Primrose School of Highland Village

Our Staff

  • Wendy Ghattas, Executive Director

    Wendy Ghattas

    Executive Director

    Mrs. Ghattas, oversees, supports and leads her team, with over 20 years of Director experience. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts, was an Artist in Residency for 3 years, and was an educator from pre-school through college age students. You will find her engaged with the students in the classrooms, as she loves to sing the "I had a little turtle" song; digging and planting in the Primrose Garden with the students and even in the kitchen, ensuring that the menu is fresh and wholesome and using as many organic food items, as possible. When she is outside on the playground, you will probably see her running with the children or engaging them in climbing and doing chin-ups, all while she is in her heels! Mrs. Ghattas is a very hands on owner and loves interacting with her staff, students and parents. Come by and meet our owner and experience, first hand, her genuine passion for early childhood education and her love for children.

  • Alison Rucker, Director

    Alison Rucker

    Director

    Hi there, I moved to the U.S.A in 96’ living on the East coast until 5 Years ago. My experience in working with children varies from infant age through adolescence and began sa a Nanny both in Belgium and then in Greenwich, CT. I have also had the experience of running my own home daycare and being the Director of the Children’s ministry for a church in Virginia. I have an A.A.S degree in Early Childhood Development and a B.S degree in Child Development. I am very passionate about the development of young children and intrigued by their learning abilities in those early childhood years. I have several favorite children's books including; Llama Llama Misses Mama from the LLama LLama series by Anna Dewdney, The Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson and The Napping House by Audrey Wood. I’m looking forward to building new relationships and providing a happy and quality experience for the families I serve.

  • Victoria Ward, Assistant Director

    Victoria Ward

    Assistant Director

    Hello, my name is Victoria Ward. I am from Elgin, TX and I am currently studying at UNT to gain a Human Development and Family Science degree. I have worked in child care for 6 years and have always held a leadership position in care centers. My favorite food is pepperoni pizza. My favorite weekend activity is to travel to different cities in Texas with friends. My favorite children's book is Red Fish, Blue Fish. I am most excited about learning my new position and achieving various goals for the school.

    Thanks,

    Victoria Ward

  • Avril Sabharwal, Curriculum Director

    Avril Sabharwal

    Curriculum Director
  • Shobha Goyal, Lead Young Infant Teacher

    Shobha Goyal

    Lead Young Infant Teacher

    Hello, my name is Mrs. Shobha. My husband and I moved to the US in 1998. We moved to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area in 2002. Since then, I joined the child care industry. I have been working with children for over 18 years. I love working with children and am looking forward to many more years enjoyable years with them.  I am proud and lucky to be a part of the Primrose Highland Village family!

     

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

     

     

     

  • Jo Free, Support Teacher

    Jo Free

    Support Teacher

    Hello, my name is Hazel Jo Free, but your children know me by Jo.

    I grew up in a military family , traveling all over the world. I often thought the backseat of my dad's Cadillac was home. My parents were 4th generation Texan but I was born in Holyoke Mass. My husband and I have lived in Highland Village for the last 28 years-- so I guess this is home.

    I have worked in Child care facilities for special needs children Tucson Arizona, Chippewa Co-op Daycare Midland Michigan, home schooled grandson (grades 6-10th), Primrose schools 3 years.

    When I am not at the school I have bluebird boxes in my yard which I care for in the spring and early summer. I love gardening, walking, birding and community activities.

    I love being able to work with the babies! It is a wonder and a pleasure to watch each child grow and develop and I am equally blessed to be a part of that journey.

     

  • Jennifer Gonzalez, Lead Older Infant Teacher

    Jennifer Gonzalez

    Lead Older Infant Teacher

    Hello, my name is Ms. Jennifer! I am the Lead Teacher on the Older side of the infant room. I have been working as a teacher for three years now and I wouldn’t trade it for the world! I live in Decatur with my husband and our daughter and oops! I cant forget our horse Itzy and our two cows; Miss Universe and Tornado. I love being able to watch the babies learn and grow and I can’t wait to see what adventures this year awaits all our littlest learners!

  • Wami Mekdes, Infant Teacher

    Wami Mekdes

    Infant Teacher

    Hello, my name is Mekdes Wami, but everyone knows me as Ms. Wami. I am originally from Ethiopia and love when I get to travel back home to visit with family. I recently have just returned from an extended stay following the birth of my grand daughter! I have been in childcare for the past 10 years and here at Primrose Highland Village for the past four years. I recently obtained my CDA credential that I had been working on before COVID hit. Now that I have returned I can’t wait to settle in and get back to the work I so passionately love!

     

  • Laura Bloemker

    Support Staff
  • Avery Bentson, Lead Early Preschool Teacher

    Avery Bentson

    Lead Early Preschool Teacher

    Hello! My name is Miss Avery and I am the Lead Teacher for the Early Preschool classroom. This is my second year teaching here at Primrose of Highland Village and I am very excited to welcome you and your family to my class. I am currently a Senior at UNT, working on my Bachelor Degree in Education. I live in the Denton area and spend most of my free time reading – I would love any recommendations! I am excited to see what this year brings!

  • Abbey Hajok

    Assistant Teacher
  • Deidre Dowdy, Lead Early Pre-School 2 Teacher

    Deidre Dowdy

    Lead Early Pre-School 2 Teacher

    My name is Ms. Deidre Dowdy and your children know me as Ms. Deidre. I have recently just moved to Frisco, TX after living in the Chicago, IL suburbs for 13 years. Prior to living in Illinois. I lived in the Atlanta, GA area for many years. Home to me is where the heart is, so Texas is my new home. I am blessed with one daughter aged 15 with special abilities. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from University of Georgia and a Child Development Associate through Department of Family Services in Georgia.  My childcare experience spans many decades with my first jobs out of college at Kindercare. Assistant Director at Kids Choice, and Young Life. For 13 years I researched Aviation data and took a break from childcare. In 2014, I returned to my passion for teaching preschool children and primarily took over as lead of three year olds, Pre Kindergarten and Infants. I created my own lesson plans and received many hours of training to prepare for each day of learning. On the weekends, I walk for at least an hour and read books. For fun, I play board games, puzzles and organize.I’m  looking forward to this year getting to know your children and be a part of their first years of life. Each child is special in my eyes and each develops differently. Their smile lights up each day and I enjoy getting to know them and watching them blossom!

     

     

     

     

  • Sumaira Dhanji, Lead Preschool 1 Teacher

    Sumaira Dhanji

    Lead Preschool 1 Teacher
    Apple of Our Eye

    Hello, my name is Ms. Sumaira and I am the Lead Preschool 1 Teacher here at Primrose of Highland Village! I graduated in 2003 in Pakistan and spent the last 20 years teaching there. I immigrated to the United Stated in 2021 and wanted to continue working in Early Childhood Education which is when I discovered Primrose and was so excited to join the Highland Village Team! I enjoy working here very much and love watching my kiddos learn and grow every day! I welcome you and your child to my class.

  • Colleen Bellino, Assistant Preschool 1 & 2 Teacher

    Colleen Bellino

    Assistant Preschool 1 & 2 Teacher

    Hello, my name is Colleen Bellino, the children know me by Ms. Colleen! I was raised in Massachusetts and just recently moved to Texas.

    I received my teacher certification from Mount Wachusett College. 

    I have been teaching for 16 years and just can't imagine working in any other profession.

    In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading anything that sparks my interest, 

    planting flowers in my garden, and listening to music. I love Italian food and my favorite children's book is " 

    I Love You Just the Way You Are! By Rosie Greening and James Dillon.

    I look forward to spending many happy days with your children.

  • Chelsea Yap, Lead Preschool 2 Teacher

    Chelsea Yap

    Lead Preschool 2 Teacher

    Hello!  I grew up in Flower Mound and have been teaching Pre-School since 2019! I am very passionate about child development and love fostering a safe space for children to grow and explore!  On the weekends, I love spedning time with my pet rabbit and cat and getting together with friends and family.  I am so excited to watch my students grow and have lots of fun throughout the year with them!

  • April Roh, Lead Pre-Kindergarten 1Teacher

    April Roh

    Lead Pre-Kindergarten 1Teacher

    Hello, my name is April Roh but the kids know me as Ms. April.
    I was born in Dallas but grew up in Seattle! Moved back to Dallas a couple years ago .I graduated in 2021 from UNT with a BS in Sociology and a BA in Journalism. I’ve taught children from ages 6mo to 17 how to swim as a swim instructor and volunteered at my church for summer school. When we aren't here at the school I love spending time with my daughter, Lily and being outside!

    I’m excited to see all of my students learn and grow. Being able to help and witness them develop academically and emotionally is a blessing. Can’t wait to see everything they’ll accomplish!

     

  • Olivia Bloemker, Kitchen Manager

    Olivia Bloemker

    Kitchen Manager

    Hello my name is Olivia and I'm the cook here at Primrose School of Highland Village, I recently graduated high school so while I am exploring what education and career paths to embark upon, I decided to return to my roots and join the Primrose Team! I grew up in Primrose and have been running the halls since I was two years old so I love that I get the opportunity to be a part of it again in a whole new way! I live in Denton with my family, my dog Walter, and my two chicken ladies Sally and Ming Ming. I am so excited to see what (culinary) adventures await! Bon Appetit!

     

  • Payal Duggal

    Assistant Teacher

    Hello, my name is Payal Duggal, the children know me as Ms. Payal!  I was born and raised in India, graudated and completed my Teachers Training there as well.  I moved to the US in 2002, joining a Montessori School and completing Montessori training.  I have also worked as a paraprofessional, assiting with special needs children.  I have over 25 years of experience in childcare, especially with the eary Preschool ages!  I love working with the yong childen, they keep me active and I enjoy watching them as they learn and exploe new.things. Teaching is my passtion and I can't wait to see what the new year brings!

  • Shelby Moore

    Lead Pre-Kindergarten 2 Teacher

    My name is Mrs. Shelby Moore and I am passionate about educating and nurturing my students. My goal is to create a positive learning environment that fosters independence, community, and a love for learning. My degree is in Elementary Education with a focus in Educating English Learners. I hold and elementary certification and have taught several grade levels. One of my favorite ages to teach is Pre-K and I am honored to be a part of this fantastic school! 

     

    I am originally from Phoenix, Arizona and I moved to Texas this summer. My husband’s family has lived in Lewisville for years so it feels like we are finally coming home. For fun I love to paint, mountain bike, read and spend time outside with my dogs. 

     

    I am delighted to welcome your child into my classroom as we embark on the adventure of learning together. It is my honor to partner with you to help support your child’s growth. 

     

    -Mrs. Moore 

  • Brooklyn Calfy

    Assistant Young Toddler Teacher
  • Rony and Wendy Ghattas, Franchise Owner

    Rony and Wendy Ghattas

    Franchise Owners

    We are so excited to be celebrating our 8th year of owning Primrose of Highland Village! It is amazing how quickly we have arrived at this anniversary and we thank the beautiful Highland Village and Flower Mound communities, who have welcomed us so warmly! My husband Rony, and I are proud parents of 2 Primrose Graduates, who are now 25years old and 20 years old. We know first-hand, the advantage that Primrose programs deliver to the children, which is why we invested and committed ourselves to this franchise. We welcome you to our school and community. Come and be a part of our Primrose family of Highland Village.

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