Primrose School of Harmony on the Lakes

Our Staff

  • Dean Gearing, Director

    Dean Gearing

    Director

    Let’s get to know each other.

     

    I’m Dean GearingI wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I have been working with children since I was 14. I can never get enough. I have a nephew and 5 godsons. It is a prvilage to see young children grow and develop. Once they have smiles on their faces because of an accomplishment, it puts a smile on your face. It has been an adventure ever since i stepped into Primrose Harmony. I am so grateful to be a part of this team of very talented individuals.

     

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Child care experience: 17 years

    Education Background:  CDA, Bachelors of Psychology: Christian Counseling

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love to see them smile, and the energy that all of them have.

    Favorite children’s book: The Day the Crayon Quit

    In My Personal Time: I love to read, write, and do puzzzles.

     

  • Leann Ingram, Director of Operations

    Leann Ingram

    Director of Operations

    Let’s get to know each other.

     

    I’m Leann IngramI wanted to tell you a little about myself.

     

    I have worked in Childcare for 24 years with all ages. I have 15 years experience in management. I am a mother of 3 boys and 4 step children. My free time is spent outdoors supporting my children in their sports, football, and track and field (Go Dragons)! I also enjoy doing events at my church with our youth group. What can I say? I love kids.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Child care experience: 24 years

    Education Background:  CDA

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children:I love to see them smile, and to see them grow throughout the year.

    Favorite children’s book: Oh, The Places You’ll Go.

    In My Personal Time: Ilike to design things, spend time with my family and church.

  • Desiree Poole Martin, Administrative Assistant

    Desiree Poole Martin

    Administrative Assistant
  • Cambria Weaver, Younger Infant Lead Teacher

    Cambria Weaver

    Younger Infant Lead Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I am a very patient and optimistic person. I enjoy being with children and i have smaller siblings that I help to take care of. I hope to be a person your child(ren) enjoys being around.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family!

     

    Child care experience: 6 months

    Education Background: Senior in High School

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: To see them happy and smiling.

    Favorite children’s book:  The Cat and The Hat

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy reading, spending time with m family and being outdoors.

  • Sami Sadowski, Younger Infant Assistant Teacher

    Sami Sadowski

    Younger Infant Assistant Teacher

    I’m Sandra "Sami" Sadowski.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    The opportunity to work with kids started in 2011 in my time a missionary oversees. Eventually, I served as a teacher overseas as well. Then, I moved to the US with my husband and got my first job as a Preschool teacher. I am bilingual, love doing Arts and Crafts, and feel very proud to be a part of my Columbian culture. Also, I'm grateful to be able to work with your kids, and I hope we can all learn and grow together. 

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 3 years

    Education Background: Pursuing my CDA

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Being able to make a difference in the children's lives.

    Favorite children’s book: Just In Case You Were Wondering by Max Lucado

    In My Personal Time: I love to spend quality time with my family. I also love to make homemade dolls, and I enjoy outdoor activites.

  • Addison Long, Older Infant Lead Teacher

    Addison Long

    Older Infant Lead Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

     

    I’m Addison.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I was born and raised here in Cherokee County. I'm 18 years old, and I have 3 siblings. I used to be a cheerleader. My mom is my best friend, and we go shopping every weekend. My family and I go camping at least 3 times a month and we love it.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 1 year

    Education Background: I am pursuing my CDA

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: their smiles

    Favorite children’s book: Green Eggs and Ham

    In My Personal Time: I love to read books

  • Claudia Valiente, Older Infant Assistant Teacher

    Claudia Valiente

    Older Infant Assistant Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

     

    My name is Claudia Valiente and I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself. I'm a teacher who seeks a good relationship with every child. This starts by giving every child the attention that they deserve, and helping them to feel protected and loved. I also love to get them to smile. It is the best feeling to get when a child smiles. Your children are the future and this takes a partnership between the both of us. Thank you for considering to be a part of the Primrose Harmony family.

     

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Child care experience: 1 year

    Education Background: Architect degree from El Salvador

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love their little personalities, and to dance and sing with them.

    Favorite children’s book: I Love You Through and Through

    In My Personal Time: I like to cook, and I love to spend time with my family.

  • Madelynne Dunlop, Toddler Lead Teacher

    Madelynne Dunlop

    Toddler Lead Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

     

    I’m Madelynne Dunlop.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    You see, at Primrose Schools we’re more than a team of professional teachers and child care education specialists. We’re also a family, and we care for every child as though he or she was our own. And like your home, our school provides a secure, nurturing environment that fosters self-discovery and a love of learning.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

    Child care experience: 3 years

    Education Background: Working on my CDA

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love to see their journey, and to see tham grow into such beautiful people.

    Favorite children’s book:Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy singing, playing various instruments, and unwinding with some TV.

  • Ella Mae Downs, Toddler Assistant Teacher

    Ella Mae Downs

    Toddler Assistant Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

     I'm Ella Mae. Here are some facts about me that I think are fun. I am a twin and I am adopted with 15 siblings.

     

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family!

     

    Child care experience: 2+ Years

    Education Background: CDA in Progress

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Watching them learn and how loving they are.

    Favorite children’s book:  Brown Bear, Brown Bear

    In My Personal Time:  I like to hang out with family and go shopping.

  • Kim Leiding, Toddler Assistant Teacher

    Kim Leiding

    Toddler Assistant Teacher

    I’m Kim Leiding.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I have worked with childrenmy whole life, and I now have 5 of my own. I homeschool my youngest kids currently.

    I cannot wait to meet your family.

     

    Child care experience: 20+ years as teacher and Director

    Education Background:  Associates of Arts in Education

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love to read and sing with the children.

    Favorite children’s book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear

    In My Personal Time:I like to spend time with family, play card and board games, bible study, and spending time with my church family.

  • Julie Thomas, Early Preschool 1 Assistant Teacher

    Julie Thomas

    Early Preschool 1 Assistant Teacher
  • Taylor Champion, Early Preschool 2 Lead Teacher

    Taylor Champion

    Early Preschool 2 Lead Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

     

    Hi, I’m Taylor C. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

     

    My favorite color is black. I love reading Manga and having quiet time. I also love Taco Tuesday.

     

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Child care experience: 3+ Years

    Education Background: I will be pursuing my CDA

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: They always have a way of keeping you on your toes.

    Favorite children’s book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear

    In My Personal Time: I Love to Read.

  • Alizah Upshaw, Early Preschool 2 Assistant Teacher

    Alizah Upshaw

    Early Preschool 2 Assistant Teacher
    Apple of Our Eye

    Let’s get to know each other.

     

    I’m Alizah.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I'm 20 years old. I love painting, music, and gaming. I'm a twin, and I also have twin siblings. My favorite color is purple.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Child care experience: 1 year

    Education Background: Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) in Early Education

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love to do crafts

    Favorite children’s book: Anything Dr. Seuss

    In My Personal Time: i like to go shopping and binge reality TV

  • Isabel Henson, Early Preschool 2 Assistant Teacher

    Isabel Henson

    Early Preschool 2 Assistant Teacher
  • Samantha Waight, Preschool Pathways Lead Teacher

    Samantha Waight

    Preschool Pathways Lead Teacher

    I’m Mrs. Sam. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I am a mother of a six year old, and I enjoy spending time with my family and friends on the weekends. I am a very social person. I am a dedicated and determined worker. I always strive to exceed my goals as an educator. I feel this is the best way to create a learning environment for students and co-workers to succeed.

    Child care experience: 15+ years

    Education Background:  CDA in progress

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love to see them smile and grow

    Favorite children’s book: Sam I AM

    In My Personal Time: I like to spend time with my family, and I love to go on adventures.

  • Mackenzie Aceto, Pathways Assistant Teacher

    Mackenzie Aceto

    Pathways Assistant Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

     

    I’m Mackenzie.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I played Lacrosse for 11 years, so I love sports and being outside. I'm in college for Early Childhood Education. I have two cats and two crazy dogs along with a fish. I love everything about kids and being able to watch them grow and learn.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Child care experience: 1 year

    Education Background: Currently in college pursuing a degree in early childhood education

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: their imaginations

    Favorite children’s book: The Very Hunger Caterpillar

    In My Personal Time: I like to watch movies and hang out with friends

  • Haley Logan, Preschool 1 Lead Teacher

    Haley Logan

    Preschool 1 Lead Teacher

    I’m Ms. Haley. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I cannot wait to meet you and your child. We will have a lot of fun this year. I love to bake and create things with the children. I am a very creative person. I also have a dog and a cat. 

    I cannot wait to get to know you and your child.

     

    Child care experience: 1 year

    Education Background:  Associates in Culinary Arts

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: There is never a dull moment.

    Favorite children’s book: Is Your Momma a Lllama

    In My Personal Time: I like to bake.

  • Stephanie Cooke, Preschool 1 Assistant Teacher

    Stephanie Cooke

    Preschool 1 Assistant Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

     

    Hi I’m Stephanie Cooke.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    You see, at Primrose Schools we’re more than a team of professional teachers and childcare education specialists. We’re also a family, and we care for every child as though he or she was our own. And like your home, our school provides a secure, nurturing environment that fosters self-discovery and a love of learning.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

    Childcare experience: 3 years

    Education Background:  Working on my Child's Development Associates (CDA)

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love to watch them develop and grow.

    Favorite children’s book: Colors of us

    In My Personal Time: I like to spend time with my family.

  • Fabiola Valiente-Byrd, Preschool 2 Lead Teacher

    Fabiola Valiente-Byrd

    Preschool 2 Lead Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

     

    I’m Fabiola "Fabbie" Valiente-Byrd.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I love to sing. I enjoy going to theme parks and adventures with my family. I am an animal lover. I am a dancer and I love to do art. I like to put 200% into everything that I do. I have an amazing husband and two daughters. 

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Child care experience: 13 years

    Education Background:  Child's Development Associates (CDA)

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love to see them smile and grow.

    Favorite children’s book: Oh, The Places You’ll Go.

    In My Personal Time: i love to spend quality time with my family.

     

  • Madison Courson, Preschool 2 Assistant Teacher

    Madison Courson

    Preschool 2 Assistant Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

     

    I’m Madison Courson.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I am 18 years old. I moved from Virginia in February. I enjoy planes. I am not a loud person but feel free to come up to me. My career goal is to be a lead teacher one day because I enjoy working with children and helping them grow. 

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Childcare experience: 3+ years

    Education Background: Highschool, Looking forward to pursuing my CDA

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: They're all full of surprises

    Favorite children’s book: If you give a mouse a muffin

    In My Personal Time: I like to hang out with friends and watch shows

  • Makiah Jackson, Private Pre-K 2 Lead Teacher

    Makiah Jackson

    Private Pre-K 2 Lead Teacher
  • Sarah Dowling, Assistant Director of Education/ Private Pre-K 1 Lead Teacher

    Sarah Dowling

    Assistant Director of Education/ Private Pre-K 1 Lead Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    I’m Sarah Dowling.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I am originally from Nashville, TN. and has been in Georgia for about 11 years. I have  been married to my high school sweetheart for 13 years! I have two fur babies, a Great Dane/Catahoula mix named Arvi and a black lab named Zeke. I am a huge sports fan. Nashville Predators hockey, Braves baseball and college football, sorry GA fans, she is a Carolina Gamecock.

    I have worked in childcare since I was 16 with all different ages. My favorite class is toddlers! I love how curious they are, and the conversations i have with them! SI have previously worked with Primrose Kennesaw North; and I was there for 6 years.   I have decided to make my way back home to Primrose and is eager to learn and grow with the Harmony team!  She currently has her CDA certification, and she is working towards an associate degree in Education.

     

    Child care experience: 20+ Years

    Education Background:  Child's Development Associates (CDA), working on my Associates in Education

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: When they have that "Aha" moment

    Favorite children’s book: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

    In My Personal Time: I like to spend time with my husband, watch college football (Go Gamecocks), and hokey (Go Preds!)

  • Andrew Williamson, Private Pre-K Assistant Teacher

    Andrew Williamson

    Private Pre-K Assistant Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

     

    I’m Andrew WilliamsI wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I am an avid runner. I also went to Primrose Harmony when i was little. I wanted to come back and have the same affect on my children as Primrose had on me.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Child care experience: 2 years

    Education Background:  Working on my Child Development Associates (CDA)

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children:I love to see them smile and their burts of energy.

    Favorite children’s book: The Bad Seed

    In My Personal Time: I like to run, Golf, and hang out with my friends.

  • Jan Sylvester, Support Staff

    Jan Sylvester

    Support Staff
  • Ivy Keats, Support staff

    Ivy Keats

    Support staff

    Let’s get to know each other.

     

    I’m Ivy KeatsI wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I love to be around children. I also have a cat.

    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

     

    Child care experience: 1 Year

    Education Background: Bachelors of Science: Special Education/Masters of Art in Education

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love to see their wonder about the world and their growth during a year.

    Favorite children’s book: Alice in Wonderland

    In My Personal Time: I like to read and play with my cat.

  • Amanda McGraw, Support Staff

    Amanda McGraw

    Support Staff

    I’m Mrs. Amanda. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I have a bachelors in Early Childhood Education from Reinhardt University, and I am currently working on my Masters in Elementary Education from Georgia Southern. I have been at Primrose Harmony on the Lakes for over 10 years now. I have been married to my wonderful husband (and High School Sweetheart) Richard for 9 years. We have an awesome son Josh, who is 11.

    Name: Amanda McGraw

    Hometown: Smyrna, Georgia

    Child care experience: 10+ Years (Infants - 1st Grade)

    Education Background: B.S. in Early Childhood Education

    Favorite food: All the carbs (Pasta, Bread, and potatoes)

    Favorite weekend activity: Watching football, hiking, and board games with family, and reading

    Favorite children’s Book: Giraffe's Can't Dance

    Primrose character I most relate to: Billy the Duck (I Love to Sing)

    What I’m most excited about this school year: The new challenge of Kindergarten

    Best way to schedule time to talk: During my work hours.

  • Bryson Callahan

    Custodian
  • Leigh Gilleland

    Support Staff
  • Kim Barnett, Franchise Owner

    Kim Barnett

    Franchise Owner

    Hello, I am Kim Barnett, the proud owner of Primrose School of Harmony on the Lakes.

    I was first introduced to Primrose in 2009, and immediately fell in love with the way that Primrose brings the best in educational child care to families and children; through a curriculum and focus on character development and partnerships formed with parents. I understand the importance of working with the staff and the families to constantly strive to create the best environment for children. Whether its social emotional development, curriculum, nutrition or a safe environment, every aspect needs to be at its absolute best in order to help children develop and grow.

    Prior to becoming a franchise owner, I was a Primrose teacher. I joined Primrose School of East Cobb at Sprayberry in 2009 as a Kindergarten teacher, before becoming the school’s executive director. Having earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southern University, I have taught all ages from infant to adult and have over thirty years of experience in a career crossing education and business operations.I am committed to helping teachers of young children provide a positive, nurturing environment where children can develop a natural love of learning.

    “Who children become is as important as what they know” is a belief that is at the core of our Balanced Learning® approach. Our exclusive early learning approach balances purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence, and compassion. We deliver more than a curriculum; it’s a life-changing early learning experience for children and their families.

    I am excited to meet you and your family!

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