Primrose School of Livermore

Our Staff

  • Ms. Shubra Gupta, Director

    Ms. Shubra Gupta

    Director

    My name is Ms. Shubra and I am very excited to be joining the Primrose Livermore team! I have 16 years of experience in childcare working as both a teacher and as an administrator—I love every aspect of my job both inside and outside of the classroom and really enjoy spending time with the little ones of any age. I have raised my own two kids while working so I understand both aspect of having own kids in childcare as wells as being a childcare provider.

    My hobbies include cooking, spending time with my kids, and going on walks. My favorite children’s book are Where The Wild Things Are. I look forward to getting to know everyone!

  • Ms. Elora Begum, Assistant Director

    Ms. Elora Begum

    Assistant Director

    Hello everyone, My name is Elora Begum and I am so excited to be joining the Primrose School of Livermore Family as the Assistant Director. I have 10+ years of childcare experience, as well as having completed the Montessori Early Childhood Teacher Credential Course from Montessori Teacher Education Center San Francisco Bay area. My profession started with a teacher, then I became head teacher and then I got promoted to the Director position. I have also obtained my Bachelor's Degree in business administration.

    My favorite part about working in childcare is the excitement and smiles on the children's faces everyday and seeing how eager they are to learn and have fun. I truly believe that being a childcare worker is a rewarding job, as you get the opportunity of being in children's lives and help guide them to bright futures.

    A little bit about me is that I am a mother of two daughters, one being almost 18 and the other 16. I enjoy reading novels, watching movies, cooking, and spending time with my family (and cat). I look forward to meeting everyone!

  • Ms. Priyanka Sharma, Education Coach

    Ms. Priyanka Sharma

    Education Coach

    Hello there, my name is Priyanka Sharma. I am so excited to be a part of Primrose family and wanted to share little bit about myself. I have over 17 years of experience working with children and  6 years with Primrose(since the day it's opened). I have Master's in accounting and an Early Childhood Education teacher credentials under my belt. I have 2 children 19 and 15 years old. My older is doing Pre Med from UC Santa CruzI and I couldn't be proud anymore. love spending time with my family and friends during my leisure time and loves reading. I love to eat Indian food and tryout new cuisines. What I love most is to share my experience to implement my skills to nurture the children and to grow with Primrose Livermore Family. 

  • Ms. Mikenzi Kuntzmann, Schoolwide Support Staff

    Ms. Mikenzi Kuntzmann

    Schoolwide Support Staff

    I’m Ms. Mikenzi. I hold an associates degree in Early Childhood Education and am working towards my Bachelors degree with over 8 years of experience in childcare. In my free time, I love to travel and spend time with my friends and family.

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

     

    Childcare experience: Over 8 Years

    Education Background: Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education 

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Seeing them grow in their learning

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

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy traveling and spending time with my friends and family

  • Ms. Mini Sahota, Head Chef

    Ms. Mini Sahota

    Head Chef

    I'm Ms. Mini. I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself. I hold an early childhood education certificate and over 10 years of experience working in child care. I have two beautiful daughters who are 22 and 20 years old. In my free time I love to cook and do gardening.

    I cant wait to learn more about you and your family.

    Name: Jaswinder Sahota (Mini)

    Hometown: Livermore, CA

    Child care experience: Over 10 years in child care

    Education Background: Early Childhood Education certificate

    Favorite food: Pizza

    Favorite weekend activity: Boating

    Favorite children’s book: Brown Bear

    Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin

    What I’m most excited about this school year: I am excited to meet new students and families here at Primrose.

    Best way to schedule a time to talk: Request a meeting at the front desk.

  • Ms. Raman Kaur, Kitchen Support

    Ms. Raman Kaur

    Kitchen Support

    I’m Ms. Raman. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I hold a high school diploma with over 10 years working in childcare. In my free time, I enjoy cleaning and watching tv.

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

    Child care experience:  10 years

    Education Background: High School Diploma

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children:  Playing with them.

    Favorite children’s book: Brown Bear Brown Bear

    In My Personal Time:  I enjoy cleaning and watching TV

  • Ms. Lipika Das, Infant I - Teacher

    Ms. Lipika Das

    Infant I - Teacher

    I’m Lipika Das. I am a mother of one teenager boy. I hold an Associate Degree in Child Development from De Anza College. My hobby is reading books, hiking and spending times with my family. I will describe myself in two words which is reliable and helpful.
    I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
    Name: Lipika Das
    Hometown: Cuttack, India
    Child care experience: 2 years
    Education Background: Associate Degree in Child Development and Bachelors of Arts
    Favorite food: Chicken Burger
    Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with family
    Favorite children’s book: The hungry caterpillar
    Primrose character I most relate to: Molly
    What I’m most excited about this school year: Interacting with children and knowing more about the children and parents
    Best way to schedule time to talk: Request a meeting at the front desk.

  • Ms. Jyoti Jain, Infant II - Teacher

    Ms. Jyoti Jain

    Infant II - Teacher


    I’m Ms. Jyoti. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I hold a Bachelors degree and Early Childhood development units with over 2 years experience working with children. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends.I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

    Child care experience: 2 years

    Education Background: Bachelors Degree, Early Childhood Development Units

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Seeing their smiling faces

    Favorite children’s book: Picture books

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy spending time with friends and family

  • Ms. Ranu Haque, Infant Teacher

    Ms. Ranu Haque

    Infant Teacher

    I’m Ms. Ranu. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I hold an Associates in early childhood development with over 14 years of experience working in childcare. In my personal time, I enjoy watching tv and spending time with my family.

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

     

    Child care experience: 14 years

    Education Background:  Child development associates

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children:  The interaction and helping them learn and joy they bring me

    Favorite children’s book: brown bear brown bear

    In My Personal Time: Watching tv and spending time with my family

  • Ms. Hanim Yahya, Infants - Support Teacher

    Ms. Hanim Yahya

    Infants - Support Teacher

    I am Ms. Hanim and I wanted to tell you about myself. I hold a Bachelors degree with over 2 years of experience working in child care. I am a mother to 3 boys and 1 girl and enjoy going swimming in my spare time.I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

    Name: Hanim Yahya

    Child care experience:2 years

    Education Background: Bachelor of Science in Management

    Favorite food: Hot spicy Tofu, Tempe, and any vegetarian food
    Favorite weekend activity: Swimming

    What I’m most excited about this school year: To get to know the families and kids.

  • Ms. Siti Mohammad Ishak, Toddler I - Teacher

    Ms. Siti Mohammad Ishak

    Toddler I - Teacher

    Hello Everyone, I am Siti, I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself. I have been working for three years in Preschool and one year in Toddler at Las Positas College Child Development Center as a Student Assistant Teacher. I have my Associate teacher Certificate in 2018 and planning to get my Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Development at las Positas College. I can't wait to learn more about you and your family.

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

    Name: Siti Mohammad Ishak

    Hometown: Livermore

    Child care experience: 4 years

    Education Background: had my Associate Teacher Certificate in 2018 and continuing to get my associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Development at Las Positas College.

    Favorite food: Chicken, Rice, and Seafood Pasta with cheese and chili pepper

    Favorite weekend activity: Reading books, swimming and hanging out with my family.

    Favorite children’s book: The Pigeon Has to Go to School by Mo Willems

    Primrose character I most relate to: Og

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know all of you

    Best way to schedule a time to talk: Request a meeting at the front desk

  • Ms. Ana Velazqez, Toddler II - Teacher

    Ms. Ana Velazqez

    Toddler II - Teacher

    I am Ms. Ana and I wanted to tell you about myself. I am a mother to one son who attends school here. I hold early Childhood Development units from Las Positas College with over 14 years of experience in childcare. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my son, shopping and going to the movies.I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

    Name: Ana

    Hometown: Livermore

    Childcare experience:  14 Years

    Education Background: Early Childhood Development units from Las Positas College

    Favorite food: Pasta

    Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with my son, shopping and going to the movies

    Favorite children’s book: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff

    Primrose character I most relate to: Mia

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Meeting and spending time with my students.

  • Ms. Madeline Alsalafi, Toddler II - Teacher

    Ms. Madeline Alsalafi

    Toddler II - Teacher

    I’m Ms. Madeline. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I hold a GED with one year of experience working in childcare. In my personal time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

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

    Child care experience:  1 Year

    Education Background: GED

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Is helping the students learn.

    Favorite children’s book:  Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

    In My Personal Time:  I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

  • Ms. Sandra Mesillas, Toddler II - Teacher

    Ms. Sandra Mesillas

    Toddler II - Teacher

    I’m Ms. Sandra. I wanted to tell you little about myself. I hold a certificate in Early Childhood Education and have over 9 years of experience working in child care. I have three beautiful children, a daughter who is 27, my son 22, and my youngest son who is 17. In my free time I enjoy my family, interior design, cooking, and volunteering at my children’s school.

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

    Name: Sandra Mesillas

    Hometown: Mexico City

    Child care experience: 5 years in preschool and 4 years in toddlers

    Education Background: Certificate in Early Childhood Education

    Favorite food: Mexican

    Favorite weekend activity: Interior decorating, cooking, and party planning

    Favorite children’s book: Llama, Llama Red Pajama

    Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Bringing joy and laughter to our Primrose Students.

    Best way to schedule time to talk: Request a meeting at the front desk.

  • Ms. Sangeeta Sriram, Toddler - Teacher

    Ms. Sangeeta Sriram

    Toddler - Teacher

    I'm Ms.Sangeeta. I wanted to tell you a little abut myself. I hold Early Childhood Education Units with over 4 years of experince working in childcare. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new places and listening to music. I can't wait to learn more about you and your family. 

    Childcare experince: over 4 years

    Education Background: Early Childhood Education Units

    My favorite thing about working with children: I love to listen and dance to music with children

    Favorite Children's book: Curious George - Man with the Yellow Hat

    In my personal time: I like to explore new places and listen to music 

  • Ms. Veronica Ostria, Toddler II - Teacher

    Ms. Veronica Ostria

    Toddler II - Teacher

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

    I hold an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and in Liberal Arts from Chabot College. I also have over 8 years of experience working in child care. I look forward in building relationships with all the children at Primrose and helping them grow.

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

    Name: Veronica Ostria

    Hometown: Modesto, CA

    Child care experience: Over 8 years in child care

    Education Background: Associates Degree in Early Child Development and in Liberal Arts

    Favorite food: Tacos

    Favorite weekend activity: Stay home and watching movies

    Favorite children’s book: The Giving Tree By Shel Silverstein

    Primrose character I most relate to: Molly

    What I’m most excited about this school year: To build relationships with all the children and help them grow.

    Best way to schedule time to talk: Request a meeting at the front desk.

  • Ms. Marisol Valencia, Early Preschool - Teacher

    Ms. Marisol Valencia

    Early Preschool - Teacher

    I’m Ms. Marisol I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I have over 3 years working in child care. I have three children, a 6-year-old, a 4-year-old, and a 5-month-old. Two of my children are currently enrolled at our Primrose and they absolutely love it here. I am passionate about having a positive impact on children I work with. In my “free time” I spend quality time with family and children.

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

    Name: Marisol Valencia

    Hometown: Tracy, CA

    Child care experience: Primrose School of Livermore

    Education Background: Over three years of child care experience

    Favorite food:Seafood

    Favorite weekend activity: Going to the park with my family

    Favorite children’s book: “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” Dr. Seuss

    Primrose character I most relate to: Percy

    What I’m most excited about this school year: The time I will be spending with the children, teaching and learning from them.

    Best way to schedule time to talk: Request a meeting at the front desk.

  • Ms. Sujeetha Giriraju, Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Sujeetha Giriraju

    Early Preschool Teacher

    I’m Ms. Sujeetha, I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I hold an Associates Degree from DeAnza College with over 5 years experience working in childcare. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family.

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

     

    Childcare experience: Over 5 Years

    Education Background: Associates Degree

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Doing music and circle with children

    Favorite children’s book:  The Rainbow Fish

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy spending time with family.

  • Ms. Hania Ariba, Early Preschool - Teacher

    Ms. Hania Ariba

    Early Preschool - Teacher

    I’m Ms. Hania. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I hold Early Childhood Development Units with over 3 years of experience working in childcare. In my personal time, I enjoy watching movies, swimming and going to the gym.

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

     

    Child care experience:  3 years

    Education Background: Early Childhood Development units

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: making art with them

    Favorite children’s book: Anything about Animals

    In My Personal Time:  I enjoy watching movies, swimming, and going to the gym

  • Ms. Esperanza Gonzalez, Preschool Pathways - Teacher

    Ms. Esperanza Gonzalez

    Preschool Pathways - Teacher

    Meet Ms. Esperanza our Preschool Pathways Teacher. She has 13 years experience in Preschool Education. Ms. Esperanza studied at Foothill and DeAnza college. When she isn’t spending time with her Primrose friends she loves having fun with friends and family. Her favorite Primrose friend is Percy because he sets an example of good character. Ms. Esperanza’s favorite food is Mexican.

  • Ms. Susana Sosa, Preschool Pathways - Teacher

    Ms. Susana Sosa

    Preschool Pathways - Teacher

    I’m. Susana. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I hold an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and an Associate teacher permit with over 18 years of experience working in early childhood education. I am a mother of 3 boys and one girl. I also am bilingual in both English and Spanish, which adds a great element to our Mucho Mundo curriculum.

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

    Name: Susana Sosa

    Hometown: Mexico

    Child care experience:18 years

    Education Background: Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education/Associate teacher permit.

    Favorite food: Tomatoes, menudo, chiles, rellenos

    Favorite weekend activity: Bike rides or long walks

    Favorite children’s book: The very Hungry Caterpillar

    Primrose character I most relate to: Molly

    What I’m most excited about this school year: I am excited to be a team player and help bring smiles to all the children.

    Best way to schedule time to talk: Request a meeting at the front desk.

  • Ms. Ronna Kossman, Preschool I - Teacher

    Ms. Ronna Kossman

    Preschool I - Teacher

    I am Ms. Ronna and I wanted to tell you about myself. I hold Early Childhood Education units from Las Positas College with over 30 years of experience working in childcare. I am a mother of a 19-year-old son, and I enjoy playing sports and going hiking in my spare time.

     

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

     

    Name: Ronna Kossman

    \Child care experience: 30 years experience

    Education Background: ECE units from Las Positas/Chabot

    Favorite food: Chinese/Pizza

    Favorite weekend activity: Sports and hiking with family

    Favorite children’s book:  Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know the children and their families better by watching them learn and grow.

  • Ms. Preeti Benawadi, Preschool I - Teacher

    Ms. Preeti Benawadi

    Preschool I - Teacher

    I’m Ms. Preeti.I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I hold an Associates and Bachelors degree in early Childhood Education with over 2 years of experience in preschool. I am a mother of two beautiful children and my 19-month-old attends our toddler program here at Primrose.

     

    Name: Preeti K Benawadi

    Child care experience: over 2 years in Preschool

    Education Background: Associate & Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love to spend time learning and growing with each student

    Favorite children’s book: Curious George

    In My Personal Time: Traveling and watching movies with family

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Providing a safe and fun filled environment

    Best way to schedule time to talk: Request a meeting at the front desk.

  • Ms. Suneetha Magham, Preschool II - Teacher

    Ms. Suneetha Magham

    Preschool II - Teacher

    I’m Ms. Suneetha. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I hold a masters in commerce and ECE Units with over 7 years of experience working in childcare. In my personal time, I enjoy cooking and gardening.

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

    Child care experience:  7 Years

    Education Background: Masters in Commerce and ECE units

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I am passionate about watching them learn what I teach

    Favorite children’s book: Peppa Pig Books

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy cooking and gardening.

  • Ms. Nandita Jena, PreK Teacher

    Ms. Nandita Jena

    PreK Teacher

    I’m Ms. Nandita. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I hold a masters degree and Early childhood education units with over 7 years experience working in childcare. In my personal time I enjoy hiking. 

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

     

    Child care experience:  over 7 years

    Education Background: Masters Degree and Early Childhood Development Units

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Bringing a positive and nurturing environment

    Favorite children’s book: Curious George

    In My Personal Time:  I enjoy hiking

  • Ms. Carolyn Fletcher, PreK - Teacher

    Ms. Carolyn Fletcher

    PreK - Teacher

    I’m Ms. Carolyn. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I have over 3 years of experience working in child care. I have a three-year-old daughter who is enrolled in our Preschool Pathways classroom. Since I was a child, I always knew I wanted to be a. teacher so I could connect with families and their children while also enjoying teaching young minds.

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

    Name: Carolyn Fletcher

    Hometown: Livermore, CA

    Child care experience: Over 3 years

    Education Background: Las Positas College & San Francisco State

    Favorite food: Pasta, Pizza, & Mexican

    Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with my daughter & going on adventures

    Favorite children’s book: Dr. Suess

    Primrose character I most relate to: Mia

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Fresh starts & meeting new people

    Best way to schedule time to talk: Request a meeting at the front desk.

  • Ms. Sugey Neria, EPS & Pathways - Support Teacher

    Ms. Sugey Neria

    EPS & Pathways - Support Teacher

    Let’s get to know each other.

     

    I’m Ms. Sugey. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I hold Early Childhood Education Units with 1 year of experience working in childcare. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my dog.

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

    Child care experience:  1 Year

    Education Background: Early Childhood Education Units

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Spending time with them reading and playing outside

    Favorite children’s book:  ABC’s

    In My Personal Time: I enjoy spending time with my dog

  • Ms. Samantha Sandoval, Faculty

    Ms. Samantha Sandoval

    Faculty

    I'm Ms. Samantha. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I hold Early Childhood Education units with over 3 years of experience working in childcare. In my personal time, I enjoy spending time with my daughter. 

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

     

    Child Care experience: 3 years

    Education Background: Early Childhood Education Units

    My Favorite Thing About Working with Children: watching them grow up

    Favorite Children's Book: Jungle Book

    In my Personal Time: I enjoy spending time with my daughter

  • Neha and Piyoosh Jalan, Franchise Owner

    Neha and Piyoosh Jalan

    Franchise Owners

    Meet Piyoosh and Neha Jalan, proud multi-unit Franchise Owners of Primrose School of Livermore. The Jalans are longtime residents of the Bay Area and excited to bring the high-quality Primrose Experience to Tri-Valley families.

    Neha and Piyoosh discovered the need for high-quality early education in their area when they had their first daughter, Ishita in 2008. “When we had Ishita, we could not find one facility that had the combination of a nurturing, loving environment and the balanced learning we wanted for our daughter,” Neha said.

    As a teacher herself with a background in early education, Neha took matters into her own hands. “I ended up leaving my teaching career and started my own home-based childcare for Bay Area families in 2008.”

    In 2011, with the birth of their son, Samar, just a few months away, the Jalans decided to go one step further in helping Neha pursue her dreams by researching child care franchises. They flew to Houston to visit a Primrose School. “We were so impressed with the Primrose curriculum, infrastructure, philosophy and culture that we instantly decided to become part of the Primrose family,” Piyoosh said.

    While both Neha and Piyoosh are originally from India, though they grew up on opposite sides of the country. Piyoosh first came to America to attend college at Cornell University, and upon graduating with a master’s degree in Computer Science he decided to stay in the country. He moved to California in 2003 and began his career in Silicon Valley, working for companies that include IBM, Yahoo! and Microsoft. Meanwhile, Neha earned a degree in Information Technology from Osmania University in the technology hub of Hyderabad, India. Teaching has always been her passion, however, so after graduation she took a teaching position at one of the largest preschool franchises in India and had great success, earning a Teacher of the Year award in 2004.

    “As a mother of two wonderful children, I understand how difficult it is to place your child in someone else's care,” Neha said. “Primrose School of Livermore will always strive to be a home away from home. We will partner with parents in order to serve children with the same passion, care and love they see at home.”

    Primrose School of Livermore features the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach which blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion.

    Please reach out to us to learn more about our school, and the outstanding curriculum and educational approach of Primrose brand. We are looking forward to meeting you!

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