Primrose School of Lassiter

Our Staff

  • Ms. Patsy McGilvary, Director

    Ms. Patsy McGilvary

    Director

    Name: Ms. Patsy

    Hometown: Marietta, GA

    Child care experience: Decades!

    Favorite sports team: Go Braves!

  • Ms. Hannah Keith, Assistant Director

    Ms. Hannah Keith

    Assistant Director
  • Ms. Lisa Safari, Management Support / Support Teacher

    Ms. Lisa Safari

    Management Support / Support Teacher
    • Let’s get to know each other.
    • Hi, I am Ms. Lisa! I have always loved children! I have two boys of my own. My youngest is 16. My first job was at a daycare center, and possibly my last job will be at a daycare center too!
    • Childcare experience: 12+ Years
    • Education background: Associates of Arts Degree
    • My favorite thing about working with children: Seeing the little ones grow and develop!
    • Favorite children’s book: “I love you to the moon and back”
    • In my personal time: I love to spend time with family and friends!
  • Ms. Mary Nobari

    Infant/Young Toddler Support Teacher
    •  Let’s get to know each other.
    •  
    • Hi, I am Ms. Mary! I can’t wait to help your child learn and grow here at Primrose!
    •  
    • Childcare experience: I have worked in childcare for 16 years.
    • Education background: Bachelor’s degree in child psychology
    • My favorite thing about working with children: I love to spend quality time with the children, they are so lovely and smart!
    • Favorite children’s book: Anything by Dr. Seuss
    • In my personal time: I like to go shopping and exercise!
  • Ms. Colleen Cavanagh, Chef/Support Teacher

    Ms. Colleen Cavanagh

    Chef/Support Teacher

    I’m Ms. Colleen. I wanted to tell you a little about myself! I have been at Primrose for over 5 years. I also substitute for Cherokee County Schools. I am an energetic, intentional teacher who hopes to develop your child using each teachable moment that we can encounter in this classroom.

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

    Name: Colleen

    Hometown: Roswell, GA

    Child care experience:5 years

    Education Background: BS in Human Services

    Favorite food: Sushi

    Favorite weekend activity: Going to the lake

    Favorite children’s book: any Dr. Seuss

    Primrose character I most relate to: Mia

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Watching the children learn and grow

    Best way to schedule time to talk: Schedule with management

  • Ms. Olivia Belding, Pre-K 1 Lead Teacher

    Ms. Olivia Belding

    Pre-K 1 Lead Teacher
    •  Let’s get to know each other.
    • Hi, I am Ms. Olivia! I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself! I absolutely love teaching and moreover, to challenge children to reach beyond their normal capacity of learning. Out of the 30 years that I have worked with children, the Georgia Pre-K program has been the choice group for me! I am very excited to continue the path of educating children at Primrose school of Lassiter. I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family!
    • Childcare experience: 30+ Years Teaching
    • Education background: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
    • My favorite thing about working with children: Watching them fall in love with learning!
    • Favorite children’s book: Anything by Lois Elhert, Eric Carle, or Sandra Boynton!
    • In my personal time: I love spending time with my family!

     

  • Ms. Aubrey Whitson, Pre-K 1 Support Teacher

    Ms. Aubrey Whitson

    Pre-K 1 Support Teacher
    • Let’s get to know each other.
    • I am here to love and care for every child and help them succeed in learning! I love being able to help kids find joy in what they are learning!
    • Childcare experience:  6 Years at Primrose, and 10+ years Babysitting!
    • Education background: Degree in Early Childhood Education
    • My favorite thing about working with children: I love connecting with the kids on a whole new level, teaching them new things, and getting that amazing feeling when they learn a new skill!
    • Favorite children’s book: “Goodnight New Orleans”
    • In my personal time:  I love to watch soap operas! I teach, coach, and train in lacrosse. I currently play in the Atlanta Lacrosse League, and I hope to be an Olympian! I also study sharks; I know everything there is to know about Great Whites!

     

     

      

  • Ms. Jasmin Newell Rothrauff, Pre-K 2 Lead Teacher

    Ms. Jasmin Newell Rothrauff

    Pre-K 2 Lead Teacher

     

    Let’s get to know each other.

    Hi, I am Ms. Jasmin! I am so excited to meet you and your family!

    Childcare experience: 9+ Years Teaching

    Education background: Teaching Certificate credential

    My favorite thing about working with children: I love making connections with each child!

    Favorite children’s book: “You are Special”

    In my personal time: I love going on nature walks!

  • Ms. Kia Bynes, Preschool Lead Teacher

    Ms. Kia Bynes

    Preschool Lead Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

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

    I am very excited to be a part of the Primrose School of Lassiter teaching team! I am from Miami, Florida and moved to Georgia in 2000. I earned my Master’s Degree in Education and have been in the teaching field for 23 years. I come from a family of educators.

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

     

     

    Child care experience: 23 Years Teaching

    Education Background: Masters Degree in Education

    My favorite thing about working with children: I love expanding their academic abilities, while forming strong personal relationships!

    Favorite children’s book: No David! By Davis Shannon

    In my personal time: I love reading and watching movies!

  • Ms. Lori Hair, Preschool 2 Support Teacher

    Ms. Lori Hair

    Preschool 2 Support Teacher
    •  Let’s get to know each other.
    • Hi, I am Ms. Lori! I love working at Primrose Lassiter where teachers strive for excellence every day. Here at Primrose, love and laughter is part of our everyday experience! Children are engaged in learning & excited about their next activity! Our goal is to make children feel valued, appreciated, empowered, and eager to return the next day.
    • Childcare experience: I have worked in childcare for 16 years, 13 of those years have been at a Primrose. I have worked at the Lassiter location for the past 8 years!
    • Education background: Highschool Graduate, and College Credits.
    • My favorite thing about working with children: I feel blessed to be able to build a relationship with each of my students. I love being able to nurture their social, emotional, and academic journey.
    • Favorite children’s book: “Harold and the purple crayon”
    • In my personal time: I enjoy watching my younger son play baseball. My older son and I love to take hikes at Red Top Mountain with my Black Labrador named Luna!

     

  • Ms. Melissa VanRaemdonck, Early Preschool Lead Teacher

    Ms. Melissa VanRaemdonck

    Early Preschool Lead Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    Hi, I am Ms. Melissa! I am from Santa Clarita, CA.  I love being able to care for your child while helping them along their learning journey!

     

    Childcare experience: 14 Years Teaching

    Education background: B.A.

    My favorite thing about working with children: I love making connections with each child!

    Favorite children’s book: “You are Special”

    In my personal time: I love going on nature walks!

     

  • Ms. Tracey McGee, Support Teacher

    Ms. Tracey McGee

    Support Teacher
    • Let’s get to know each other.
    • Hi, I am Ms. Tracey! My mission is to show love and kindness to all!
    • Childcare experience: I started full-time babysitting at age 11. I have worked in Montessori schools and Preschools for 20+ years!
    • Education background: Music Business
    • My favorite thing about working with children: I love hearing the funny things they say, and seeing the changes as they grow!
    • Favorite children’s book: “Go Dog Go; Little Black Puppy”
    • In my personal time: I love going to the mall with my family!
  • Ms. Andrea, Support Teacher

    Ms. Andrea

    Support Teacher

     Let’s get to know each other,

    Our mission is to provide the highest quality care and education. I love being able to guide children through their learning journey here at Primrose!

     

    Childcare experience:  I have been working in childcare for 6 years. I have worked with children of different ages while reinforcing their cognitive development, self-knowledge, language, and providing emotional support along the way!

    Education background: BA in International Admin and Business.

    My favorite thing about working with children: I love working with children! One of my key goals is to make them laugh and ensure they are enjoying their time here while also learning.  I love to see their academic skills mature at an early age. I feel blessed to work with each of them!

    Favorite children’s book: Elephant and Piggie Book Series

    In my personal time:  I like to read books, go shopping, and hangout with friends! I also like to take my kids to an indoor playground, watch movies, and go to new restaurants and try new food!

  • Ms. Rama Cooper, Preschool Support Teacher

    Ms. Rama Cooper

    Preschool Support Teacher
    • Let’s get to know each other.
    • Hi, I am Ms. Rama! I am from West Africa Guinea Conakry. I speak French and Foulani. Working with children has numerous advantages. It’s an opportunity to watch children grow and develop into confident, self-sufficient learners.
    • Childcare experience:  I have worked with Montessori Schools for the past five years.
    • Education background: I went to a French school to become an administrative assistant.
    • My favorite thing about working with children: Working with children ensures each day will be a unique adventure because kids are exciting and unpredictable.
    • Favorite children’s book: Pete the Cat
    • In my personal time:  I love to read books, play tennis, and spend time with my children.  
  • Ms. Mya Todd, Early Preschool Support Teacher

    Ms. Mya Todd

    Early Preschool Support Teacher
    • Let’s get to know each other.
    •  
    • I’m Ms. Mya, and I want to tell you a little bit about myself! I have always loved being in the company of children. I think this kind of work is so important because we are responsible for molding and assisting the development of young minds. I am so happy to be a part of your child’s learning journey here at Primrose!
    •  
    • Childcare experience:  Babysitter for nine years and I have worked in preschool for over a year.
    • Education background: Highschool Graduate, currently in college.
    • My favorite thing about working with children: I love being able to help grow the minds of the future!
    • Favorite children’s book: Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!
    • In my personal time:  I like to go to the gym, play video games, bake, watch TV shows, and listen to audio books.
  • Ms. Summer Felder, Support Teacher

    Ms. Summer Felder

    Support Teacher
    • Let’s get to know each other.
    •  
    • Hi, I am Summer! I am excited to get to know you and your family.
    •  
    • Childcare experience:  I have been working in childcare for 2 years.
    • Education background: I am a student at Kennesaw State University, majoring in Psychology.
    • My favorite thing about working with children: I enjoy working with children because I get to see them happy and enthusiastic about learning!
    • Favorite children’s book: “Rainbow Fish” or “A bad case of stripes”
    • In my personal time:  I enjoy being with my friends.
  • Ms. Mishelle Macias, Infant Co-Teacher

    Ms. Mishelle Macias

    Infant Co-Teacher

                                          

    •  Let’s get to know each other.
    •  
    • I’m Ms. Mishelle, and I want to tell you a little bit about myself!
    • I am so proud to teach babies at such an early age. Ensuring that infants have a loving and nurturing environment is my specialty. My favorite things to teach are sign language and painting! I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family!
    •  
    • Childcare experience:  Full Time Nanny & Babysitter for 10 years
    • Education background: Major in Biology (Pre-Med) from Kennesaw State University
    • My favorite thing about working with children: I love their smiles, hugs, and kisses!
    • Favorite children’s book: One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
    • In my personal time:  I spend time with friends and family
  • Ms. Samantha Mitchell, Preschool Pathways Lead Teacher

    Ms. Samantha Mitchell

    Preschool Pathways Lead Teacher
    •        

                                   

       Let’s get to know each other.

       

      I’m Mrs. Samantha and I want to tell you a little bit about myself!

       

      I love working with children! I have 3 children of my own, a wonderful husband, and two dogs! One of my favorite things to do in my classroom is have “Fun Friday”! I love ending our week of learning with more fun-filled activities!

       

      Childcare experience:  Childcare worker for 10+ years, including Sunday school teaching!

      Education background: Early Childhood Education Credits, & currently obtaining a teaching degree.

      My favorite thing about working with children: I love getting to watch kids grow into their own unique person.

      Favorite children’s book: Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus

      In my personal time:  I love to spend time with my husband and kids!

                               

                     
  • Ms. Kylee Key, Young Toddler Support Teacher

    Ms. Kylee Key

    Young Toddler Support Teacher
    • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Let’s get to know each other.
    •  
    • Hi, my name is Ms. Kylee! I am 20 years old, and I currently attend Kennesaw State University. I competed in all-star cheer for 6 years and coached for 2 years. I have always loved working with children and babies.
    •  
    • Childcare experience:  I have been babysitting a variety of ages for 4 years.
    • Education background: Alcovy High School Graduate, and I am currently studying Elementary Education at KSU.
    • My favorite thing about working with children: The hugs, laughs, love, and excitement children give!
    • Favorite children’s book: Where the Wild Things Are
    • In my personal time:  I love spending time with my family, friends, and puppies!

                             

  • Ms. Courtney Ceaser, Young Toddler Lead Teacher

    Ms. Courtney Ceaser

    Young Toddler Lead Teacher
    • Hi, I am Ms. Courtney! I love working for Primrose Schools! Primrose has taught me a lot about kids, and how to give them the best experience possible while they are in my care.
    • Childcare experience:  I have worked in childcare since 2015. I have volunteered at the Paulding County Special Olympics, and several church programs as well.
    •  
    • Education background: Highschool Graduate, and I attended Darton State College. Now known as Albany State University!
    •  
    • My favorite thing about working with children: The loving memories with each family!
    •  
    • Favorite children’s book: “Down by the Bay”
    •  
    • In my personal time: I love spending time with my family.

     

  • Ms. Rachel Fonticoba, Young Toddler Support -Teacher

    Ms. Rachel Fonticoba

    Young Toddler Support -Teacher
    •  Let’s get to know each other.
    •  
    • I love working in childcare because I feel like we make a huge difference as teachers in the lives of students. I also think that us as adults learn so many things from children!
    •  
    • Childcare experience:  I have worked in childcare for 5 years at different daycares. I have worked with all ages, but I primarily teach Young Toddlers (12-18months).
    • Education background: I am currently obtaining an associate degree in Dental Hygiene!
    • My favorite thing about working with children: I love seeing how different and unique each child can be. I also love that I can be a safe place for the children at school!
    • Favorite children’s book: The Magic Treehouse or A to Z mystery series!
    • In my personal time:  I love to spend time with my husband and 4 year old son. We go fishing, watch movies, play videogames, and play soccer together. I personally love cooking and baking!
  • Ms. Marisa Xavier, Support Teacher

    Ms. Marisa Xavier

    Support Teacher
    • Let’s get to know each other.

     

    • Hi, I am Ms. Marisa! I am from Brazil, I am married, and I have two daughters. I have always loved children. When my daughters were little, I would host all their friends to play at my house and they had the best of times! I was always a safe place for relatives to bring their children when they needed childcare. Children are always true and bring a good feeling to my heart!

     

    • Childcare experience:  I have worked as a substitute for the past year at Mountain View UMC.
    • Education background: I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Brazil in Advertising and Marketing. As well as a master’s degree in business.
    • My favorite thing about working with children: I love playing with them, reading stories, singing, and listening to their stories!
    • Favorite children’s book: The very hungry caterpillar
    • In my personal time:  I like spending time with my family, playing with my dogs, reading books, and watching movies!
  • Ms. Katherine Bylos, Support Teacher

    Ms. Katherine Bylos

    Support Teacher
    • Let’s get to know each other.

     

    • Hi, I am Ms. Kathy! I love allowing children to experience living through play! I also love watching how the children grow and develop while in my care!

     

    • Childcare experience:  I have one year of formal experience in a daycare setting. I raised three children of my own, and I have always enjoyed caring for children.
    • Education background: Bachelor’s degree in psychology
    • My favorite thing about working with children: I love to watch their development and to see how quickly they grow!
    • Favorite children’s book: The Emperors Egg
    • In my personal time:  I love History, Archaeology, Religion, and Philosophy. I also love to read!  
  • Ms. Isabella Merle, Early Preschool Support Teacher

    Ms. Isabella Merle

    Early Preschool Support Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

    Hi, I am Ms. Isabella! I love creating a loving and caring environment for children! I enjoy watching each of them learn, grow, and build strong trusted relationships with teachers and other students!

     

    Childcare experience: I worked at Bells Ferry Elementary School as an ASP Teacher, as well as a camp counselor at Ultimate Kids!

    Education background: 2020 High School Graduate

    My favorite thing about working with children: I love to watch the development of their amazing personalities!

    Favorite children’s book: Dr. Seuss Books!

    In my personal time: I like to go out to restaurants with friends, and be outside!

  • Ms. Indastajah Dukes, Support Teacher

    Ms. Indastajah Dukes

    Support Teacher
  • Ms. Ghazaleh Behzadfar, Art Director / Support Teacher

    Ms. Ghazaleh Behzadfar

    Art Director / Support Teacher
    •  Let’s get to know each other.
    • Hi, I am Mrs. Ghazaleh! I am from Iran; I can speak Farsi and I love to learn new languages. I am married and I have a wonderful son! I love art and I love to introduce the children to art so they can experience the joy of color and artistic expression!
    • Childcare experience:  I worked as a teaching assistant at an Art School for 4 years.
    • Education background:  International Master’s Degree in law, and an Art Certification.
    • My favorite thing about working with children: I love getting to meet each one of their pure souls! I love watching them grow up!
    • Favorite children’s book: “One Thousand and One Nights”
    • In my personal time: I love spending time with my family and friends! I also love studying new art forms, trying new foods, reading, and painting!
  • Ms. Deanna Masters, Pre-K 2 Support Teacher

    Ms. Deanna Masters

    Pre-K 2 Support Teacher
    • Let’s get to know each other.
    • Hi, I am Ms. Deanna! I have over twenty years of childcare experience. I am also a camp counselor, coach, scout leader, and Sunday school teacher! I started my education in early childhood development, then finished my degree in child psychology which I am still pursuing.
    • Childcare experience:  20+ years
    • Education background: Early Childhood Development and Psychology
    • My favorite thing about working with children: I love to see the world through children’s eyes!
    •  
    • Favorite children’s book: “Oh, The Places You’ll Go”
    •  
    • In my personal time:  I am a gymnastics coach & judge, and I love to go to baseball practice with my oldest son!
  • Ms. Angela Fonticoba, Chef / Support Teacher

    Ms. Angela Fonticoba

    Chef / Support Teacher
    •  Let’s get to know each other.
    •  
    • I am here to love and help each child while they are in my care.
    • I am excited to be a part of their learning journey here at primrose!
    •  
    • Childcare experience:  I have four children and four grandchildren, and I have worked in childcare since 1997.
    • Education background: I obtained a GED, as well as my Child Development Associate credential (CDA)
    • My favorite thing about working with children: I love watching how each child grows, and how they react to new experiences!
    • Favorite children’s book: The Giving Tree
    • In my personal time:  I love reading and spending time with my children/grandkids! I attend church on Wednesdays and Sundays. I also enjoy going to the movies and playing video games!
  • Sean and Kristen Butler, Franchise Owner

    Sean and Kristen Butler

    Franchise Owner

    We are the Butler Family: Sean, Kristen, Bridgette (9), Genevieve (7) and John (aka “John John,” 4). We spend our weekends at the park, the soccer field, camping, or visiting family and friends. It doesn’t really matter what we’re doing, as long as we’re doing it together!

    Sean grew up in Boston, MA, and Kristen grew up in Roswell, GA. We met in grad school in Tucson, AZ and moved to Atlanta shortly after graduating. Sean worked in IT at Turner Broadcasting for 10 years before becoming an IT Auditor now an owner of a school. Kristen works for Georgia Tech as a Research Scientist. Sean has a background in analyzing big data, making financial models and conducting audits. He has an MBA and a Masters in Accounting. Sean fully intends to use his skills to improve the health, safety, and education of the school.

    We have been a Primrose family for nine years since our oldest daughter was born. All three of our kids have gone to Primrose and now only John remains. Now that we are owners we couldn't be happier that this is the school we could purchase. The teachers and staff have been a second family to our kids. I can’t say enough how much I appreciate and respect all the teachers here at Primrose Lassiter who have nurtured our children. We are big believers in the Primrose education, nutrition and their view on how to develop a child into a great adult even before we became owners. We have lots of love for Primrose and we hope that everyone else feels the same!

    Read More