Teachers & Staff
Adrian Hatcher
I am originally from Chicago, Illinois but I mainly grew up in Milwaukee, WI. After high school, I joined the United States Navy at 18 and I dedicated eight years of my life serving as a Postal Clerk. I have four children and four grandchildren, and they keep me very busy! I worked at the Primrose School at St. Johns Forest for three years as an Education Coach and came to Primrose School of Julington Creek in 2023 to Co-Director. I am now the Director and I am here to assist our families however I can. I truly love my job because it doesn’t feel like work.
Child Care/Teaching Experience: Over 20 years
Education: CDA, Directors Credential
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love to see the confidence and smiles on their faces after they have figured out the equation
Favorite Children’s Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Favorite Holiday: All of them
Favorite Family Tradition: Cooking together for Thanksgiving
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Travel
Martha Jane Atwell
As a young child, I found joy in being around people and serving them. As I grew older, my heart was particularly drawn to helping children. My husband Mark and I have dedicated the past 38 years of our lives to ministering and working with children. We have 5 children and 4 grandchildren, which brings us so much happiness. We also have Duffy Bear, our Aussiedoodle. I can’t imagine doing anything else. It has been a delight and a source of joy for me.
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 40+ years in Child Care
Education: CDA, Director’s Credential
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I absolutely adore witnessing children’s eyes light up with joy and understanding when a concept finally clicks for them. Also, walking into a classroom, I’m greeted by their smiles and, more importantly, the heartwarming hugs exchanged at the start and end of the day.
Favorite Children’s Book: “Little Bear”
Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving and Christmas
Other Significant Cultural Celebrations in Your Home: Easter/Resurrection Sunday
Favorite Family Tradition: Family PJ’s @ Christmas, Christmas morning breakfast, Disney Vacations
Pets in the Home: Duffy Bear (puppy)
In My Personal Time: I like to sing, being creative, crocheting, going to Disney World and family campouts
Amber R. Walker
I’m originally from the Midwest but have lived in the Jacksonville FL area since 2003. I am the wife of a retired Navy chief and have two beautiful children that are becoming young adults. My children have gone through the Primrose program and built a strong educational foundation. I love my position and the fact that I get to help mold our future leaders as well as work with such phenomenal teachers.
At Primrose, we’re more than a team of child care specialists. We’re also a family, and we care for every child as though they are our own. 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/Teaching Experience: I’ve been in Early Childhood Education since 2003, I joined the Primrose Family in 2008, I have worked as a teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, Director and now the Area Director.
Education: Degree in Early Childhood Education, 45 DCF hours, National CDA, Directors Credential with VPK endorsement.
Favorite Children’s Book: “I am Enough” by Grace Byers
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Other Significant Cultural Celebrations in Your Home: Juneteenth
Favorite Family Tradition: Family Memory night
Pets in the Home: A Lhaso Apso and Greyhuahua mixed dog named Biggie
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Cruise, Travel
Alyssa Bailey
I am originally from Orange City Florida and moved to Jacksonville in 2010. I graduated from Mandarin High School in 2014 and received my associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I have a son that is the light of my life. I started Primrose in 2018 and have worked in all the classrooms making my way up to management. I am now Office Administrator and I love my Primrose Family!
Child Care/Teaching Experience: Primrose 6 years and counting
Education: Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, Directors Credential
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Watching them light up when they learn something new.
Favorite Children’s Book: “ Love you Forever”
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Other Significant Cultural Celebrations in Your Home: All US Holidays
Favorite Family Tradition: Since I have started my own family, we are making traditions as we grow
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Reading and sharing my sons imagination
Marisely Lugo
I’m originally from Puerto Rico and currently living in Orange Park Florida. I worked 3 and a half years for the Division of Children with Special Needs at the Department of Health in Puerto Rico. I have several certifications such as children with special medical needs program and autism spectrum disorder. I also was a substitute High School Teacher in Jacksonville Fl. I am honored to say that I am now a part of the Primrose School Family.
Education: Associates Degree in bookkeeping and Accounting
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love being part of the foundation for their future
Favorite Children’s Book: “I love you to the moon and back”
Favorite Holiday: Christmas and Thanksgiving
Other Significant Cultural Celebrations in Your Home: In Puerto Rico we celebrate “Three Kings Day” (January 6th)
Favorite Family Tradition: For Thanksgiving we cook Turkey and Pork, Rice with Green Pigeon Peas and Potato Salad
Languages Spoken in the Home: Spanish and English
Pets in the Home: 4 cats Caracol, Koda, Oreo, Kameo
In My Personal Time, I Like To: I love to spend time with my husband, my son and my cats. I like to listen to music, travel and cook
Irsada Celaj
I am from Albania, I am married and have three wonderful children two boys and one girl. I have been working with children almost all my adult life. I graduated college in Albania with a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. I am so happy to be a part of the Primrose Family. The most fulfilling joy in my life is being able to take care of and nurture and teach young children the fundamentals they need in life.
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Watching them learn and grow
Favorite Children’s Book: “Brown Bear Brown Bear, what do you hear”
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Languages Spoken in the Home: Albanian and English
Pets in the Home: dog named Lucy and cat named Leo
In My Personal Time, I Like To: shopping, walking my dog and spending time with my family
Ms. Diaz
Mrs. Akter
Ms. Parker
Mrs. Boylan
Ms. Davila
Mrs. Kolici
Ms. Woods
Ms. Hoyos
Ms. Franco
Mrs. Aggarwal
Ms. Marsh
Mrs. Luyando
Ms. Gailyard
Mrs. Bradford
Franchise Owners
Ed and Marta Guevara
We are Ed and Marta Guevara we are so proud to be part of the American dream by
owning two Primrose Schools.
Ed is from Venezuela and Marta is from Cuba. We came to this country many years ago
and started out in the restaurant industry, with lots of hard work and dedication we
became owners of Primrose School of Longwood in 2012. We then purchased Primrose
School of Julington Creek and St. Johns Forest in 2016 and currently own these 2
schools in the Jacksonville area. Primrose Schools is the leader in early education and
we believe it’s like no other in the industry and that is why we wanted to be a part of it.
Primrose Schools not only has provided our family with a great income, but as an
owner we are also part of the future of the children in our community and that make us
very happy. In our free time we love to go camping as much as possible with our two
children who are now married and are starting new families of their own.
