Primrose School would love to meet your family.
Schedule A TourMy name is Pamela Tolbert, and I am excited to join the Primrose School at Mountainside. I have over 25 years of experience working with young children, and have held the positions of teacher, tutor, Education Specialist, Assistant Director and Director in early childhood and elementary school programs. I have my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. I also am a certified teacher in Pre-K through Eighth Grade. As an educational professional and as a mother, I know how important it is to build the Right Foundation in Learning and in Life at a young age. This is why I am so passionate about Primrose's curriculum, which focuses not only on academic excellence, but also character and social emotional development, as well as physical development.
On a personal note, I live locally with my husband and our six children ages 26, 25, 24, 22, 20, and 19. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, traveling, eating healthy, and going to the gym.
My name is Carrie and I am the Assistant Director here at Primrose School at Mountainside. I have multiple years of experience working in Early Education as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Family and Child Development and a Master's in Business Administration. One of my favorite scriptures is Matthew 19:14; "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them." I believe that the greatest gift we can give children is to allow them to be all that they want to become.
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What do you like about Primrose?
My name is Deepa and I am the Associate Director at Primrose. I have my Masters in Commerce and Accounting. Before joining Primrose I have worked for over 10 years in a corporate environment namely the Banking and Insurance sector. I have always had a passion to work with children. Hence I take every opportunity where I could volunteer at different events at my kid’s school. What I like most about Primrose is their approach towards the different development needs of children. I truly appreciate the freedom kids are given to make choices under proper direction.
My family is my lifeline and I am truly blessed with awesome twin daughters. I love spending every extra moment I get, with them. We love going to the beach and museums. A cup of coffee and a good book are my best buddies for a little mommy time.
Hi! My name is Cidney and I also go by CJ! I was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey. At the age of 19, my family and I packed our things and moved to Carteret, New Jersey. Prior to leaving, I finished my education at Liberty High School in Jersey City and pursued a degree in the medical field as a pre-veterinarian student. I've always had the desire to work with animals! Growing up my family members would rescue all different kinds of animals and I would nurse them back to health. One day my brother brought home this little spunky pitbull we named him Champ and he has been our forever fur baby ever since! During my college experience, I met someone incredible, and after three years of long-distance, we made the decision to move! My new forever home will be North Carolina. New Jersey will always have my heart though!
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What do you like best about Primrose?
Primrose chooses quality staff to work here. I have the privilege of watching my amazing coworkers watch take care of children like they are their own physically and mentally.
Hello, my name is Saleem and I am one of the Chefs here at Primrose. I am a father of four; three boys and one girl. I started cooking at the age of 11. As a child, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my mother learning how to prepare meals. I attended Star Career Academy Culinary School and graduated top of my class with a culinary degree. I love cooking and catering to people's palates. I am also a private chef and owner of a small catering company, Leem International Cuisines. I enjoy the expression I receive from individuals after they have tried one of the dishes that I prepared.
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What do you like best about Primrose
I enjoy the friendly atmosphere the families and stff create here at Primrose.
Hello, my name is Izaiah Moultrie and I am the Assistant Chef here at Primrose. Cooking was never a part of me until I began my job here. My life was primarily focused on scientific pursuits such as IT which is what I studied.
I am very excited to be at Primrose because I love working with children. I have also learned how important food is to children and I enjoy helping them learn about healthy eating habits. Plus I make an amazing tomato cucumber salad now.
Primrose is very diverse and family oriented.
Hello, my name is Beverly and I am the Infant Teacher here at Primrose school. I have four children, 3 sons and a daughter, and I’m also a proud Grandma. I have 24 years of experience working with children including children with special needs. I taught Kindergarten at the YMCA for 9 years, and I was the owner and operator of Montclair Riding Academy where I hosted children’s birthday parties. I also worked as a manager at the Young Chef’s school where I taught children to cook.
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What do you like about Primrose?
What I like about Primrose is the low ratio of children to teachers because it allows for more one-on-one time with the children.
A lifelong resident of Union County, I spent the last 20 years in the legal field at various firms in New York City. I am definitely a “people person” and enjoy creating new relationships and sharing my experiences. I am happily married for over 15 years and lives with two children and our dog Oreo. I enjoy volunteering for various events with my children, cooking, spending time with my extended family, and going to concerts.
3 Fun Facts About Me
What do you like about Primrose?
I like that Primrose provides a family-oriented and warm work environment. I also like that the children are everyone’s top priority. Lastly, I like that I get to watch children develop and grow bigger and stronger every day.
I am currently a student at Union County College, I major in Early Childhood Education. Once I graduate from UCC I plan to transfer over to Kean University. I've been babysitting since I was 12, for family members and friends. I've always had a passion for working with children and having the ability to teach them. I am one of 23 cousins so my weekends are full of babysitting!
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What do you like about Primrose?
I like how primrose has incredibly friendly staff members.
My name is Roslyn and I am an Infant Teacher at Primrose. I have two boys named Romeo and Aiden. My dream has always been to work with children in a school. I have several years of experience in babysitting and working in an indoor play center with children. I love teaching children new things every day, it brings me so much joy!
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What do you like most about Primrose?
Primrose gives you an opportunity to grow and the staff love and care for the students as if they were their own.
Hi! My name is Kim. I am 21 years old and I am in school to pursue a career in Psychological Therapy. I am majoring in Education and minoring in psychology. I love children and seeing them grow! I also volunteer as a child facilitator at Imagine's center of coping with loss; ages six through nine.
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What do you like about Primrose?
Everyone from the staff to the children are amazing and so sweet.
My name is Ashley. I have experience in Early Childhood Education, along with Pre-Kindergarten to third grade. I have spent 8+ years working with infants, and I am extremely excited to work with Infants here at Primrose. I have a four-year-old son named Zavion. My goal is to open a twenty-four-hour daycare for single parents/ low to middle income families. I just want to be able to help my community.
Three fun facts about me:
•I am a party planner/ treat maker.
•I love to travel to different states.
•My favorite food is seafood.
What do you like best about Primrose?
I like how Primrose has a great environment to work in. I also enjoy how the staff here shows so much kindness to one another
Hello my name is Cheryice R. I am ecstatic to be working with children once again, it is truly my passion. I like teaching as well learning from the children. Children teach us some of our most valuable lessons in life. When I’m not educating here, I’m enjoying my free time with my fourteen-year-old niece. As my mother would say my “mini me”. My niece has taught me some of my greatest life lessons!
Three fun facts about me:
The beach is my happy place.
I have my license in cosmetology.
I helped build a house for the organization “habitat for humanity”.
What do you like best about Primrose?
I like how welcoming the staff and families are!
I’ve been in the education field for about ten years doing many different things. I’m currently enrolled at union college for early childhood education. In the future when I graduate, I will be going into early intervention. I love working in the young Toddler room because we get to teach the children the fundamentals of life and watch them explore and learn new things.
Three fun facts about me:
•On my free time I love to bake and do arts and crafts.
•My favorite color is pink.
•I have a daughter!
What do you like best about Primrose?
I love the balanced learning curriculum Primrose provides.
Hello, my name is Sada! I am excited to be working in the Young Toddler classroom here at Primrose. I love helping children grow and learn. Working with children is such an incredible honor that I get to fulfill every day. When I am not in the classroom, I am home playing gamed with my lovely friends and family.
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I am a Virgo.
My favorite color is purple.
I love to swim.
What do you like best about Primrose?
I love that everyone is treated like family here at PrimroseHello, my name is Maclise. I am a toddler teacher at Primrose. I have an Associate's degree in General Science from Essex County College and a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Kean University. I have had a love for teaching children since I was little and I've always loved to take care of others. Growing up I wanted to become a school nurse. I am happy to be at Primrose and can't wait to experience and learn new things along this rewarding journey.
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What do you like about Primrose?
I like the diversity in Primrose. There are a lot of staff members at Primrose that come from different cultural backgrounds.
Hello everyone! My name is Maradis, but I go by Mara! My journey in education started shortly after high school, I have had the pleasure of working in various schools with various age groups for the last 15 years! I have a college background in Early Education and am currently continuing my education. I didn’t always know that I wanted to teach and help little minds develop, but shortly after starting this journey, I knew this is where my heart belongs.
Three fun facts about me:
•I love traveling and spending time with my daughter
•My favorite food is pizza!
•My favorite animal is an elephant.
What do you like best about Primrose?
The welcoming environment for the staff as well as families and students. I am excited to be a part of the Primrose family!
Hello all! My name is Meenaka Muneshar. I am a toddler teacher here at Primrose. I have had a love for educating children since I was a child myself! Nothing makes me happier than seeing those wonderful smiles on the children’s faces.
Three fun facts about me:
•My favorite color is red.
•I love to dance!
•My favorite food hands down is vegetable rice.
What do you like best about Primrose?
I like that Primrose is dedicated to making staff, kids, and parents happyHi, my name is Mrs. Jennie and I am very pleased to be assisting in your child's class this school year. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the school year has in store. I am not only your child’s teacher but I am also a mother. This will allow me to care for your child as if they were my own, with lots of hugs and tickles.
In recent years, I have developed a love for teaching but that wasn’t always the passion I had. I have an Associates' degree in Culinary Art. I am also bilingual.
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What do you like about Primrose?
The thing I love most about Primrose is the opportunity I have to continue to learn and grow as a teacher. I am excited to get to know the families as well.
Hi! My name is Ms. Nicole, or Ms. Cola, as the children like to call me. I'm so excited to have joined the early preschool family! Working with your children each day and watching them grow and develop brings me all the joy in the world. I've been working with children all my life and I have a niece and nephew that I love as my own. I received my Bachelor's degree in Clinical Psychology at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. I was a social worker for over 8 years for Union County, as well, but I think I found my home at Primrose.
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What do you like about Primrose?
What I like about Primrose is, not only can I grow professionally as a teacher, but I can develop closer relationships with my children and families.
Hello, my name is Brenda! I’m still in school I graduate this year. I’m very family oriented. I am Pentecostal. I go to church four times a week, every week! I have eight brothers and 5 sisters. I love kid, I’ve been babysitting for as long as I can remember. I am from Puerto Rico. Overall, I just love having a good time with the people I love.
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•I have a total of 13 siblings!
•I enjoy cooking.
•I love to sing.
What do you like best about Primrose?
I like that there’s always room for growth and how everyone is extremely involved with each and every kid.
Hello, my name is Sarita and I am a Young Toddler Teacher here at Primrose. I love working with all of the children here at the school. I have been working in early childhood education for over 16 years. I love art and drawing.I enjoying watching all kinds of scary and funny movies.What I like about Primrose is that everyone greets each other with happy smiles throughout the day and so do I!My motto is Happy Teacher + Happy Parents = Happy children and a great day for everyone.
Hi, my name is Chanice. I'm from New York. I have my Bachelor's degree in sociology and I have 10 years of experience in early childhood education. I'm truly excited to watch and grow with the Children at Primrose School Mountainside
Three fun facts about me:
I am artistic, I can draw.
What I like about Primrose?
Seeing the kids accomplishing their goals every day.
Hello, my name is Naiesha Brooks and I am a Support Teacher here at Primrose School. I have been working with children 2-6 years of age for over 15 years. I started out working at my aunt’s day care. I know that teaching is something that was meant for me, and I truly enjoy it. I have also worked as a Nanny and a Behavioral Paralysis Therapist. I started my journey in the Medical field as an ER medical technician.
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What do you like best about Primrose?
What I like about Primrose is the fact that the curriculum is outstanding. Our school also takes pride in the appearance of its staff as well as the school.
Hello friends! My name Is Mrs. Catherine, and I am one of Primrose Schools Preschool Pathways teachers. I was born and raised in Newark. New Jersey. I am Portuguese and can speak three languages. I am a newlywed; my husband is a union police officer. I am fur mommy to three puppies. I graduated from Kean University with my bachelor’s degree in psychology. I am so excited to be teaching at Primrose, let us make those a wonderful year!
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What do you like best about Primrose?
As much as I love how everyone here is family nothing beats Primrose’s balanced learning curriculum!
My name is Ms. Stephanie! I am 20 years old. I am working on going to school and growing my family. I am currently a preschool pathways teacher here at Primrose and I love my classroom! I couldn’t be happier!
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I love to play soccer.
I enjoy cooking.
I savor reading a good book.
What do you like best about Primrose?
I like getting to establish bonds with all the children here best!
Hi, My name is Ashley Martinez, I am one of the Primroses Preschool 1 teachers. I am happily married for the past 13 years to my husband, who is in the military. Also, I am a mother of two boys who are 10 and 8 years old and my baby girl who is 5 years old. We just added a new puppy to our family. I am currently finishing up my last semester at Union County College to receive my Early Childhood Education Associates this May ‘22. My plan is to get my bachelors from Kean in Elementary Education K-8 for children with disabilities.
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What do you like best about Primrose
A few things that I like about working for Primrose is the understanding with work and personal life compromise, there is a great comradery around the workplace, also the opportunity for growth. day.
Hello, I am Miss Debbie! I have been at Primrose for the last 6 years and have been working with children for 12 years. I have assisted with babies, been an assistant in Preschool and Pre-K, along with assisting in Kindergarten. I love being in the classroom with children of all ages but I also enjoy helping out in the office and organizing everything in the school.
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What do you like about Primrose?
I love being able to know every child in the school. It is so amazing watching the kids grow from infants to Kindergarten!
Hello, My name is Anita Browne and I am the Lead Preschool Teacher here at Primrose. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been teaching preschool age kids for the past 25 years and it has always been a positive experience.
I ride my bike every day to work. I love going to the movies and reading a book on the beach is one of my favorite things to do. I can also walk on stilts.
What I like about Primrose is their positive and fun learning approach. I am looking forward to having a great work experience here.
Hi, my name is Ms. Alexis. I am currently pursuing my bachelor's degree in communications. I have been employed in childcare since the age of fourteen. I specialize in infants to kindergarten. I love matcha cupcakes and I support the troops! Hooyah Navy!
Three fun facts about me:
•I’m an esthetician/ business owner
•I am a veteran.
•I am a cowboys fan!
What do you like best about Primrose?
The idea of educating & stimulating the young minds of tomorrow while implementing manners is 100% amazing!
Hello, My name is Rakeeah Merritt and I am a the Pre-Kindergarten 1 here at Primrose. I attend Clarion University and my major is Early Childhood Education and Liberal Studies. I started working with children at a young age. I have been babysitting, tutoring, coaching and student teaching which has enhanced my admiration for children and the way they think, react and absorb knowledge. I have also done observations here at Primrose in the Preschool classroom for about two years and learned so much during that time. I love working with children and I plan to be a Principal of my own school in the future.
My favorite color is pink. My middle name is Megan. My horoscope is Libra.
I like Primrose because they pay special attention to every child. They work hard to ensure that everyone including staff, parents and children are happyHello! My name is Ms. Cassandra Hoy. I am 18 years old and currently a history and education major. I plan to get my masters degree from Rutgers University and teach history for high school students. I am very passionate about education and always have been. My goals as a teacher are to not only teach students curriculum in the classroom, but also assist in emotional and independent growth of students and create an environment where learning is not a necessity, but a desire.
Three fun facts about me:
•My favorite food is sushi.
•My favorite dessert is chocolate chip cookies.
•I have a leopard gecko named Moose
What do you like best about Primrose?
Their ambition to make students not only good learners, but good people and their ability to change curriculums and techniques based on new research.
Hello! My name is Briana Berrios, and I am currently pursuing my bachelors in teaching at Kean university. I have always worked well with kids and when I started to work here; instantly felt welcomed. Previously I worked at YMCA and that’s when I knew working with kids was the career for me.
Three fun facts about me:
•I love to stay active.
•I am creative with makeup.
•I am going to school until I get my masters.
What do you like best about Primrose?
I like how I’ve gained and will continue to gain experience with all the different age groups here at Primrose.
Hello, I’m Ms. Gloria! I have been working with children for the past fifteen years and have a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with Early Elementary Education. Teaching children has been a very rewarding and enjoyable experience throughout the years, and I am happy to continue teaching and learning at Primrose. It is amazing to see how much children can grow and learn so quickly, and see what motivates them, and I am glad I am a part of it!
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What do you like about Primrose?
I love the variety of approaches to learning and different activities that are designed to develop the whole child.
Hello, my name is Kathy Smitacz and I am an Early Prechool Teacher here at Primrose School. I have attended Union County College as well as Kean University with a major in Early Childhood Education and Sociology. I always had a passion to work with children. I have experience working with children from Infants up to 5 years of age. I am also a mom of a 9 year old son and 7 year old daughter. I look forward to every opportunity to spend time with my children because they are my bundle of joy.
I love to sing. I love going on vacations with my family and I enjoy watching movies.
Primrose school has a very trusting and nurturing environment. Parents and teachers are wonderful individuals.Hello, my name is Preeti Tyagi, and I am one of the support teachers here at Primrose! I have my bachelor’s degree in humanities. I also have a diploma in fashion designing. I love my two boys one is 12 years old, and my other son is 18 years old. As a teacher I love my profession because being a teacher in an invaluable contribution.
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What do you like best about Primrose?
I like that Primrose provides a good learning environment. We offer what I believe to be the best care and education.
Hello, my name is Lia and I have worked at Primrose for five years. I attended East Stroudsburg University where I duel-majored in Early Childhood and Special Education, earning my bachelor’s degree in both. I love the quote that says “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops,” by Henry Adams, because as my students move on and continue through life I know that I was able to be a positive influence to them. Every since I was younger I knew that I wanted to be a teacher; it has always been my passion. I love seeing children learn and grow in every way possible.
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What do you like most about Primrose?
What I like about Primrose is the curriculum. It touches all academic bases, from science to math to learning about how to be a good person with the help of our Primrose puppet friends.
Imtisenla is a tribal name from Northeast India and is usually shortened to Asen. I grew up in India, and have lived in Nepal, India, and the United States of America. My interest in early intervention and elementary education led me to complete my Master of Arts in teaching special education through Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. I homeschooled my children, and now that they are more independent, I have the privilege of joining the workforce and pursuing my interests. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with professionals who care deeply for children.
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What do you like about Primrose?
The educational philosophy of Primrose schools has tremendous potential to produce compassionate citizens of tomorrow.
Hello, my name is Devra Ketner. I have a degree in Early Childhood education and a post degree in Recreation Administration. I also have a CDL License to drive a small school bus. I previously worked in a daycare/afterschool for a Community Center for over 22 years before leaving to become caregiver for my elderly father. I live in Elizabeth, NJ with my Husband Aaron, my father, my mother-in-law and my 2½ year old beagle named Spanky.
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What do you like best about Primrose?
What I love about Primrose School is that the staff is very friendly and helpful.
Hello, we are Ashley and Charles Gray, the proud Franchise Owners of Primrose School at Mountainside. As parents we value the importance of the high-quality, educational child care that Primrose Schools provides. The significant role education has played in our own lives has instilled in us a dedication to positively impacting children's lives in a safe and nurturing learning environment. When we discovered Primrose Schools, we knew there was an immediate need in our community and New Jersey to provide children and families the best possible early childhood education experience. We were impressed with the unmatched curriculum, teaching method and unique culture of Primrose. We quickly became avid supporters of the brand and its dedication to partnering with parents to set children up for success in school and in life. We are devoted to bringing the best possible child care experience to the Mountainside community and providing children with a solid foundation to excel in the future. We understand the importance of instilling a love of learning throughout a child's early years, and we believe this is essential to building a new generation of bright citizens. Primrose Schools is The Leader in Educational Child CareŒ¬ and we are committed to delivering the best possible experience when it comes to your child's education. We look forward to meeting you!