Primrose School of Plano at Preston Meadow

Our Staff

  • Vatsala Kumar, Executive Director

    Vatsala Kumar

    Executive Director

    Hi, my name is Mrs. Vatsala Kumar; 

    I have had the pleasure to grow within Dr. Rigley’s schools as a teacher and take on a greater role as a leadership team member. I am so very fortunate to be able to return to Preston Meadow! I have my family to thank for their support, love, and patience as I step back into the school as its Director of Operations. 

    My experiences within the education industry commenced more than 9 years ago. My Primrose journey with the Rigley schools began more than 5 years ago as a teacher and has a Primrose parent. I have been fortunate to grow as an educator and leader. My career has been led by my passion and commitment to inspiring students; to instill confidence among all children. 

    I feel Primrose’s culture mirrors of my own; I truly believe that Primrose is making a difference in the life of its students and families.

     Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your child’s future!

     

  • Josie Kurien

    Assistant Director

    Hi, my name is Josie Kurien, and I am thrilled to be the Assistant Director at Primrose School of Plano at Preston Meadow. I was born and raised in Wylie, TX and graduated from Wylie East High School. I achieved my esthetics license from ITS Beauty Institute. I am an awesome mom to my daughter, Novah.

    I have over 7 years of Early Childcare Education experience, working with all age groups and over 3 years with the Rigley group as a teacher and office manager. I love watching the children grow and learn. Over the years, it’s been my passion and looking forward to working towards my CDA to further my career in Early Childhood.

    I am so excited to be part of the Primrose School of Plano at Preston Meadow family as it gives me the opportunity to do what I love to support our amazing teachers and parents. Providing support to my colleagues and seeing happy families bring so much joy!

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

  • Stephanie Woodard, Education Coach

    Stephanie Woodard

    Education Coach

    l. I have over 20 years of experience in childcare.  I have been a teacher at Primrose schools since 2003. My children have been my inspiration, they inspire me to be a better person, and a better teacher, every day! I am positive and try to carry that positivity into the classroom.

    I am very excited to bring my classroom experiences to my new Leadership role as your Education Coach!  My goal is to carry on your child’s positive classroom experiences and support them through their Primrose journey.  As an experienced teacher, I look forward to digging into our classrooms and supporting your child’s teachers, to provide them with my best so that they can give your child their best each day. I look forward to partnering with you and influencing your positive Primrose experiences. I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

  • Norma Brown, Director of Admissions

    Norma Brown

    Director of Admissions

    Hi, I am excited to welcome you to our Preston Meadow family! My name is Norma Brown, my husband, Michael, and I are originally from El Paso, Texas. We have made Plano our home along with our 3 incredible children for more than 20 years. We are now proud Grandparents of 3 amazing grandchildren!   

    Personally, Primrose has been a positive influence in the next generation of our growing family. My eldest granddaughter is a graduate of Primrose of Preston Meadow! I look forward to our youngest grandchild also attending Primrose. What an amazing opportunity Dr. Rigley has provided our family!  

    My early childcare experience exceeds 35 years. I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Rigley’s group for more than 13 years. My Primrose career began as an Infant teacher and I have been able to grow in my school experiences as I continue to learn from the remarkable leaders within Primrose, our staff, our parents, and our students.  Children are my love and passion! Their love, empathy, honesty, and joy are remarkable! I am fortunate to share in their daily discoveries and exuberance!  

    Together, our Preston Meadow team will continue to strive to provide your children, our future leaders, with a strong foundation built on integrity, love, compassion, and Primrose principles. Thank you for the privilege.  

  • Maria Ramirez, Executive Chef

    Maria Ramirez

    Executive Chef

    Experience: I became a part of the Primrose at Preston Meadow family in 2015and I have been working with children for 5 years.

    Education: I have my high school diploma and am always eager to learn!

    Passion: My passions include cooking, gardening and reading.

    Hobbies: I enjoy watching Netflix, knitting and pottery.

  • Maddie Killion, Support Teacher

    Maddie Killion

    Support Teacher

    Experience: I became a part of the Primrose at Preston Meadow family in 2022 and I have been working with children for 1 year.

    Education: I graduated from Plano Senior High in 2022, and I am currently enrolled at Collin College for an Early Childhood Education degree.

    Passion: My passions include working with kids using creativity to help them flourish and develop.

    Hobbies: I enjoy relaxing with my family, going to the park with my son, and baking.

  • Amy Melville, Infant Teacher

    Amy Melville

    Infant Teacher

    Experience: I became a part of the Primrose at Preston Meadow family in 2021 and I have been working with children for almost 30 years.

    Education: I have my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Angelo State University.

    Passion: My passions include working with Infants and watching them grow into independent toddlers!

    Hobbies: I enjoy baking and cooking.I also enjoy spending time in Branson, Missouri.

  • Bin Zhu (Nancy), Infant Teacher

    Bin Zhu (Nancy)

    Infant Teacher

    Experience: I began working in childcare in 2023

    Education: I graduated from JiLin University in China. I also have an associates degree in Public Relation

    Passions: My passions include playing with children and spending time with my family 

    Hobbies: I enjoy traveling, watching tv, camping, and gardening

  • Ari Winston, Infants Teacher

    Ari Winston

    Infants Teacher

    Experience: I became part of the Primrose at Preston Meadow family in 2022 and I cannot be in a better place to grow in my career!

    Education: I graduated from Helen Cox Highschool in 2022

    Passions: I have a passion for teaching 

    Hobbies: I like to play board games, swim and listen to music. I am also an animal lover

  • Rachel Halsey, Infant Teacher

    Rachel Halsey

    Infant Teacher

    Experience: I became a part of the Primrose at Preston Meadow family in 2018 and I have been working with children for 4 years.

    Education: I am a high school graduate of West Plano High School & I am always eager to learn!

    Passion: My passions include working with children and ballet.

    Hobbies: I enjoy painting my nails, watching TV and going to Bath and Body Works.

  • Thien Truong, Toddler Teacher

    Thien Truong

    Toddler Teacher

    Experience: I became a part of the Primrose at Preston Meadow family in 2021 and I have been working with children for 4 years.

    Education: I have a Bachelor of Science in Business Management.

    Passions: My passions include keeping the Earth clean (reduce, reuse, recycle), traveling the world, learning about different cultures, and spending time with my daughter.

    Hobbies: I enjoy gardening, cooking, camping, painting, and board games.

  • Fernanda Ponce, Toddler Teacher

    Fernanda Ponce

    Toddler Teacher

    Experience: I became a part of the Primrose at Preston Meadow family in 2022and I have been working with children for 7 years.

    Education: I graduated from High School #23, Unit San Pedro in Mexico.

    Passion: My passions include cooking, drawing, and digital arts.

    Hobbies: I enjoy exercise, crafts, and painting.

  • Kaas Rosas, Toddler Teacher

    Kaas Rosas

    Toddler Teacher

    Experience: I became a part of the Primrose at Preston Meadow family in 2022 and I plan to work with children for a long time

    Education: I graduated from Hesperia High School in 2015

    Passion: My passions include listening to music, doing DIY projects, and spending time with family

    Hobbies: I absolutely enjoy making all types of crafts 

  • Jaydyn West, Toddler Teacher

    Jaydyn West

    Toddler Teacher

    Experience: I have been working in childcare since 2017 and became a part of the Primrose Preston Meadow Family in 2022. 

    Education: I graduated from the Sachse Highschool in 2017. 

    Passions: I am passionate about spreading kindness whenever I can. I believe in truly being kind to any and everyone; you never know how something so small can mean so much to someone else. 

    Hobbies: I enjoy drawing and painting 

  • Tyra Crawford, Early Preschool Teacher

    Tyra Crawford

    Early Preschool Teacher

    Experience:  I have worked with children since 2019.

    Education:  I graduated from High School in Austin, Tx. I am currently enrolled in college and working on my degree.

    Fun Fact: I am a self-taught baker

    Hobbies: I enjoy baking, hiking, and traveling. 

    Passion: It brings me true joy to be a part of the growth and education of young minds knowing that I had a part in helping them succeed to the next level. 

  • Bruktawit Sbahtu, Early Preschool Teacher

    Bruktawit Sbahtu

    Early Preschool Teacher
  • Enereyda Alavarez, Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Enereyda Alavarez

    Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Experience: I joined Primrose in August 2022. I have 11 years of experience working with children 

    Education: I graduated from Plano East Senior High 

    Passion: I am passionate about learning new skills. I also am passionate about traveling. 

    Hobbies: I enjoy going to the movies and spending time with my family and friends 

  • Demetria Abor (Meka), Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Demetria Abor (Meka)

    Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Experience: I became a part of the Primrose at Preston Meadow family in 2022 and I have been working with children for 9 years.

     

    Education: I graduated from Kimball High School in 1998. I’m currently working to obtain my CDA certification.

     

    Passions: I have a passion for teaching, art  & crafts, and cooking, which I enjoy while learning new recipes.

     

    Hobbies: I like to collect candles and traveling.

  • Alba Barrios de Borges, Preschool Teacher

    Alba Barrios de Borges

    Preschool Teacher

    Experience: I became a part of the Primrose at Preston Meadow family in 2021 and I have been working with children for 2 years.

    Education: I have a Sociology degree from Venezuela.

    Passions: I love working with children.

    Hobbies: I enjoy reading all kinds of books, but especially biographies.

  • Maithili Joshi, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Maithili Joshi

    Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Experience: I became a part of the Primrose at Preston Meadow family in 2018 and I have been working with children for over 3 years.

    Education: I have a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, a Masters of Science in Marine Biology and my CDA certification.

    Passions: My passions include working and taking care of infants

    Hobbies: I enjoy the arts, designing & creativity.

  • Swepna Kamalakannan, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Swepna Kamalakannan

    Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
  • Pam Ryburn, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Pam Ryburn

    Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Experience: I became a part of the Primrose at Preston Meadow family in 2018 and I have been working with children for over 20 years.

    Education: I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business & Accounting from Grayson County College & a degree in Radio and Broadcasting from Columbia School of Broadcasting.

    Passion: My passions include spending time with my family and relaxing & enjoying coffee.

    Hobbies: I enjoy spending hours coloring with gel pens in coloring books.

  • Esther Essombe, Kindergarten & Explorers Teacher

    Esther Essombe

    Kindergarten & Explorers Teacher

    Experience: I became a part of the Primrose at Preston Meadow family in 2017 and I have been working with children for 4 years.

    Education: I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication of Organization. I am pursing my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development.

    Passion: My passions include music, watching movies, documentaries on TV and stand up comedy.

    Hobbies: I enjoy being around children and my family. I like to decorate my home, shop, travel, create menus and watch soccer.

  • Dr. Noel Rigley, PhD, Franchise Owner

    Dr. Noel Rigley, PhD

    Franchise Owners

    Hi! My name is Dr. Noel J. Rigley PhD, and I along with my (late wife) Dr. Pratiksha Rigley and my daughters Maya Ann and Meira Ariane, come from three generations of early childhood educators. We are passionate about early childhood education and we are committed to serving the educational needs of every community we touch. As a family of educators, we are the proud owners of Primrose Schools of Frisco West, Klyde Warren Park, Park Cities, Preston Meadow, Prestonwood, Plano at Deerfield, Temple, and Waco at Woodway. I am eager for you to learn more about our Balanced Learning Approach when you visit our school. Prior to our Primrose journey, becoming a parent was the start of understanding the importance of sharing milestones and precious moments with a select few. Knowing that having good quality childcare would be a home away from home, meant care that would help my children become individuals who could positively influence their immediate environment and future generations. We have always felt our values should be above standard, and during our childcare search, we were underwhelmed with our findings. My wife and I were excited to discover a Primrose for our girls where our standards were not only met but surpassed!

    Our Primrose journey began when our oldest daughter Maya was born, but it wasn’t until the birth of our second daughter, Meira, that I decided to couple my experience with my passion for early childhood education to open our first Primrose School in 2003! Since then, we have had the honor and privilege of becoming the proud owners of 7 schools. As an owner, I feel it is important that I am involved in every aspect of our schools, from the curriculum implementation to the menu. In providing a home away from home for our families, our highest priority is the health, safety and growth of our staff and students, as well as providing superior customer service to our families.

    Our schools are committed to making a difference in the communities we serve and are actively involved in supporting several local foundations and charities. As a family, we enjoy “traveling with a purpose.” Most recently, our travels took us through Myanmar and Zimbabwe, where we visited various schools. We particularly enjoy visiting schools across the world to deepen our understanding of education across cultures and to offer help to schools in need.

    As a long-term resident of Dallas, Texas, our family loves to spend time reading books across all genres, cooking family recipes, going on walks with our dog Roxy, and traveling. Maya, my older daughter, graduated from the University of Texas, where she double majored in government and history with minors in Business and English. She is a Fulbright scholar and is planning to attend law school next year. My youngest daughter, Meira, is also at the University of Texas as a sophomore, majoring in business.

    We hope you soon become a part of our family and that we can share in the joy of seeing your little one grow into a bright influencer of their generation!

    I look forward to personally meeting you soon.

    Sincerely,

    Dr. Noel J. Rigley PhD

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