Primrose School Building

Primrose School of Garden Oaks

Our Staff

  • Melissa Lee, Area Director

    Melissa Lee

    Area Director

    My name is Melissa Lee, and I have been a part of the Primrose family since March 2014. I have been the Director for about 5 years now. I started out in childcare about 11 years ago working with school-age children. Through my years of experience, I found a true love working with children. Just recently, I became a mother myself, to a wonderful little boy named Lathan. I have my Master’s degree in Criminology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. I also have a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Sam Houston State University. When I started college, I had a professional plan all carved out; however, once I entered childcare I feel that I found my passion. I love working here with my Primrose family.

  • Nicole Verbit, Area Education Director

    Nicole Verbit

    Area Education Director

    Hello! My name is Ms. Nicole and I am the Area Education Director for Primrose Lakeshore. I am originally from Houston, Texas and became apart of the Primrose Family since 2012. I have a BFA from Texas Tech University in Art Education, Early Childhood and a total of 12 years of childcare experience. On the weekends, I enjoy playing outside with my three children. My favorite food is sushi and my favorite children's book is "Mouse Paint" and "The Giving Tree". The Primrose Pal I most relate to is Erwin the Dog because I too love art and making new friends! I am most excited to watch your children discover new wonders in the classroom.

  • Jennifer Thames-Gates, Director

    Jennifer Thames-Gates

    Director

    My name is Jennifer Thames Gates and my friends call me Jeni. I have been working in The field of Early Childhood Education for about 35 years. I have taught Pre- Kindergarten 3 and 4 and Kindergarten . For 22 years, I was the Director of Memorial Crème de la Crème . I am excited to be part of the Primrose family!

    I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and am a Certified Director. I also work with The American Red Cross as CPR/ First Aid and CPR instructor.

    When not working I love being with my husband and my three children and supporting their activities- As they are all grown up, l fill my empty nest by coaching The CheerAbilities Team - The Rainboas of Stars Vipers Katy.

    I enjoy the Garden Oaks area and love getting to try all of the restaurants in the area!

  • Britney Holley-Davidson, Director

    Britney Holley-Davidson

    Director

    Hello, my name is Britney and I am the Co-Director here at the Primrose School of Garden Oaks. I joined Primrose in July 2021, and have 15 years of childcare experience prior to joining Primrose. On the weekends I enjoy spending time at home and at the pool. I am excited to meet all of our families and getting to know everyone.

  • Anahi Garcia, Administrative Assistant

    Anahi Garcia

    Administrative Assistant

    Hi, my name is Anahi Garcia! I am the Administrative Assistant at the Primrose School of Garden Oaks. I joined the Primrose family back in 2019 at the Primrose School at Lakeshore as the Explorers teachers! I am currently a student at the University of Houston studying Business Administration in Management, with then goal to graduate in December 2022. Go Coogs! I enjoy spending my time on the weekends with my family and friends cheering on the Astros. I am excited to meet and know all of my families!

  • Luisa Soto Villamil, Curriculum Coordinator

    Luisa Soto Villamil

    Curriculum Coordinator

    Ms. Luisa is from San Juan, Puerto Rico. She joined the Primrose family in September 2020 and has worked in childcare for a year prior to joining us. Luisa holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. Her favorite food are hamburgers and loves to spend time outdoors and at the beach. Her favorite book is The Three Little Pigs and most relates to Erwin the Dog.

  • Jiovanna Cirlos, Young Infants Teacher

    Jiovanna Cirlos

    Young Infants Teacher

    Ms. Jiovanna Cirlos was born in Houston, Texas. She joined the Primrose family in September 2020 and has 5 previous year in childcare. She holds a HS diploma and is currently getting her degree in Education. Her favorite foods are Steak and Whataburger and enjoys to watch baseball and go fishing on the weekends. Ms. Jiovanna's favorite book is The cat in the hat and most related to Og the bookworm.

  • Stephanie Speaker, Young Infant Teacher

    Stephanie Speaker

    Young Infant Teacher

    Hi my name is Stephanie Speaker and I am a young infant teacher! I have 3 years of childcare experience prior to joining Primrose in August 2021. My favorite thing to do on the weekends is watch movies and go out with my husband! I enjoy Sushi and my favorite book is Corduroy! I can't wait to get to know all my friends!

  • Joyce Nwokolo, Older Infants Teacher

    Joyce Nwokolo

    Older Infants Teacher

    Mrs. Joyce Nwokolo is from Navasota, Texas. She joined the Primrose family in September 2020 and has 30 year experience in childcare. She holds a high school diploma. Her favorite foods are Spaghetti with green beans and corn bread. She enjoys to listen to music, watch movies, and have dinner with loved ones.

  • Lourdes Garcia, Older Infants Teacher

    Lourdes Garcia

    Older Infants Teacher

    Ms. Lourdes is from Houston, Texas. She studied as a nurse assistant and currently has 20+ years in childcare experience. She loves Chinese food and spending time with her family on the weekends. Her favorite children's book is The Rainbow Fish and most relates to Og the Bookworm. She is so excited to see her babies grown and develop!

  • Cecillia Guichard, Infant Support Staff

    Cecillia Guichard

    Infant Support Staff

    Hi, my name is Cecilia and I am one of your older infant teachers. I have been in childcare for about 6 months and my favorite part is reading books to te children! On my personal time, I enjoy spending my time playing the piano. 

  • Luz De La Rosa, Toddler 1 Teacher

    Luz De La Rosa

    Toddler 1 Teacher

    Ms. Luz is from Mexico! She has 29 years in childcare experience and hold a GED. She loves her some Italian Food and also enjoys spending time with her grandbabies. Her favorite children's book is Red Hat and most relates to Erwin the dog and Ally the Bunny. She is super excited to start her Primrose experience and meet new kids and watch them grow and develop.

  • Ana Santander, Toddler 1 Teacher

    Ana Santander

    Toddler 1 Teacher

    Hi, my name is Ana and I am one of your Toddler 1 teachers. I have been in childcare for 3 years and counting! My favorite thing about working with children is seeing them grow and teaching them new things. On my personal time, I enjoy spening time with my family and listening to music. 

  • Angie Rodriguez, Toddler 2 Teacher

    Angie Rodriguez

    Toddler 2 Teacher

    Ms. Angie Rodriguez is from Houston, Texas. She joined our Primrose family in September 2020 and has 2 years of previous experience in childcare. She has a high school diploma and enjoys to eat pizza. Her favorite weekend activity is to watch movies. Her favorite children's book is the Rainbow Fish and most relates to Og the Bookworm.

  • Emily Rodriguez, Toddler 2 Teacher

    Emily Rodriguez

    Toddler 2 Teacher

    Hi, my name is Emily and I am one of your Toddler teachers! I have been in childcare for 2 years and my favorite thing about working with children is teaching them new things. On my personal time, I like to watch and play softball and Baseball. 

  • Jasmine Rodriguez, Early Preschool Teacher

    Jasmine Rodriguez

    Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Jasmine Rodriguez is from Houston, Texas. She joined our Primrose family in September 2020 and has 2 years of previous experience in childcare. She has a high school diploma and enjoys to eat pizza. Her favorite weekend activity is to watch baseball and play soccer. Her favorite children's book is the series of Clifford the Big Red Dog and most relates to Mia the mouse.

  • Carmen Alvarez, Early Preschool Teacher

    Carmen Alvarez

    Early Preschool Teacher

    Hi, name is Carmen Alvarez and I am a Early Preschool teacher! I joined the Primrose family back in March 2021 and am currently enrolled in college. My favorite food is Pizza and on the weekends I enjoy relaxing and watching movies. My favorite children's book is The Hungry Caterpillar.

  • Abigail Muery, Early Preschool Teacher

    Abigail Muery

    Early Preschool Teacher

    Hi, my name is Abigail! I have been in childcare for almost 4 years and my favorite part of working with children is getting to know them! On my personal time, I like to relax and going on walks. 

  • Jasmyne Molinar, Early Preschool 1 Teacher

    Jasmyne Molinar

    Early Preschool 1 Teacher

    Ms. Jasmyne is from Houston, Texas. She has most of her experience in babysitting and is exciting to start her early childcare experience here with us! She is currently enrolled in college and is studying to be Radiology Technician. She loves Fettuccine Alfredo from Olive Garden. On the weekend she enjoys spending time with her family and puppy or watching Netflix! Her favorite book is If you give a mouse a cookie. She most relates to Mia the mouse because she loves the outdoors! This school year she is excited for her kiddos to learn and grow!

  • Jazmine Sheridan, Early Preschool 1 Teacher

    Jazmine Sheridan

    Early Preschool 1 Teacher

    Hi my name Jazmine and I am an Infant teacher. I have 5 years of previous childcare experience prior to joining Primrose in July 2021. On the weekends I enjoy spending my time playing volleyball and eating my favorite foods which are Pizza and Mexican Food! My favorite children's book is The Rainbow Fish and I most relate to Og the Bookworm.

  • Michelle Brown, Early Preschool 1 Teacher

    Michelle Brown

    Early Preschool 1 Teacher

    Hi, my name is Michelle and I am one of your Early Preschool Teacher! I have been in childcare for 2 years and my favorite part of working with children is getting to know them and do the things they like to do. On my personal time, I enjoy having dates with my son! 

  • Yulma de la Rosa, Early Preschool 2 Teacher

    Yulma de la Rosa

    Early Preschool 2 Teacher

    Ms. Yulma De La Rosa is from Chepas, Mexico. She joined our Primrose family in September 2020 and has 3 1/2 years of previous experience in childcare. She has a high school diploma and enjoys to eat chicken. Her favorite weekend activity is to sleep. Her favorite children's book is the Rainbow Fish and most relates to Mia the mouse she enjoys the outdoors.

  • Prasha Mathis, Early Preschool 2 Teacher

    Prasha Mathis

    Early Preschool 2 Teacher

    Hi, my name is Prasha and I am a Early Preschool teacher. I have been in childcare for 10 years and am excitec to get to know all my new friends. My favorite childens book is "The Napping House." In my personal time I enjoy eatting seafood, go shopping with my daughter, and watch movies.

  • Miriam Saba, Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Miriam Saba

    Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Ms. Miriam is from Guatemala, Mexico. She has 20+ years in childcare experience and loves to eat all sorts of casseroles. On the weekend she loves to stay home and spend time with her family. Her favorite book is Dragons Love Tacos. She most relates to Erwin the dog and is happy to get to know all her new coworkers and new kiddos!

  • Stephanie Argueta, Support Teacher

    Stephanie Argueta

    Support Teacher
  • Diana Dagher, Support Teacher

    Diana Dagher

    Support Teacher
  • Katie Crowell, Support Teacher

    Katie Crowell

    Support Teacher

    Hi my name is Katie Crowell! I have 20+ years of childcare experience prior to joining Primrose in March 2021. I received my BBA from Hardin-Simmons University in 2012. Some of my favorite things consist of Cheetos, pasta, and relaxing at home with my family. My favorite children's book is Goodnight moon and I most relate to Percy the Rooster.

  • Catherine Ramirez, Preschool 1 Teacher

    Catherine Ramirez

    Preschool 1 Teacher

    Hi, my name is Catherine and I am one of your Preschool teachers! I have been in childcare for over 8 years and my favorite part of working with children is watching them grow and meet their milestones! On my personal time, I like to spend my time with my amazing daughter! 

  • Mykhaela Brown, Early Preschool 2 Teacher

    Mykhaela Brown

    Early Preschool 2 Teacher

    Hi! My name is Mykhaela and I am your Early Preschool 2 teacher. I have been in childcare for a little over a year and can't wait to grow my experience with all my friends. My favorite things about working with children is seeing their fsces light up with joy as we move throughout the day. On my personal time I enjoy going to the park with my baby! 

  • Julia Miller, Preschool 2 Teacher

    Julia Miller

    Preschool 2 Teacher

    Hello my name is Julia Miller and I am the Preschool 2 teacher. I have a Bachelors Degree in Theater & English w/ my teaching certification nd my Masters. I have worked in childcare for about 20 years now and joined the Primrose School of Garden Oaks in 2021. My favorite food is Mexican, Asian, and Indian and I enjoy watching Movies, coloring, reading, and taking walks on the weekends. My favorite children's books are Laura Wilder's book series, Little bear, Pooh Stories, and all multicultural books. I most relate to Og the bookworm. I cant wait to meet all my friends!

  • Krista Parker, Support Teacher

    Krista Parker

    Support Teacher

    Hi my name is Krista and I am a support teacher! I will be in every classroom to help and support them as needed. I have been in childcare for 2 years and my favorite part of working with kids is watching them grow. On my personal time, I spend my time with my family. 

  • Brittany Raspberry, Preschool 2 Teacher

    Brittany Raspberry

    Preschool 2 Teacher

    Hi, my name is Brittany and I am one your Preschool 2 teachers! I have been in childcare for a few months and my favorite part of working with children is playing with them and helping them! In my personal time, I enjoy doign nails and watching Tv! 

  • Maria Tobias, Pre-K Teacher

    Maria Tobias

    Pre-K Teacher

    Ms. Maria Tobias is from Houston, Texas. She joined the Primrose family in September 2020 and have 10 years of experience in childcare. Her favorite foods are seafood and Chinese and likes to shop on the weekends. Her favorite children's book is Llama Llama Red Pajama and most related to Og the Bookworm!

  • Khionna "K" Hudson, Pre Kindergarten Teacher

    Khionna "K" Hudson

    Pre Kindergarten Teacher

    Hi, my name is Khionna but I go by "Ms. K." I have been in childcare for almost 2 years now. My favorite part of workign with children is learning different experiences and spreading knowledge and generosity to the children. On my personal time, I love to listen to music and create art! 

  • Sheika Dooley, Kindergarten Teacher

    Sheika Dooley

    Kindergarten Teacher

    Hi, my name is Shieka Dooley and I am the Kindergarten teacher. I am from Katy, Tx and joined the Primrose family back in February of 2021. My favorite food is Chicken and on the weekends I enjoy relaxing with family and eating! My favorite childrens book is Green eggs and ham and I most relate to Megy the pig.

  • Wendy Carr, Explorer's Teacher

    Wendy Carr

    Explorer's Teacher

    Hi! My name is Wendy and I am your Explorer teacher! I have been in childcare for over 10 years. My favorite part of workig iwth children is gettin gto know them and making new friends! On my personal time, I enjoy spending it with my family! 

  • Shari Patterson, Support Staff

    Shari Patterson

    Support Staff

    Hi my name is Shari Patterson! I have 20 years to childcare experience prior to joining Primrose in September 2021.On the weekends I like to go to church, shop and eat some good BBQ! I enjoy The Three Little Pigs and I most relate to Billy the Duck!

  • Larry and Brandi Muse, Franchise Owner

    Larry and Brandi Muse

    Franchise Owner

    Meet Brandi and Larry Muse – proud Franchise Owners of Primrose School of Garden Oaks! As lifelong residents of the greater Houston community and seasoned school leaders, they are thrilled to open their third Primrose school and provide the Primrose Experience of premier early education and care to more local children and families.

    Prior to becoming Franchise Owners, the Muses each had successful careers – Larry worked for a large wireless communications company, and Brandi was a teacher in a local elementary school for more than eight years. But after their son was born in 2002, the Muses wanted to make a family-focused career change, so they decided go into business together. They wanted their careers to make a difference in the lives of children and families, and when they found Primrose Schools, Brandi and Larry knew they’d found what they were searching for.

    “After our first encounter with Primrose Schools, we immediately knew that opening a school was what we wanted and needed to do,” Brandi said. “Our family values align with the Primrose values, and as an educator, I knew the incredible Balanced Learning® program would give children the strong foundation they need to succeed both academically and in life.”

    In spring 2005, Brandi and Larry opened the doors of Primrose School at Summerwood. The school, which was recognized with the Primrose Presidential Award in 2012, soon became known not only for its excellent educational opportunities, but also for its warm culture and support of the local community. In spring 2016, they opened their second location, Primrose School at Lakeshore. Both schools are generous supporters of the local school district and are proud partners of several charities and sports teams. The Muses look forward to extending this caring culture and commitment to education at Primrose School of Garden Oaks.

    When they aren’t spending time in their schools, Brandi and Larry stay busy in leadership roles in their community, serving on leadership councils for Primrose Schools, volunteering for local charities and cheering on their children at sporting events. Their son, Corbin, is an avid basketball player, and their daughter, Jade, is a competitive cheerleader. Both Corbin and Jade are Primrose alumni.

    “We’ve seen first-hand the impact Primrose had in our own children’s lives and the lives of so many others, so if there’s one thing we know about Primrose, it’s that what we do here works,” Larry said. “We value the safety and nurturing of our students above all else, and when children graduate from Primrose, they are prepared for future success.”

    At each of their schools, the Muses are committed to providing students with a safe and nurturing environment to learn and grow their Active Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts® while providing parents with peace of mind, knowing their children are well cared for and receiving a premiere education.


    Read More