Primrose School of Nashville Midtown

Our Staff

  • Dakara Barton, Director of Operations

    Dakara Barton

    Director of Operations

    Ms. Dakara was born and raised in Lebanon, Kentucky. She received her bachelor's degree in Child Psychology from Western Kentucky University. Ms. Dakara has been working with children for over five years and has been with Primrose since August 2012. Before coming up into Management, Ms. Dakara has been a teacher in almost every one of our programs! She feels children are such a joy to work with and loves helping lead them, in the right direction, to becoming well-rounded individuals.

  • Donna Buchanan, Director of Education

    Donna Buchanan

    Director of Education

    Donna was born and raised in Memphis, TN. She is a graduate from the University of Memphis with a degree in Psychology. From an early age, Donna has always gravitated towards children and their inspiring little minds. In 2011, she began her career as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher at Primrose School of Brentwood. This is where her love for what Primrose stood for began. Donna is thrilled to embark this journey with all our little loved ones down the Primrose path to excellence!

  • Sandy Mining, Employee Trainer

    Sandy Mining

    Employee Trainer

    Ms. Sandy was born in California but grew up in Ipswich, England. Her family moved to Texas when she was 12 and lived there until a few years ago. She finally convinced her husband of 13 years to move to the beautiful state of Tennessee. Ms. Sandy loves Tennessee for many reasons, mainly because her parents now live here, and there are actually four seasons! She has a little boy named Payton Jack who is her everything! Being a parent is so wonderful and made her realize that every moment is a teachable moment and this is why Ms. Sandy loves her job. Ms. Sandy has her Child Development Associates Degree for infant-toddlers, and has been in the childcare field for many years! She loves the look on a child's face when they master a task, and there is nothing better than their smile and excitement.

  • Taylor Zell, Assistant Director

    Taylor Zell

    Assistant Director

    Ms. Taylor was raised in Hendersonville and completed her Early Childhood Degree from APSU in 2016. She taught in Clarksville for three years and joined the Primrose team in May 2019. Ms. Taylor loves showing children how exciting learning can be. Ms. Taylor loves hiking, kayaking, and having fun with three pets. She is so excited to be joining the Primrose team!

  • Sarah Shanaman, Hiring Coordinator

    Sarah Shanaman

    Hiring Coordinator

    Sarah is a Nashville native. She graduated from Belmont University in 2008 with a degree in Music Education. She has enjoyed working with children and aiding them in their education.

    Sarah joined Primrose School of Brentwood in the fall of 2010 as an Early Preschool teacher. During her time at Primrose School of Brentwood she served as the Assistant Director for two years. Since joining the Primrose family, Sarah and her husband have added to their family too! They have a little girl that loves her time in the Primrose classroom.

    Sarah is excited to be the director, and a part of the Primrose School of Nashville Midtown team. She looks forward to watching your children learn and grow!

  • Chelsea Grishaber, Education Coach

    Chelsea Grishaber

    Education Coach

    Ms. Chelsea was born in Phoenix, AZ and then later moved to TN in 1997. She is currently pursuing her degree in English and Early Childhood Education. Ms. Chelsea hopes to one day become a first grade teacher! She joined Primrose School of Brentwood in August of 2012 and Primrose School of Midtown in May of 2022. Ms. Chelsea loves children and enjoys helping them learn and grow!

  • Alicia Marquez, Administrative Assistant

    Alicia Marquez

    Administrative Assistant

    Ms. Alicia as born in Fort Lauderdale Florida. She moved to Brooklyn, New York at a very young age and spent most of her time there. She is the fifth oldest of fourteen children! Ms. Alicia has two children and joined the United States Air force! She feels privileged to join the Primrose Family with her kiddos!

  • Ms. Connie, Infant Teacher

    Ms. Connie

    Infant Teacher

    Ms. Connie is from Pulaski, TN. Teaching young children has always been a dream of hers. When she is not working, she is accompanied by her nieces and nephews. She loves spending her free time with them and with her fiancé. She loves reading and writing stories. She is so excited to be part of the Primrose Team. She cant wait to help her students learn and grow!

  • Ms. Kaitie, Infant Teacher

    Ms. Kaitie

    Infant Teacher

    Ms. Kaitie was born and raised in Evansville, IN. She attended Indiana State University where she studied theater with an acting concentration. She recently moved to Nashville for a new beginning. She is so excited to learn about her new home. MS. Kaitie loves working with kids and has a passion of sharing her love of singing and performing with everyone around her. during her free time she loves to sing, play board games, and play with her sweet nephews! Ms. Kaitie is so happy to be apart of the Primrose Family!

  • Ms. Allencia, Infant Teacher

    Ms. Allencia

    Infant Teacher

    Ms. Allencia was born in Nashville, TN. Her love for children filled her heart in 2019 when she started at Primrose. She worked at Primrose for one year and has since returned! She is back and ready to bring the fun and love to our classrooms. Ms. Allencia has found her way home to further her education in early childhood development! During her free time, she enjoys the sun, music, and a good notebook to write poetry. She is so excited to back at Primrose!

  • Ms. Alyssa, Infant Teacher

    Ms. Alyssa

    Infant Teacher

    Ms. Alyssa was born in Indiana and moved often because of the military. She has attended a total of 9 schools! She attended APSU in 2014 before deciding to nanny full-time instead. Ms. Alyssa has always enjoyed working with children and watching them learn and grow. She loves music, dance parties, and arts and crafts! In her free time, she likes to cuddle up on the couch with her daughter and watch Disney movies. Ms. Alyssa started at Primrose in December 2021 and is excited to be part of the team!


     

  • Ms. Lisa, Young Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Lisa

    Young Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Lisa was born in Jamestown and raised in Fargo, ND. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and was a substitute teacher for 6 years before moving to Nashville in 1997. She enjoys walking around Couch Ville Lake at Long Hunter State park, reading, and playing with her fur babies. She is a two-time cancer survivor and totally believe that working with children has helped her. She has been with Primrose since 2020 and loves every minute of going to work.

  • Ms. Amanda, Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Amanda

    Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Amanda was born in Palm Beach, FL and raised in Saratoga Springs, NY.  She moved to Nashville, TN when she was 21 years old.  She graduated college in 2017.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Tennessee State University. She has been working in Early Education since 2021 and has worked with every Pre School age group.  She likes to enjoy music and spend time with her teenage daughter on weekends.  Ms. Amanda is so excited to be a part of the Primrose Midtown team!

  • Ms. Sabrina, Young Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Sabrina

    Young Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Sabrina moved from New York in 2009 to study Music and Social Work at Lipscomb University. She is a big fan of comedy and spends a lot of time going to comedy shows around Nashville. She has 2 crazy cats, Quiz and Phil Collins, who love to cuddle and chase laser lights. She loves working with children and is so happy to be a part of the Primrose team.

  • Ms. Tameka, Young Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Tameka

    Young Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Tameka was born and raised in Miami, Florida. Ms. Tameka al gradated from Alcory High in Corrington, GA.  She recently moved to Nashville, TN to start a new life for her family.  During her free time, she likes to do hair, makeup, and even facials.  She is delighted to join the team at Primrose.

  • Ms. Anna, Young Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Anna

    Young Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Anna was born and raised in Evansville, Indiana. She currently lives in Clarksville and is finishing up her Early Childhood Degree through Murray State University. She has a little boy named Madden who was born in May 2022. Her favorite part of working with children is getting to see them become independent little people and watching their personalities bloom! She worked at Primrose during the 2019/2020 school year and was so happy to rejoin us September of 2022.

  • Ms. Vanessa, Young Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Vanessa

    Young Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Vanessa was born and raised in San Diego, California.She has been working with children her entire adult careeri ncluding being a nanny and working with children at the Joan Kroc Center and working with disbled and autistic children.  Vanessa moved to Tennessee to work with Primrose and continues to enjoy working with children and helping them grow and learn. In her spare time, Ms. Vanessa enjoys puzzles, photography, spending time with her family, and traveling. Ms. Vanessa is excited to join te Primrose Midtown team!

  • Ms. Mackaia, Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Mackaia

    Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Mackaia was born and raised in Nashville, TN. She graduated from Hillwood High School in 2018. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. She is so incredibly excited for this school year. She looks forward to watching your children grow!

  • Ms. Alexis, Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Alexis

    Toddler Teacher

    Alexis was born in Nashville and raised in Hickman County. She graduated from East Hickman High and she is currently enrolled in Nashville State. She has one dog that she loves very much. She enjoys hiking and swimming. Her favorite colors are blue and orange. Her favorite food is pasta. She loves learning new things about life. She hopes to teach first grade!

  • Ms. Kanetta, Support Staff Teacher

    Ms. Kanetta

    Support Staff Teacher

    Ms. Kanetta was born and raised in Nashville, TN.  She graduated from East Nashville Magnet High School.  She also studied accounting for a year at Austin Peay State University.  She started at Primrose in July 2022 and has a passion for helping children learn new things about the world and themselves.  In her free time, she likes reading and spending time with her sisters.  She is very excited to start her new career here at Primrose Midtown!

  • Ms. Avery, Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Avery

    Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Avery was born in Nashville, TN where she graduated from Hillwood Highschool. Ms. Avery likes to go swimming, hiking, and watch movies.  Ms. Avery loves helping children and teaching them new things so that they grow.  Ms. Avery is the oldest of six kids with only one brother! Ms. Avery is so excited to be a part of our Primrose Midtown team!

  • Ms. Michelle, Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Michelle

    Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Michelle was born in Nashville and has lived here all her life.  She taught when she was younger and has been working in healthcare ever since. She is so excited to be back to teaching! Ms. Michelle loves being with her family and walking her dogs. She is so excited to be apart of our Primrose team!

  • Ms.Kaitlyn, Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Ms.Kaitlyn

    Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Ms. Kaitlyn was born and raised in Nashville where she attended Hillwood High school and graduated in 2018. She loves to work with children, see them grow, and learn new things. When she is not working she loves to hike, swim, go to the park, and watch movies. She is so excited to be a part of the Primrose team!

  • Ms. Mako, Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Mako

    Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Mako was born in Kenya. She came to the United States in 2005 and has lived in Nashville since she arrived. English is her second language! She loves living in Nashville and adapting to a new country and different cultures. She likes to read, travel, and the outdoors. She loves working and playing with children. She has lots of nieces and nephews so being around kiddos is very natural for her. She is so happy to be part of the Primrose Team!

  • Ms. Maddie, Pre-school Pathways Teacher

    Ms. Maddie

    Pre-school Pathways Teacher

    Ms. Maddie was born and raised in Pepperell, Massachusetts before attending school in Vermont before moving to Nashville.  She grew up with 3 siblings and has always had a passion for working with children.  When she is not working, she enjoys reading, music, and exploring the city.  She is very excited to be a part of the team at Primrose!

  • Ms. Teryn, Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Ms. Teryn

    Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Ms. Teryn is from Nashville, TN and is a current student at Grand Canyon University. She is double majoring in early childhood education and exceptional education. A few things that she enjoys include: art, literature, and music. She is also extremely passionate about expanding her knowledge in the wonderful world of childcare, and she is so excited to join the Primrose team.


  • Ms. Missy, Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Missy

    Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Missy was born and raised in Tennessee. She graduated from MTSU, with a degree in business. She is excited to be around the sweet kiddos in our school and see how they all learn. During her free time,  she loves to dance, make balloon animals and swim with her daughter and dog.   She is so excited to be joining our Primrose team!

  • Ms. Lindsey, Pre-School Teacher

    Ms. Lindsey

    Pre-School Teacher

    Ms. Lindsey is from Southern California. She worked at our Brentwood Location from 2018-2019. Ms. Lindsey loves being a mommy to her little boy.  She will be going back to school this summer for Software Engineering. In her free time, she loves to sing; especially with kiddos! She is so excited to be back home at Primrose!

  • Ms. Shelly, Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Shelly

    Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Shelly has been a Nashville resident for over 30 years. She is the wife of one, mother of three, and grandmother of four. A graduate of Liberty University, with her degree in Interdisciplinary Studies concentrates in Ministry, Business, and Education. Ms. Shelly loves children and just people in general regardless of age or background! She enjoys the challenge of discovering each child's special interests and unique personalities. Shelly's hobbies and past times include traveling, movies, baking, and reading.

  • Ms. Jennifer, Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Jennifer

    Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Jennifer grew up in Baltimore before she moved to Nashville. She received her degree from MTSU. She is so excited to be able to work with your kiddos this year in Preschool. Ms. Jennifer enjoys walking with her dogs, hiking, and anything outdoorsy! Ms. Jennifer is so excited to be a part of the Primrose Midtown team!

  • Ms. Gisselly, Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Gisselly

    Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Gisselly was born and raised in Chicago, IL. She came to TN in 2011 and has lived here ever since.  Ms. Gisselly has a gray cat named Athena who is 2 years old and gets into lots of mischief. She enjoys watching kids experience the world with new amazement and curiosity.  She is so excited to be with Primrose to nurture your little ones!

  • Ms. Victoria, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Victoria

    Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Victoria was raised on a small farm in Smithville, TN. She attended Tennessee Technological University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Ms. Victoria loves working with children and helping them explore our feelings and how we should handle them. In her free time, she enjoys taking her dogs to the park and hanging out with friends and family. She is so excited to be a part of our Primrose Family.

  • Ms. Carolyn, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Carolyn

    Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Carolyn, or Ms. C, is a University Student at Tennessee State University.  She is studying General English with a minor of Business and Management.  In her spare time she loves to write, watch anime, and hang out with friends.  She enjoys her niece and seeing her grow.  She is so excited to be a part of the Primrose Team!

  • Ms. Laura, Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Laura

    Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Laura is from Ohio, where she graduated from Kent State University. She has a bachelors of science in early childhood education with a minor in special education of mild to moderate disabilities. Miss Laura has worked with preschool, kindergarten, second grade, and fourth grade students. She loves to help students feel excited about learning. During her free time, she loves ukulele. painting, and working at Comic Cons. Miss Laura is excited to discover all that Nashville has to offer and is thrilled to be part of the Primroe Family!

  • Ms. Nancy, Assistant Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Nancy

    Assistant Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Nancy was born and raised in Franklin, TN. She is a mother of two and a grandmother of two. She also has two great grandkids! She loves working with children. During her free time she likes to read, go to museums, to the lake and park! She loves being part of our Primrose Family!

  • Ms. Brooke, Support Staff

    Ms. Brooke

    Support Staff
  • Amy James and Susan Davis, Franchise Owner

    Amy James and Susan Davis

    Franchise Owners

    Susan and I met while teaching at the Primrose School of Cool Springs. We were so impressed with the Balanced Learning curriculum and the fun, loving atmosphere that we knew we wanted to be a part of this wonderful program. We decided in 2006 after experiencing what many other daycare facilities offered that we wanted to make the Primrose experience available for more children in our area. Our Brentwood location opened in May of 2010. We believe passionately in early childhood education and the life-long benefits children gain when they are given a solid foundation. We are so excited to become a part of the growing Midtown community and to partner with you to provide a safe, fun, learning environment for your child! We look forward to meeting you soon!

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