Primrose School of Farragut

Our Staff

  • Stacy Hoag, Director

    Stacy Hoag

    Director

    Stacy is our Director of the Primrose School of Farragut. Stacy has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Social Work from East Tennessee State University. She has worked at Primrose schools since 2017 starting as a teacher in the Early Preschool classroom to becoming the Education Coach and now Director. Stacy has over 14 years of experience working in childcare. I look forward to continuing to build trusted relationships with our current families and new ones to come.

  • Courtney Downey, Education Coach

    Courtney Downey

    Education Coach

    Courtney is from Murray, KY and moved to Knoxville. She is a proud mom of 4 boys, twin 15 year olds, 5 year old and a 3 year old. She has been married to her husband Gil for 5 years and they have a small zoo of animals that complete their family, 4 dogs and a turtle. Courtney has been apart of the Primrose family for four years and has over 8 years of childcare experience. Outside of work Courtney's interests are chauffeuring her boys around and painting!

  • Amber James, Assistant Director

    Amber James

    Assistant Director

    Amber is excited to take over her new role as Assistant Director. She is a mom and stepmom to four boys. Her husband Bart and herself love being outdoors as much as possible. And all of the sports with the kids! She helped open Primrose school of west Knoxville six years ago; she has 9 years of childcare experience. Outside of work she loves running and being with family. She is looking forward to getting to know and supporting all of our current and future families!

     

  • Caley Murphy, Administrative Assistant

    Caley Murphy

    Administrative Assistant

    Caley is excited to take over her new role as Administrative Assistant. Caley has an Associates of Science in Early Childhood Education and is currently working towards her Bachelors degree at Carson-Newman University. Caley recently got married and loves to spend time with her husband and 3 cats; Boots, Finn, and Sadie. Caley has previously worked at a Head Start as a substitute and has a love for educating and caring for children of all ages. She is looking forward to getting to know and supporting all of our current and future families!

  • Chef Varner, Chef

    Chef Varner

    Chef

    Hometown: Detroit, Michigan

    Education: I graduated from High School

    Experience: I have worked with children for over 40 years!

    Family: I have been married to my husband, Danny, for 35 years. We have 3 daughters: Crystal, Danielle, and Angel. We also have 4 grandchildren!

    Favorite Childhood Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

    I am most excited to see all the happy faces each day when I bring their meals to the classrooms!

  • Chef Buckner, Assistant Chef

    Chef Buckner

    Assistant Chef

    Hometown: Knoxville, TN

    Education: Associates in Science from Pellissippi State; Early Childhood Education & Nutrition classes from UTK

    Experience: Started working in food service at age 14 and was lucky enough to work under several talented chefs across Knoxville!

    Family: Large family; I am the oldest out of five siblings

    Favorite Childhood Book: The Phantom Tollbooth

    I am most excited to be at Primrose because children and the best and most honest customers to have!

  • Ms. Vasquez, Infant I Teacher

    Ms. Vasquez

    Infant I Teacher

    Hometown: Chicago, IL

    Education: High School, Some College

    Experience 17 years

    Family: I have been married to my husband Peter for 17 years. We have four kids, Nick, Evie, Gaby, and Nina.

    Favorite Childhood Book: Sammy the Seal

    I am most excited to meet all the new babies joining the Primrose family and watching them grow!

  • Ms. Hulen, Infant I Teacher

    Ms. Hulen

    Infant I Teacher

    Hometown: Knoxville, TN

    Education: Associates of Sciences for Nursing at Pellissippi State

    Experience: Pediatric Nurse

    Family: Lots of nieces and nephews in my family! Plus I have two puppies!

    Favorite Childhood Book: Junie B Jones

    I am so excited to be at Primrose and to be with the sweet babies and watch them grow!!

  • Ms. Hinkley, Infant II teacher

    Ms. Hinkley

    Infant II teacher

    Hometown: Knoxville, TN

    Experience: 7 years in child care

    Family: Husband, almost two year old son, and two dogs

    Favorite Children's Book: I Love You Forever

    I am most excited about working with the sweet babies.

     

  • Ms. Miller, Infant II Teacher

    Ms. Miller

    Infant II Teacher

    Hometown: Oakdale, TN

    Education: High School and some college

    Experience: 15+ years working with children; Mrs. Erin just celebrated her 10th anniversary at Primrose School of Farragut

    Family: I have been married to my husband, Doug, for 10 years. We have two boys; Weston (8) and Wade (4). 

    Favorite Childhood Book: Anything Dr. Suess

    I am most excited about seeing all my babies grow and learn as well as coming to work with my son Wade!

     

  • Ms. Irwin, Toddler I Teacher

    Ms. Irwin

    Toddler I Teacher

    Hometown: Brookfield, WI

    Education: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

    Experience: I have over 20+ years in the Early Childhood Education field! 

    Family: I have been married to my husband for 23 years and we had a 3 year old black lab; Shadow. I also am the oldest of three girls! 

    Favorite Childhood Book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear

    I am most excited about the growth of the children I have worked with!

  • Ms. Ramos, Toddler I Teacher

    Ms. Ramos

    Toddler I Teacher

    Hometown: Fort Worth, TX

    Education Background: High School

    Experience: My experience comes mostly from taking care of my younger brother who is now 7. I grew up around children and have over 25 cousins who are much younger than me!

    Family: I am the second oldest of three sisters and one brother! I also have two step sisters and one step brother. I have a furbaby named GiGi. Most of my family lives in Texas, where I grew up. 

    Favorite Childhood Book: Llama Llama Red Pajama

    I am most excited to see my kids grow and learn new things everyday. It's the best feeling walking into the class and hearing "Ms. Aly" and getting the sweetest hugs!

  • Ms. Goins, Toddler II Teacher

    Ms. Goins

    Toddler II Teacher

    Hometown: Cumberland Gap

    Education Background: High School but will persue my Associates in the fall. 

    Experience: I have enjoyed all of my interactions while working with children. I have 3+ years of experience.

    Family: I have three younger siblings.

    Favorite Childhood Book: Junie B Jones

    I am most excited to teach my kids new things and seeing their excitment when they achieve their goals!

  • Ms. Keys

    Early Preschool I Teacher

    Hometown: Trenton, Nova Scotia, Canada

    Education: Associates in Early Childhood Education & Bachelors in Child and Youth Care

    Experience: 9+ years 

    Family: My husband and our cat; Pippin and bird; Pico

    Favorite Childhood Book: Anything by Robert Munsch

    I am most excited to meet new families and grow my skills as an educator!!

  • Ms. Lynn, Early Preschool l Teacher

    Ms. Lynn

    Early Preschool l Teacher

    Hometown: Lenoir City, TN

    Education: B.S in Music Education from Bryan College

    Experience: Taught music at LCCA as well as being a summer camp counselor

    Family: My fiance, as well as my older sister, mom and dad!

    Favorite Childhood Books: Anything Dr. Seuss

    I am most excited to be at Primrose because I want to learn more about children and ways to help them grow their minds as well as building lasting friendships and relationships with our families and staff!

  • Ms. Mozingo, Early Preschool II Teacher

    Ms. Mozingo

    Early Preschool II Teacher

    Hometown: Marion, VA

    Education Background: Associates in Early Childhood Education and CDA 

    Experience: Over 20 years of experience

    Family: I am married to my high school sweetheart. We have 4 children and 12 grandchildren, as well as 3 grand-pups and 1 grand-cat!

    Favorite Childhood Book: 101 Dresses

    I am most excited about watching my class of two year olds blossom into three year olds that can change the world!

  • Ms. Campbell, Early Preschool II Teacher

    Ms. Campbell

    Early Preschool II Teacher

    Hometown: Lenoir City, TN

    Education: High School + CNA License

    Experience: I have been baby sitting for over 10 years and have worked at Primrose for over a year now!

    Family: I have a 3 year old son and he is my world!

    Favorite Childhood Book: Love You Forver 

    I am most excited to help my kids grow and learn! Also having  the ability to work with such great women who have become a family here at Primrose!

  • Ms. Alvis, Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Ms. Alvis

    Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Hometown: Normal, IL

    Education: Bachelors in English from St Ambrose University

    Experience: Private childcare for 10+ years and I have been with Primrose for a year now!

    Family: My 2 cats; Georgie & Lola

    Favorite Childhood Book: The Lorax

    I am most excited to watch my friends grow and blossom as they learn here at Primrose!

  • Ms. Robinson, Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Ms. Robinson

    Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Hometown: Lenoir City, TN

    Education: High School

    Experience: Primrose of Farragut

    Family: My cat, Hollywood & my dog Lola

    Favorite Childrenhood  Book: Are You My Mother?

    I am most excited to see all of the children grow up while here at Primrose!

  • Ms. Craig, Preschool I Teacher

    Ms. Craig

    Preschool I Teacher

    Hometown: Strawberry Plains, TN

    Education: Some college with childcare classes

    Experience: My nephew was born when I was 7 and I've known since then I wanted to work with kids!

    Family: Huge family; lots of sisters! My partner and I rescue animal's so we have 6 dogs and 3 cats

    Favorite Childhood Book: Corduroy

    I am most excited to be teaching kindness and acceptance in my kid's little minds and hearts!

  • Ms. Ramos, Preschool I Teacher

    Ms. Ramos

    Preschool I Teacher

    Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas

    Education: I have my Associates in Fine Arts from Pellissippi State Community College

    Experience: I have always wanted to focus on teaching especially with art! 

    Family: I am the youngest sibling of four. I have two twin step sisters, a step brother, and a half brother. I come from a big family!

    I am most excited to be at Primrose because I love making an impact in a child's life!

  • Ms. Plieseis, Preschool II Teacher

    Ms. Plieseis

    Preschool II Teacher
    Apple of Our Eye

    Hometown: Augusta, Ga

    Education: High School Diploma/ Some College

    Experience: I have been working with children for about 5 years, ages 6 weeks to 12 years old.

    Family: My wife; Bre and I have 1 child, Layken! We also have a puppy named Rex.

    Favorite Childhood Book: Boomer Goes to School

    I am most excited to see my student's everyday! I love watching them grow from the start of the year until the end of the year! As well as creating those relationships with families over the years!

  • Ms. Cruz, Preschool II Teacher

    Ms. Cruz

    Preschool II Teacher

    Hometown: Utica, NY

    Education: High School Diploma

    Experience: 2 years of experience with toddlers

    Favorite Childhood Book: Magic Tree House

    I am most excited to excel and grow at Primrose. I am excited to make a positive impact with the children in my class and to form connections with their families!

  • Ms. Landeros

    Prekindergarten I Teacher

    Hometown: Lake-stevens, WA

    Education: Associates Degree from Lansing Community College + STARS Accreditation

    Experience: 25 years as a PreK teacher at private centers, head starts as well as nannying

    Family: Married 27 years with our 4 children and 2 grandbabies

    I am most excited to be around children and the energy for life and learning they share!

  • Ms. Darnell, Pre-Kindergarten I Teacher

    Ms. Darnell

    Pre-Kindergarten I Teacher

    Hometown: Maryville, TN

    Education: I graduated from Maryville High School!

    Experience: I have worked with all ages from 6 months to 13 years of age for over 5 years! 

    Family: My boyfriend, & stepchild as well as my younger sibling!

    Favorite Childhood Book: Boxcar Children

    I am most excited to watch how the children grow and develop during my time at Primrose!

  • Ms. Mann, Prekindergarten II Teacher

    Ms. Mann

    Prekindergarten II Teacher

    Hometown: Camby, Indiana

    Education: I went to ETSU for college!

    Experience: I began working with children as a teenage, while doing mission work in Guatamala with my family. 

    Family: I have a husband named Jakob and a dog named Pepper!

    Favorite Childhood Book: Oh, the Places You'll Go by Dr. Suess

     I love watching the children grow and being able to play a part in creating those lightbulb moments when they finally understand a new concept!

  • Ms. Bowen, Pre-Kindergarten II Teacher

    Ms. Bowen

    Pre-Kindergarten II Teacher

    Hometown: Knoxville, TN

    Education: Education classes in college

    Experience: Working at previous childcare centers as well as babysitting.

    Family: My dog, Indie

    Favorite Childhood Book: Magic Tree House

    I am most excited about seeing the kids "aha" moments and making connections!!

  • Ms. Prysmont, Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Prysmont

    Kindergarten Teacher

    Hometown: Schenectady, NY

    Education Background: Master's Degree and Licensure in Education

    Experience: I have worked 2 years in Montessori preschool, 2 years with 1 st grade & have now been at Primrose for 2 years!

    Family: I have a one year old daughter! I am a daughter and the baby of my family, with an older sister! I also have 3 nieces and 1 nephew!

    Favorite Children's Book: The Giving Tree

    I am most excited about watching the kids grow! I always look at where they started versus where they end, but it's the in-between that's so sweet! I see them working hard at tasks, they practice and practice until one day they get the lightbulb moment. That is the best part of being in a Primrose classroom. 

  • Ms. Haines, Kindergarten Assistant

    Ms. Haines

    Kindergarten Assistant

    Hometown: Austin, TX

    Education: Enrolled at Lee University

    Experience: I have 3+ years of experience and cannot wait to continue that with Primrose!

    Family: My mom, dad, & dogs!

    Favorite Childhood Book: If you give a mouse a cookie

    I am most excited to work with the kids and help them learn!!

  • Ms. Kenner, Support Teacher

    Ms. Kenner

    Support Teacher

    Hometown: Knoxville, TN

    Education: Karns High School

    Experience: 1+ year of experience with children

    Family: My fiance Danielle; & our two dogs and a snake

    Favorite's Childhood Book: Oh the Places You'll Go

    I love working with children, each day they bring even more excitement into my life!!

  • Ms. Ingram, Support Teacher

    Ms. Ingram

    Support Teacher

    Hometown: Lenoir City, TN

    Education: Lenoir City High School; Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

    Experience: Almost 2 years of experince with Primrose!

    Favorite Childhood Book: Magic Tree House

    I am so excited to be able to support and interact daily with all of our students in our venture program. I cannot wait to see them learn and grow!

  • Ms. Dhrangdhariya, Support Teacher

    Ms. Dhrangdhariya

    Support Teacher

    Hometown: Maryville, TN

    Education: Masters in Business and Science

    Experience: I have been with Primrose for 2 years now!

    Family: Husband and Parents

    Favorite Childhood Book: Where the Wild Things Are

    I am most excited to be at Primrose for the happy atmosphere!! I love when I enter the class and all the kids get excited to see me and run towards me for hugs! That's the best part of my day!

  • Ms. Thoodi, Support Teacher

    Ms. Thoodi

    Support Teacher

    Hometown: Knoxville, TN

    Education Background: College Degree

    Experience: Apart from my own children I have always enjoyed interacting with children!

    Family: I have my husband, and our two children. My family is small and cute!

    Favorite Childhood Book: Pete the Cat!

    I am most excited to see the children's smiles when I walk into their classrooms!

  • Ms. Knox

    Support Teacher

    Hometown: Lenoir City, TN

    Education: High School Diploma, College for elementary education

    Experience: I worked at Lenoir City schools during their summer school for the past two years!

    Family: My mom & dad, as well as my husband and our dog Pepper

    Favorite Childhood Books: Llama Llama series and all of the Little Golden Books

    I am most excited to be at Primrose because I love watching the kids' learning skills develop and watching them grow as the year goes on!

    H

     

  • Courtney & Christopher Brinkmann, Franchise Owner

    Courtney & Christopher Brinkmann

    Franchise Owners

    Courtney & Christopher Brinkmann are so excited to bring Primrose Schools to the Knoxville area! Courtney has worked in leadership for Primrose Schools for 12 years in several different markets. Courtney is a Knoxville native and University of Tennessee Alumna. Christopher is originally from South Florida and a University of Central Florida Alumnus. With Courtney's background in education and Chris's background in business, they are excited to bring this dream to reality in a community they know and love.

    Becoming Primrose parents themselves in 2016 became a full circle experience for them. They now have three children who currently attend Primrose and have since they were 8 weeks old. They love seeing them thrive at Primrose and feel so thankful for the strong foundation & love of learning it is providing them. Above all else, they are most grateful for the character development program at Primrose and the character traits that are instilled in them daily. They can’t wait for the opportunity to provide more children & families with all of the wonderful things Primrose has given their family. They look forward to serving you!

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