Ms. Sandra Hansen is a Toddler Teacher at Primrose School of Burlington, where she works with young toddlers and brings approximately 10 years of childcare experience to the classroom. She has completed early childhood coursework, and her years of experience have shaped a practical, attentive approach that supports toddlers as they build communication skills, independence, and confidence.

Ms. Hansen incorporates hands-on experiences throughout the day, including art exploration and projects, reading and literacy activities, outdoor and nature exploration, songs, dancing, and movement. She especially enjoys helping children learn new skills and seeing their excitement as they discover new experiences. She also places a strong emphasis on helping young children communicate with others and begin learning how to manage big feelings.

Communication with families is an important part of Ms. Hansen’s approach. She works closely with parents to support each child’s growth and learning throughout the year. Outside the classroom, Ms. Hansen enjoys spending time with her two dogs, taking nature walks, exploring her community, reading, and spending time with her family. She also enjoys trips to the beach and camping.

Ms. Sharon Navarro brings patience, empathy, and compassion to the youngest learners in our community. She chose Primrose because she shares the school’s values of providing children with a strong educational foundation while helping them feel confident, secure, and good about themselves.

With years of experience working with children, Ms. Navarro has developed strong skills in patience and problem-solving, allowing her to thoughtfully support each child’s unique needs. She is dedicated to helping infants reach important developmental milestones and to providing meaningful early experiences that support their growth.

Her proudest achievement is being a mom, a role that deepened her understanding of how important nurturing care and family partnership are during the early years. Ms. Navarro looks forward to building trusting relationships with families and creating a warm, supportive classroom where every child can thrive.

Ms. Lillian Bartlett became a member of the Primrose School of Burlington in August 2023, taking on the important role of a school-wide support faculty member and quickly transitioned into the role of one of our infant teachers, and now a toddler teacher. Drawn by the shared values and ethics of Primrose, Ms. Bartlett embraced the opportunity to contribute to a community that resonates with her personal beliefs.

A graduate of UVM with a BA in Food Systems, Ms. Bartlett’s academic background is a testament to her commitment to holistic well-being. This dedication aligns perfectly with Primrose’s approach to nurturing not only academic growth but also social, emotional, and physical development.

Ms. Bartlett’s choice to join Primrose is a reflection of her alignment with the school’s philosophy. Her decision was influenced by the school’s dedication to creating a supportive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. Her passion for supporting children’s growth and her desire to contribute positively to their development make her a natural fit within our Primrose community.

In her role as an infant faculty member, Ms. Bartlett’s patience and understanding stand out as some of her most valuable qualities. Her ability to connect with both children and colleagues creates an atmosphere of warmth and cooperation that fosters a sense of belonging for everyone.

Mrs. Marelize Botes is one of our toddler teachers at Primrose School of Burlington, where she brings more than 12 years of early childhood experience to the classroom. Before joining Primrose, Mrs. Botes worked with children from infancy through age five, building a strong understanding of early development across multiple stages. She holds a GED and has spent more than a decade helping young children build confidence, routines, and independence during their earliest learning years.

In the toddler classroom, Mrs. Botes enjoys watching children become more self-sufficient and seeing their personalities emerge through everyday interactions and milestones. She values creating strong relationships with both children and parents and believes communication and consistency help children feel secure as they grow. Her approach focuses on supporting toddlers as they develop social skills, independence, and curiosity through hands-on learning and daily routines.

Outside the classroom, Mrs. Botes enjoys animals and has four pet tarantulas as pets, and also loves dogs just as much