family dinner

Favorite children’s book: Little Blue Truck

Primrose character I most relate to:  Percy

What I’m most excited about this school year:  Watching children learn and grow

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 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 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

Hi! I am so excited to begin this journey and become a part of the Primrose family. I wanted you to know a little bit about me and my background into becoming a teacher.

I was born in Lawrenceville but grew up in the Athens area. I have been in childcare since my sophomore year in high school. Specializing in ESOL classrooms and Kindergarten environments, I love watching the personalities of students develop alongside their knowledge in education. I am working toward achieving my Bachelors in Childhood Education.

Personally, I am a very positive and fun-loving individual. I am married to the love of my life, Blake, and we have a beautiful three-year-old little girl named Rosie. We love to travel and enjoy family time together.

I am overjoyed to get to know your families and children better as the school year continues. Together we will achieve everything possible to give you and your child(ren) the best experience Primrose has to offer. Thank you for your continuous support!

Hometown: Lawrenceville, Georgia

Child care experience: 3+ years

Education Background: Working to achieve Bachelors in Early Childhood Education

Favorite food: Tacos

Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with my family and traveling

Favorite children’s book: Chrysanthemum

Primrose character I most relate to: Billy

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

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!!