Primrose School of North Raleigh

Our Staff

  • Michelle Harris, Director of Education

    Michelle Harris

    Director of Education

    Ms. Harris has been a part of the Primrose team since 2017 as a teacher, parent, and now Director of Education. She graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Community Services, and has worked with children since 2009. Ms. Harris is from Wendell, which is where she currently lives with her husband and two children, who both currently attend Primrose School. In her free time she enjoys spending time and traveling with her family, going to theme parks, and date nights with her husband. She loves working here at Primrose and being able to support the children, teachers, and families!

     

    Long-Standing Employee Since: January 2017

    Hometown: Wendell, NC

    Favorite sports team: ECU Pirates

    Favorite food: Tacos & Pizza

    Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with family and traveling

    Favorite children’s book: Anything Eric Carle

    Primrose character I most relate to: Katie - Cooperation

     

     

     

  • Kristy Moxley, Director of Admissions

    Kristy Moxley

    Director of Admissions

    Hello, I'm Ms. Moxley and I have been working with Primrose schools for 13 years. I graduated from ECU in 2005 with a Bachelor's degree in Child Development Family Relations & Family Community Services. I am married to my husband Chris and we have 2 children who are Primrose School graduates. During my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy reading.

    Favorite Children's Book: The Bad Case of the Stripes

    Long-Standing Employee since: June 2014

    Fun Fact about Me: I've been skydiving and I have met my favorite author Nicholas Sparks.

  • Jill Thornton, Director of Operations

    Jill Thornton

    Director of Operations

    Hometown: Washington D.C.

    Favorite sports team: Philadelphia Eagles

    Favorite food: Hibachi

    Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with family

    Favorite children’s book: Junie B Jones collection

    Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin the Dog

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know the students 

    Long-Standing Employee Since: June 2023

    Fun Fact About Me: I love sports!

  • Mr. Tyson, Chef

    Mr. Tyson

    Chef

    Long-Standing Employee Since: June 2021 (Previously Home for 5 Years)

    Hometown: Zebulon, NC

    Favorite sports team: LA Lakers

    Favorite food: Chinese & Italian

    Favorite weekend activity: Movies & Gaming

    Favorite children’s book: The Berenstain Bears

    Primrose character I most relate to: Billy the Duck - I love to sing!

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Cooking great food for the kids and staff!

    Fun Fact About You: I like to sing while I cook!

  • Ms. Yelena, Young Infant Teacher

    Ms. Yelena

    Young Infant Teacher

    Longstanding Employee Since: April 2004

    Hometown: Russia

    Favorite sports team: The Hurricanes

    Favorite food: Mexican & Italian Food

    Favorite weekend activity: Spending time With Husband Harward

    Favorite children’s book: Bubbles, Bubbles

    Primrose character I most relate to: Molly-Respect for Others

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Meeting new babies!

  • Ms. Keisha, Young Infant Teacher

    Ms. Keisha

    Young Infant Teacher

    Hometown: Knightdale, NC

    Favorite sports team: UNC Tarheels

    Favorite food: Seafood

    Favorite weekend activity: Skateboarding, going out with my sister

    Favorite Children's Book: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom & Any Dr. Seuss book

    Primrose character I most relate to: Molly-Respect for Others

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know everyone

    Longstanding Employee Since: April 2022

    Fun Fact about Me:  I own my own balloon business

  • Ms. Beca, Older Infant Teacher

    Ms. Beca

    Older Infant Teacher

    Long-Standing Employee since: November 2020

    Hometown: Raleigh, NC

    Favorite Sports Team: Mexico Soccer Team

    Favorite Foods: Mexican Food

    Favorite Weekend Activity: Hanging out with Friends

    Favorite Children's Book: Three Little Pigs

    Primrose Character I Most Relate To: Erwin the Dog - Friendship

    What I'm most excited about this school year: Getting to know my new little friends

    Fun Fact About Me: I have two cats Oreo & Boujee

  • Ms. Destiny, Older Infant Teacher

    Ms. Destiny

    Older Infant Teacher

    Hometown: Enfield, NC

    Favorite sports team: Steelers

    Favorite food: Hibachi

    Favorite weekend activity: DIY projects

    Favorite children’s book: Anything Junie B Jones or Dr. Seuss

    Primrose character I most relate to: Percy - Courage

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know all the children

    Long-Standing Employee Since: February 2023

    Fun Fact About Me: I am a first generation college student

  • Ms. Ahmea, Young Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Ahmea

    Young Toddler Teacher

    Hometown: Saint Joseph, MI

    Favorite sports team: Not a Huge Sports Fan

    Favorite food: Sushi

    Favorite weekend activity: Swimming with My Daughter 

    Favorite children’s book: A Bad Case of the Stripes

    Primrose character I most relate to: Ally - Responsibility

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Learning new things and meeting everyone

    Long-Standing Employee Since: August 2022

    Fun Fact about Me:  I Love to Cook

  • Ms. Ariyon, Young Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Ariyon

    Young Toddler Teacher

    Hometown: Scolland Neck, NC

    Favorite sports team: Patriots

    Favorite food: Pizza

    Favorite weekend activity: Shopping and hanging out with friends 

    Favorite children’s book: Junie B. Jones

    Primrose character I most relate to: Katie

    What I’m most excited about this school year: A chance to learn, advnce, and develop

    Long-Standing Employee Since: April, 2023

    Fun Fact about Me: I'm very shy at first, but outgoing once I more more open. I also love arts and crafts and I'm really good at creating things!

  • Ms. Angela, Older Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Angela

    Older Toddler Teacher

    Hometown: Dhaka

    Favorite sports team: Miami Heat

    Favorite food: Chinese

    Favorite weekend activity: Gouing to Musems

    Favorite children’s book: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

    Primrose character I most relate to: Molly - Respect for Others

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Learning New Things!

    Long-Standing Employee Since: September 2021

    Fun Fact About Me:  I wrote a children's book with my son!  It's called "The Alkean"

  • Ms. Lidia, Older Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Lidia

    Older Toddler Teacher

    Long-Standing Employee Since: September 2022

    Hometown: Raleigh, NC

    Favorite sports team: Chivas (soccer)

    Favorite food: Ramen

    Favorite weekend activity: Hiking or Going on a Walk with My Dogs

    Favorite children’s book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

    Primrose character I most relate to: Peanut - Honesty

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Art Projects!

    Fun Fact about Me:  I love to draw

  • Ms. Yari, Early Preschool II Teacher

    Ms. Yari

    Early Preschool II Teacher

    Hometown: Claxton, GA

    Favorite food: Mexican & Italian Food

    Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with family

    Favorite children’s book: Dr. Seuss Books

    Primrose character I most relate to: Arturo - Mucho Mundo

    What I’m most excited about this school year: To build long-lasting relationships

    Long-Standing Employee Since: August 2021

    Fun Fact About Me: I enjoy fishing!

  • Ms. Ina Marie, Early Preschool II Teacher

    Ms. Ina Marie

    Early Preschool II Teacher

    Hometown: Raleigh, NC

    Favorite sports team: Atlanta Braves

    Favorite food: Chick-fil-A

    Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with friends and family

    Primrose character I most relate to: Percy - Courage

    Favorite Children's Book: The Pigeon book series

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Seeing each child grow and learn

    Longstanding Employee Since: May 2018

    Fun fact about me:  All my pets are named after food!

  • Ms. Mona, Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Ms. Mona

    Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Hometown: Saint Joseph, MI

    Favorite sports team: Michigan State

    Favorite food: Sushi

    Favorite weekend activity: Reading Outdoors with Coffee

    Favorite children’s book: Llama Llama Red Pajama

    Primrose character I most relate to: Benjamin Bear - Generosity

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Growing & learning with friends

    Long-Standing Employee Since: September 2022

    Fun Fact About Me: Plants are a girl's best friend

  • Ms. Jada, Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Ms. Jada

    Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Hometown: Wilson, NC

    Favorite sports team: N/A

    Favorite food: Seafood & Steak

    Favorite weekend activity: Hanging with those close to me

    Favorite children’s book: Dork Diaries

    Primrose character I most relate to: Percy the Rooster - Courage

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Meeting all the kids and learning their different personalities

    Long-Standing Employee Since: March 2023

    Fun Fact About Me: My favorite color is yellow and I want to open my own hair salon one day.

  • Ms. Sammie, Preschool I Teacher

    Ms. Sammie

    Preschool I Teacher

    Hometown:  Jacksonville, FL.

    Favorite Sports Team:  Florida Gators

    Favorite Food:  Pizza

    Favorite Weekend Activity:  Hunting

    Favorite Children's Book:  The Giving Tree

    Primrose Character I Most Relate To:  Og - Caring (& reading)

    What I'm Most Excited About This Year:  Learning my new friends and working together

    Fun Fact About Me:  I love reading, fishing, and hunting.  I have 1 dog, 1 cat, and 2 birds.

    Long-Standing Employee Since:  November 2022

  • Ms. Kayla, Preschool I Teacher

    Ms. Kayla

    Preschool I Teacher

    Hometown: Detroit, Michigan

    Favorite sports team: Detroit Pistons

    Favorite food: Lasagna 

    Favorite weekend activity: Hanging out with my family

    Favorite children’s book: Anything Junie B. Jones

    Primrose character I most relate to: Mia

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Being able to see the students grow and develop new skills everyday!

    Long-Standing Employee Since: June 2023

    Fun Fact about Me: I used to be a vegetarian 

  • Ms. Angie, Preschool II Teacher/Venture Program Mentor Teacher

    Ms. Angie

    Preschool II Teacher/Venture Program Mentor Teacher

    Hometown: York, PA

    Favorite sports team: Pittsburgh Steelers

    Favorite food: Pomegranates

    Favorite weekend activity: Reading & Crafts

    Favorite children’s book: The Pig with One Nostril

    Primrose character I most relate to: Billy- Keeping Promises

    What I’m most excited about this school year: All the new adventures we will take throughout the year!

    Long-Standing Employee Since: January 2006

     

     

  • Ms. Gorham, Preschool II Teacher

    Ms. Gorham

    Preschool II Teacher

    Hometown: Raleigh, NC

    Favorite sports team: NC State

    Favorite food: Bruschetta

    Favorite weekend activity: Reading & Motorcycle Riding

    Favorite children’s book: Hamilton

    Primrose character I most relate to: Katie- Cooperation

    What I’m most excited about this school year: New Friends!

    Long-Standing Employee Since: October 2004

     

     

  • Ms. Dixon, Pre-Kindergarten II Teacher/ Venture Program Mentor Teacher

    Ms. Dixon

    Pre-Kindergarten II Teacher/ Venture Program Mentor Teacher

    Hometown: Aiken, SC

    Favorite sports team: NC State

    Favorite food: Pizza

    Favorite weekend activity: Crafts

    Favorite children’s book: Stripes

    Primrose character I most relate to: Benjamin - Generosity

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Having fun and learning new things

    Long-Standing Employee Since: May 2004

     

     

  • Ms. Mandy, Pre-Kindergarten II Teacher

    Ms. Mandy

    Pre-Kindergarten II Teacher

    Hometown: Youngsville, NC

    Favorite sports team: UNC Tarheels

    Favorite food: Lasagna

    Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with family

    Favorite children’s book: Where the Wild Things Are

    Primrose character I most relate to: Benjamin Bear - Generosity

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

    Long-Standing Employee Since: September 2019

  • Teacher Lindsay, Pre-Kindergarten III Teacher

    Teacher Lindsay

    Pre-Kindergarten III Teacher

    Hometown: Mason, OH

    Favorite sports team: FC Cincinnati (soccer)

    Favorite food: Popcorn!

    Favorite weekend activity: Going to a local coffee shop or restaurant

    Favorite children’s book: Guess How Much I Love You

    Primrose character I most relate to: Katie the Cat -Cooperation

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Meeting new people

    Long-Standing Employee Since: March 2023

    Fun Fact About Me: I wrote a thesis on video game music

  • Ms. Mikaili, Pre-Kindergarten III Teacher

    Ms. Mikaili

    Pre-Kindergarten III Teacher

    Hometown: Raleigh, NC

    Favorite sports team: Carolina Panthers

    Favorite food: Asian Cuisine 

    Favorite weekend activity: Shopping, bowling, and spending time with family

    Favorite children’s book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

    Primrose character I most relate to: Libby

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to work with children of all ages

    Long-Standing Employee Since: July 2023

    Fun Fact about Me: I like to sing!

  • Ms. Emily, Support Staff Teacher

    Ms. Emily

    Support Staff Teacher

    Hometown: Fairfax, VA

    Favorite sports team: Ole Miss Rebels

    Favorite Food: Pasta Salad

    Favorite weekend activity: Brunch & Dog Park

    Favorite children's book: Tikki Tikki Tembo

    Primrose character I most relate to: Peanut - Honest

    What I'm most excited about this school year: Meeting all the teachers and children

    Long-Standing employee since: October 2022

    Fun fact about you: My favorite animal is the great white shark - I even have a tattoo to prove it!

  • Ms. Chanta, Wonder Program Mentor Teacher/Support Staff Teacher

    Ms. Chanta

    Wonder Program Mentor Teacher/Support Staff Teacher

    Long-Standing Employee Since: 2014

    Hometown: Edenton, NC

    Favorite sports team: Not a Sports Fan

    Favorite food: BBQ Chicken

    Favorite weekend activity: Relaxing with Family

    Favorite children’s book: All the Pete the Cat books

    Primrose character I most relate to: Percy - Courage

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Seeing each child grow and thrive

    Fun Fact about Me:  I love painting

  • Ms. Alyse, Support Staff Teacher

    Ms. Alyse

    Support Staff Teacher

    Long-Standing Employee Since: May 2018

    Hometown: Raleigh, NC

    Favorite sports team: UNC Tarheels and Carolina Panthers

    Favorite food: Mexican

    Favorite weekend activity: Traveling and Netflix

    Favorite children’s book: The Monster at the End of the Book

    Primrose character I most relate to: Og - Reading

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Expanding My Horizons

     

  • Ms. Lynda, Support Staff Teacher

    Ms. Lynda

    Support Staff Teacher

    Hometown: Greenville, NC

    Favorite Sports Team:  UNC

    Favorite Food:  Southern Cuisine

    Favorite Weekend Activity:  Spending time with my husband

    Favorite Children's Book: The Secret Garden

    Primrose Character I Most Relate To:  Katie the Cat - Life Skills

    What I'm most excited about this year:  Working together with staff and children to create a positive learning and play experience

    Long-Standing Employee Since:  August 2022

    Fun Fact about Me:  I'm still working at my age and happy about it!

     

  • Ms. Cierra, Support Staff

    Ms. Cierra

    Support Staff

    Hometown: Durham, NC

    Favorite sports team: Dallas Cowboys

    Favorite food: Pasta

    Favorite weekend activity: Swimming

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

    Primrose character I most relate to: Molly

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Meeting new faces

    Long-Standing Employee Since: April, 2023

    Fun Fact about Me: I've been playing piano for 20 years

  • Ms. Brie, Support Staff Teacher

    Ms. Brie

    Support Staff Teacher

    Long-Standing Employee Since: July 2022

    Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts

    Favorite sports team: New England Patriots

    Favorite food: Mac and Cheese

    Favorite weekend activity: Hanging out with friends and family

    Favorite children’s book: The Biscuit Series

    Primrose character I most relate to: Billy the Duck - Keeping Promises

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know everyone and having fun!

    Fun Fact about Me:  My brother and I have the same birthday!  We are 2 years apart!!!

  • Ms. Deanna, Support Staff Teacher

    Ms. Deanna

    Support Staff Teacher

    Hometown: New Bern, NC

    Favorite sports team: Michigan Wolverines

    Favorite food: Deep dish pizza

    Favorite weekend activity: Painting

    Favorite children’s book: Leonardo the Terrible Monster

    Primrose character I most relate to: Og the Bookworm

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Watching the kids blossom and grow

    Long-Standing Employee Since: May, 2023

    Fun Fact about Me:  I've been an abstract artist since 2019

  • Ms. Christal, Support Staff Teacher

    Ms. Christal

    Support Staff Teacher

    Hometown: Raleigh, NC

    Favorite Sports Team:  Not a Sports Fan

    Favorite Food:  Pasta - anykind!

    Favorite Weekend Activity:  Shopping & Binge Watching My Favorite Shows

    Favorite Children's Book:  The Rainbow Fish

    Primrose Character I Most Relate to:  Libby - Fairness

    What I'm Most Excited About This School Year: Being involved with the activities with the children.

    Fun Fact About Me:  I LOVE to paint!

    Long-Standing Employee Since:  October 2022

  • Ms. Kelly, Support Staff Teacher

    Ms. Kelly

    Support Staff Teacher

    Hometown: Raleigh, NC

    Favorite sports team: Pittsburgh Steelers

    Favorite food: Fried chicken and meatballs

    Favorite weekend activity: Cooking and decorating 

    Favorite children’s book: No, David!

    Primrose character I most relate to: Billy and Og

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Becoming part of the Primrose family!

    Long-Standing Employee Since: July 2023

    Fun Fact about Me: I love cooking, singing and karaoke! 

  • Ms. Nicole

    Support Staff

    Hometown: Lansing, IL

    Favorite sports team: None

    Favorite food: Pizza, seafood, and chicken enchiladas 

    Favorite weekend activity:  Hanging out with my family, going to the movies, theatre play, and bowling

    Favorite children’s book: No David, How Do Dinosaurs Go to School, and It's Okay to Be Different

    Primrose character I most relate to: Libby

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Interacting with the children and staff and learning all about Primrose! 

    Long-Standing Employee Since: November 2023

    Fun Fact about Me: I am a laid back person, but once I get comfortable I can be silly, and my inner child comes out. I also love singing and dancing! 

  • Ms. Kayla B.

    Support Staff

    Hometown: Raleigh, NC

    Favorite sports team: Green Bay

    Favorite food: Pizza

    Favorite weekend activity: Playing games 

    Favorite children’s book: Oh the Places You'll Go!

    Primrose character I most relate to: Molly

    What I’m most excited about this school year: Seeing the kids grow 

    Long-Standing Employee Since: November 2023

    Fun Fact about Me: I love anime

  • Michael and Beth White, Franchise Owner

    Michael and Beth White

    Franchise Owner

    Primrose School of North Raleigh is owned and operated by Michael and Beth White. They have been in the educational childcare business since 2000 when they opened their first school - Primrose School of Hilburn. With 4 young children of their own they understand the great need for quality educational childcare and the trials and tribulations of balancing both career and family. Michael and Beth are both North Carolina natives and both graduated from North Carolina State University. Michael holds degrees in Biological Sciences / Bio-Chemistry and currently works as an Environmental Residue Coordinator in RTP. Beth has a degree in Business Management and in Spanish Language and Literature. Prior to opening the Primrose Schools she worked in telecommunications. Michael and Beth met while in college and married shortly after graduation. They have been married for over 22 years now. Their children, 2 boys and 2 girls, are 19, 14, 11 and 8. Their oldest daughter is now a freshman at UNC studying genetics. The White’s live in the North Raleigh area and enjoy spending their free time with their children. They tend to spend their weekends around the house shuttling kids from play date to play date! The family has a Welsh Terrier, four crazy cats, an Eclectus parrot, a bearded dragon and a saltwater reef tank.

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