Primrose School Building

Primrose School of Ballwin

Our Staff

  • Ms. Sarah King, School Director

    Ms. Sarah King

    School Director

    Ms. King has been a critical part of our Leadership Team since we opened our doors to families. Her dedication to our school and love for the mission and beliefs of Primrose Schools is part of what makes her a strong member of our Leadership Team. She is always motivating teachers and engaging with children all while making sure our school operates to the our high standards on a daily basis.

    She possesses over ten years of experience in early childhood education and holds a Bachelor of General Studies with emphasis in Child Family Development and English. Her overflowing love for children and ability to know each of them on a personal level makes her heart shine through.

    In her spare time she enjoys spending time outside, reading and experimenting with new recipes.

  • Mrs. Sabrina Efthim, Assistant Director

    Mrs. Sabrina Efthim

    Assistant Director

    Mrs. Efthim has over ten years of experience working with children in academic and healthcare settings. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and Human Services. Mrs. Efthim has always held a passion for providing exceptional care and service to children and their families. She loves to empower children to explore, be creative and live each day to the fullest. She is a certified child life specialist and car seat technician and enjoys working with the community.

  • Mrs. Janis Heutel, Assistant Director

    Mrs. Janis Heutel

    Assistant Director

    Mrs. Heutel has over ten years of experience working with children in early childhood education. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Development and Business Administration. Mrs. Heutel has a passion for working with children and watching them grow. She enjoys building relationships with Primrose Families and getting to know everyone that is a part of our school.

  • Ms. Rose Zanola, Infant Teacher

    Ms. Rose Zanola

    Infant Teacher

    Ms. Zanola has an abundance of experience working with infants and helping them reach their developmental milestones. She possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development. Ms. Zanola enjoys forming bonds with the children in her class and building relationships with their parents. In her free time, Ms. Zanola enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

  • Ms. Nancy Pritchard, Infant Teacher

    Ms. Nancy Pritchard

    Infant Teacher

    Ms. Pritchard has nearly 20 years experience working in childcare. She enjoys coming to work each day because no two days are alike. Reading stories to the class is her favorite part of the day, especially if she is reading "The Giving Tree". Ms. Pritchard and her daughter like to spend time outside and relaxing on the weekends.

  • Ms. Jennifer Smith, Infant Teacher

    Ms. Jennifer Smith

    Infant Teacher

    Ms. Smith has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Literacy and Psychology. She has over twenty years of experience working with and education children. When not teaching, Ms. Smith enjoying spending time with her daughter at the park, swimming and playing T-Ball.

  • Ms. Rachel Venegoni, Infant Teacher

    Ms. Rachel Venegoni

    Infant Teacher

    We are excited to have Ms. Venegoni here, at Primrose! She comes to us with many years of experience with infants. She also has an Associates in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Venegoni enjoys watching children grow and learn as they explore life. Ms. Venegoni's ideal weekend consists of boating while spending time with her boyfriend and dog.

  • Mrs. Megan Barnes, Toddler Teacher

    Mrs. Megan Barnes

    Toddler Teacher

    Mrs. Barnes obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri Columbia and a JD Law Degree from Southern Illinois University.  She also possesses over six years of preschool teaching experience. She became a teacher because she loves watching children’s excitement when they learn something new and helping them grow. In her free time, Mrs. Barnes enjoys spending time with family and friends.

  • Ms. Elise Linz, Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Elise Linz

    Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Linz comes to us with over two years of childcare experience. Ms. Linz attended Maryville University, while there she obtained a Bachelors Degree in Psycholoy and a Minor in Education. Ms. Linz wanted to be a teacher ever since she was a young child. She wants to be the kind and gentle teacher she needed growing up. Her weekends are spent playing tennis or studying spirituality and philosophy. She also enjoys going out for sushi! We are thrilled to have Ms. Linz on our Primrose team! 

  • Ms. Kendall Holladay, Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Kendall Holladay

    Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Holladay has over nine years of experience working with children in education setting as well with the Rockwood School District Early Childhood Center. She has a passion for children and became a teacher she loves watching them grow and learn. Her favorite children’s book is Pete the Cat, I Love My White Shoes.

  • Ms. Christina Redington, Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Christina Redington

    Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Redington enjoys working with children of all ages. She has a degree in Educational Studies. Ms. Redington originally fell in love with teaching after she read to children. Watching their eyes light up when they learn something new is a kodak moment. Ms. Redington spends her weekend catching the newest movie.

  • Mrs. Heather O'Neal, Early Preschool Teacher

    Mrs. Heather O'Neal

    Early Preschool Teacher

    Mrs. O'Neal comes to Primrose School of Ballwin with a wealth of knowledge from raising her own two children as well as working in childcare for over a year. After years of working in the corporate world, Mrs. O'Neal has decided to switch careers to something more rewarding, such as childcare. We are pleased to have her! When she is not at work, you'll find Mrs. O'Neal doing something active outside and searching for the best taco in town. 

  • Ms. Kandyce Mifflin, Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Kandyce Mifflin

    Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Mifflin comes to us with over five years experience in childcare. She is currently in school to become a social worker. Ms. Mifflin became a teacher to help children learn and grow. She enjoys spending time with her daughter when she is not working. On the weekends you can find Ms. Mifflin searching for the best potato skins in town.

  • Mrs. Erin Ebl, Pathways Preschool Teacher

    Mrs. Erin Ebl

    Pathways Preschool Teacher

    Mrs. Ebl has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Lindenwood University and vast experience with children in early childhood education. She has a passion fro working with children and became a teacher to help instill the love for learning in children. In her spare time she enjoys painting and spending time with her family.

  • Ms. Rylee Rector, Pathways Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Rylee Rector

    Pathways Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Rector comes to us with several years of childcare experience. She has a love for working with children and being a part of their journey and helping them to learn and grow. When she is not at Primrose, Ms. Rector enjoys spending time with family and friends.

  • Ms. Eldina Merajic, Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Eldina Merajic

    Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Merajic comes to us from a Primrose School in Indiana! We are thrilled to have her relocate to St. Louis and become a valued member of our team. She has worked with Primrose for six years now. Ms. Merajic loves working with preschool aged children as it is a very influential time in their lives. She hopes to make a positive impact each day to help young children grow. We love having Ms. Merajic!

  • Mrs. Kaitlin Peterson, Preschool Teacher

    Mrs. Kaitlin Peterson

    Preschool Teacher

    Mrs. Peterson comes to Primrose eager and ready to jump into our Preschool classroom. Mrs. Peterson enjoys working hard with each student individually to ensure they are successful on their own path. Mrs. Peterson finds time to on the weekends to search for new places to hike and travel. Trying new things and exploring new places are experiences that will hold forever memories. We are so excited to have Mrs. Peterson with us. 

  • Ms. Raelynn Hamilton, Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Raelynn Hamilton

    Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Raelynn Hamilton has an Associates in Education. She comes to us with over five years of early childhood experience and such a passion for students. Teaching is a path she always saw herself taking. We are so excited to welcome Ms. Hamilton to the Primrose Family!

  • Ms. Madison Roccia, Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Madison Roccia

    Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Roccia has worked with the Preschool age children for over six years. She enjoys this age in particular because the children are at one of the most influential stages in their life. Ms. Roccia loves reading to the children and her favorite story to read is "The Good Egg" by Jory John. When Ms. Roccia is not in the classroom she finds happiness in spending time with her two young children. They often search for new parks in the area, what a fun way to spend their weekends!

  • Mrs. Belinda Alexander, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Mrs. Belinda Alexander

    Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Mrs. Alexander has her Associate’s in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and is working towards her Bachelor’s Degree. She has over 16 years of experience working in Early Childhood centers as well as in the Fox School District. Mrs. Alexander enjoys serving at church and thrift shopping with her family in her free time.

  • Ms. Molly Rohrbach, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Molly Rohrbach

    Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Molly Rohrbach comes to Primrose with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Psychology. She enjoys working with all ages, but has the most experience with preschool through elementary. Ms. Rohrbach became a teacher to have a hand in the growth of a child and provide a positive impact on their life. We are thrilled to have Ms. Molly Rohrbach with us!

  • Ms. Lindsay Grabowski, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Lindsay Grabowski

    Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    We are so happy to have Ms. Grabowski join our team. She has worked with children in some fashion for over five years. She has experience with all ages, but you will likely find her with the Preschool through Pre-K ages. In her spare time, Ms. Grabowski enjoys watching her cousins play sports and searching for the best homemade mac and cheese recipe.

  • Ms. Meghan Smith, Explorer Teacher

    Ms. Meghan Smith

    Explorer Teacher

    Ms. Smith joins Primrose School of Ballwin with over six years of childcare experience. She was born and raised in the area, so she is happy to give back to the community and help young children learn about the world around them. Her favorite Primrose character is Mia! On weekends and evenings, you can find Ms. Smith enjoying tacos or watching a good movie at home. 

  • Ms. Amela Nezirevic, Wonder Support Teacher

    Ms. Amela Nezirevic

    Wonder Support Teacher
    Apple of Our Eye

    Ms. Nezirevic comes to us with 15 years of childcare experience. We are so happy to have Ms. Nezirevic working with our students. She is ready to jump in and make a difference in each one of the child's lives. When Ms. Nezirevic is not working, she is often taking her three children and fiance to different parks around St. Louis, MO. 

  • Mrs. Vicki Mayer, Wonder Resource Teacher

    Mrs. Vicki Mayer

    Wonder Resource Teacher

    Mrs. Mayer loves interacting with young children. After years of working in the business world as an accountant Mrs. Mayer has retired. Primrose School of Ballwin is thrilled to have Mrs. Mayer be a part of our Wonder Program as a support teacher. When she is not cuddling the babies, Mrs. Mayer is exploring the outdoors with her husband and snacking on chocolate.

  • Ms. Cindy Crosby

    Resource Teacher

    Ms. Crosby has always had a calling for working with children on some level. Whether that be in the classroom or in her own home. Ms. Crosby has a huge heart and loves children! Over the years, she has found that a home with children is so much more cheerful. She currently has three children living at home, all of which were adopted. On her off hours, she enjoys attending their sporting events and spending time with them.

  • Ms. Lauren Jordan, Wonder Support Teacher

    Ms. Lauren Jordan

    Wonder Support Teacher

    Ms. Jordan has her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Development from Southeast Missouri State University. She comes to us with over seven years working with children in an educational setting. Ms. Jordan has a passion for working with children and became a teacher to ensure children feel safe, loved and have a place to grow and learn.

  • Ms. Emily Hardina, Wonder Support Teacher

    Ms. Emily Hardina

    Wonder Support Teacher
  • Ms. Emma Dill, Resource Teacher

    Ms. Emma Dill

    Resource Teacher

    Ms. Dill is pursuing her Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education. She enjoys using her creativity and experience to expand the hands-on learning activities for the children’s interest in her classroom. She is passionate about working with children because every day is different which brings new excitement each day.

  • Ms. Renuka Waghmare, Resource Teacher

    Ms. Renuka Waghmare

    Resource Teacher

    Ms. Waghmare enjoys interacting with children and sharing some of her interests, such as music and cooking, with them. Ms. Waghmare is pleased to float between our rooms as she has the opportunity to connect with a variety of children. 

  • Mrs. Dalia Ruhman

    Resource Teacher
  • Ms. Katherine Howard, Resource Teacher

    Ms. Katherine Howard

    Resource Teacher

    Ms. Howard has had a passion for working with young children for years. Originally Ms. Howard planned on going to school for teaching. However, as she began taking college courses, she discovered her love for English and Communications. Now, Ms. Howard attends Maryville University where she is working towards a Bachelor's Degree in Communications. After graduation she hopes to work in an environment where she can teach children proper English communication skills. In her spare time, Ms. Howard enjoys spending time with her horse!

  • Ms. Lexi Glaser

    Resource Teacher

    Ms. Glaser is a student at Missouri State currently studying Early Childhood Development. She has worked with a variety of ages from infants to school aged children. Ms. Glaser first began working with children to help shape their hearts and minds. Her favorite stories to read to the children are The Very Hungry Caterpillar and A Bad Case of Stripes. When Ms. Glaser is not at work or school, she enjoys reading and being crafty.

  • Ms. Jannie Smith, Chef

    Ms. Jannie Smith

    Chef

    We are pleased to have Ms. Smith as a part of our Primrose team. Ms. Smith received an associates degree in culinary arts and also has taken college child development courses. Her favorite foods are soul food, seafood, BBQ and italian foods. Ms. Smith spends her time outside of the kitchen in a variety of ways: she enjoys walking her dog and hanging out with her friends.  

  • Ms. Chesna McDonald, Chef

    Ms. Chesna McDonald

    Chef

    Ms. McDonald comes to us with a culinary degree from Le'Cole Culinaire. St. Louis is Ms. McDonald's hometown, so it is only natural that pizza is her favorite food! We are thrilled to have Ms. McDonald with us at Primrose. 

  • Ms. Allie Johnson, Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Allie Johnson

    Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Johnson comes to Primrose School of Ballwin with over three years of early childhood teaching experience. She is currently working to obtain her degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Maryville University. Ms. Johnson plans to specialize in Child Life. When not at work, Ms. Johnson enjoys spending time with her family. She has a young, active daughter to keep up with! We are thrilled to have Ms. Johnson on our team. 

  • Kurtis and Michelle Parks - Brad and Christine Thompson, Franchise Owner

    Kurtis and Michelle Parks - Brad and Christine Thompson

    Franchise Owner

    Meet Brad and Christine Thompson and Kurtis and Michelle Parks - the proud owners of the Primrose School of Ballwin. These two couples believe strongly in the Primrose commitment to developing the whole child. They are honored to bring a premier early education experience to families living in West County.

    Christine and Michelle are educators, sisters and West County residents who are looking forward to changing the lives of children in their own community. Together they hold over fifteen years of teaching experience. Their strong understanding and value for education led them to their desire to open their own Primrose School.

    Both families place a strong value on education, which led them to have a deep appreciation for the balanced learning approach that combines purposeful play and nurturing guidance. They were also drawn to the Primrose belief that, who a child becomes is as important as what a child knows, which is emphasized in the thoughtful character education program that is unique to Primrose Schools.

    Christine and Brad Thompson have three children and they are looking forward to watching their children flourish in the Primrose environment both in the preschool and explorer programs. Their family enjoys traveling, exploring new places in St. Louis and being an active part of the Ballwin community.

    Michelle and Kurtis Parks are recently married and live in Wildwood. They enjoy being outdoors and love the hands-on curriculum Primrose provides. They look forward to building a school that their children will one day learn and grow in.

    The Thompson and Parks families are excited to bring this premier educational experience to the children in the West County area. We would love for you to be a part of our Primrose family and help your children build Active Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts.

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