Primrose School would love to meet your family.
Contact UsMrs. Maddison Barker is so excited to serve as the Director of Primrose School of Hardin Valley! She graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2018 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in Child and Family Studies. She currently lives in Maryville with her husband, William, son, Westbrook and dog, Luna. She previously worked with Primrose as a Pre-K teacher and is excited to take on this new role as Director. She cannot wait to meet all of the students soon and welcome families to the school!
Mrs. Alida is excited to serve as the Assistant Director at Primrose School of Hardin Valley! She studied Elementary Education, focusing on Pre-K - 3rd grade. Prior to her role at Hardin Valley, she worked at Primrose School of West Knoxville for almost 4 years, first as an Early Preschool teacher, and then as the Assistant Director. She lives in Hardin Valley with her husband and two children, Kristian and Ellie, who both attend Primrose School of Hardin Valley. She is so excited for her new role at the school and can't wait to get to know all the students and their families!
Sarah Harvey is so excited to serve as your Education Coach 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. Sarah is looking forward getting to know all of the families, children and teachers along with building trusted relationships with everyone.
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.
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: Sevierville, TN
Education Background: Has CDA, some college in psychology, graduated from Pigeon Forge High a semester early
Experience: 1 year of being a lead teacher, 3 months of other age groups
Family: Mom, step dad, brother, granny, 2 nieces
Favorite Children’s Book: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Personal Interests: Hanging with my fur babies, swimming, visiting Cades Cove
Lindsey is most excited about getting to be with the babies as they continue to grow and learn new things.
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: Crossville, TN
Education Background: Some College
Experience: 1 year of childcare experience
Family: Husband and 6 cats
Favorite Children's Book: The Giving Tree
Personal Interests: Concerts, Crocheting, Video Games
I am most excited about the children learn and grow, and to see their creativity develop!
Hometown: Bogotà, Colombia
Education Background: Degree in Literature and Spanish
Experience: 12 years of teaching Spanish
Family: Husband and Daughter
Favorite Children's Book: Harry Potter
Personal Interests: Reading, Traveling, Learning English
I am most excited excited about teaching and overall learning about my students!
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: 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: 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: Las Vegas, NV
Education Background: Currently in school for Early Childhood Education
Experience: Respite Care Worker in Houton, TX, Child Yoga Teacher in Knoxville, TN and Houston, TX
Family: I have 2 boys, and 1 foster daughter. My grabdfather also lives with us.
Favorite Children's Book: I am Yoga by Susan Verde
Personal Interests: Teaching yoga classes, hiking, watching movies, family game nights
I am most excited about working with children!
Hometown: Lenior City
Education Background: Currently in school for childhood education
Experience: I've worked with kids for 4 years
Family: I have a beautiful 3 year old daughter
Favorite Children’s Book: Anything Llama Llama
Personal Interests: Hiking & swimming
Hometown: Jellico, TN
Education Background: CNA
Experience: Worked with children with disabilities for several years
Family: Husband and Son
Favorite Children's Book: Where The Wild Things Are and The Very Hungry Catepillar
I am most excited about my impact on the children's knowledge of life!
Hometown: Fort Pierce, FL
Education Background: College for Interior Design and Early Childhood Education
Experience: 10 years of working in childcare
Family: Grandpa
Favorite Children's Book: How Do Dinosaurs Say "Goodnight"?
Personal Interests: Self development, outdoors, painting, cooking
I am most excited about building relationships with my students!
Hometown: Alcoa, TN
Education Background: High School
Experience: Several years of working with children
Family: Husband, Children, Dogs
Favorite Children's Book: I Love You Forever
Personal Interests: Movies, Hanging out with family and friends, Cookouts, Concerts, Music
I am most excited about being around children. They are so funny and sweet. I love watching their facial expressions while their learning and how excited they get when they learn something new!
Hometown: Sevierville, TN
Education Background: High School
Experience: Being a mom
Family: Adora and Kaiden
Favorite Children's Book: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Personal Interests: Outdoors, Movies, Books
I am most excited about making a positive impact in the kids' lives!
Hometown: Stockbridge, GA
Education Background: Bachelor's Degree in Psycology
Experience: I have experience working at preschools, churches, elementary schools, and camps
Family: Husband, 2 cats, Mom, Dad, 3 brothers, Mother-in-law, Father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law
Favorite Children's Book: Oh, The Places You'll Go and The Kissing Hand
Personal Interests: Hiking, Reading, Kayaking, Family Time
I am most excited about working with children and sharing the love I have in my heart with them!
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: Khulna, Bangladesh
Education Background: High School and some College
Experience: Teaching Pre-K, Customer Care, International Relationahip Officer
Family: Husband and 3-years-old son
Favorite Children's Book: The Cat in the Hat
Personal Interests: Shopping, Make Up, Movies, Travel
I am most excited about collaborating and working towards something big!
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Education Background: High School Graduate and some college
Experience: I have been working with children since i've been 16 years old!
Family: Dad, Mom, 2 Sisters, 3 Nieces, 3 Nephews
Favorite Children's Book: Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
Personal Interests: Hiking, swimming, volleyball
I am most excited about making a great difference in the children's lives!
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Education Background: High School Graduate, Some College
Family: Husband, Daughter
Favorite Children's Book: All Dr. Seuss Books
Personal Interests: Outdoors
I am most excited abouthelping the children learn new things!
Hometown: India
Education Background: Currently enrolled in Early Childhood Education (Major)
Experience: Over 10 years of experience in teaching birth-6th grade for community service, leadership experience for over 3 years (principal for religious education center, community center)
Family: Husband and 3 children
Favorite Children’s Book: Llama Llama Red Pajama, The Rainbow Book
Personal Interests: Listening to music
Salima is most excited to be with kids; teaching them and seeing them be happy
Hometown: Oxford, MI
Education Background: High School Diploma and Esthetician License
Experience: A few years of childcare
Family: Tea Cup Yorkie
Favorite Children's Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Personal Interests: Traveling to Michigan and Florida, Going out to eat
I am most excited about teaching kindness and making a positive impact!
Hometown: Maryville, TN
Education Background: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development at ETSU, minor in Psychology
Experience: Practicum at Little Buccaneers Student Center in Johnson City, TN with 2-4 year olds
Family: Dad, Mom, Brother, Sister
Personal Interests: True Crime
I am most excited about getting to help and watch children grow!
Hometown: Boca Raton, FL
Education Background: Homeschooled
Experience: 4 years of coaching ages 1-5
Favorite Children's Book: Bones Series
Personal Interests: Beach, family time, walking in the park
I am most excited about meeting all of the children and being the best role model i can be for them. I am also very excited about meeting all of my co-teachers!
Hometown: Cape Town, South Africa
Education Background: Some College
Experience: Volunteering with children
Family: Dad, Mom, 2 Sisters, Cat, Bearded Dragon
Favorite Children's Book: Green Eggs and Ham
Personal Interests: Books, Cars, Painting
I am most excited about helping my students grow!
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Education Background: Spanish River High School
Experience: 3 years at Palm Beach School for Autism
Family: Mom, Dad, Brother
Favorite Children’s Book: Red Fish Blue Fish By: Dr. Seuss
Personal Interests: Anime, video games, axe throwing, shooting range, reading books
Taylore is most excited for new relationships with co-workers and helping her kids learn.
Hometown: Owosso, MI
Education Background: Farragut High School Graduate, Associates of English
Experience: Angela Floyd School of Dance Assistant Ballet/Tap Combo Instructor
Family: Father, Mother, Brother
Favorite Children's Book: All books by Kate DiCamillo, Where the Wild Things Are, The Kissing Hand, The Wing Feather Saga
Personal Interests: Ceramics and Jewelry making, Fashion, Reading, Animals
I am most excited about being able to work with children in a way that makes me feel like I've left a positive impact. I want to make a difference in their lives!
Hometown: Najaf, Iraq
Education Background: Studied two years of business education
Experience: Mom of 3
Family: Husband and 3 children
Favorite Children's Book: Aladdin
Personal Interests: Traveling, Cooking
I am most excited about assisting the students in getting the best education!
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 hte Sidewalk Ends
Personal Interests: Small hikes, plants, dog lover
I am most excited about having a role in molding children's attitudes!
Hometown: Maryville, TN
Education Background: Graduated from Maryville High School, Early Childhood Education at Pellissippi, and Chemical Engineering at Pellissippi.
Experience: Over 9 years of experience as a nanny, babysitter, and childcare environments.
Family: Dad, Mom, Brother, Sister, Brother-in-Law, Nephew, Niece.
Favorite Children's Book: Where the Wild Things Are
Personal Interests: Math, Science, Working with children.
I am most excited to help the children grow and learn!
Hometown: Hanover, New Hampshire
Education Background: Mascoma Valley Regional High School, Granite State College, Plymouth State University
Experience: Substitute Teacher, Special Education Professional, Special Education Case Manager
Family: Husband, 2 Daughters, 3 Grandchildren
Favorite Children's Book: Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McClosky
Personal Interests: Reading, Knitting, Crocheting, History
I am most excited about working with young learners!
Hometown: Check, Virginia
Education Background: High School and College Graduate
Experience: Mom of 5
Family: Husband, 5 children, 2 grandchilren
Favorite Children's Book: Little Women
Personal Interests: Reading, Cross Word Puzzles, Travel, Antique Books, Disney, Cats
I am most excited about meeting the children and watching them grow!
Hometown: Iraq
Education Background: Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
Experience: Teacher's Assistant
Family: 3 children
Favorite Children's Book: Llama, Llama, Red Pajamas
Personal Interests: Reading
I am most excited about getting to know the students and families!
Hometown: Maryville, TN
Education Background: Bachelor's Degree in Middle Grades Math Education and cuurently in Graduate School at UT
Experience: 7 years of professoinal childcare experience
Family: Husband and two pets
Favorite Children's Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Personal Interests: Crafting, Painting, Reading, Movies, Outdoors, Family Time
I am most excited about helping children grow and develop life-long skills!
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Education Background: High School Graduate, Current College Student
Experience: Several years of volunteering in childcare settings
Family: Mom, 2 Brothers, Dog, Cat
Favorite Children's Book: The Giving Tree
Personal Interests: Animals, Reading, Harry Potter
I am most excited to have a job that steers me towards my career path, and to spend time and form meaningful relationships with the children!
Hometown: Oak Ridge, TN
Education Background: CNA License
Experience: Worked in childcare settings for many years
Family: I love them!
Favorite Children's Book: Corduroy
Personal Interests: Animals, Candles, Family Time
I am most excited about learning, spending time with the children, and meeting new people!
Courtney & Christopher Brinkmann are so excited to bring Primrose Schools to Hardin Valley! Courtney has worked in leadership for Primrose Schools for 12 years in several different markets. Courtney is a Knoxville native and University of Tennessee Alumna. Christopher is originally from South Florida and a University of Central Florida Alumnus. With Courtney's background in education and Chris's background in business, they are excited to bring this dream to reality in a community they know and love.
Becoming Primrose parents themselves in 2016 became a full circle experience for them. They now have three children who currently attend Primrose and have since they were 8 weeks old. They love seeing them thrive at Primrose and feel so thankful for the strong foundation & love of learning it is providing them. Above all else, they are most grateful for the character development program at Primrose and the character traits that are instilled in them daily. They can’t wait for the opportunity to provide more children & families with all of the wonderful things Primrose has given their family. They look forward to serving you!