Primrose School Building

Primrose School at Falling Waters

Our Staff

  • Veronica Cole, Director

    Veronica Cole

    Director

    Veronica was born and raised in Lincoln and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Family Sciences from UNL. After moving to Omaha, she worked as a Preschool teacher and then transitioned into the world of social work for many years. Veronica began her leadership at Primrose School at Falling Waters before we even opened! She has a passion for working with children and families as well as providing training & support to the teachers in our school. Each new family who enrolls in our school likely had the pleasure of first seeing Primrose School through her eyes.

  • Paige Fritz, Assistant Director

    Paige Fritz

    Assistant Director

    Paige is a graduate of Iowa Western Community College where she earned a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked with children for many years and has loved seeing them meet milestones and seeing their faces when they do. Paige began at Primrose as our Office Manager and next assumed a role as an Assistant Director. Paige supports all aspects of operations and especially enjoys working with new families transitioning to our school.


  • Paige Doran, Education Director

    Paige Doran

    Education Director

    Paige has worked in many capacities in the world of childcare, most recently as an Assistant Director, before coming to Primrose. She is anxious to work with teachers to provide support, which ultimately benefits children. Paige is excited to experience the curriculum approach, expectations, and involvement that we know as Primrose. Paige has earned an Associate degree and is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and Family Advocacy.

     

  • Toni Kester, Office Manager

    Toni Kester

    Office Manager

    Toni grew up in Branson, Missouri, and moved to Omaha from Kansas City five years ago. After many years as a stay-at-home mom, she worked toward her CNA license and began working with the elderly where she eventually became a Client Care Coordinator. Toni is very excited to be working with children and to be able to watch them grow and progress. She is hoping to make a positive impact.

  • Ms. Hardage, Cook

    Ms. Hardage

    Cook

    I am from Kearney, Nebraska and have lived in Omaha about five years. I have worked with children in a childcare setting, as a nanny, and also as a Curriculum Director. I love cooking and children and being the cook at Primrose seemed like a great way to combine both.  I was attracted to Primrose because of the wonderful staff members I met.

  • Ms. Carr, Lead Infant Teacher

    Ms. Carr

    Lead Infant Teacher

    I am originally from New Hampshire and have a degree in Humanities. I have worked with children for the past three years. I love watching children grow and learn. I find that talking to them at eye level helps with communication. I am originally from New Hampshire and have a degree in Humanities. I have worked with children for the past three years. I love watching children grow and learn. I find that talking to them at eye level helps with communication. 

  • Ms. Lucas, Assistant Infant Teacher

    Ms. Lucas

    Assistant Infant Teacher

    I grew up in West Virginia and also spent two years in Puerto Rico. I have worked at another Primrose and was excited to continue the journey at Falling Waters. I grew up with four younger siblings and have always loved watching children learn and grow.

  • Ms. Bower, Infant Assistant Teacher

    Ms. Bower

    Infant Assistant Teacher

    I hope to attend Metropolitan Community College with the goal of earning a degree in Child Psychology. I have worked with children for many years.  I love watching children grow, develop, and gain passions. Being with children every day gives me opportunities to grow and learn each day. At Primrose I appreciate the professionalism, cleanliness, organization, and genuine passion for children’s well-being and growth.

  • Ms. Burgland, Assistant Infant Teacher

    Ms. Burgland

    Assistant Infant Teacher

    I have worked with children for a long time and love helping children learn and grow. I have knowledge about child development that, combined with patience, helps me care for children well. I love watching all the ‘firsts’ with our Primrose babies.

  • Ms. Jacks, Lead Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Jacks

    Lead Toddler Teacher

    I am from Omaha and have attended Metropolitan Community College to complete my general studies to become a teacher. Most recently I was an ACP para. in the Millard Public Schools. I love the moment something you have been teaching finally clicks for that child/children.  I noticed the ‘MORE’ feeling that I found at Primrose—just that sprinkle of something more that made Primrose special. I look forward to learning and growing alongside the children and my teammate teachers. 

  • Ms. Showalter, Resource Teacher

    Ms. Showalter

    Resource Teacher

    I currently attend Kansas State University where I am pursuing a degree in Horticulture. I have worked with children in a variety of settings. I find children to be hilarious and I love their optimism. It is hard to have a bad day around children. I am playful, organized and extroverted.  I appreciate the equity and inclusion that Primrose provides. 

     

  • Ms. Morehouse, Assistant Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Morehouse

    Assistant Toddler Teacher

    I graduated from Marian High School and have recently attended Grand Canyon University. I plan to pursue a nursing degree at Methodist as I continue my education.  Most recently I worked with children in a school-age program. I love interacting with children. It is very fun to watch them learn and grow.  I was drawn to Primrose because of its excellent reputation, and I also appreciate the mission statement.

  • Ms. Skarnulis, Resource Teacher

    Ms. Skarnulis

    Resource Teacher

    I am currently working on an LPN certification in pediatrics. I love that children are so fun and resilient. I bring good communication skills, patience and stamina to working with children, and I look forward to learning and growing myself as I work with our youngest Primrose friends.

  • Ms. Lebron, Assistant Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Lebron

    Assistant Toddler Teacher

    I love working with children and I use patience and good communication to help me as I guide children. Primrose has a wonderfully expressed  mission, and I am excited to learn where this opportunity leads me.

  • Ms. Hansen, Assistant Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Hansen

    Assistant Toddler Teacher

    I am originally from El Paso Texas and have lived in Omaha about four years. Currently I am pursuing a nursing degree at the College of Saint Mary. I love to see the spark in a child’s eyes when he/she understands the world around them. I believe my communication skills, patience, and enthusiasm have helped me be the translator and guide of the emotions of the children in my care. This will ultimately lead to children developing emotional maturity, self-awareness, and care for others. I was attracted to Primrose because of the atmosphere of family, stability and overall happiness. 

  • Ms. Hutton, Lead Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Hutton

    Lead Early Preschool Teacher

    I graduated from Midlands University in Fremont with a degree in Human Services with a concentration in Early Childhood. I have worked extensively with young children in many settings ranging from childcare to Head Start. I love watching children discover new things. I strive to be someone children love and with whom they are comfortable. I enjoy celebrating children’s accomplishments and watching them grow.

  • Ms. Rose, Assistant Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Rose

    Assistant Early Preschool Teacher

    I am the oldest of ten children, so I have been around young children my whole life. I love interacting with children and watching them grow and learn. In the classroom I exhibit patience and ‘big sister instincts.’ I was impressed with Primrose because of the competent and welcoming atmosphere.

  • Ms. Skarnulis, Lead Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Skarnulis

    Lead Early Preschool Teacher

    I attend school at Metropolitan Community College studying Sports Media and Marketing. I most recently worked for NBC Universal/Peacock. I strongly believe that children are our future, and it feels good to make an investment in their lives. I am anxious to grow as a teacher and see all that the children learn by the end of the year.

  • Ms. Johnson, Assistant Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Johnson

    Assistant Toddler Teacher

    One of the things I enjoy about working with children is being able to see the world through their eyes. I love having the opportunity to encourage and support children when they are doing something challenging. I am intuitive and have a childlike mind that helps me see a child’s point of view.

  • Ms. Gardeman, Assistant Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Gardeman

    Assistant Early Preschool Teacher

    I grew up in Oakland, Nebraska and I attend South Dakota State University where I am completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). I love children because they are so sweet and innocent, and I love watching them learn, grown and succeed. I am creative, patient and friendly when working with children, and I hope to further my knowledge and skills by what I learn through Primrose.

  • Ms. Fuller, Assistant Teacher

    Ms. Fuller

    Assistant Teacher

    I am originally from Iowa and have four children of my own. I graduated from Grandview College with a degree in Elementary Education. I have worked with children in a variety of settings, and I just find so much joy in watching children and engaging with them. I bring compassion and empathy to working with children—I love hearing their views on what they experience. 

  • Ms. Hollendieck, Lead Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Hollendieck

    Lead Preschool Teacher

    I attend UNO studying Early Elementary Education. I love teaching children new things and watching them grow. I have a big heart and demonstrate caring and kindness to all. I was drawn to Primrose because of the caring and loving environment.

  • Ms. Brown, Assistant Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Brown

    Assistant Preschool Teacher

    I attended Millard West High School and have been working in a retirement home most recently. I love being around children because they are so sweet and they teach me something each day. In the classroom, I am understanding and will use that mindset to help children learn and grow. I was attracted to Primrose because of its reputation.

  • Ms. Powell, Lead Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Powell

    Lead Preschool Teacher

    I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services from Midland University. Most recently, I worked for the Ralston Public Schools in Special Education. I love a child’s honesty and seeing the moment a child learns something for the first time.  I am patient and I also love to have fun! 

  • Ms. Martin, Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Martin

    Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    I have worked in a childcare setting for over 11 years and am currently pursuing my degree in education. I love seeing children grow and learn. I feel that every child is like a puzzle, and I enjoy getting to see them put new pieces into their puzzles and watching to see what picture they create for their lives. I am patient, and I enjoy seeing people embrace their skills and character. I also enjoy helping people in any way I can which helps creates a safe and loving environment. I am excited to learn and grow as well as discover new things about myself.

     

  • Ms. Kiper, Assistant Pre-K Teacher

    Ms. Kiper

    Assistant Pre-K Teacher

    I have spent a lot of time working with children in different settings. I love helping children grow and learn while learning new skills myself. I am patient, kind, compassionate and understanding, and I intend to use those skills in working with the children in my care. I was drawn to Primrose because of the atmosphere.

  • Ms. Johnson, Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Johnson

    Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    I am originally from Fargo, North Dakota and moved to Omaha within the past year. I have a degree in Human Development Family Science with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from North Dakota State University. Most recently I have been working in social services and am very anxious to return to teaching. I find that having patience when working with children really makes a difference. I love seeing children learn new things! The high standard of care that is evident at Primrose is what really drew me in.

  • Ms. Hoffman, Asisstant Pre-K Teacher

    Ms. Hoffman

    Asisstant Pre-K Teacher

    I graduated from Papillion LaVista South High School, and I have worked with children at Kids Club and also with elderly people with dementia. I love having a purpose to help support, educate, spread positivity and smiles. The atmosphere of belongingness drew me to Primrose.

  • Ms. Stevens, Resource Teacher

    Ms. Stevens

    Resource Teacher

    I grew up in Rock Port, Missouri and am now attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I currently serve in the Nebraska Army National Guard. I have worked with children in a childcare setting, and most recently have been substitute teaching in elementary schools the past two years. I love watching children grow both academically and personally. It is exciting to watch children figure out who they are, and their personalities, curiosity and innocence are unmatched. The main skills that help me in the classroom are patience, kindness and my ability to build relationships with children. I was drawn to Primrose because of their mission, vision and learning approach.

  • Ms. Lacy, Resource Teacher

    Ms. Lacy

    Resource Teacher

    I attend Metropolitan Community College and plan to transfer to UNO when I complete my general education courses. I love watching children grow and hit milestones. I also love the connection you can make with children. I am patient in the classroom because children express themselves in different ways—sometimes not verbally. I enjoy being creative because it is important to foster that in children, too.  The Balanced Approach to learning drew me in the most to Primrose. I like knowing there is excellent curriculum, and also a chance for children to learn naturally. 

  • Ms. Colling, Resource Teacher

    Ms. Colling

    Resource Teacher

    I am from Sioux City, Nebraska. I attend the University of Nebraska at Omaha where I am majoring in Speech Language Pathology with a minor in American Sign Language. I have worked with children previously as a camp counselor. I love the day-to-day interactions that happen when working with children and watching them grow as individuals. I appreciate the positive atmosphere and welcoming environment at Primrose. 

  • Ms. Keith, Resource Teacher

    Ms. Keith

    Resource Teacher

    I am from a small town in Minnesota where I was raised on a farm. I am the youngest of seven children! I attend Creighton University where I am studying Neuroscience and Psychology. I have four years prior experience working with children in a childcare setting. I am a child at heart, so I still enjoy doing many of the same things children enjoy. I like to see smiles on the faces of children as I help them feel comfortable and welcome where they are. I am patient, have good problem-solving skills, and a bubbly and outgoing personality that makes talking with children come easily to me. I was drawn to Primrose because I could see that it is above and beyond education.

  • Katie DeSciose, Franchise Owner

    Katie DeSciose

    Franchise Owner

    Meet Katie DeSciose, proud Franchise Owner of Primrose School at Falling Waters. A life-long advocate of education, Katie is excited to bring the Primrose Experience of premier early education and care to families in the Omaha area.

    As a former teacher and school administrator, Katie found herself looking for the next step in her career in which she could continue to provide a quality education and a bright future for children. Already familiar with Primrose Schools, Katie realized that the Primrose core values and goals aligned with her own. Like Primrose, Katie wanted to make a difference in the lives of local children and their families by offering high quality education practices paired with a strong character development program. She was especially drawn to the focus Primrose places on development of the whole child.

    “One of the aspects that drew me to Primrose is that they prepare children both for learning and for life,” said Katie. “Beyond academics, which are very important, Primrose also emphasizes that who children become is just as important as what they know. Primrose understands that character development is so essential to having a happy life and maximizing one’s potential.”

    Katie graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a degree in elementary education. She later graduated from Creighton University with a Master’s degree in elementary administration. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering for several organizations that help children. She serves as a mentor for local students, fundraises scholarship money for low income students and volunteers with at-risk expectant mothers.

    Katie will be heavily involved in the school’s day-to-day operations. She is a strong believer in solid family partnerships and thoroughly enjoyed working with students and families at her former school. Supporting current and prospective Primrose parents is something she looks forward to as the Franchise Owner of the Primrose School at Falling Waters.

    “Research shows that great things happen for children when there is a supportive relationship between both home and school. My goal is for our school to form dynamic partnerships with the families of our students, and it will be a privilege to play a key role in introducing parents to all that Primrose has to offer.”

    Primrose School at Falling Waters will feature theBalanced Learning approach in infant through Pre-Kindergarten classrooms. This research-informed approach is developed and taught exclusively at Primrose Schools and blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion. The Primrose Explorers before- and after-school program will also be available for students up to age 12.

    Primrose School at Falling Waters is located on 6625 S. 193rd Avenue. For more information, visitPrimroseFallingWaters.com.

    Read More