Primrose School of Chanhassen

Our Staff

  • Ms. Fouquette, Director

    Ms. Fouquette

    Director

    Hello, My name is Ms. Fouquette and I am the Director of Primrose School of Chanhassen. I was born in New Jersey, but have lived in Minnesota for most of my life. I grew up in Brooklyn Park, MN. I went to college for floral design and worked in a preschool and knew that was my calling so I changed my major in Early Childhood Education. Over the years I have loved watching children learn, grow  and love that I can be a part of that journey. In my free time I love spending time with my husband, Jason and my four kids Annabelle, Anthony, Austin and Ainsley. You can find us at the pool or building something new for the house.

  • Ms. Thompson, Director of Operations

    Ms. Thompson

    Director of Operations

    Hello, I'm Ms. Thompson and I'm thrilled to be back at Primrose. I joined the Primrose family again in March of 2022. I previously was here as a Pre-Kindergarten Teacher for almost 5 years then worked else where as a Teacher and an Assistant Director. I have also worked in several programs with children with special needs. My degree is in Early Education, specializing in preschool, with a minor in communication disorders. When I'm not at school you will find me exploring the community with my daughter, walking my Toy Australian Shephard, or going to see my husband playing drums around the Minneapolis area.  Also, I was diagnosed with Alopecia, which prevents me from growing hair. That's why I'm rocking the bald look! I’m excited to be here at Primrose of Chanhassen and thank you for sharing your child with me in their first years of life.

  • Ms. Wilmes, Education Coach

    Ms. Wilmes

    Education Coach

    Hi! My name is Ms.Wilmes. I live in Carver, MN with my husband, 2 children and cat. We have a 4 year old daughter and a 3 year old little boy who currently attend Primrose with me. I grew up in Plymouth, MN and am one of four children. I’m pretty much a homebody and enjoy just being at home with my family. My dream was always to become a mother and raise my kids so I’m pretty much living my dream. ☺️

    I hold a Bachelors in Elementary Education from Bemidji State University. Though I originally moved up to Bemidji to attend college I ended up falling in love with the people and community and ended up living there for about 10 years before moving back to the cities.

    I’ve worked with kids as far back as I can remember as a babysitter, a nanny, a Personal Care Assistant (PCA)  and I worked at The Boys and Girls Club of the Bemidji Area for 7 years. After that I taught preschool at a childcare center in Rosemount, MN. Before I found Primrose of Chanhassen, I took the opportunity to be a stay-at-home parent. As much as I love being home with my kids I felt it was time for them to start learning about what else the world can offer. Full time care for them meant full time work for me and what luck to come upon Primrose of Chanhassen.

    I am excited to take on the position of Education Coach and help mentor our teachers to help guide them through the developmental and educational process to continue to grow our future leaders.

  • Ms. Spates, Infants & Young Toddlers Teacher

    Ms. Spates

    Infants & Young Toddlers Teacher

    Welcome to our Infant and Young Toddler classroom! My name is Ms. Kara Spates and I am looking forward to helping the little ones learn and grow. I wanted to work for Primrose because of their structure, their values and the way they introduce lessons.

    I grew up in a small town in northern Minnesota and I am very family oriented. I have one older sister and younger twin brothers. I have a Bachelors Degree in Biology & Nursing that I received from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth. I moved to Apple Valley as my family had all migrated there prior to me moving.

    I enjoy reading, quilting, diamond painting, riding my bike, swimming and spending time with friends and family.

    I am excited to embark on this academic journey with all of you!

  • Ms. Anderson, Infants & Young Toddlers Teacher

    Ms. Anderson

    Infants & Young Toddlers Teacher

    Hi! Im Ms. Anderson,

    Im a returning employee of Primrose, I took a short break last year to take a few college classes but now I’m back. I have worked with children for as long as I can remember from babysitting, coaching, managing, religious ed at my church, and now back at Primrose. My passions have always included leadership and education. Combining those two things I have loved this profession I get to work with kiddos to achieve their goals and watch them grow. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be able to come home to my Primrose family, it brings me much joy to work along side such fun people, wonderful kids, and fantastic families! 

    Feel free to stop in and say hi! I love seeing familiar faces and new ones too. 

    Thanks for reading! 

  • Ms. Murphy, Infants & Young Toddlers Teacher

    Ms. Murphy

    Infants & Young Toddlers Teacher

    Hi, my name is Ms. Murphy and I am excited to be your teacher at Primrose! You will see me in our infant and young toddler rooms!

    I am from Norwood Young America and currently still reside there with my family & my boyfriend. I graduated from Dakota County Technical College with a degree in photography in spring 2022.

    I got into childcare when I was 14 years old, being a classroom assistant at an after-school care for preschool-5th graders. I have since worked with infants-preschool but have grown to love the infants and young toddler age groups. I love teaching because daily I get to interact with the children & teach them so many things as well as learn from the children!

    In my free time, I love to go shopping, explore state parks, play with my dachshund Apollo & take photos everywhere I go!

    I can't wait to meet all of you! 

  • Ms. Pederson, Infants & Young Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Pederson

    Infants & Young Toddler Teacher
    Apple of Our Eye

    I am very excited to get to know each one of you. I came to Primrose to learn and grow with the teachers and children.

    I grew up in Cologne, MN. I love camping, baking, playing games and doing puzzles. I love hanging out with my family, friends and two yellow labs.

  • Ms. Ratai, Infants & Young Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Ratai

    Infants & Young Toddler Teacher

    I am excited to meet the students and families at Primrose. I have a degree in family studies and child development from Minnesota State University. I am looking forward to using what I have learned and putting it to use in the classroom here.

    I grew up in Winsted Minnesota. I have worked with every age of children, but infants are my favorite to work with.

  • Ms. Furst, Infants & Young Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Furst

    Infants & Young Toddler Teacher

    I am very excited to start my journey here at Primrose. I think Primrose has a lot to offer and look forward to being part of the team. My passion is working with children.

    I was born in Minneapolis and moved to the suburbs in junior high. I have worked with children from the time I got out of high school. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends and doing genealogy research.

     

  • Ms. Abdi, Toddler & Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Abdi

    Toddler & Early Preschool Teacher

    Hi, I am very excited to meet you. I cam to Primrose to continue my education in child development. I love working with children and supporting them as they learn and grow.

    I grew up in San Diego CA. I moved to MN 6 years ago. I love spending time with my family and jogging and watching movies.

  • Ms. Kociemba, Toddler & Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Kociemba

    Toddler & Early Preschool Teacher

    I am so excited to be back! I can’t wait to get to know all of you!

    I am from Anoka, MN. I have a 16-year-old daughter named Haley. I have 2 dogs; one is a Great Pyrenees named Maisey and an American Bully named Homer. I have been engaged for 4 years and getting married sometime soon. I enjoy exercising, reading and spending time with my family.

  • Ms. Parker-Sims, Toddler & Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Parker-Sims

    Toddler & Early Preschool Teacher

    Feels great to be back! I’m very excited to watch your child explore and learn new things each day!

    I am a new mom of an amazing baby boy! I’m also married. I’m currently in the process of completing my CDA and attending Penn Foster to obtain my associates in early childhood education. During my free time, I enjoy time with my family and hanging out outside at the pool.

  • Ms. Schroeder, Toddlers & Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Schroeder

    Toddlers & Early Preschool Teacher

    I am very excited to be apart of Primrose. I enjoy being with children and love seeing them grow.

    I am adopted but grew up in Prior Lake, MN. I enjoy playing outside with my dog and spending time with my family.

  • Ms. Petersen, Toddlers & Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Petersen

    Toddlers & Early Preschool Teacher

    Hi! I’m Ms. Petersen. I have been working with children for almost 8 years. I love watching them grow and become the best version of themselves! I am excited to teach your little ones!

    I grew up in Shakopee/Chaska areas. I love going on walks with my 7yr old son, Xander. We also love having movie nights!

  • Ms. Wentz, Toddlers & Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Wentz

    Toddlers & Early Preschool Teacher

    Hello! I’m Ms. Wentz. I’m so excited to join the Primrose family. I’ve been in the childcare field for 19 years! Working with children is a true passion of mine. I look forward to building relationship with the children in my care and their families too.

    I grew up in Chaska, MN and currently live in Waconia. I’m a coffee lover, a huge Marvel fanatic, and a book nerd.

  • Ms. Stallard, Toddlers & Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Stallard

    Toddlers & Early Preschool Teacher

    I’m looking forward to helping and watching your kiddos grow. Teaching kids is my passion, so I’m excited to do so at Primrose.

    I grew up just northwest of London, England. I love spending time with friends and family. I love shopping, eating good food, and binge-watching Netflix.

  • Ms. Jameson, Pathways & Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Jameson

    Pathways & Preschool Teacher

    Hello, my name is Ms. Jameson. I was born and raised in Juneau, Alaska. I attended the University of Alaska, Southeast for 2 years then I attended the University of Oregon for 1 year. After that, I moved to Mankato, MN and finished my Elementary Education Degree there.

    Mankato is also where I met my husband Matt. We moved to Apple Valley where I finished my student teaching. At the time, I had a friend who worked for Primrose in a Pre-K classroom and told me to apply. Five years later, I still love it at Primrose!

    A few years after working at Primrose, Matt and I bought a house in Bloomington, which is much closer then Apple Valley, and we have enjoyed the past year celebrating our first year of marriage although we have been together for over a decade!

    I am so happy to be a part of the Primrose family and look forward to getting to know all of you!

  • Mr. Drazan, Pathways & Preschool Teacher

    Mr. Drazan

    Pathways & Preschool Teacher

    I’m very excited to get to work with you all. I’ve had previously worked at a preschool and I can’t wait to see your child grow and learn as I did with my past students.

    I grew up in Victoria, MN. IN my free time I like to go out on the water in my rowing shell and row in the beautiful outdoors. During the cold months I like to workout indoors and organize my sport collection.

  • Ms. Blythe, Pathways & Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Blythe

    Pathways & Preschool Teacher

    Hey y'all! I am so glad to be a teacher in the Preschool and Preschool Pathways classes! This is my first year at Primrose, but I have been in early childhood education for a few years now. I attended St. Edward's University in Austin Texas. Before that, I grew up in Omaha Nebraska showing cattle in 4-H. I love singing, baking, exploring, climbing trees, swimming, being creative and hanging with my dog Midnight. So come say "Hi", tell me what's on your mind, feel free to ask me questions because I promise to always be by your side!

  • Ms. Ruddies, Pathways & Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Ruddies

    Pathways & Preschool Teacher

    Hello! My name is Ms. Ruddies. I love Children and I want to be apart of their growth. I have two daughters, Courtney “Chae” and Kylie. I have two dogs, a Boston Terrier named Auggie and a Rottweiler who is named Rocco! I look forward to building a strong and positive relationship with you.

    I grew up in Ohio. I have lived in Minnesota for 21 years. People said come to Minnesota, it would be fun. I stayed because my car wouldn’t start first winter. Seriously though, I love Minnesota. I love nature, puzzles and spending time with my family.

  • Ms. Hayden, Pathways & Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Hayden

    Pathways & Preschool Teacher

    I look forward to getting to know you, and your family. I came to primrose after hearing so much about their program and success stories. I wanted to be a part of the team and make a difference in the loves of children.

    I am born and raised in Minnesota. Currently I live in Bloomington. My favorite place to be is Duluth and the North Shore. I go there every chance I get. I have one cat that is my whole world. I love spending time with my family and spending time at the cabin.

  • Ms. Rash, Private Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Rash

    Private Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Hello Primrose Families

    My name is Ms. Rash and I am so excited to be a part of the Pre-Kindergarten team. I have been in Early Childhood for almost 25 years. I spent 15 years as a 3–4-year-old preschool teacher, before moving into administration and center director. But one thing I missed the most was being in the classroom. I love being a daily part of the children’s education journey, having teachable moments and connecting with each child. My degree in Early Childhood Development opened a door to a love for Children’s Literature as well. I’m truly looking forward to getting to know you and your child(ren) and am beyond excited for the year to come!

     

    I was born and raised Minnesotan and my favorite season in Fall. I love being outside, walking by the water, exploring new neighborhoods, listening to music and being with friends and family. I am the middle of 3 children: older brother and a younger sister. I love being an active aunt to my 2 nieces and nephew. I currently love in Richfield with my cat, Willow

  • Ms. Werner, Private Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Werner

    Private Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    I can’t wait to meet everyone! I am excited to become a part of the Primrose community. I love to learn new things and to help others in any way I can!

    This is my sixth year in Minnesota. I enjoy a wide variety of creative hobbies and trying anything new. Some of the things that make me most happy are colors, music and laughter!

  • Ms. Abler, Private Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Abler

    Private Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    I am super excited to be a part of the Primrose family! Teaching is a passion of mine and I can’t wait to grow as a teacher. Children teach me just as much as I teach them.

    I grew up in Maple Plain, MN. I love spending time with my family and Fiancé. I love going to the cabin Fishing and going to car shows. I always have a craft I am working on.

  • Ms. McMahon, Building Float

    Ms. McMahon

    Building Float

    Hello Primrose families!

    My name is Ms. Herman and I am a teacher in the Preschool classroom at the Primrose School of Chanhassen. I grew up in Carver, Minnesota and graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Spanish. I am currently pondering pursuing a Masters in Educational Psychology.

    I have a passion for learning and am excited to implement what I have learned to contribute to your child's growth at Primrose. In my free time, I love to play volleyball, play music, and to play games with my friends and family.

    I am excited to be a part of your children's educational journey. I look forward to developing a relationship with you and your child as well as fostering a fun and engaging learning environment!

  • Chef Laura, Chef

    Chef Laura

    Chef

    HI! My name is Chef Buckman and I am very excited to be the Chef at Primrose School of Chanhassen!

    I graduated from Le Cordon Bleu 10 years ago with a Baking and Pastry Degree. I have been passionate about baking and cooking for as long as I can remember. My uncle owns a donut shop in Byron, MN and as a kid my idea of a fun summer break was waking up at 2 am and making donuts! I even almost burned my house down in elementary school after being inspired by the food network and attempting to fry chicken. So I believe cooking has always been in the cards for me, I just needed some training. Since graduation I have been working in scratch bakeries focusing on natural foods being a cook, baker, and a cake decorator.

    Other than food my great love in life is animals. I have two dogs, a Papillon and a Pomeranian, and 2 cats. I have fostered over 15 other animals in the last year as well. If I am not in the kitchen or laying in a pile of animals, you can find me messing around in my garden, reading true crime books, or playing dinosaurs with my nephew.

    I am looking forward to sharing my passion for great tasting quality foods and to help create an exciting healthy relationship with food for all the kids I have the pleasure of cooking for!

  • Chef Jim, Chef

    Chef Jim

    Chef

    Hello Pimrose faimlies! 

    My name is Chef Jim and I am excited to being my journey at Primrose. I graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. During the pursuit of practicing my craftmanship compelled me to try my hand at winemaking, breadmaking, and pastry, and as a hawker of artisanal cheeses and charcuterier. I have practiced my craft on both coasts of the United States, in addition to Paris and Switzerland!  

  • Ben and Lisa Adams, Franchise Owner

    Ben and Lisa Adams

    Franchise Owners

    It was easy to see. . .children were not ready for first grade. This was the conclusion that former first grade teacher Lisa Adams, MaED came to each September as children came into her classroom, unprepared socially and academically. But why? A preschool education can be the most important foundation a child can have since the majority of their brain is developed by age four. So when she and her husband began planning their own family in 2003, a quest was born. First locally and eventually nationwide, Lisa searched for researched-based education and quality care with an emphasis on social/emotional skills. What the Adams' sought, and finally found, was Primrose Schools. The Adams' could easily see the Primrose difference and decided to bring the country's best private preschool to Eden Prairie in 2007. The program that was developed at Primrose School of Eden Prairie was adopted by the entire Southwest Metro with such enthusiasm that a sister campus was built in Chanhassen to make the Primrose Experience available to more students and families. The Primrose School of Eden Prairie was built for Ben and Lisa's son Allen, who was born in 2005. After completing the entire program, Allen graduated in 2012 and happily started first grade very well prepared. The Primrose School of Chanhassen is built for you the families who live in our community. Benjamin and Lisa Adams want to share the Primrose experience with you.

    Read More