Teachers & Staff

Nikole Mateyka
Meet our School Director, Mrs. Nikole!
Nikole Mateyka is the proud Franchise Owner of Primrose School of Fort Collins. As a parent herself, Nikole understands the importance of finding a safe, nurturing, and high-quality environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
Her connection to Primrose began when her daughter, Scarlett, enrolled at three and a half. Inspired by the school’s caring atmosphere and Balanced Learning® approach, Nikole saw firsthand the positive impact Primrose had on her daughter and was inspired to become part of the Primrose community.
Before becoming a Franchise Owner, Nikole worked with the Department of Human Services in Child Protective Services and supported health and wellness programs for Colorado Medicaid members. These experiences strengthened her passion for supporting children and families.
Originally from Maryland, Nikole likes to say she “got here as soon as she could!” She earned her master’s degree from Colorado State University and is proud to call Colorado home.
Outside of Primrose, Nikole enjoys spending time with Scarlett and their dog, Livia. They love hiking, skiing, ATV adventures, and exploring the Colorado mountains. For Nikole, family, community, and helping children thrive are at the heart of everything she does.

Delaney Hays
Meet our Assistant Director, Ms. Delaney!
Ms. Delaney has been part of the Primrose family for five years, including four years as a Mentor Teacher before becoming Assistant Director. She loves supporting teachers and families, helping wherever needed, and watching children grow and thrive.
Outside of school, she enjoys swimming, relaxing by the pool, and spending time with her daughter. Her favorite part of working with children is hearing their funny stories, seeing their personalities shine, and experiencing the joy they bring each day!

Paula Sturgeon
Meet Our Education Coordinator, Mrs. Paula!
Mrs. Paula began her career in Colombia, where she earned her Associate’s Degree. She brings over 10 years of Early Childhood Education experience, including time as a Primrose teacher in both Wonder and Venture programs and as a Mentor Teacher.
As Education Coordinator, Paula loves supporting teachers, sharing new ideas, and creating a welcoming school community. She especially enjoys watching children grow in confidence, independence, and new skills.
Paula is also the creative mind behind many of our special projects and memorable school pictures and social media moments. She loves bringing the WOW and believes the little-extra details make a big difference!
Outside of school, Paula shares her life with her husband, two dogs, and her cat. they love camping, FaceTiming family, and visiting the dog park!

Ms. Eileen
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
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. Stephanie
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
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
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. Alayalah
Bio coming soon!

Ms. Elizabeth
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
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. Maya
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
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. Ingrid
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. Levi
I believe every child deserves patience, encouragement, and positive attention. I am also a parent myself, so I understand how important it is for families to feel comfortable and confident leaving children in someone else’s care. Outside of work, most of my time is spent with my kids. I’m interested in health, nutrition, fitness, and learning new things. I am definitely someone who loves being cozy at home but also enjoys getting out and making memories with my family.

Ms. Iyana
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
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. Kyla
I have been working in childcare since 2023 and am currently in school working toward my elementary teaching certification. I have a strong love for music and spending time with my dogs. In my free time, I enjoy taking my dog for walks and making the most of our time together!

Ms. Serena
I’m from Denver and come from a family of six siblings! I hope to become a kindergarten teacher one day, and I absolutely love to read. I enjoy working with children because each child is unique and special in their own way. I love being part of their learning journey and watching them grow!

Ms. Jaalah
I have been working with children for about five years and have experience working with infants through middle school-aged children. I truly enjoy working with kids and being a part of their learning and development journey. It is rewarding to watch them grow, learn new skills, and become more confident each day.

Ms. Melissa
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. Kelsey
I am originally from East Tennessee and have been working in childcare for about six years. My experience includes working in ABA therapy as well as supporting children in the classroom. I truly enjoy being part of children’s learning and development and watching them grow and gain new skills. Outside of work, I have two cats, and I love spending my free time reading!

Ms. Kathy
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.

Ms. Heidi
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
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
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.

Ms. Dianna
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. Lib
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.

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.




