Primrose School Building

Primrose School of Ellicott City

Our Staff

  • Ms. Karen Mullen, School Director

    Ms. Karen Mullen

    School Director

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Karen Mullen.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I’m originally from Maryland and am happy to return to my roots and direct this amazing school.  I have over 30 years of experience in the Early Childhood field and hold a Masters Degree in Education.  I love spending time with my family that includes my 3 children and my 4 grandchildren.  I enjoy training my Standard Poodle and look forward to all that the Baltimore area offers for exploration.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 30 years

    Education Background: BS in Elementary Education; Masters in Education

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Filling our school with amazing children and lots of learning opportunities for all!

    Favorite children’s book: The Energy Bus

    In My Personal Time: I love going to the dog park and shopping.

  • Ms. Amanda Rooney, Education Coach/Early Preschool 2 Teacher

    Ms. Amanda Rooney

    Education Coach/Early Preschool 2 Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Amanda Rooney.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I am so excited to be here at Primrose School of Ellicott City!  I have worked in the public schools as a substitute, special education assistant and Kindergarten teacher.  Prior to working here I was a Kindergarten teacher for 3 years at a private school in Clarksville.  I come from a family of school professionals – teachers, assistants, Media specialists and more!

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 7 years public school; 3 years private school

    Education Background: Associates Degree in Early Childhood

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I’m so excited to help all of our children have a WOW Primrose experience.

    Favorite children’s book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy reading, visiting historical sites and going on walks.

  • Ms. Sara Cuomo, Administrative Assistant

    Ms. Sara Cuomo

    Administrative Assistant

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Sara Cuomo.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I grew up in New Jersey and attended the University of Connecticut (GO HUSKIES!) where I met my husband.  We currently live in Ellicott City with our daughter, our son and our dog.  In my free time I spend time snuggling with my family, going on hikes, reading, doing crossword puzzles, exercising and laughing with friends.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: Preschool Assistant 1 year; Stay At Home Parent 9 years

    Education Background: B.A. in English Literature

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love watching children learn and grow!

    Favorite children’s book: Mio My Son by Astrid Lindgren

    In My Personal Time: I love spending time with my family and friends.

  • Mr. J, Food Service Teacher

    Mr. J

    Food Service Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Mr. J.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 1 year

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Greeting families and teaching children to love healthy foods!

    Favorite children’s book: Seasonal books

    In My Personal Time: I play cricket and volleyball, enjoy listening to music and eating!

  • Ms. Sarala Margam, Infant 1 Teacher

    Ms. Sarala Margam

    Infant 1 Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Sarala Margam.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I am a returning infant teacher who has been at Primrose for about one year.  My husband is a software engineer.  I have two children.  My daughter is a senior in college and will be starting a job with Amazon in January 2023.  My son is a junior in college at UMBC.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 5 years

    Education Background: Bachelors from BBM

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I’m excited to work with infants and be part of the Primrose Family.

    Favorite children’s book: The Giving Snowman

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy gardening, watching movies & family gatherings.

  • Ms. Siva Kumari, Infant 2 Teacher

    Ms. Siva Kumari

    Infant 2 Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Bathala Sivakumari.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I was born and raised in India and moved to the USA seventeen years ago.  I have a Bachelor of Arts and completed my MSDE certifications.  I have over fifteen years experience in childcare.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 15 years

    Education Background: Bachelor of Arts

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love to read books with the children.

    Favorite children’s book: The Cat In The Hat

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy cooking, watching tv and reading books.

  • Ms. Komal Patel, Infant 2 Aide

    Ms. Komal Patel

    Infant 2 Aide

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Komalben Patel. Here are some great things about me. I am married with one daughter who is three years old. She attends the school, and her name is Pari. My birthday is on July 5th!

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Name: Komalben J. Patel

    Hometown: India

    Childcare Experience: New to the field- 1st year

    Education Background: General Nursing and Midwifery

    Favorite food: Puffs and burgers

    Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with my family and cooking

    Salty Snack: Puffs

    Way to contact me: Procare message or send in a note

     

  • Ms. Vijaya Muddana, Toddler 1 Teacher

    Ms. Vijaya Muddana

    Toddler 1 Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Vijaya Muddana.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I am originally from India.  I have over 11 years of experience in early childcare.  I have a Bachelors Degree in Language Arts.  I love spending time with my family and friends, especially in spiritual activities.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 11 years

    Education Background: BA in Language Arts

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I’m excited to spend time with your children.

    Favorite children’s book: Animal Babies

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

  • Ms. Ratnavali Dudla, Toddler 1 Teacher

    Ms. Ratnavali Dudla

    Toddler 1 Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Ratnavali Dudla.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I am from India, but have lived in Maryland for over ten years. Maryland is like a second home to me. I have 8 years of experience and two of those years are licensed home day care. I hold a degree which I earned in India. I enjoy spending time with my family. I look forward to working at Primrose!

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 8 years

    Education Background: Bachelors of Arts

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love to watch my students learn & grow.

    Favorite children’s book: Little Red Riding Hood

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy watching movies.

  • Ms. Galina Kilmova, Toddler 1 Aide

    Ms. Galina Kilmova

    Toddler 1 Aide

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Galina Kilmova.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I am from Russia.  I graduated from the Pedagogical University.  For a long time I worked at the college level and then as Head of the Education Department in an Educational Center. I like to spend my free time with my family and friends.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 6+ years

    Education Background: Masters Degree

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I enjoy creating a warm and friendly atmosphere in my classroom.

    Favorite children’s book: Read to Me by Judi Moreillon

    In My Personal Time: I love ballroom dancing.

  • Ms. Harsha Thakker, Toddler 2 Teacher

    Ms. Harsha Thakker

    Toddler 2 Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Harsha Thakker.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I am married and I have two grown children.  One daughter whose name is Jinal and a son whose name is Dhawanid.  My daughter is 32 years old and is also married and my son is 24 years old and is engaged!

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 6 years

    Education Background: Bachelors of Arts in Psychology

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I like to get to know my students and watch them learn & grow.

    Favorite children’s book: The Primrose Puppet books

    In My Personal Time: I love spicy foods and listening to music!

  • Ms. Lauren Johnson, Toddler 2 Aide

    Ms. Lauren Johnson

    Toddler 2 Aide

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Lauren Johnson.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I enjoy playing the violin and sketching.  I love to use my imagination to come up with children’s stories.  I have two dogs named Beane & Natasha.  I also love Anime and Japanese culture.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 6 years

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love watching the kids grow/mature and see what they do/say next.

    Favorite children’s book: Beep, Woosh, Go

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy drawing, practicing music and relaxing.

  • Ms. Sridevi Madduri, Toddler 2 Aide

    Ms. Sridevi Madduri

    Toddler 2 Aide

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Sridevi Madduri. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I have two daughters.  I love to be with kids, make learning a fun activity and to encourage them to learn in a fun-filled way.  I like walking and gardening.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 5 years

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love to play and teach kids while playing.

    Education Background: Bachelors in Commerce & CPA equivalent in India

    Favorite children’s book: Everything by Dr. Seuss

    In My Personal Time: I like spending time walking, hiking, gardening and cooking!

  • Ms. Akoele Amouzou, Early Preschool 1 Teacher

    Ms. Akoele Amouzou

    Early Preschool 1 Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Akoele Amouzou.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: >1 year

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love to watch my students learn & grow.

    Education Background: A. A. in Business Administration

    Favorite children’s book: Alice in Wonderland

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy cooking, cleaning & exercising.

  • Ms. Joy Shen

    Early Preschool 1 Co-Teacher
  • Ms. Bhuvaneswari Chandarasekaran, Early Preschool 2 Teacher

    Ms. Bhuvaneswari Chandarasekaran

    Early Preschool 2 Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Bhuvanewari “Bono” Chandarasekaran.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    My favorite color is black and green.  I like taking care of children.  I have two children of my own – two middle school girls.  I enjoy reading books to other people.  I have lived in Maryland for about 8 years.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 3 years

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I like to get to know the children and to empower them by helping them accomplish their developmental milestones.

    Favorite children’s book: Any Dr. Seuss book

    In My Personal Time: I like to take long drives and eat food, especially seafood and chicken fried rice!

  • Ms. Monalisa Chakraborty

    Early Preschool 2 Aide
  • Ms. Shaniqua Gantt, Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Ms. Shaniqua Gantt

    Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Shaniqua Gantt. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    My hobbies include sleeping, swimming, and basketball.  My favorite salty snack is red hot chips and my favorite sweet treat to eat is Snickers bars.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 12 years

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: l love teaching new age groups.

    Education Background: Carver Vo-Tech HS Graduate

    Favorite children’s book: Eat Pete

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy resting on the weekends and eating at Texas Roadhouse!

  • Ms. Treshelle Whorley, Preschool Pathways Co-Teacher

    Ms. Treshelle Whorley

    Preschool Pathways Co-Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Treshelle Whorley.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 5 years

    Education Background: 1 year Primrose experience

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love to meet new people and help my little friends learn & grow!

    Favorite children’s book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy playing video games and relaxing.

  • Ms. Patrice Carter, Preschool 1 Teacher

    Ms. Patrice Carter

    Preschool 1 Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Patrice Carter.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    First, I absolutely love my afro. It's so fluffy and fun! I am known for my creativity and the ability to be flexible in any situation. Ever since I was a child I have had a love for music. I can play at least 5 instruments. One day, I hope to own a trombone and learn the art of the instrument. I gained a love for children when I met my cousin when she was about 5 years old. I loved being able to explore and play and teach her the things that she wants to learn about like math.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 3 years

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love to see my students grow and learn while having fun!

    Education Background: BS in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood concentration

    Favorite children’s book: The Captain Underpants Series

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy playing video games!

  • Ms. Nilufa Hoque, Infant/Preschool 1 Teacher

    Ms. Nilufa Hoque

    Infant/Preschool 1 Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Nilufa Hoque.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I was born and raised in Bangladesh, but moved to the USA eighteen years ago.  I have a Bachelors degree in History and completed my MSDE certifications.  I have over seven years experience in childcare.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 7  years

    Education Background: BA in History

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I am looking forward to meeting a lot of new people and learning new things with you and your baby!

    Favorite children’s book: I Love You Because You’re You

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy gardening and cooking.

  • Mr. Scott Schmidt, Preschool 1 Aide

    Mr. Scott Schmidt

    Preschool 1 Aide

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Scott Schmidt.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 13 years

    Education Background: Georgia Tech

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love getting to know all the kids, teachers & parents.

    Favorite children’s book: Chesapeake Rainbow

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy playing Disc Golf.

  • Ms. Varsha Kajvey, Preschool 2 Teacher

    Ms. Varsha Kajvey

    Preschool 2 Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Varsha Kajvey. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I am so excited to be a part of this school and to be your child’s teacher. We are going to have so much fun this year! I can’t wait to see how much your child grows in my class!

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 2 years at Primrose

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: l like getting to know the students and families, learning new things and working with the Primrose School team!

    Education Background: Bachelors in Education, Masters of Arts

    Favorite children’s book: The Wonderful Things You Will Be

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy spending time with my family and going for walks!

  • Ms. Nirali Patel

    Preschool 2 Aide
  • Ms. Fouzia Ahmad, Pre-K 1 Teacher

    Ms. Fouzia Ahmad

    Pre-K 1 Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Fouzia Ahmad. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I have a loving husband and three amazing boys.  I love going camping, hiking and spending time with my family.  Fall is my favorite season.  I love seeing children learn new skills and the excitement that it brings.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 16 years

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: This year will be filled with educational opportunities that will guide the children’s growth.

    Education Background: Early Childhood Education

    Favorite children’s book: The Little Red Hen

    In My Personal Time: I like listening to music while cleaning!

  • Ms. Aishwarya Ramanujam, Pre-K 1 Teacher

    Ms. Aishwarya Ramanujam

    Pre-K 1 Teacher
    Apple of Our Eye

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Aishwarya “Aishu” Ramanujam.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I am an art lover that is also interested in gardening, painting and coffee.  I live in Ellicott City.  It makes me happy to see children learn new skills.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 2 years

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I like to help children learn new skills.

    Education Background: MS in Computer Science

    Favorite children’s book: Corduroy

    In My Personal Time: I like gardening, painting and eating Indian food!

  • Ms. Maria Malivia, Pre-K 2 Teacher

    Ms. Maria Malivia

    Pre-K 2 Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Maria Mavilia. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 2 years teaching internship; 2 years Childcare

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love watching my students learn to read!

    Education Background: Salisbury University (Elementary Education)

    Favorite children’s book: Blueberries for Sal

    In My Personal Time: I like watching movies with friends!

  • Ms. Malvika Vohra, Pre-K Aide

    Ms. Malvika Vohra

    Pre-K Aide

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Malvika Vohra.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 3.5 years

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I like to help my students prepare for kindergarten.

    Education Background: MS in Clinical Research

    Favorite children’s book: The Gingerbread Man

    In My Personal Time: I like going for walks!

  • Ms. Mehak (May) Ahmed

    Explorers Teacher
  • Ms. Zakia Shakil, Support Staff

    Ms. Zakia Shakil

    Support Staff

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Zakia Shakil.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 21 years

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Ilove to watch my students learn & grow.

    Education Background: 2 years college (Art focus)

    Favorite children’s book: A Very Hungry Caterpiller

    In My Personal Time: I like watching t.v. shows and shopping.

  • Ms. Misbah Khan, Support Staff

    Ms. Misbah Khan

    Support Staff

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Misbah Khan. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 2.5 years

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love to watch my students learn & grow.

    Education Background: Bachelors in Education

    Favorite children’s book: Everything by Dr. Seuss

    In My Personal Time: I like spending time with family & dining out!

  • Ms. Shalini Patel

    Support Staff
  • Ms. Aria Patel

    Support Staff
  • Ms. Kara Clemons, Support Staff

    Ms. Kara Clemons

    Support Staff

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Kara. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I was born and raised in Ellicott City and I enjoy staying active--hiking and hanging out with friends and family. My birthday is on January 29th!

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Name: Kara Clemons

    Hometown:  Howard County

    Child care experience: new to childcare, but have worked at Childtime and Longfellow Elementary

    Education Background: high school and college

    Favorite food: pizza, pretzels with French onion dip, brownies, and donuts

    Favorite weekend activity: going to the pool

    Favorite children’s book:   If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

    Primrose character I most relate to:  Benjamin Bear

    What I’m most excited about this school year:  I am excited to learn new things and making new friends.

    Best way to schedule time to talk:  Ask in person or call the school

  • Ms. Naima Fakhar

    Support Staff

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Naima Fakhar.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I have two adult children.  I love to spend time with kids – that’s why I’m here!  My passion is to help them become good human beings.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 1 year

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love reading storybooks with the children and I like to foster creative imaginations.

    Favorite children’s book: The Rainbow Fish

    In My Personal Time: I like to read novels.

  • Falgun & Krishna Patel with Dev & Deeya, Franchise Owner

    Falgun & Krishna Patel with Dev & Deeya

    Franchise Owners

    We are Falgun & Krishna Patel, the proud owners of Primrose School of Ellicott City.

    We migrated to the United States 20 years ago and now live in Ellicott City, Maryland with our two lovely children, Dev and Deeya.

    Our Primrose story began in 2012 shortly after the birth of our first child. Growing up in India, it is not common to send a child to care centers, so when Dev was born, we were lost on what to do. As we searched for a quality child care center in the area, we quickly discovered there were limited options that provided the type of learning, safety and environment we desired for our son and a peace of mind for us as parents. At that moment, we realized there were likely many other parents going through a similar situation, and we knew we wanted to do something to improve this.

    As we started looking to build a business that would help other families and open an early childhood education center, something my father told me as a child continued to come to mind, “one may lose wealth, health and fame - but education and knowledge are the only things that stay with you forever.” So after three years of research, when we found Primrose Schools, we knew we wanted to be part of the Primrose family based on their desire to help build the right foundation for future learning and in life.

    Who children become is as important as what they know is a belief that is at the core of our Balanced Learning® approach. Our exclusive early learning approach balances purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion.

    We deliver more than a curriculum; it’s a life-changing early learning experience for children and their families!!

    We, along with our partners and family friends, Viral & Krupali Patel and Samir & Mital Patel are excited to welcome you and your family to our school, Primrose School of Ellicott City.

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