Primrose School would love to meet your family.
Schedule A TourMrs. 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: Bogota, Colombia
Education Background: Farragut High School, Pellissippi State Community College
Experience: I've been working with kids since 2014, babysitting, summer day camps, after-school care
Family: I'm an only child on my mom's side, on my dad's side I have 2 half sisters and I have 2 fur babies
Favorite Children's Book: Snow White
Personal Interests: I love going out to eat, enjoying summertime at the lake, playing with my dogs and watching good tv shows. I also love traveling and getting to know different cultures.
Sara is very excited to see how much her kids progress and how their personalities will turn out.
Hometown: Jordan
Education Background: Degree in Master of Arts (Arabic Language and Linguistics), Bachelor's Degree in Arts (Modern languages - French and Translations, English - Arabic)
Experience: Assistant for the Dean of Admissions and Registration at Jadara University in Jordan, Assistant Manager in Adams Telecom Systems, Assistant teacher in Jordan
Family: Husband and son
Favorite Children's Book: Llama, Llama Red Pajama
Personal Interests: Reading, Cooking, Interior Design
I am most excited about being around these beautiful souls!
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Colombia, South America
Education Background: Graduated from West High School, graduated from Arbor College of Massage
Experience: Part-time and full-time teacher
Family: Mom, dad, and brother. 2 cats, 1 dog, 1 puppy
Favorite Children's Book: Anything by Dr. Seuss
Personal Interests: Hiking, dancing, drawing, snowboarding, swimming
I am most excited about teaching children the importance of life!
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: 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: Coalfield, TN
Education Background: Coalfield School, Bachelor's Degree from Arcadia University
Experience: Volunteer at Headstart, Office Positions, Food Industry Positions, Developmental Courses
Family: Mother and 2 Sisters
Favorite Children's Book: The Wind in the Willows
Personal Interests: Baking, Hiking, Kayaking, Traveling
I am most excited about getting to interact with and help the children learn!
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: Knoxville, TN
Education Background: University of Memphis and Bryant and Stratton Online
Experience: 3 years at Smart Kids 2 and 1 year at KinderCare
Family: Daughter, sister, and mother
Favorite Children's Book: Llama, Llama, Mad at Mama
Personal Interests: Drawing, coloring, singing, dancing, reading, and being silly
Ms. Imani is most excited about building bonds with new students.
Hometown: Powell, TN
Education Background: Powell High School, Bachelor of Science in Psychology from TTU Tech
Experience: Volunteered at a Head Start, babysitting
Family: Mom, dad, sister
Favorite Children’s Book: Rainbow Fish, Big Al
Personal Interests: Drawing, painting, jigsaw puzzles
Erin is most excited to get to know all the kids and seeing them start to get excited to come to school in the mornings.
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: Knoxville, TN
Education Background: I would love to continue my education in early childhood education
Experience: I have a 4-year-old daughter and a lot of cousins/nephews
Family: I have a very close relationship with my parents. My little family is my daughter and my fiancé
Favorite Children’s Book: Llama Llama
Personal Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family, or I always enjoy spending time with friends as well
Lauren is most excited to watch her children learn new things. She is also excited to learn new things in her role.
Hometown: Chapmanville, WV
Education Background: High School and some College
Family: Boyfriend and two dogs
Favorite Children's Book: The Jungle Book
Personal Interests: Shopping and traveling
I am most excited about being the best role model I can be and helping the children do their best!
Hometown: Macon, GA
Education Background: Bachelor's Degree in Human Services with a Minor in Early Childhood Development at ETSU
Experience: Worked at Children's Hospital as a Unit Tech for a year. Previously was a Sunday School Teacher and worked at Primrose West
Family: Youngest of 3, older sister and brother, mom and dad, boyfriend
Favorite Children’s Book: Maple By: Lori Nichols
Personal Interests: Hanging out with my boyfriend and our 2 dogs, going to Target, going to the lake and camping, Titans football
Ashley is most excited to get to know all the children in her class. She can't wait to watch them learn and 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: Knoxville, TN
Education Background: Graduated from Hardin Valley Academy and currently attending Pellissippi State Community College
Experience: Volunteered for seven years in the children's ministry at church, tutoring.
Family: Dad, Mom, Sister, Puppy
Favorite Children's Book: The Giving Tree and Where The Sidewalk Ends
Personal Interests: Unique/vintage clothes/earrings, literature and film, writing, cooking/baking, Star Wars, cartoons
I am most excited about building relationships with the students and watching them learn. I am excited about watching the process of seeing the students find their passions, interests, and talents, and helping fostering that!
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: 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: Tullahoma, TN
Education Background: High School Diploma, Speech Pathology (Major) & Child Family Studies (Minor)
Experience: Worked with children majority of life
Family: Mom, dad, sister
Favorite Children’s Book: All the Places You Will Go By: Dr. Seuss
Personal Interests: Reading, shopping, hanging out with family & friends
Abbigail is most excited to see all her kids grow!
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: Rocky Top, TN
Education Background: Anderson County High School, University of Tennessee, B.S. in Biology
Experience: 1 year of ESL in Korea, various tutoring jobs
Family: Dad, Mom, Uncle, Aunt, Cousin
Favorite Children's Book: The Lorax
Personal Interests: Reading, K-Pop, Languages, Cooking
I am most excited to be aeound kids again and help them learn in a more free and creative context!
Hometown: Flushing, MI
Education Background: RN - BSN
Experience: OB/Maternal Child Health for 22 years. Med/Surgery Unit for 2 years. Outpatient surgery for 7 years
Family: Huband, son, and twin daughters
Favorite Children's Book: Clifford Books
Personal Interests: Swimming, walking, pickle ball
I am most excited about feeling needed and teaching the babies!
Hometown: Greenback, TN
Education Background: William Blount High School, Associates Degree from Pellissippi State, working on Bachelor's Degree from TN Tech
Experience: 1.5 years at Coulter Grove Intermediate's Adventure Club
Family: Dad, Mom, little brother
Favorite Children's Book: Uniquely Wired by Julia Cook
Personal Interests: Reading, Writing, Painting
I am most excited about working with the children!
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: Putnam, CT
Education Background: Associate's Degree in Visual Arts
Experience: 3 years of workig with children
Favorite Children's Book: Poky Little Puppy
Personal Interests: Drawing, Painting, Crocheting
I am most excited about spending time with the students to help them learn and grow!
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Education Background: McMinn County High School Graduate
Experience: Being a mom!
Family: Daughter, Sister, Brother
Favorite Children's Book: The Giving Tree
Personal interests: Reading, Hiking with daughter
I am most excited about getting to know every single one of the students, and to watch them grow up and learn new things each day!
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!
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!