Teachers & Staff

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Leadership
Teachers
Staff
Lauren Absalom
Joined 2020
Lauren Absalom
Director

Meet our School Director, Ms. Lauren! She has been working with children for over 14 years and brings a passion for early childhood education to our school every day.

Born and raised in Fort Collins, Lauren loves building strong connections with each and every one of our students and families and thrives on creating a warm, welcoming school community.

Ms. Lauren attended Front Range Community College and has spent more than 14 years growing her career as both a teacher and Assistant Director before stepping into her current role as Director. Her experience, leadership, and dedication help make our school a wonderful place for children to learn and grow.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending quality time with her family, and caring for her three dogs. One of her favorite family traditions is going on trips with her mom, creating memories and adventures together whenever they can.

Delaney Hays
Joined 2023
Delaney Hays
Assistant Director

Meet our Assistant Director, Ms. Delaney! She has been part of the Primrose family for five years, spending four of those years as a mentor teacher before stepping into her current role as Assistant Director. Originally from Windsor and now living in Greeley, Ms. Delaney loves being part of our school community and watching children grow and thrive,just like her own daughter did after attending Primrose before heading off to elementary school.

Ms. Delaney plays an important role in helping our school run smoothly by stepping in wherever she is needed and supporting both teachers and families each day. She is committed to creating a warm, welcoming, and wonderful experience for every child and family in our community.

Outside of school, she loves relaxing by the pool, swimming, and spending quality time with her daughter. Her favorite part about working with children is hearing their funny stories, seeing their unique personalities shine, and experiencing the love and joy they bring every day.

Erin Steckman
Joined 2025
Erin Steckman
Education Coordinator

Meet Erin, our Educational Coordinator! Erin has been working with children for over 20 years and brings a wealth of experience and passion to our school community. Throughout her career, she has worked in childcare centers, operated her own licensed in-home childcare program, and served as a nanny for many families. Caring for and supporting children has always been her true passion.

Although Erin was born in Colorado, she spent part of her childhood living in both North and South Dakota before eventually making her way back home to Colorado. In her free time, she enjoys attending concerts of all kinds, traveling whenever she can, and spending quality time with her family.

Erin’s favorite part about working with children is the unconditional love and joy they bring each day. She also loves sharing life with her two dogs, Kiwi and Lucy, who keep her smiling at home just as much as the children do at school!

Primrose Staff Member Photo
Joined 2026
Paula Sturgeon
Creative coordinator and Mentor teacher

Meet Ms. Paula, Our Explorers Lead Teacher

Ms. Paula began her career in Colombia, where she earned her Associate’s Degree, and now has over 10 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. As Primrose’s Creative Coordinator and Mentor Teacher, she is dedicated to supporting and guiding teachers while helping create an environment where everyone feels they belong.

Ms. Paula’s favorite part of working with children is watching them become independent and learn new skills every day. She is also the creative mind behind many of the adorable photos that capture special moments throughout our school and special school projects!

Through ongoing professional development, she continues to strengthen her teaching practices and strives to build confidence, independence, and kindergarten readiness in every student.

Ms. Eileen
Ms. Eileen
Infant Nursery Supervisor

I have been working with children for over 31 years and have experience with all age groups. I love supporting young learners as they grow, explore, and discover new things each day. Children are such eager participants in their learning journey, and it brings me so much joy to see their faces light up when they learn or master a new skill. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing piano, golfing, hiking, cooking, and baking.

 

Ms. Allison
Ms. Allison
Infant support teacher

I have been working at Primrose since 2025, and I truly enjoy working with children and helping them learn and grow each day. I was born in Kansas but have spent most of my life here in Colorado, which I proudly call home. I graduated from high school in 2025 and hope to continue my education in the next few years to further my career and education.

Ms. Kirsten
Ms. Kirsten
Infant lead teacher

I grew up in Wyoming and have lived in Colorado for 19 years. I have always had a passion for working with children and previously owned a licensed family childcare home for 12 years, caring for children from infancy through school age. I love building relationships through responsive care, connection, and a little silliness. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to audiobooks, embroidering, and caring for my chickens, cat, and dogs.

Ms. Stephanie
Ms. Stephanie
Infant lead Teacher

I have lived in Colorado since 2016 and have been working with children since 2013. I also hold a CDA certification. I love building trusted relationships with the children in my care and their families. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and reading.

 

Ms. Ashley
Ms. Ashley
Young Toddlers Teacher

I am a proud mom of two boys, Erin and Beck. My passion for teaching began in high school and led me to start my career as a two-year-old teacher in Casper, Wyoming. I was born in Fort Collins, raised in Casper, and now call Pierce, Colorado home. I have loved being a teacher from the very beginning, and that passion continues to grow every day.

Ms. Brittaney
Ms. Brittaney
Young Toddlers teacher

I grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming and moved to Fort Collins about two years ago. I have always wanted to be a teacher, so I attended the University of Wyoming (Go Pokes! ) where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development. I have been working in early childhood education for 11 years and love supporting children as they learn and grow. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, helping in my community, and participating in land restoration projects in burn scar areas.

Ms. Elizabeth
Ms. Elizabeth
Toddler lead teacher

I was born and raised in Colorado and have been working in early childhood education for 17 years. I discovered my passion for working with young children while I was in high school, and ever since then, I have loved being a part of their learning and growth.

My favorite part about working with children is seeing each child’s unique creativity and personality shine. Their hugs, smiles, and excitement each day bring so much joy to my heart.

In my free time, I enjoy photography, taking walks, listening to music, and spending time with my family.

Ms. Alani
Ms. Alani
Toddler support teacher

 I was born and raised in Fort Collins and grew up in Loveland, Colorado. Coming from a big family of seven siblings, I’ve always had a natural love for caring for children, starting as the go-to babysitter and later working in daycare and as a behavioral therapist. I love helping children learn and grow each day and find teaching to be a very meaningful career. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, add decor to my home, singing, and writing.

Ms. Iyana
Ms. Iyana
Early Preschool Lead Teacher

I am passionate about providing a high-quality and enriching early learning experience for every child in my care. With 14 years of experience in early childhood education, I strive to create a safe, supportive, and engaging classroom where children feel confident to learn, grow, and explore. I believe the early years are an important foundation for lifelong success, and I am dedicated to helping children build not only academic skills, but also strong social-emotional development and a love for learning.

 

Ms. Lexie
Ms. Lexie
Assistant teacher

I am originally from Mississippi and moved to Colorado about six and a half years ago. I have always loved working with children and enjoy helping them learn, grow, and develop into amazing individuals. Watching children reach new milestones brings me so much joy. In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends, and I also have a big love for animals.

Ms. Ingrid
Ms. Ingrid
Early Preschool Lead Teacher

I was born and raised in Greeley, Colorado. I discovered my passion for teaching early on, and I pursued that love by earning an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. What I love most about my job is the chance to build relationships with my students and coworkers. Outside of work, you can find me spending quality time with family and friends or enjoying a walk with my dog.

Ms. Maya
Ms. Maya
Early Preschool Teacher

I was born in Fort Collins and have lived here my entire life. I have always had a passion for teaching ever since I went to kindergarten. Fun fact, I used to go home and play teacher every day for years! I have experience working with many age ranges as I have babysat since I was a middle schooler, and done volunteer child work for organizations. I have been working at Primrose for over 2 years and love it! I have taken many ECE college classes and am working on finishing my degree. Outside of school I like to spend time in nature, make art and jewelry, try new baking recipes, and hang out with loved ones, and of course, my cat Wybie.

Ms. Hannah
Ms. Hannah
Early Preschool teacher

I’m originally from Kansas City and moved to Colorado about a year ago with my fiancé. I’ve loved Colorado since I was a kid and always knew I wanted to live here someday.

I have three years of experience in early childhood education and love helping children learn, grow, and build confidence every day. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, skiing, going to church, and working out at the gym.

Ms. Dulcie
Ms. Dulcie
Preschool Pathways teacher

I am originally from South Dakota and moved to Colorado in 2018! I went to South Dakota State University for two years and completed my teaching credentials when I arrived in Colorado. I have always had a passion for connecting, supporting, and caring for others, and I decided that teaching is a wonderful way to strengthen those passions every day. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, spending quality time with loved ones, and taking care of my plants!

Ms. Lib
Ms. Lib
Preschool Pathways teacher

I grew up in Greeley, Colorado and moved to Windsor about six years ago. I have always loved working with children, starting with caring for my younger sister and cousins before babysitting for family friends.

I later pursued early childhood education and completed the EQIT Pyramid Plus and PDIS courses to become a Lead Teacher. I have been teaching for two years and love helping children learn and grow each day.

Ms. Claire
Ms. Claire
Preschool Lead Teacher

I grew up in Eagle, Colorado and have also lived in California. I discovered my passion for teaching while volunteering at a school in Nepal during high school. After graduating from Colorado State University, Go Rams! I taught skiing in Vail and worked with local children with cognitive and physical disabilities.

I love the wonder, joy, and curiosity that children bring into learning, and I believe education plays such an important role in helping them grow and thrive. 

Primrose Staff Member Photo
Ms. Dianna
Preschool teacher

I was born in Hudson, New York and raise in Puerto Rico. I attended to Boston arts Academy high school where my experience inspired my passion for teaching through music. I believe music has the power to inspire connect and heal people. I enjoy help helping others to grow and express themselves I hope to continue building a career where I can make a difference in the life of children.

Ms. Melissa
Ms. Melissa
Lead Support teacher

I grew up in Michigan and moved to Colorado in 1997. I completed my education in Early Childhood Development and have been working with children for over 30 years. I am married to Andrew, and I have two beautiful daughters, Erika and Ainsley.

In my free time, I enjoy running, mountain biking, hiking, traveling, visiting beaches and hot springs, playing pool, attending sporting events, listening to live music, going to wine festivals and breweries, stopping by Starbucks, and trying new restaurants. I also love watching all kinds of movies and spending time with my loved ones

 

Ms. CeCe
Ms. CeCe
Pre-kindergarten teacher

Bio Coming soon!

Primrose Staff Member Photo
Ella
Pre-Kindergarten teacher

I am originally from Nashville, Tennessee, and now proud to call Colorado home. I hold two Bachelor’s degrees from Colorado State University in Ethnic Studies and Women and Gender Studies, along with a minor in American Sign Language. I am passionate about supporting children’s learning and helping the next generation explore and understand the world around them.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our cat, reading, watching movies, and hiking.

Ms. Anna
Ms. Anna
Support teacher

I grew up in Eagle, Colorado and recently moved to Fort Collins, where I also joined Primrose. This is my first job in early childhood education, and I’m really enjoying it. My favorite part is building connections with the children and being part of their growth each day.

In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, watching scary movies, and watching hokey — go Avs!

Ms. Kathy
Ms. Kathy
Pre-Kindergarten teacher

I began my teaching career in Southern California in 2004 before moving to Colorado with my husband and children in 2006. After owning and operating a culinary academy in Fort Collins for six years, I discovered my passion for early childhood education and transitioned into ECE. Since then, I have taught Kindergarten and Pre-K and have also managed food service operations for several schools across northern Colorado. I love creating a warm, engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy cooking, camping, swimming, playing the piano, and working on jigsaw puzzles.

Primrose Staff Member Photo
Ms. Heidi
Pre-Kindergarten teacher

I have been fortunate to spend the past 28 years working with children ages 4–5 in a private preschool setting. I am passionate about helping young learners grow through curiosity, creativity, kindness, and hands-on discovery. I hold a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education, and I strive to create meaningful learning experiences tailored to each child’s individual strengths and needs. My teaching philosophy combines holistic and experiential learning with a strong focus on character development and STEM education, all within a warm, supportive, and encouraging classroom environment.

Ms. Emmy
Ms. Emmy
Assistant teacher

I am a Colorado native and have been working at Primrose for over four years. I have experience working with every age group and love watching children grow and reach new milestones. Bringing creativity, excitement, and fun into the classroom is one of my greatest passions. In my free time, I enjoy running, playing pickleball, and spending time outdoors doing just about anything active and adventurous!

Mr. Garrett
Mr. Garrett
School chef

I’m a Colorado native from Durango with 27 years of experience cooking and managing kitchens at several local restaurants. My daughter is the light of my life, and I treasure every moment I spend with her. It is truly an honor to prepare meals for the wonderful children here, and I only wish I had made the transition from restaurant work to this role years ago.

Franchise Owners

Nikole and Jesse Mateyka

Nikole and Jesse Mateyka are the proud owners of Primrose School of Fort Collins. Their journey with Primrose began as parents when their daughter, Scarlett, attended a Primrose school and thrived through the Balanced Learning® approach. Inspired by the positive impact it had on their family, they chose to bring the Primrose experience to Fort Collins.

Nikole’s background includes supporting children and families through the Department of Human Services in the Child Protective Services branch and Colorado Medicaid programs, while Jesse brings extensive entrepreneurial and leadership experience.

Together, they are passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

While Nikole is from Maryland, Jesse is a Colorado native. (However, Nikole likes to say she got here as soon as she could.) Nikole finished her master’s program at Colorado State University and has loved Fort Collins ever since. Jesse pursued his college degrees at the University of Colorado in his hometown of Boulder and Metro State University of Denver. While the paths might have been different, they both consider Colorado home. When not at school, they enjoy spending time outdoors with their daughter Scarlett and dog Livia. Whether they’re hiking, skiing, ATVing, or exploring the mountains, they love everything Colorado has to offer.

 We are proud to offer the Primrose experience and can’t wait to welcome you to the Primrose community.

Our family would love to meet yours.

Contact us to schedule a tour.
A child and teacher's hand on a bookA young boy playing with toysA young boy playing to the floor looking up at cameraA young boy smiling at cameraA young boy looking at cameraA child and teacher's hand on a bookA young boy playing with toysA young boy playing to the floor looking up at cameraA young boy smiling at cameraA young boy looking at camera
© 2026 Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. We will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable registration and disclosure requirements in your jurisdiction. Contact Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC, 3200 Windy Hill Road SE, Suite 1200E, Atlanta, GA 30339, to request a copy of our FDD.

*Study was conducted on a representative sample of Primrose Pre-Kindergarten students across twelve Primrose schools in nine states in the Spring of 2024. The Bracken School Readiness Assessment 4th Edition assesses children’s school readiness in terms of their understanding of concepts that are strongly related to early childhood cognitive and language development as well as early academic achievement.

**Based upon recent assessments of approximately 3,900 Primrose students aged 4 screened using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires®, Third Edition during the 2024-2025 school year. Ages & Stages Questionnaires® and ASQ® are registered trademarks of Paul H Brookes Publishing Co, Inc.