Mrs. Maddison Barker is so excited to serve as the Area Director of all three Knoxville Primrose locations! She graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2018 with a Bachelors in Psychology and a minor in Child and Family Studies. She currently lives in Maryville with her husband, William, son, Westbrook, daughter, Winslow and dog, Luna. She previously worked with Primrose as a Pre-K teacher and Director and is excited to get to know families and staff at all 3 locations now!

Sarah Harvey is so excited to serve as your Director at Primrose School of Hardin Valley! She is currently earning her degree in Early Childhood Education. Prior to her role at Hardin Valley, Sarah worked as the lead Pre-Kindergarten teacher at Primrose West Knoxville for 3 years. She absolutely loves being around children and knowing she gets to be a part of their development is such an amazing feeling! Outside of work, you will find Ms. Sarah cheering on the Vols or spending time with her husband, David and son, Maddox. Sarah is looking forward getting to know all of the families, children and teachers along with building trusted relationships with everyone.

Amanda is a passionate early childhood educator who earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Rose in Albany, NY. She began her teaching career as a first-grade teacher before joining the Primrose School of Farragut, where she taught Kindergarten and later returned as a Pre-K teacher. Her dedication and leadership led to her promotion to Administrative Assistant, and she now serves as the Education Coach at the Primrose School of Hardin Valley. Amanda is excited to support teachers and help create meaningful learning experiences for students and families.

Outside of work, Amanda enjoys watching sports with her boyfriend, Scott, walking their dogs Franco and Brock, and spending quality time with her daughters, Cali and Kennedy.

Mrs. Jill is thrilled to be assisting Primrose School of Hardin Valley in a new capacity after serving as the Infant 1 & 2 suppport teacher, then as an Infant 2 teacher during our first year. She studied Early Childhood Education as well as previously working in a West Knoxville Childcare Learning Center for 8 years. She has two older children, Avery, 24 and Zander, 16, her loving husband Mark and a best fur-baby dog, Hartley. Hardin Valley has been home for Mrs. Jill for over twenty years and she couldn’t be more proud to be apart of the Primrose Hardin Valley family. You may see her out at the baseball field cheering on her son or around Hardin Valley running with her dog. Getting to know all of the children and their familes while watching them grow are the hightlights of her days. She feels so lucky to work beside such an amazing team of teachers and Leadership mentors.

Ms.Victoria is so excited to serve on the leadership team at the Primrose School of Hardin Valley! She graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2023 with her Bachelors in Psychology and a minor in Child and Family Studies. Before her role at Primrose, she was an assistant elementary teacher and after school lead at a Montessori school. She also served as a registered behavioral technician before her teaching career, working with children diagnosed with autism and other behavioral disorders. She is passionate about all things child development and hopes to make a positive impact as part of the leadership team. Outside of work, you can find her shopping at Trader Joes, trying new recipes, or attempting another DIY project for her upcoming wedding. She can’t wait to meet everyone and start learning more about Primrose!

Hometown: Tampa, FL

Education Background: Culinary school, graduated as International Chef

Experience: 12 years of experience in childcare. I have a little business/hobby called “Carmen’s Kitchen from Scratch”

Family: I am a wife, mom of 3 beautiful babies (12, 9, and 3). My mom is from Venezuela and my dad is from Colombia

Favorite Children’s Book: All Dr. Seuss books

Personal Interests: My family, happy positive life, doing my job the best I can!

Carmen says, “I cook for the hardest critics, seeing their little faces every day, the way they show their love and appreciation is priceless!”

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Education Background: Halls High School Graduate, Early Childhood Education and Nutrition courses at University of Tennessee. Associate of Science Degree and ESL tutor in Anatomy and Physiology.

Experience: Most of my culinary experience comes from working at Gourmet’s Market where I worked under several talented chefs and catered weddings and local government events.  After that I became a GMIT at Domino’s.

Family:  I am the oldest of 5 siblings.  I started dating my husband in high school and got married October 2017.

Favorite Children’s Book: Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster.

Personal Interests: Collecting vinyl records, take care of my Corgi, concerts and outdoor festivals.

I am most excited to cook for children.  They are definitely the best customaers I could have!

Hometown:

Education Background: 3 years of college at Carson Newman

Experience: more than 10 years of childcare and 3.5 years of teaching at Primrose

Family: Wife, Rachel, and 2 dogs

Favorite Children’s Book: The Little Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly

Personal Interests: Spend time with my wife and 2 dogs, draw, and be outside

I am most excited to get to know your littles and yourself!

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Education Background: Theatre – B.A. East Tennessee State University

Experience: After-School Provider

Family: Mom, Dad and Brother

Favorite Children’s Book: The Graveyard Book

Personal Interests: Sewing, crafts, reading and writing

I am so excited to spend time with kids

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Education Background: Dental Assistant Certified, CDA and working on getting Early Childhood Degree

Experience: West Emory Enrichment Center

Family: Daughter, 13 years old and my husband, Caleb

Favorite Children’s Book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear

Personal Interests: Barre, Family Time, Taking Trips

I am so excited interact with the children and their families

Hometown: Louisa, VA

Education Background: general education diploma, some college completed

Experience: Children’s church volunteer, school volunteer

Family: Husband – Jarrod, Daughter – Taylor (19), Daughter – Madison (13), Son – Jackson (9)

Favorite Children’s Book: The Velveteen Rabbit

Personal Interests: Concerts, sporting events, travel

I am most excited to work with children and meet new people.

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Education Background: Graduated from Karns High School and continuing education at Pellissippi State Community College (Nursing)

Experience: Preschool Teacher at Little Vols LLC as well as taking care of my nephew and cousin who is diasbled

Family: Mom & Dad, Brother and Sister-in-law, 2 year old nephew, and another on the way

Favorite Children’s Book: Clifford the Big Red Dog

Personal Interests: Reading, Crocheting, Sports

I am very excited to know my student and co-teacher while expanding my understanding of childcare

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Education Background: Graduated high school in 2023. Currently enrolled at Pellissippi State Community College seeking a degree in Paralegal Studies. I will graduate in May of 2025.

Experience: I have been working with people since I was 15. I was a hostess for five years, then went to be a babysitter/nanny or over two years. I would pick them up from school every day, help them with homework, and more.

Family: I have one older brother. I live with my mom and dad still, but plan on moving into my own apartment soon.

Favorite Children’s Book: The Rainbow Fish

Personal Interests: I love to try new things. I enjoy hiking, being outdoors, working out, and much more. I just recently started to find enjoyment in reading.

I am excited to be around kids. I enjoy being a role model and hanging out with children brings me happiness.

Hometown: Shawano, WI

Education Background: Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Development, and currently working on Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Development

Experience: Working with children for 5 years

Family: Husband and cat

Favorite Children’s Book:  “The Giving Tree” and “The Snowy Day”

Personal Interests: Reading and listening to podcasts

I am most excited about seeing the children learn and grow throughout their time here at Primrose!

Hometown: Arizona

Education Background: Graduated high school & earned CDA in preschool

Experience: 8 years of childcare experience. 10 years of experience in public school.

Family: Mom and Dad live in Arizona. My brother lives here in Tennessee and I have my cat, Annie.

Favorite Children’s Book: So many! Rainbow fish, Dr. Suess, Piegon series, Elephant and Piggie series.

Personal Interests: My cat, hiking, fishing, relaxing at home in front of my tv.

I am so excited to meet the children and be able give them my love and knowledge!

Hometown: Mexico City

Education Background: Gwinnett Tech

Experience: 2o years of customer service experience. 1 year of childcare experience.

Family: Husband and 2 children

Favorite Children’s Book: Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

Personal Interests: Yoga, Reading, Walking, Exercising

I am most excited about being part of a great team. Since the moment I walked in, I felt welcome. The classrooms seem very well organized and structured. I cannot wait to meet my new friends and teach them great things!

Hometown: Jacksboro, TN

Education Background: HS diploma: J. Frank White Academy. Associates: Roane State Community College. Pursuing Bachelor’s in Elementary Education at ETSU

Experience: Classroom observations and service learning (K-5)

Family: Grandparents: Mark and Elizabeth Sharp. Stepfather: Russell. Mother: Stephanie. Brothers: Isaac and Gavin

Favorite Children’s Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Personal Interests: Sewing, embroidery, collaging, and reading.

I am most excited to work with children everyday! I love watching them learn and grow. I love to hear their perspectives in conversations.

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Education Background: ITT Technical Institute, Information Technology, National Honor Society

Family: We are a family of 5. Husband, 3 boys & 2 cats

Favorite Children’s Book: Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes, Anne of Green Gables By: Lucy Montgomery

Personal Interests: Cooking, working out, watching tv with my family!

Diana is most excited her students and the new playgrounds for the children! She loves to help kids learn.

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Education Background: Farragut High School, University of TN

Experience: Degree in Early Childhood Education, Director of 15 rooms at church, nanny, raised 3 children

Family: 3 children, very close with mom and brother

Favorite Children’s Book: Goodnight Moon

Personal Interests: Candles, baking, reading, watching movies, crocheting

Dianne is most excited to watch her children excel throughout the year. She is also excited to work with such great co-workers!

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Education Background: Bryan and Stratton Online, University of Memphis

Experience: 6+ years of childcare experience

Family: Daughter

Favorite Children’s Book: Llama, Llama Mad at Mama

Personal Interests: Romance Novels, Coffee, Socks

I am most excited about making connections with the students, and building trusted relationships with the parents!

Hometown: Craig, Alaska

Education Background: Craig High School and Yarapai College – Associate’s Degree

Experience: Babysitting, Afterschool Nanny and Preschool Teacher’s Assistant

Family: 4 brothers: 2 older and 2 younger, Mom and Stepdad live here in TN, Dad and Stepmom and brothers live in Alaska

Favorite Children’s Book: Blob Blob Fish

Personal Interests: Baking, hiking, making/going out for coffee, playing with my dog, camping, and reading

I am most excited to interact with kids and see life through them!

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

Education Background: St. Charles High School, University of Nebraska-Omaha (Music Entrepreneurship), St. Louis Community College (General Transfer Studies)

Experience: Babysitting 2008-2018, Faith Academy 2019-2020 (Assistant Teacher)

Family: 2 sisters, 1 brother, mom, dad, me!

Favorite Children’s Book: The Pokey Little Puppy, Junie B. Jones, Black Lagoon Books

Personal Interests: Listening to music, signing, watching horror movies, playing video games (Stardew Valley, Sims4, etc.)

Cassie is most excited to see her children grow and develop new skills. She is also excited to get to see her babies develop their personalities.

Hometown: Katy, TX

Education Background: MIS Business BBA at Texas A&M University

Experience: Designer at David Gardner’s for 4 years

Family: My husband Jackson and my parents, brother, and twin sisters

Favorite Children’s Book: Pete the Cat and Fancy Nancy

Personal Interests: Art, sewing, embroidery, and running

I am so excited to bring joyful moments and create a safe space for others!

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Education Background: Associate’s Degree at University of Cincinnati

Experience: 30 years of childcare and teaching

Family: Husband, Son -19, Daughter – 15

Personal Interests: Spending time with family and traveling

I am most excited for loving and caring for your children!

Hometown: Mt. Juliet

Education Background: High School Diploma and 1 year Undergrad College (UTC)

Experience: Babysitting when younger, lots of retail and front desk experience

Family: I have a very large family: Mom, Dad, Step–mom, Step-dad, 2 brothers, step-sister, and lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins

Favorite Children’s Book: The Hungry Caterpillar

Personal Interests: Reading, Spending time with friends and family, outdoor activities (with nice weather)

I am most excited to meet the kids and help them learn and grow!

Hometown: Clarkrange, TN

Education Background: Associates Degree in Elementary Education. Starting online school in January to earn my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education.

Experience: 5 Years – 4 in Early Childhood and 1 year in Elementary School

Family: My husband, our son and me

Favorite Children’s Book: If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

Personal Interests: Going to Church and spending time with my family and friends

I am so excited to help my kids learn and cheering them on when they master a new skill!

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Education Background: High School, some College

Experience: Dance Teacher and Preschool Teacher

Family: Step Dad, Mom, 3 Siblings, Daughter

Favorite Children’s Book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Personal Interests: Baking, Movies, Singing, Dancing, Hiking, Games, Outdoors, Art

I am most excited about seeing the look of excitement when the students learn a new skill and master it!

Hometown: Sevierville, TN

Education: Bachelors of Arts from Berea College

Experience: I have been around children my whole life, from babysitting as a pre-teen to working in church nurseries, and daycares. I also am a mom of 5 children.

Family: Married to Ian and mother to 5 children: Aubrey, Konnor, Levi, Liam and Kam.

Favorite Children’s Book: Stellaluna, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Goodnight Moon.

Personal Interests: Creative hobbies like crochet and jewelry making, reading and mom life.

I grew up wanting to be a kindergarten teacher, but life took me down a different path. I’m excited to the opportunity to fulfill a goal for myself while getting to start some amazing children on their education journey!

Hometown: Mt. Juliet

Education Background: University of Tennessee, Chattanooga and University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Experience: Church nursery, babysitting, nannying, and family experience

Family: I live with my husband, Shea, and our dog Lucy here in Knoxville. My mom, dad, brother, sister, and nephews live in Mt. Juliet with their 3 cats.

Favorite Children’s Book: The Giving Tree

Personal Interests: Board games, card games, reading, bowling, and softball

I am so excited to meet great kids and make a positive impact on their lives.

Hometown: Lakewood, Colorado

Education Background: High School Graduate, Certified Paralegal, Certified KCS Substitute

Experience: Babysitting, Reading Tutor, Afterschool Childcare

Family: Husband, 2 children, 4 grandchildren, 1 brother, and our dog, Sadie

Favorite Children’s Book: Where the Sidewalk Ends

Personal Interests: Small hikes, plants, dog lover

I am most excited about having a role in molding children’s attitudes!

Education Background: High School Graduate

Experience: Have worked in daycare settings with all age groups

Family: Mom, 3 Sisters, 3 Brothers

Favorite Children’s Book: A Child Like You

Personal Interests: Reading, Cooking, Skating

I am most excited about a healthy work environment that. fosters collaboration and team work, and gaining opportunities to continue developing my career!

Hometown: Northridge, California

Education Background: Associates of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education. Certification in Early Childhood Education from Pellissippi State

Experience: Volunteer experience with Knoxville Head Start, The Goddard School, and Fort Sanders Educational Development Center

Family: Helen – mother, Steve – father, Sammy – brother

Favorite Children’s Book: The Color Kittens by Margaret Wise Brown

Personal Interests: Painting, drawing, reading, and swimming

I am so excited to get to know the children and helping them develop their skills as they grow.

Hometown: Afghanistan

Education Background: Master’s degree at Education Administration. BA – Psychology

Experience: 5 years of teaching in schools and 4 years of teaching in University

Family: Husband and my 2 kids Mohammad and Brishna

Favorite Children’s Book: Cinderella, Goodnight Moon, Love You Forever

Personal Interests: Playing basketball and reading books

I am most excited to be with the kids and play with them.

Hometown: Marshall, MI

Education Background: Diploma, Some college, and Certified Doullatation Counselor

Experience: I have been working with children for over 20 years, 2 biological children, and 3 bonus children at home. Also worked closely with young children through my work as a pregnancy support person.

Family: My fiancé and I have 5 kids between us (ages 6,8,11,14,16) and 2 XL dogs (Great Dane and Great Pyrenees) and 2 orange tabby cats.

Favorites Children’s Book: Where the Sidewalk Ends – Shel Silverstein

Personal Interests: Camping, Hiking, Kayaking, DIY, Reading, and Baking

It is so fulfilling to watch children develop and grow and learn. I am so excited to have that positive influence with a new group of kiddos!

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Education Background: Registered Behavior Teach certified

Experience: 10 years

Family: 2 year old son, Amarion

Favorite Children’s Book: Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Suess

Personal Interests: Hanging out with my son

I am so excited to get too form relationships with the children.