Teachers & Staff

Hi, I am Ms. Shonda Fullwood.

I bring more than 15 years of experience in early childhood education and leadership. Throughout my career, I have served in leadership roles including Center Director, Operations Director, Regional Specialist, and District Manager. My experience includes leading childcare teams, supporting center operations, developing staff, strengthening family relationships, and helping schools grow and thrive.

One of my greatest passions is building strong relationships with children, families, and staff. My leadership style focuses on communication, teamwork, staff development, and creating an environment where families feel supported and connected to their school community.

I am very excited to join the Primrose South Charlotte Family!

I’m Ms. Wrenn.  I joined the Primrose family in 2011 teaching the Preschool and Prekindergarten classrooms, which gave me the opportunity to live out the Primrose Mission and Vision throughout my classroom. After seeing this impact, it made me want to coach other teachers to have a positive effect of educating our Primrose families! I joined the Primrose School of South Charlotte in 2017. After the school grew, I transitioned into the Curriculum Coordinator position. Then moved into the Assistant Director position, and now  Director. I have really enjoyed watching the school grow over the last several years. In my free time, I enjoy spending time traveling with my husband, Grant, and children, Jackson, William and Lainey, who are also part of this Primrose family!

I’m Ms. Strawn. I have worked in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2009, but I have cared for children for many years prior starting as a babysitter in my teenage years, and a nanny throughout college.  I attended UNC-Charlotte and received my B.A. in Elementary Education.  In 2018, I completed my M.ED in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University.  I have worked with children and families as an Early Interventionist and Service Coordinator and currently I am the Manager of Operations at Primrose School of South Charlotte.  My husband and I have two children, Avery and Chase,  and many pets.  I am excited to be a part of the Primrose family.

Hello! I am Mrs. Laffey. I relocated from Upstate New York in 1997 to this area. I’ve been married to my husband Mike for over twenty years, and together we are proud parents of three wonderful daughters: Michaela, Emma, and Jordan. Luna, our adorable cockapoo, brings so much joy to our lives. When not working, I love spending quality time with my family, going for walks and hikes, enjoying the great outdoors, and indulging in crafting projects.

With a background in early childhood education, I have been fortunate to work in this field for over two decades. Throughout my career, I have found my true calling in teaching Pre-K. Over the past seven years, I have discovered that my passion is fueled by the growth and development of young minds at this crucial stage.

In my teaching philosophy, I strive to provide a high standard of education and care for the children and families I serve. I firmly believe in fostering meaningful relationships with children and their families, creating a safe and nurturing learning environment. I strongly advocate that children learn best when they feel loved and can trust the adults caring for them. Additionally, I place great importance on collaborating with families to ensure a positive approach to their children’s learning and development. I am truly excited to embark on this new journey with you.

I’m Ms. Martinez.  I grew up going back and forth between New Orleans and Charlotte.  I later on moved to Colorado where I became a mom.  I have two sons; Christopher Josiah and Walter Valentino (Wally V). I speak Spanish thanks to my Nicaraguan background.  Education is my passion and teaching young students means the world to me.  I can’t wait to learn more about your child/children and support their physical, academic, social and emotional development.

I’m Ms. Gallegos. I am a single mom to a wonderful little boy, who is my entire world.  When I am not at work, my favorite thing to do is spend time with him, going to the zoo or playing outside. I am currently in college and have a passion for food, nutrition and education. I love watching little ones grow and being a part of their learning journey.  Helping parents feel comfortable about leaving their children in our care and giving my best each day is my ultimate goal.  As a mom I understand how difficult can be separating yourself from your little ones, so my mission is to reassure you that your children are in great hands.  Here at the school we will provide the love and care that each child needs and deserves. Ms. Gallegos is currently in school for her Bachelors degree in Nutrition & Dietetics from North Carolina Central University.

I’m Ms. Hanna. I am originally from Egypt and have been in the US for over 10 years.  I love working with children, specially infants, and I also enjoy helping others. One of my favorite activities is spending time with my family.   My hobbies are cooking, baking and crafts.  I like trying new things and I am also very artistic. Being part of the Primrose family makes me very happy.

My name is Cacy Manalili. I have been in child care for 10 years. I grew up in High Point/Jamestown, NC
where I attended Guilford Technical Community College. I earned my degree in Early Childhood Education. I
have children of my own as well. I enjoy watching comedy movies, reading, painting, spending time with my
children, and going on vacations. I’m very excited and ready for new adventures here at Primrose.

I’m Mrs. Lackey. I graduated from York Comprehensive High School in 1995 and continued my education in Early Childhood Education at Central Piedmont Community College.  Working with young students is my passion and has been for the past 15+ years.  I have been happily married for over 20  years.  We have 2 beautiful children, a boy named Scott and a girl named Ashleigh.  Spending time with my family is a joy, we love the outdoors.  The Clemson Tigers is our favorite team.

My name is Ms. Baker I am 36 years old. I have three beautiful kids ages 18,15,13 I am the founder and owner
of Nehemiah Party creation LLC. I have been teaching for 10 years, most recently at a center
where I taught preschool through kindergarten. I would describe myself as a positive, energetic and adaptable
teacher. I am an effective communicator and have a strong ability to plan and organize effectively. My teacher
philosophy centers on class engagement. I love using group exercises and interaction tools to make material
interesting and accessible for all students.

I’m Mrs. Kamesetty. I am originally from India. I live with my husband and three beautiful girls.  On my time off I love to spend time with my family.  I have been working with children since 2013, and my hobbies are singing and cooking.  I am very happy to be part of the Primrose since 2018 and I love it!

Hi I’m Ms. Johnson. I recently moved to Charlotte from Port Huron, Michigan. I’ve been working in the childcare setting for over 17 years now. and I have experience in all the age groups however toddlers are my passion. I love watching different sports on tv,  my favorite are football and basketball. I enjoy spending time with family and volunteering at church.  I look forward to getting to know you and child here at primrose.

Hello, I’m Ms. Merritt !! I’m originally from NC, but have lived in many states.  A few of my favorite were Virginia, California, and Alaska. Moving frequently as child gave me the opportunity to learn in many educational settings. This sparked my love for learning. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family . Some of our favorite activities are bowling, traveling,watching movies, and cooking.  I’m always looking for new things to try and appreciate all recommendations.  I am so excited for this new adventure as a memeber of the Primrose Family.

I am from India and moved to the States 10 years ago. I have an overall work experience of 16 years. I am married and blessed with two girls, 8 and 3 years old. I love to spend time with my family.

Hi, I’m Ms. Maxwell and I’m excited to be part of the Primrose Family. I was born and raised in Savannah, Ga,
and I now live in Charlotte, NC. I have an Sophomore in high school who I love dearly. With the 10 years plus
experience in Early Childhood Education, I’m confident that I’ve what it takes to provide a nice, caring, and
nurturing teaching environment.

I am originally born and raised in North Atlanta Ga. I am the youngest of 7 siblings. I am a creative at
heart and love to explore new things. I love Jesus and hope to spread positivity and light wherever I go.
I’ve been married for 5 years this April and have a wonderful 2 year old son. I’ve been in childcare for 10
years on and off and with the Primrose family for 4 of those years. I’m most excited this school year to learn a new environment and new faces.

Hi I’m Ms. Krissy  Barras. I recently joined the Primrose family and I am so excited! I was born and raised on a small island called Saint Maarten. I moved to Orlando, Florida for College where I attended the University of Central Florida and majored in Psychology. A little under a year ago I moved to Charlotte with my fiancé and two dogs Milo and Luna and we absolutely love it here. I’m so excited to meet all the awesome families here at Primrose.

Hello! I’m Ms. Cotton and I want to tell you about myself. I joined the Primrose of South Charlotte team in
2024. I am passionate about working with children and helping them learn and
grow in a safe, nurturing environment. I’m certified in Early Childhood Education and have completed
specialized training in child development and creating engaging learning environments. I truly believe each
child is unique and deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. I am thrilled at the opportunity
to continue making a positive impact on the lives’ of young children!

Hi there, I’m Ms. Lalley. Let me tell you a little about myself. Over the years, I’ve gained valuable
experience in childcare and I’m passionate about fostering a safe and nurturing environment for young ones to
thrive – thanks to my brother and sister for blessing me with 8 little ones! I’m excited to bring my
knowledge and dedication to Primrose and make a positive impact in the lives of children and their families.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, going on hikes and being with my family! I hope someday soon I’ll have my
own children that’ll be a part of the Primrose Family.

Hello! my name is Aisha Willis. I love working with kids. I do not have any kids; however I do have 6 nieces and 1 nephew that I adore with all my heart.  At home, I am the youngest of all my siblings. I started sewing and drawing when Covid started and I enjoy arts and crafts very much. I also love taking pictures and the graphic arts.  I think my love for working with kids came from my nieces and nephew,  they helped me to understand how powerful could be our impact as role models and the difference we can make on the little ones. I think it’s amazing to watch them grow and develop their own personalities.

I’m Melody Thompson. I was born in Brooklyn but raised in Linden, Guyana. I’ve worked as an assistant teacher
for over 5 years. I love working with kids especially in environments that foster growth and individual
development. You could say my passion for teaching was inherited as my mother is retired teacher and my older
brother and sister both teach.In my free time I enjoy cooking and baking. Although my specialty is cheesecake
my favorite type of cake is sponge. I’m excited about the joining the Primrose family and look forward to
getting to know each and everyone.

Hi, I am Ms. Taylor and I am 24 years old. I have worked in Early Childcare for 4 years and have worked at a
Primrose School in Georgia previously. I am from North Georgia and just moved to SC. I have a beagle mix dog named Daisy
who loves to run and cuddle. During my free time, I relax by reading and watching many TV shows. I love to
golf when the weather is amazing. I spend as much time with my family and go to the lake with them.

I’m Ms. Harris and I have work with children over 10 years. I am excited to be a positive impact to Primrose
School South Charlotte. I have three children and two grandchildren. I love working with children and enjoy watching them
grow and learn new things. Being a good role model is something I strive to do for all children. I am looking
forward to growing and being a positive influence to Primrose.

Hi, I’m Annie and I enjoy children as well as being caring and understanding of their feelings. I’m originally from New York City and my childcare experience started in 2018.

My name is Tierra McClure, and I have over five years of experience in childcare. I started caring for
children at 15, which helped me develop patience, responsibility, and a strong understanding of kids’ needs. I
am passionate about creating a safe, fun, and nurturing environment where children can express themselves
through creative activities and play. I am currently pursuing a degree in Health Science to better support
the families I work with.

Hello! I was born and raised in Charlotte, N.C. I graduated from Harding University High School in 2020. I
spend most of my time with family and friends, including my dog and cat. I enjoy staying active and engaging
in all of the arts! I look forward to working in early childhood education and care each day.

Hi, I’m Ms. Robinson, I am a single mother with an 18 year old son, I have over 10 years of experience in Early Childhood
Education. I have an Associate of Arts in Applied Science including Early Childhood Education courses, and currently am enrolled at UNC Charlotte studying Sociology, and will be graduating with my Bachelors of Arts in Sociology December 2026. I have been a Child Care Center Director and a Program Coordinator.  In my leisure time I enjoy binge watching my favorite shows, cooking/baking, listening to music, reading and working out. I am also very hands on and enjoy DIY projects, arts and crafts, I create custom work on
apparels and other merchandise. I have a passion for working with children and watching as they learn, grow
and thrive. I enjoy being a sociable person and I am a team player.

Hi, I’m Ms. Carranza, I am a kind, patient, friendly, and positive person. I enjoy making friends and helping out however and
whenever I can and I am always ready to learn something new each day.

Hi, I’m Ms. Salazar, I am 24 years old and have been a mom since December 2023 to a beautiful baby girl
named Camila. I have also babysat in my own home for children ages 3 months up until they were 5-6 years old.
I was able to watch them grow and enjoy teaching many different things, including the Spanish language. I
would love to continue to grow myself especially in a career I love to do, which is Early childhood education. I enjoy
taking trips to the beach, Carowinds, and anything outdoors, especially if my daughter loves to do it.

Hi, I’m Ms. Naga, I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I started working in Early childhood
education in 2008 and truly enjoy enjoy being part of children’s learning and growing journey. My most recent
teaching experience was from May 2024, and I am excited to begin this new chapter at Primrose School of South
Charlotte. During my free time, I enjoy cooking, keeping my home clean and gardening.

Hi everyone, I have a small family with my husband, two boys, and our furry baby. I love young children and
helping them learn and grow. I have a B.A. in Business and received my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. I started working as a Substitute in 2015, then became an Intervention teacher until moving into a Lead VPK teacher role for the past 3 years.  I am so happy to be part of the Primrose Preschool community and look forward to getting to know everyone.

Hi, I’m Ms. Meesala, I am a Patient, Friendly, Kind person. I love working with young children and I am looking forward to
working in early child education.

Hi, I am Ms. Madabushi. I wanted to tell you about myself.  l started in an in-home daycare 2008 and have a B.A. in Communications . I love to cook and I love babies. I wanted to work with children and I’m excited to work at Primrose.

I’m Ms. Deepa and I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I have my Master of Science degree in Child care
and Human Development Specialization. I am originally from India and have been in the US for over 10 years. I
love bringing learning to life and helping young learners realize how fun, creative and interesting learning
can be. I believe early childhood is the perfect time to nurture true curiosity, joy and enthusiasm for school
and for life and I am so proud to be a part of that foundation. I truly enjoy being a part of the children’s
early learning journey here at Primrose School of South Charlotte.