Primrose School Building

Primrose School of Plainfield

Our Staff

  • Ms. Melissa Hiesmayr, Preschool Assistant Director

    Ms. Melissa Hiesmayr

    Preschool Assistant Director

    I am Missy Hiesmayr. I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself. I am a mother of 2 little ladies, Isabelle is 7 and Victoria is 5. In addition to our little girls, my husband and I have a little doggy named Nellie. She is a fluffy, white bichon frise.

    I started working in Early Childhood Industry 7 years ago when my daughter Isabelle was born. I found that I really loved working with children and decided to go back to school and get my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE). I really enjoy my job and find a great deal of joy in coming to work every day to nurture the minds of our children. In addition to my Associates in ECE, I also have a Bachelors of Science in Wildlife Biology. I look forward to working with Primrose Families!

  • Ms. Dhilma Emmanuelli, Service Excellence Director

    Ms. Dhilma Emmanuelli

    Service Excellence Director

    My name is Dhilma Emmanuelli and I have a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Sociology with an emphasis in education from the University of Puerto Rico. I have over 20 years of experience working with young children. I currently reside in Plainfield with my teenage daughter. I decided to come work at Primrose because the curriculum is the best I have ever seen. It focuses on the the whole child development and incorporates character development. I truly love the family atmosphere here at Primrose. I relate to the happy hearts character Erwin because of the friendships he builds with others and Arturo because I love teaching the Spanish language.

  • Ms. Rosemarie Carr, Education Coach

    Ms. Rosemarie Carr

    Education Coach

    Ms. Carr has 25 plus years of experience working in the Early Childhood Industry. Within her 25 years of tenure, Ms. Carr has worked in a lot of different capacities from being a Teacher in the classroom to a Leader in the Leadership team. Ms. Carr has an Associate’s Degree in the Early Childhood Education field from College of Dupage. Ms. Carr is blessed with 3 children and she loves spending time with them. Ms. Carr enjoys reading and loves baking.

  • Ms. Michele Pinto, Infant Teacher

    Ms. Michele Pinto

    Infant Teacher

    I am Ms. Michele Pinto. I am a mom of 3 daughters, Julia, Madeline, and Mina. Also, I have 2 dogs named Lancelot and Sadie. I love to spend my free time with my family. I like traveling, being active and enjoying nature. I have an Associate of Arts Degree and have been working in Early childhood Education for many years. Being a teacher brings me joy because I love watching children explore the world with a fresh perspective.

  • Ms. Diana Guicho, Infant Teacher

    Ms. Diana Guicho

    Infant Teacher

    My name is Diana Guicho, I am extremely pleased to teach your child(ren)! I have experience working in the childcare field for over five years with the One Hope United and the Jugando Se Aprende organizations. I graduated from St. Augustine College with my Early Childhood Education associates and am pursuing my Bachelors in Social work.During my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my children. I am so excited to be a part of the Primrose family and apply the Balanced Learning Approach!

  • Ms. Cynthia Hernandez, Infant Teacher

    Ms. Cynthia Hernandez

    Infant Teacher

    My name is Ms. Cynthia Hernandez. I am 20 years old and I am really excited for this opportunity. I have always enjoyed being around younger friends. When I was younger, I was called the baby whisperer because I would decipher what babies needed and I hope I can put those abilities back into use. I have a bit of childcare experience from helping my mom with my siblings, as well as some baby sitting that I did while I was in High School.  I have some education in the Early Childhood field when I took some classes at Joliet Junior College and am currently enrolled at College of Dupag. I am really excited to make new friends and offer love and support. 

  • Ms. Anaiz Romero, Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Anaiz Romero

    Toddler Teacher

    Hello, my name is Ms. Romero.  I am a mother of 1 girl and 3 cats. I enjoy horror movies, taking walks, baking, and crafting with my daughter.  I have an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and have been working with children for more than 6 years now.

  • Ms. Nigorakhon Yuzbaeva, Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Nigorakhon Yuzbaeva

    Toddler Teacher
  • Ms. Michelle Ventura, Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Michelle Ventura

    Early Preschool Teacher

    Hi, my name is Ms. Michelle Ventura.  I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. So … Go White Sox. I move out to the suburbs right before I started high school & have been here ever since! After H.S., I started my childcare journey at a center in Oswego. I was the infant room teacher for 3 years then took over the toddler room for the next 2 years. I strayed away from childcare for a few years & found myself in corporate sales.  That was fun! I quickly knew myself that teaching was my passion. Thankfully, I found my way to Primrose & have started my school journey to become the best teacher out there ♡

  • Ms. Aubree Munno, Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Aubree Munno

    Early Preschool Teacher

    My name is Ms. Aubree Munno. I am a proud resident of Plainfield, IL and the oldest of 6 kids. I was a nanny and a tutor for the last 5 years. I am going to be pursuing a career in teaching and I am beginning my journey here at Primrose. I am incredibly passionate about the educational and personal development of children and am so excited to share my love of learning at Primrose. I am excited to start my journey at an Early Childhood school where I can use my experience as well as getting to know the children here.  I love arts and crafts and am very excited to let the children show their creativity.

  • Ms. Jae'la Shed, Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Jae'la Shed

    Early Preschool Teacher

    My name is Ms. Jae’la Shed. I am a very outgoing person who loves to see others happy. I also love getting to know more about the people I work with and the children that I help care for. I love being around family and friends and having fun. I am a recent graduate of Plainfield South High School, so I am just beginning my journey into the field of Early Childhood Education.  I love spending time with my friends and family on the weekends. I am very excited about getting to know the children here at Primrose, as well as getting to know all of you a lot better.

  • Ms. Jocelyn Manzano, Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Jocelyn Manzano

    Early Preschool Teacher

    My name is Jocelyn Manzano. I am 19 years old and I love working with children. This is my first official job working in a licensed early childcare setting but I am currently enrolled in Joliet Junior College to get my Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Development. I am so excited to get my career started.

  • Ms. Azaria Lurry, Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Azaria Lurry

    Early Preschool Teacher

    Hi, my name is Ms. Azaria Lurry. I am currently studying early childhood education at Joliet Junior College.  Eventually, after I have completed my education, I would like to be a 1st grade teacher.  I love working with children and am very much looking forward to meeting you, your children and getting to know you all better.

  • Ms. Valeria Carbajal, Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Ms. Valeria Carbajal

    Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Hello, my name is Valeria Carbajal. I just started my journey in the Early Childhood field. I have earned my CDA and am currently working to get my Associate’s degree. I can’t wait to get to know more about the children in my class, help them learn and grow. We are going to have a lot of fun!!

  • Ms. Tania Biggs, Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Ms. Tania Biggs

    Preschool Pathways Teacher

    My name is Ms. Tania Biggs.  I am a proud Mexican, mother of 4 healthy and beautiful children.  What can I tell you about them? I love them!! I arrived in Chicago 24 years ago.  I am lucky enough to have raised a beautiful family.  I started my life here working as a Spanish teacher at Montessori of Plainfield and worked there for 12 years.

  • Ms. Morgan Griffin, Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Morgan Griffin

    Preschool Teacher

    My name is Ms. Griffin! I am 20 years old and the oldest of four siblings. I love working with children and teaching them many new things while watching them learn and grow. I am currently pursuing Bachelors in Elementary Education from JJC. I have 2 year of experience teaching children.

  • Ms. Tamarra Malone, Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Tamarra Malone

    Preschool Teacher

    I am Ms. Malone, Preschool teacher at Primrose School of Plainfield. I am currently attending Joliet Junior College (JJC) for my Bachelor's Degree in Education. I want to eventually work as a second grade teacher. I have prior experience working with children in a Montessori childcare program for infants to four year old's. In my free time I like to spend time with my family and friends.

  • Ms. Sarah Grenton, Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Sarah Grenton

    Preschool Teacher

    My name is Sarah Grenton. I have a three year old daughter. I enjoy spending time with my family and working out. I have 6 years of childcare experience and now, I am working towards getting my teaching degree. I have a passion for early childhood education and I believe that Primrose was the best choice in pursuing my career.

  • Ms. Tejal Shah, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Tejal Shah

    Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Hi, my name is Ms. Tajal Shah.  I am so excited to be teaching in Primrose School of Plainfield. I have lived in Plainfield for 10 years with my husband and our 16 year old son.  I enjoy being surrounded by kids and teaching, it’s my passion! I love being able to create a bond with all of them. They also have the best smiles ever!

  • Ms. Janaya Parks, PreKindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Janaya Parks

    PreKindergarten Teacher
  • Ms. Andrea McCarthy, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Andrea McCarthy

    Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    I’m married with 3 children and we live in Plainfield. I have many years of experience teaching Pre-K, Kindergarten, and being a Director at a preschool in Joliet. I took some time off from teaching to raise my three children. During that time, I taught preschool to children in my home. I love my time at Primrose spent with these preschool children! I really enjoy watching the children learn each day and the improvements they make week by week!! I look forward to learning more about you and your child.

  • Ms. Serenity Fuentes, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Serenity Fuentes

    Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    My name is Serenity Fuentes. I am currently enrolled at Joliet Junior College and I am working towards earning my Associates degree. I plan on furthering my education at a university to earn my Bachelors degree. I have prior experience working with children while babysitting and attending the Wilco program. During my free time I try to spend time with my family and friends. 

  • Ms. Heather Richardson, Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Heather Richardson

    Kindergarten Teacher
    Apple of Our Eye

    My name is Heather Richardson. I am originally from Lena, a small town in Northern Illinois. I graduated from Illinois State University with my degree in Elementary Education and I am currently earning my Master’s Degree in reading from Illinois State University. During my twelve years of teaching early childhood, I have taught Pre-K, Special Education, and Kindergarten. I live in Plainfield with my Husband, our two children Addison (7) and Connor (5) and our Beagle mix pup. I am passionate about teaching young children, and I love watching them grow and learn throughout the year! I am exited to get to know you and your child this school year!

  • Ms. Amber Timmons, Explorers Teacher

    Ms. Amber Timmons

    Explorers Teacher

    My name is Ms. Timmons. I am currently studying Psychology at Aurora University. This upcoming fall semester I will be starting my year as well as looking for a different university to pursue my Masters degree. I love working with children and getting to know everything about them and their families.

  • Ms. Rumaysa Khan, Support Teacher

    Ms. Rumaysa Khan

    Support Teacher

    My name is Rumaysa Khan I am currently attending Joliet Junior College and I will be transferring to Lewis in the spring of 2022. My major is elementary education, and I have always had a passion for teaching. I have 3 siblings and have been living in Plainfield since I was 5. I have a lot of experience with kids, I started babysitting when I was 14. Once I was a little older I started volunteering at my local mosque’s Sunday school. I learned a lot from volunteering there, it taught me discipline and how rewarding it is to be a teacher. I worked at another center for about 2 years as a pre-k teacher, before coming to Primrose and I cannot wait to teach the children using the balanced learning approach!

  • Ms. Allyson Burns, Support Teacher

    Ms. Allyson Burns

    Support Teacher

    My name is Ms. Burns. I recently earned my Associate’s degree from JJC. I will be transferring to Lewis in Spring 2022 and am majoring in Elementary Education. I have always loved the thought of being a teacher. I started babysitting at a young age and loved it! I have 2 younger brothers and have taught them a lot of skills before they entered Kindergarten. I have experience working with children through my church at vacation bible school. The experience taught me patience and discipline and overall I am super excited to be teaching at Primrose and build relationships with the students!

  • Ms. Khadija Sheikh, Support Teacher

    Ms. Khadija Sheikh

    Support Teacher

    I am a blessed human being. I am happy, content, and very much thankful for everything. I am Teacher qualified and have completed ECE coursework. I have attended school oversees and I am very happy to be part of the Primrose family. Teaching is my passion and I love watching the children learn new things! I love watching the children light up when they learn something new! That “lightbulb” moment is simply the best!

  • Ms. Venkata Vedula, Support Teacher

    Ms. Venkata Vedula

    Support Teacher

    I am Ms. Vedula. I am the mother of two daughters. I have a Bachelors Degree in Engineering. I have worked with kids at home daycare for six years. On the weekends, I love to volunteer, read and spend time with my family. As a child, I grew up in India and moved to Illinois later.

  • Ms. Vijaya Yegappan, Support Teacher

    Ms. Vijaya Yegappan

    Support Teacher

    I am Ms. Vijaya and I am passionate about children. I am blessed with a loving family - a husband, a son and a daughter. I was born and brought up in India and I moved US after getting married. I have worked in retail industry and ran an in-home day care. I decided to come work for Primrose so I can fulfill my desire to be with children and impact their life positively.

  • Ms. Lea Hoeflinger, Support Teacher

    Ms. Lea Hoeflinger

    Support Teacher

    Hi, my name is Ms. Lea Hoeflinger. I am a Mom of 5 and a Yaya of 2. I have been in the early childhood field for 35 years.  I love working with children, it is my calling!

  • Ms. Stephanie Aviles, Support Teacher

    Ms. Stephanie Aviles

    Support Teacher

    Hello, my name is Ms. Stephanie Aviles. I am so excited to join and be part of the Primrose family. I am very passionate about children and in helping them learn and grow. I have over 15 years of experience working with children with nannying and raising 4 beautiful children of my own. I have my Associate's Degree in Business Management and am currently going to school working towards my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. I love to read books and exploring the outdoors. I am looking forward to getting to know everybody making a difference in children's lives. 

  • Ms. Melodee Barnes, Support Teacher

    Ms. Melodee Barnes

    Support Teacher

    I am a wife, mother of two, teacher, author, and family advocate. I have worked in childcare from 1996 to 2011. From 2011 until 2019, I was in early childhood and special education teacher in a local public school. I went to Northern Illinois University to confirm my Masters of Science in Literacy Education and Olivet Nazarene University to confirm my Learning Behavior Specialist Certification. I am looking forward to ppending time with your little ones, teaching, dancing and having a great time

  • Harleen and Ravi Arora, Franchise Owner

    Harleen and Ravi Arora

    Franchise Owners

    Meet Harleen Kaur and Ravi Arora, proud Franchise Owners of Primrose School of Plainfield. As longtime Chicago residents, the couple is excited to offer the Primrose-exclusive Balanced Learning® approach to the children of Plainfield and the greater Chicago suburbs.

    The Arora family was first introduced to Primrose Schools in 2014 while looking for child care for their son, Veer. They were not satisfied by the early education options along their commute to work, so a family friend suggested the couple visit a Primrose school, even though it was a little out of their way. From the moment they stepped inside Primrose, Harleen and Ravi fell in love with both the Balanced Learning approach and the warm feel of the school. The couple were wowed by the Primrose Experience®, which they quickly realized offered exceptional education and care for their son and peace of mind for themselves as parents. They immediately enrolled their son and became Primrose parents.

    As they watched their son grow both academically and emotionally, they realized that more communities in the Chicago area deserved access to the same, excellent Primrose Experience. After some time and consideration, the Aroras decided to open a school of their own in Plainfield.

    Education has always played an important role in their lives. In fact, Harleen and Ravi met in middle school and have been friends ever since. The two moved away from one another to complete their college degrees and reconnected years later, before getting married in 2008. Both Harleen and Ravi came from families who placed an emphasis on the value of higher education, and as a result, they are both passionate about education and believe it is imperative to success.

    Harleen has a MBA in finance and master’s in accounting from the University of Akron. Her previous job involved managing a multi-million-dollar budget for a reputable bank as a control officer, and prior to that, she was a finance and accounting consultant. Ravi received a bachelor’s degree at the Milwaukee School of Engineering and gained his master’s degree in computer science from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. He currently works as a director of engineering for an IT group in Chicago. They will each put their passion for lifelong learning and education and their business backgrounds to use in their school, where Harleen manages day-to-day operations and Ravi serves as an advisor and provides technology support.

    Plainfield is a growing community with many new families, and the Aroras look forward to providing them with a premier early education and care experience. Their own son, Veer, was also among the first students enrolled at Primrose School of Plainfield. Harleen and Ravi are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all the children in Plainfield to learn and grow their Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts®. They look forward to helping children develop a strong foundation and love for future learning by practicing concepts in science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) as part of the Balanced Learning approach, which combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance. The Aroras also want to provide parents with the peace of mind that comes from knowing their children are well-cared for while receiving a high-quality early education.

    The Aroras would love to invite you to join their Primrose family!

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