Teachers & Staff

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Meagan Wise
Joined 2009
Meagan Wise
Area Director

Meagan Wise graduated from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Birth through Kindergarten Teacher Education as well as a Bachelor of Science in Family and Community Services. She has been a valued member of the Primrose School of Hendersonville family since 2009 and has served as Executive Director since 2010. In her role, Meagan oversees both the Primrose School of Hendersonville and the Primrose School of Gallatin, ensuring each program upholds the highest standards of early childhood education and care.

All Primrose staff members are CPR, First Aid, and AED certified, and have successfully completed comprehensive background checks. Before entering a classroom, each staff member completes Primrose Training, totaling approximately 18 hours. To maintain excellence in education, staff also complete a minimum of 30 professional development hours annually, as required by the Department of Education. In addition, all team members participate in ongoing safety and awareness training, which includes Safe Sleep Practices, Child Abuse Awareness, Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention, and Allergy Management in the Classroom.

Foods containing peanuts or tree nuts are not permitted in our schools, to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.

Kayla Ignatz
Joined 2012
Kayla Ignatz
Director of Education

Kayla Ignatz began her Primrose journey in 2012 as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher and became a part of the management team in 2016. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and has always loved teaching and helping children discover creative ways to learn new things. Kayla lives in White House with her husband and their two daughters. Kayla plays an integral part in implementing and supporting Primrose’s proprietary Balanced Learning® curriculum at both the Primrose School of Hendersonville and the Primrose School of Gallatin. Her leadership ensures that each classroom provides a consistent, high-quality educational experience where children can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

All Primrose staff members are CPR, First Aid, and AED certified, and have successfully completed comprehensive background checks. Before entering a classroom, each staff member completes Primrose Training, totaling approximately 18 hours. To maintain excellence in education, staff also complete a minimum of 30 professional development hours annually, as required by the Department of Education. In addition, all team members participate in ongoing safety and awareness training, which includes Safe Sleep Practices, Child Abuse Awareness, Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention, and Allergy Management in the Classroom.

Foods containing peanuts or tree nuts are not permitted in our schools, to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.

Kelley Hartzfeld
Joined 2024
Kelley Hartzfeld
School Director

Kelley Hartzfeld began her Primrose journey in 2021 as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher and became part of the management team in 2024. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and has been teaching a variety of age groups from infants all the way through summer programs with middle school age children. She loves to be creative and to engage and connect with all the children and families she encounters, and she can’t wait to build new relationships in the local community. She lives in Gallatin with her husband, son Liam, and daughter Alice. She is ready to become a part of the educational journey for the families in the local community, create an engaging environment and bring the Primrose Way to Gallatin, Tennessee!

 

 

 

ALL Primrose Staff Members are CPR, FIRST AID, & AED Trained as well as background checked. Each staff member completes Primrose Training (totaling to about 18 hours) before going into one of our classrooms. Then a minimum of 30 Professional Development Hours, annually for the Department of Education. In addition, they also complete safety training of Safe Sleep Practices, Child Abuse Awareness, Shaken Baby, & Allergies within the Classroom.

 

 

 

**FOODS CONTAINING PEANUTS OR TREENUTS ARE NOT PERMITTED. **

 

April Hill-Brown
Joined 2023
April Hill-Brown
Director of Enrollment

Mrs. April Hill-Brown first joined the Primrose Family in 2009 and worked as a Toddler Teacher until 2015. She then gained experience working in a medical office as medical office manager until 2023. We were then thrilled to welcome her back to Primrose School of Hendersonville as a Director of Enrollment to help inquiries for our upcoming new school- Primrose School of Gallatin. April has a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from Bethel University and an Associates Degree in Elementary Education.

 

 

 

ALL Primrose Staff Members are CPR, FIRST AID, & AED Trained as well as background checked. Each staff member completes Primrose Training (totaling to about 18 hours) before going into one of our classrooms. Then a minimum of 30 Professional Development Hours, annually for the Department of Education. In addition, they also complete safety training of Safe Sleep Practices, Child Abuse Awareness, Shaken Baby, & Allergies within the Classroom.

 

Jessica Tullis
Joined 2019
Jessica Tullis
Assistant Education Director
HIlary Denton
Joined 2024
HIlary Denton
School Chef
Nadia Andrews
Joined 2025
Nadia Andrews
Infant Teacher

Since joining Primrose in 2025, Ms. Andrews has enjoyed helping children learn, grow, and reach exciting new milestones each day. She is passionate about creating a caring and encouraging environment where every child feels supported as they develop new skills and confidence.

Her favorite children’s book is If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and Christmas is her favorite holiday, especially because of her family’s tradition of wearing matching Christmas pajamas and baking cookies for Santa. At home, she speaks English and enjoys spending time with her dog, Marley. In her free time, she loves reading and baking.

Jasmine Wellman
Joined 2023
Jasmine Wellman
Infant Teacher

Since joining Primrose in 2023, Ms. Wellman has loved caring for infants and watching them laugh, grow, and reach new developmental milestones. She enjoys creating a warm, nurturing environment where babies feel safe, loved, and encouraged to explore the world around them.

Her favorite children’s book is Pinkalicious, and Christmas is her favorite holiday. She especially enjoys baking and decorating Christmas cookies with her family, and one of their favorite traditions is spending hours playing board games together each Christmas. At home, she speaks English, and in her free time, she loves reading and shopping.

Jessica Fifield
14 Years of ExperienceJoined 2020
Jessica Fifield
Infant Teacher

Ms. Fifield has been working in early childhood education since 2012 and holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She loves watching children gain new skills and confidence as they learn and grow, and she enjoys creating a supportive, engaging environment where every child can thrive.

Her favorite children’s book is The BFG, and Halloween is her favorite holiday. Some of her favorite family traditions include spending Christmas Eve at her grandma’s house and attending a show at TPAC with her sister each year. At home, she speaks English and enjoys spending time with her dog, Indy. In her free time, she loves reading and caring for her plants.

Primrose Staff Member Photo
Joined 2025
Emma Legg
Early Preschool Teacher

Childcare/Teaching Experience: 4 yrs

Education: Currently in school for Early Childhood Education

Favorite thing about working with children: How quick they learn and how everything is fun for them!

Favorite Children’s Book: Llama Llama Red Pajama

Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving

Favorite Family Tradition: We only do 3 gifts for Christmas

Languages Spoken in the Home: English

Pets In the Home: None, but lots of plants!

In My Personal Time, I Like To: spend time with my husband, go on walks and clean

Jennifer Grimm
5 Years of ExperienceJoined 2026
Jennifer Grimm
Preschool Teacher

Mrs. Grimm has been working in early childhood education since 2021 and has completed college coursework in Early Childhood Education. She loves helping children grow, celebrating their accomplishments, and guiding them through new challenges as they build confidence and independence each day.

Her favorite children’s book is Holly & Ivy by Rumer Godden, and her favorite holidays are Thanksgiving and Christmas. One of her favorite family traditions is gathering for game nights. At home, she enjoys spending time with her cat, Cinderella. In her free time, she loves reading and making memories with her family.

LaCoya Foxx
Joined 2023
LaCoya Foxx
Preschool Teacher

Ms. Foxx has been working in early childhood education since 2023 and has an educational background in Early Childhood. She is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of young children and enjoys helping them learn, grow, and build confidence every day.

Her favorite children’s book is If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and her favorite holidays are Thanksgiving and Christmas. She enjoys gathering with her family for Sunday dinners, a tradition she looks forward to each week. At home, she speaks English and spends time with her dog, Maui. In her free time, she loves reading and writing books.

Renee Pierre
21 Years of ExperienceJoined 2024
Renee Pierre
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Childcare/Teaching Experience: Since 2005

Ms. Pierre holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is passionate about inspiring a lifelong love of learning in young children. She was honored as the 2026 Primrose Educator of the Year, recognizing her dedication, leadership, and commitment to providing exceptional early childhood education. She especially enjoys witnessing each child’s “lightbulb” moments—those exciting times when understanding clicks and confidence begins to shine.

Her favorite children’s book is Llama Llama Red Pajama, and Christmas is her favorite holiday. One of her favorite family traditions is gathering for game nights. At home, she speaks both English and American Sign Language (ASL). In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, taking road trips, and creating crafts.

Taylor Zell
Joined 2024
Taylor Zell
Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Zell has been working in early childhood education since 2016 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about building strong relationships with both children and their families, believing that meaningful connections create the foundation for a positive and successful learning experience.

She enjoys the stories and humor found in Mo Willems’ children’s books, and Christmas is her favorite holiday. At home, she spends time with her Old English Bulldog, Buddy, and her two cats, Atlas and Milo. In her free time, she enjoys baking sourdough, creating crafts, and making memories with her family.

Lilly DePriest
Joined 2025
Lilly DePriest
Explorers Teacher

Ms. DePriest has been a valued member of the Primrose School of Gallatin team since 2025. She enjoys building meaningful relationships with children and loves listening to the imaginative stories they share each day. Her goal is to help create a warm, welcoming classroom where every child feels encouraged to learn and grow.

Her favorite children’s book is The Day the Crayons Quit, and Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday. One of her favorite family traditions is spending Christmas at her grandma’s house. At home, she speaks English and has a lively group of pets, including five dogs—Smokie, Max, Meme, Rocky, and Norman—three cats named Tommy, Ash, and Tiger, and a bunny named Daisy. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, fishing, and spending time with friends.

Primrose Staff Member Photo
Joined 2026
Trinity Tyler
Support Teacher

Ms. Tyler joined Primrose School of Gallatin in 2026 and has an educational background in Elementary Education from Volunteer State Community College. She enjoys watching children grow in every area of development and loves seeing the excitement on their faces as they learn something new each day.

Her favorite children’s book is Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, and her favorite holidays are Christmas and Valentine’s Day. One of her favorite family traditions is gathering together for Sunday dinner. At home, she speaks English and, in her free time, enjoys coloring, reading, dancing, and taking nature walks.

Carliegh Winegar
Joined 2024
Carliegh Winegar
Explorers Teacher

Ms. Winegar has been working in early childhood education since 2000 and brings years of experience, patience, and enthusiasm to the classroom. She enjoys getting to know each child’s unique personality and especially loves discovering their individual sense of humor. She is passionate about creating a positive environment where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn.

Her favorite children’s book is I Do Not Eat Children, and Halloween is her favorite holiday. At home, she speaks English and enjoys spending her free time relaxing with a good nap, enjoying her favorite foods, and being outdoors.

Keri Keating-Leu
Joined 2025
Keri Keating-Leu
Support Teacher

Mrs. Keating brings a diverse background in education, with experience as a preschool teacher, first grade teacher, and water safety/swim instructor for infants and children. With a degree in Education, she is passionate about helping children learn, explore, and develop confidence in every stage of their growth. She especially enjoys their creativity, honest perspectives, thoughtful questions, and the laughter they bring each day.

Her favorite children’s books are Love You Forever and Goodnight Moon, and Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday. One of her most treasured family traditions is taking long walks on the beach in East Hampton, New York, with her children. She enjoys creating meaningful connections with every child and fostering a warm, engaging learning environment where they can thrive.

Languages Spoken in the Home: English

Pets In the Home: Dog- Charley

In My Personal Time, I Like To: read, catch up on Netflix, play piano/sing, swim and keeping in touch with my old friends

Franchise Owner

Lynn Johnson

Franchise Owner | Primrose School of Gallatin and Primrose School of Hendersonville

Hello! I’m Lynn Johnson. My journey with Primrose began as a parent, long before I ever imagined becoming an owner. When my late husband and I brought our daughter to the Primrose School of Hendersonville in April 2005, we immediately fell in love with the caring teachers, the welcoming atmosphere, and the way our daughter thrived every day. That experience made us lifelong believers in what Primrose stands for, a true partnership between school and home that helps children grow into happy, confident learners.

My connection to early childhood education is both personal and professional. I hold a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and through my years as a parent, director, and owner within Primrose, I have seen firsthand how thoughtfully designed early learning experiences shape a child’s confidence, curiosity, and long term success.

One of the things that drew me to Primrose from the beginning is the strong educational foundation behind its programs. The Primrose Balanced Learning® approach is a long standing, research informed model inspired by leading child development theorists such as Montessori, Piaget, Gesell, and Vygotsky. It blends purposeful play, teacher guided instruction, and hands on discovery to create high quality learning experiences that nurture the whole child.

Our classrooms focus on strong teaching, meaningful relationships, and intentional lessons that support literacy, math, science, and STEAM exploration, while also emphasizing character development and social growth. Primrose schools are Cognia accredited, reflecting a commitment to continuous improvement and high standards in early education.

In November 2010, we were given the opportunity to purchase the Hendersonville school. Since then, I have had the joy of watching countless children learn, laugh, and grow through the same Balanced Learning approach that once nurtured my own daughter.

Now, with Primrose School of Gallatin, my goal is to bring that same sense of warmth, trust, and educational excellence to local families. We are excited to provide a place where children feel loved, parents feel supported, and learning happens every day.

If you are looking for a home away from home where your child will be encouraged to explore, grow, and thrive, I would love to meet you and personally welcome you to our Primrose family here in Gallatin.

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.