Mrs. Christy Blackard has over 25 years of experience with Primrose Schools in Texas and Florida as an onsite franchise owner/partner. Prior to joining Primrose Schools as an owner/partner, Mrs. Blackard taught as an elementary teacher for over five years in the Texas and Florida public and private school systems. Mrs. Blackard holds a Bachelors Degree in Communications and a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Texas. She also holds a Florida Staff Credential as well as Texas and Florida Director’s Credentials (VPK-endorsed). Mrs. Blackard is an onsite Franchise Owner/Partner of Primrose School of South Tampa and is supported by her husband, Steve, and our fabulous Leadership Team. The Blackards live in South Tampa, their four grown children are all HB Plant High School graduates (and Primrose graduates), and Christy and Steve are proud that their two granddaughters attended Primrose School of South Tampa! The Blackards truly have made early education a way of life and enjoy contributing to the school and to our South Tampa communities.

My family and I have lived in South Tampa for over thirty years, and during that time, we have built strong connections with the community, including the families who attend the Primrose School of South Tampa. We are blessed to have our daughter, Rose, who is currently enrolled at the school.  We are excited for Rose to experience the same sense of community that we have enjoyed and to form meaningful relationships with the families we have the privilege to serve.  My association with Primrose Schools goes back several decades, as I have been involved in the construction, maintenance, and improvement of Primrose Schools for over twenty years. It all started in 2000 when we began construction on the Primrose School of Cross Creek. Subsequently, in 2003, we built the Primrose School of Tampa Palms, and between 2011 and 2012, we completed several significant expansions to the schools. Most recently, we constructed the Primrose School of South Tampa in 2013.  To enhance my understanding of the operational aspects of the childcare business and to better serve as an on-site partner, I am committed to furthering my education in the childcare industry. I am pursuing certifications such as Director’s Credential, among others, to continue my growth within the Primrose program.

Mrs. Chelsea Chaires, Director and Associate Partner, began her Primrose career as a lead teacher at our sister school over 13 years ago. As the proud mother of three children, she always knew she wanted a Primrose education for her own children (all three are Primrose graduates). Mrs. Chaires was the best two-year-old teacher ever and joined our Leadership Team at Primrose School of South Tampa in 2013. She is responsible for our School Operations Team — admissions, enrollment, daily school operations, administration, and client support (the “front of the school”). Mrs. Chaires holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Florida Director’s Credential (VPK – endorsed).

Ms. Vasquez started her career in education at Primrose School of Tampa Palms in 2005 where she fell in love with early childhood education! Ms. Vasquez has over 20 years of experience. Her ECE journey included becoming a Lead Teacher with Primrose, earning her Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education, and joining the Primrose School of South Tampa Leadership Team in 2013. She spent four years in California where she was a lead preschool teacher while completing her college degree. Ms. Vasquez is the Director of School Excellence responsible for everything related to education, curriculum implementation and instruction, and all Primrose events as well as teacher professional development and teacher support.

Mrs. Gann joins us with over 30 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. She began her Primrose career in 2005 as a lead preschool teacher. In 2006, Mrs. Gann became a Primrose director. In 2012, she joined the Primrose School of South Tampa team and played a key role in opening the school. After helping with her family’s business in 2021, Mrs. Gann returned to Primrose School of South Tampa in 2025. Mrs. Gann holds an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Florida Director’s Credential.

As Education Coordinator, Mrs. Gann will work alongside Ms. Vasquez in areas such as curriculum implementation and instruction, all Primrose events, as well as professional development and support for our teachers.

Ms. Feliciano is our opening Administrative Assistant/Assistant Director. She is originally from New York and joined Primrose School of South Tampa in 2013.  She joined our Leadership Team in 2019.  Ms. Feliciano has over 20 years of experience working with young children as a teacher and manager and holds a Child Development Associate’s Credential.  She is the voice and face of Primrose who greets our parents and children at the reception desk, supports our operations and executive teams, and opens the school each day. She enjoys making a difference in our school and our South Tampa communities.

Ms. Gabriella Rivera has been with our school since October of 2020 and has demonstrated a tremendous dedication to our children, teachers, families, and the school as a whole. She joined our Leadership Team in November 2022.  Ms. Rivera is the Curriculum Coordinator/Assistant Director who is invaluable to our team. She supports Ms. Vasquez with all aspects of classroom education, curriculum, professional development and oversees the daily activities in every classroom at our school.  She is a mentor and support for our teachers and is always willing to jump in and assist in any way that is helpful to the Leadership Team.  Her smile and cheerful energy are contagious and we are so lucky to have her here at our school!  Whether she is there to greet you at the front desk, say goodbye each evening, or happily jog down the hallway to assist in a classroom, Ms. Rivera is always available for a quick hello or to help out in any way!