Teachers & Staff

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Staff
Monica Gomez
Monica Gomez
Director

My name is Monica Gomez, and I’ve been passionately dedicated to early childhood education for over 20 years. Originally from Ecuador, my teaching journey has taken me across Ecuador, Ireland, and the United States, giving me a rich and diverse perspective on learning.

For the past 18 years, I’ve proudly served as a School Director, leading high-quality early learning programs that nurture children’s growth and development. I hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, a VPK-Endorsed Director’s Credential, and certifications in First Aid and CPR.

My training across various curricula has prepared me to implement developmentally appropriate and effective programs, and I’m especially excited to bring the Primrose Balanced Learning Curriculum to life.

I believe a school should feel like an extension of the family, where children, parents, and educators build strong, supportive relationships. Creating a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment for every child is at the heart of what I do, and I look forward to meeting everyone!

Early childhood education is not just my profession; it is my passion. I am committed to creating a safe, engaging, and inspiring space where young children can explore, grow, and develop a lifelong love for learning

Deborah Lutz
Deborah Lutz
Assistant Director

Hello! My name is Deborah Lutz, and I bring over 25 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Throughout my career, I’ve served as a Director, Assistant Director, and VPK Lead Teacher, and I’m proud to be part of the leadership team here at Primrose School of Horizon West.

I hold an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Florida Director’s Credential (Advanced Level) with a VPK Endorsement, a Florida Staff Credential, and have completed the required 45 hours of Florida early childhood training. I’m also certified in CPR.

What I love most about working in early education is helping young children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. I’m inspired daily by the children I work with and value the connections I form with each student and their family.

Originally from Venezuela, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, visiting the beach, and playing soccer with my two children. I also love cooking and sharing traditional Venezuelan dishes, especially lasagna!

My goal is to create a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where every child can grow, thrive, and feel at home.

Carol Basso
Carol Basso
Assistant Director

Hello, my name is Carol Basso, and I’m honored to be part of the leadership team at Primrose School of Horizon West. As a wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend, I value the many meaningful roles I play both personally and professionally.

Born and raised in Dr. Phillips, I moved to Winter Garden shortly after high school. This community has always been home, and I’m proud to raise my family here now and give back to the area that has given me so much. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, cheering on my children at soccer games, and coaching our local cheer program.

I earned my degree in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida – Go Knights! – and have dedicated my career to supporting children’s growth and educational success. I’ve also completed the training required by the Department of Children and Families, which helps ensure I’m fostering a safe and nurturing environment for children, families, and our team. My background includes teaching in elementary classrooms as well as partnering closely with families to create enriching, supportive learning experiences.

As both a parent and an educator, I understand the importance of early education and the trust parents place in us every day. My goal is to work hand-in-hand with families to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and reach their fullest potential in a caring, high-quality setting. I’m passionate about the Primrose mission and excited to bring its values to the Horizon West community.

Ms. Aponte
Joined 2025
Ms. Aponte
Infant Teacher
Ms. Branda
Joined 2025
Ms. Branda
Infant Teacher
Ms. Carvalho
Joined 2025
Ms. Carvalho
Toddler Teacher
Ms. Hernandez
Joined 2025
Ms. Hernandez
Toddler Teacher
Ms. Ruiz
Joined 2025
Ms. Ruiz
Early Preschool Teacher
Ms. Yanick
Joined 2025
Ms. Yanick
Early Preschool Teacher
Ms. Dalis
Joined 2025
Ms. Dalis
Preschool Teacher
Ms. Camacho
Joined 2025
Ms. Camacho
Preschool Teacher
Ms. Azar
Joined 2025
Ms. Azar
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. La Spisa
Joined 2025
Ms. La Spisa
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Hajjawi
Joined 2025
Ms. Hajjawi
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Salunkhe
Joined 2022
Ms. Salunkhe
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Arocho
Joined 2023
Ms. Arocho
Food Serivce Teacher
Ms. Franco
Joined 2025
Ms. Franco
Toddler Teacher
Ms. Medina
Joined 2025
Ms. Medina
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Franchise Owners

Seema and Manoj Naik

My name is Seema Naik, and it is a privilege for my husband, Manoj, and me to serve the children and families of Winter Garden and the surrounding communities.

As parents of two children, our Primrose journey began when we personally experienced the challenges of finding high-quality childcare. That experience inspired me to seek out a program that offers a balanced and comprehensive approach to early childhood education. Today, we’re proud to bring the Primrose Balanced Learning® Approach to your family as the owners of Primrose School of Horizon West, along with Primrose School of Avalon Park and Primrose School of Lake Nona, both of which we opened several years ago.

Before joining Primrose, I built a career in the financial sector, holding various roles including Auditor and Regional Customer Service Manager. Throughout my life, I’ve always been passionate about giving back to the community, and that commitment continues to be a core part of who we are as a family and as school owners. We regularly support local organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Second Harvest Food Bank, and senior assisted living homes.

One of my greatest passions is teaching cultural dance to children. Over the years, I’ve helped many young dancers compete successfully while also building their self-confidence, social skills, and love for staying active.

We are committed to providing an exceptional early learning experience where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow. Our team of caring, dedicated teachers is making a real difference in the lives of children and families every day.

As a parent myself, I understand how important it is to find the right early education partner. We look forward to welcoming your family and working together to help your child thrive.

Our family would love to meet yours.

Contact us to schedule a tour.
A child and teacher's hand on a bookA young boy playing with toysA young boy playing to the floor looking up at cameraA young boy smiling at cameraA young boy looking at cameraA child and teacher's hand on a bookA young boy playing with toysA young boy playing to the floor looking up at cameraA young boy smiling at cameraA young boy looking at camera
© 2026 Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. We will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable registration and disclosure requirements in your jurisdiction. Contact Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC, 3200 Windy Hill Road SE, Suite 1200E, Atlanta, GA 30339, to request a copy of our FDD.

*Study was conducted on a representative sample of Primrose Pre-Kindergarten students across twelve Primrose schools in nine states in the Spring of 2024. The Bracken School Readiness Assessment 4th Edition assesses children’s school readiness in terms of their understanding of concepts that are strongly related to early childhood cognitive and language development as well as early academic achievement.

**Based upon recent assessments of approximately 3,900 Primrose students aged 4 screened using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires®, Third Edition during the 2024-2025 school year. Ages & Stages Questionnaires® and ASQ® are registered trademarks of Paul H Brookes Publishing Co, Inc.