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Stephanie Austin
27 Years of ExperienceJoined 2025
Stephanie Austin
Executive Director

My name is Stephanie Austin and I am very excited to be part of a strong educational program like Primrose.  I graduated with a degree in Psychology and Child Development and always knew that my future would be supporting children’s growth.  While raising my three children, I felt the pressure of being a working a mom and have kept parent’s piece of mind in my goals.   During the previous 25 years of working in the early childhood field,  I worked to build a positive, fun learning environments where children felt safe to learn.  I believe in being part of the community and giving back while we learn everything we can about others.  There is nothing better than watching the light bulb go off in a child’s eyes. This drives my passion for being the best early learning experience for everyone. 

Brandi Sutton
21 Years of ExperienceJoined 2025
Brandi Sutton
School Director

My name is Brandi Sutton and I am thrilled to be the School Director of  the Primrose Gaithersburg location. It’s a bit of a full circle moment for me as I was a Primrose Pre-K teacher many years ago. How wonderful it is to be back with a learning community that supports children’s growth and success in the most appropriate ways! My undergraduate degree is in Human Services and I hold masters degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Special Education. I have always felt strongly that my purpose is to support children and their families through building relationships and creating a trusting and safe environment for every child. I know, as a mom myself, there is nothing that is more valuable than a child. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family to include our adult children when I can and our two fur babies and many friends. I love to cook and bake, listen to books on Audible, watch football on Sundays, and exercise is definitely a part of my every day. I am genuinely excited to have the opportunity to get to know your family and to help your child grow and have fun while they are building confidence, independence, and making friends.

Maliyah Ison
8 Years of ExperienceJoined 2025
Maliyah Ison
Infant

Over the years, I’ve had the joy of working with children of all ages and gaining experience in both the classroom and as administration. As both an educator and a mom, I understand how important it is for parents and schools to work together. That partnership is the key to helping children feel confident and supported as they learn. My goal is to teach curiosity, compassion, and resilience to be ready to take on the world; because I believe every moment in early childhood helps shape the amazing adults they’ll become.  

Roxana Turcios
3 Years of ExperienceJoined 2025
Roxana Turcios

With my experience as a parent of two, I have developed a passion for teaching and nurturing young minds. I am committed to creating a warm and inclusive environment that promotes learning, growth, and development. 

Diane Monexil
8 Years of ExperienceJoined 2025
Diane Monexil

I truly believe there’s nothing more special than watching toddlers discover the world around them. In our classroom, my goal is to create a happy, cozy, space where every child feels safe, loved, and excited to explore. 

Alicia Rhea
6 Years of ExperienceJoined 2025
Alicia Rhea

My goal as an educator is to encourage children to make social emotional strides, build a strong rapport with families, and help each child reach their developmental milestones. 

Charyssee Weddington
20 Years of ExperienceJoined 2025
Charyssee Weddington

I am a proud mom to three beautiful children who have helped shape me as a mom and childcare provider. I am committed to creating a safe, nurturing and engaging environment where children feel inspired to learn and grow. I prioritize collaborating closely with families promote consistency, communication and a strong sense of community. I bring patience, creativity and my experience of being a parent of a child with autism and I strive to make each child feel valued and confident. I look forward to teaching and watching your littles grow and thrive in their development.

Sakina Mammadova
2 Years of ExperienceJoined 2025
Sakina Mammadova

As a mom of three, spending time with kids is not just my job, it’s my passion, both at work and at home. Exploring new places with my family is one of my favorite things. When I’m not chasing after my kids or planning our next adventure, you’ll find me listening to music, getting creative with art, or cooking up something delicious. I’m looking forward to lots of fun, growth, and good times as we help your child build confidence and friendships here.

Kalpanashri Santosh
4 Years of ExperienceJoined 2025
Kalpanashri Santosh

I am looking forward to working together to create a secure and fun environment for the children to learn and enhance their skills. I value creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners and I am committed to fostering their cognitive and social development.

Maday Bran
3 Years of ExperienceJoined 2025
Maday Bran

My family is originally from El Salvador, but I grew up in Gaithersburg with my parents and three younger siblings. I am newly married and excited to be a part of the Primrose team! 

Leslie Quintanilla
5 Years of ExperienceJoined 2025
Leslie Quintanilla

My goal as a teacher is always to create a safe learning environment where my students feel seen, understood, and cared for. I love being there for them and watching them blossom in all different ways. 

Magdalene Kwarteng
2 Years of ExperienceJoined 2025
Magdalene Kwarteng

I was born in Florida and completed my college degree at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Go Hawks! I am excited to join Primrose Gaithersburg as I continue to build my passion for shaping the lives of young children.  Watching my students grow and become successful is at the heart of what I do.

Alexis David
7 Years of ExperienceJoined 2025
Alexis David

When I became a teacher aid during my senior year of high school, I knew this was the career path I wanted to take. As a mother, my children’s education is important and making sure they reach their full potential in all aspects of their life to the best of their abilities. Being a teacher, I want the same for all my students. My goal in our classroom is to create a safe space for my students to grow and explore to help them achieve each milestone

 

Michelle Deleon
2022 Years of ExperienceJoined 2026
Michelle Deleon

I’m a proud mom of four, and my family and I recently made the exciting move from Texas to Maryland. We’re looking forward to putting down roots, making wonderful new memories, and becoming part of this community.

One of the things I’m most excited about is joining the Primrose family. I can’t wait to build meaningful relationships with our families, create lasting connections with each child, and be part of their learning, growth, and everyday successes.

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

Cristina Aquino
4 Years of ExperienceJoined 2026
Cristina Aquino

Teaching has always been my passion since I was a child.  I love knowing I can positively influence the lives of children. Every day I can teach them something new and help them believe in themselves.

Melody Phuong
8 Years of ExperienceJoined 2026
Melody Phuong

I was born and raised right here in Gaithersburg and graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park- go Terps! I’m excited to be a part of Primrose Gaithersburg and to help to enrich the lives of our students! I am passionate about guiding and providing littles with safe spaces to laugh, learn, and grow, and also facilitating a sense of community.

Elene Iashvilli
5 Years of ExperienceJoined 2026
Elene Iashvilli

I’m Ms. Elene. I am from the beautiful little country of Georgia 🇬🇪 and the proud mother of two wonderful boys. I love teaching because I get to watch children grow, develop, and learn every single day. Kids are so honest, and we can have real fun together! Our efforts as teachers are always seen and deeply appreciated by the little ones — that is what makes this work so meaningful to me. I am happy and excited to be part of this school community!

Jatavia Mitchell
3 Years of ExperienceJoined 2026
Jatavia Mitchell

Although I have no children myself, with three years of experience in early childhood education, I bring a strong foundation built through state-certified training, including Care courses and Penn Foster programs. I recently moved to the area and am excited to contribute my knowledge and passion for supporting young learners. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and pursuing personal interests such as fashion and photography.

 

Stephanie Santoni
4 Years of ExperienceJoined 2026
Stephanie Santoni

I believe that through play, laughter, and meaningful interactions, children can express their unique personalities, explore their interests, and build confidence.

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

Franchise Owner

Early Foundations LLC

Founded in 2021, Early Foundations Childcare is a multi-school owner-operator of Primrose Schools.  Early Foundations’ mission is to build a leading Primrose school operation, providing best-in-class resources, talent, and strategic guidance to produce extraordinary outcomes and experiences for the children and families we serve.

Our family would love to meet yours.

Contact us to schedule a tour.
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© 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.