Alexa Jones brings over a decade of dedicated experience in early childhood education to her role as School Director at Primrose School of St. Charles at Heritage. With a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a teaching certification in early childhood education, Alexa has built a career marked by both teaching and leadership roles, making her well-versed in guiding young children through the critical early years of development. She also holds a background in art education, which continues to inspire her belief in the power of creativity as a tool for learning and self-expression.

Her passion for fostering learning environments where children can thrive is matched only by her enthusiasm for connecting with each child, family, and teacher. Alexa finds immense joy in her daily interactions with children, valuing each opportunity to make a positive impact on their growth and success.

Outside of Primrose, Alexa loves exploring new places, spending time outdoors, and enjoying live music. She’s excited to bring her warmth, expertise, and commitment to the Primrose family, fostering a close-knit community of care and learning for all.

Ms. Hepper received her Bachelors Degree in Child Development from Southeast Missouri State University and has worked with children for over 5 years. She enjoys helping children develop important life skills and forming trusting relationships with students to support them educationally, socially, and emotionally. Her favorite things to teach include the solar system, shapes, and how to write! Ms. Hepper is from St. Louis and is a life-long Cardinals fan. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, painting, and going to the movies.  She takes pride in teaching at Primrose and is committed to helping our students succeed as learners.

Mrs. Wright holds a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Studies, which led her and her family to live in the United Kingdom for six years. During that time, she worked with children through her church and local community, developing a deep appreciation for cultural understanding and early development. After returning to the U.S. in 2021, Mrs. Wright began pursuing her master’s degree in Mental Health, continuing to expand her knowledge of child growth and emotional wellbeing.

Mrs. Wright spent three years as a beloved Preschool Pathways teacher with us before stepping into her current leadership role. She is passionate about creating a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment where children can build resilience and confidence that will grow with them through every stage of life.

Outside of school, Mrs. Wright enjoys spending time with her husband and four children. She also loves quiet moments filled with reading and crafting.

Mrs. Kyttle has over 10 years of experience in the field of early childhood education including the role of lead pre-kindergarten and preschool teacher. She is currently pursuing a degree in education. Her natural ability to connect with children and manage a classroom make her a wonderful additional to our preschool team!

Mrs. Kyttle is originally from Wisconsin but has lived in the St. Louis area since 2014. In her free time she likes to travel and spend time making memories with her friends and family.

Mrs. Shannon brings over 20 years of experience in education and child development to the kindergarten classroom. She has worked in both elementary and early childhood settings, with a background that includes roles as a classroom teacher, paraeducator, private tutor, and homeschool educator. She is passionate about supporting each child’s unique learning journey and helping them thrive.

She holds a Master’s degree in Education, along with certifications in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and as a K–12 Reading Specialist. Mrs. Shannon finds great joy in inspiring children’s natural curiosity and love for learning, and she treasures the opportunity to watch their confidence grow and their personalities shine.

One of her favorite children’s books is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, a timeless story of unconditional love and selflessness that deeply resonates with her both as an educator and a mother.

In her personal time, Mrs. Shannon enjoys working on counted cross-stitch projects, reading, playing Scrabble, and spending time with her husband.

Mrs. Mallinson has a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood: Child and Family Services from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She has over ten years in early childhood education. Mrs. Mallinson loves to watch students explore and learn through play. She was born and raised in the St. Louis area and married her high school sweetheart. She has two amazing puppies and loves to go on new adventures. Mrs. Mallinson loves to teach and has wanted to be a teacher for as long as she can remember. She loves building relationships with children and families.

Mr. Jae is a recent graduate from UMSL with a degree in Early Childhood Education. He has experience working with children of various ages, from preschool to fourth grade. Mr. Jae is passionate about equipping children with the necessary tools for growth and learning at an early age. He believes that fostering a love for learning in children will benefit them in the future. In his free time, Mr. Jae enjoys exploring different cultures through food and taking his dog Yoshi for walks. He is thrilled to be a part of Primrose and share his enthusiasm for learning with his students.

Ms. Baker holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and brings over a decade of experience in early childhood, including time as a pre-k teacher and as a private nanny/homeschool teacher. Ms. Baker loves helping children discover new things and celebrating their growth and achievements. Her favorite children’s book is The World Needs More Purple People because it encourages kindness, curiosity, and individuality. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her cat, listening to audiobooks and podcasts, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops around St. Louis, and rewatching Gilmore Girls.

Mrs. Rodriguez brings a strong background in early childhood education, with experience as both a Pre-Kindergarten teacher and a paraprofessional in the St. Charles School District. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and enjoys using her education and experience to help young children learn, grow, and make sense of the world around them.

Her favorite part of working with children is watching their curiosity and confidence grow each day. She loves all children’s books and believes that every story has something meaningful to offer.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Rodriguez enjoys spending time with her husband, playing with her dogs, watching St. Louis Blues games, and reading.

Mrs. Durbin has more than 15 years experience as a preschool teacher, with additional experience coaching youth soccer, volunteering at summer camps, and leading her children’s Girl Scout troops. She holds a Master’s in Education with Early Childhood certification, a Bachelor’s in Education with certifications in Physical Education and Health, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology.

She loves children’s natural curiosity, energy, and creativity, and is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing space where they can explore, imagine, and discover their potential. Her favorite children’s book is The Crayon Box That Talked by Shane DeRolf, a story about celebrating differences and working together.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, soccer, traveling, and hiking in the mountains.

Ms. Czalkiewicz is a dedicated and passionate educator with experience teaching both at the preschool and elementary school level. She graduated from Cleveland State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She loves inspiring children’s curiosity, celebrating their creativity, and witnessing those “ah-ha” moments when learning clicks. Originally from Ohio, she brings warmth, patience, and a love of learning to every classroom she joins.

Ms. Czalkiewicz’s favorite children’s book is The Napping House by Audrey Wood, cherished for its playful storyline and beautiful illustrations. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watercolor painting, shopping, and relaxing at home.

Ms. Baker brings a strong foundation in early childhood education and a passion for supporting young learners. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development from Missouri State University, where her studies focused on early childhood education, child life, human development, psychology, and individualized education.

Ms. Baker loves how curious, creative, and resilient children are. She finds joy in watching them grow, discover their strengths, and express themselves in meaningful ways. One of her favorite children’s books is Bad Dog Max! by Marina Windsor—a playful and heartwarming story that reminds us we are loved, even when we make mistakes.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Baker is a passionate artist. She enjoys painting, creating portrait commissions, exploring new styles, and even submitting her work to local exhibits when she can.

Ms. Gruszczynski brings a wealth of experience to her role as a Preschool Teacher. Before joining the Preschool Program, she spent several years here at Primrose working in our Early Preschool and Explorers classrooms. Prior to that, she worked as a nanny and completed two years in a pathways to teaching program. Her diverse background has given her a strong foundation in child development and early education.

One of Ms. Gruszczynski’s favorite aspects of working with children is witnessing their growth and transformation throughout the school year. She finds joy in watching them evolve and thrive. Ms. Gruszczynski’s favorite children’s book is “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson, a story she appreciates for its engaging narrative and imaginative illustrations.

In her personal time, Ms. Gruszczynski enjoys doing puzzles, reading books, and watching movies. She loves getting to know all the students and families in her care and finds it incredibly rewarding to be a part of their journey and successes.

Ms. Blanchard has over 10 years of child care experience. Ms. Blanchard was drawn to a career in pediatrics at a young age. Her love of early childhood education started after completing high school and blossomed even more after having her son. She took her passion and love of children and started her career working at a local learning center when her son was a baby. She is excited to be part of the Primrose family. In her free time, Ms. Blanchard loves spending time with her son at the park and having game nights with her sisters and brother.

Ms. Harshbarger holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Quincy University, with coursework in Early Childhood Education, and has completed graduate-level studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lindenwood University. Ms. Harshbarger has experience working with children at the Boys and Girls Club and enjoys creating a positive, engaging learning environment.

Her favorite part of teaching is watching children’s excitement as they learn new things. She loves the book The Little Engine That Could for its inspiring message of perseverance. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.

Ms. Allen has over five years of experience working with young children in early childhood education. She has also completed college coursework in early childhood education. Ms. Allen has a true passion for working with children. She loves seeing children’s “ah-ha” moments and finds joy in their candid expressions.

Her favorite children’s book, I Love You Stinky Face, holds a special place in her heart, as it reminds her of the unconditional love she shared with her mom. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.

Ms. Dicus brings over eight years of experience nurturing and teaching in both preschool and elementary school. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and loves teaching children new skills while watching them become confident, kind, and self-sufficient individuals.

Ms. Dicus is passionate about creating engaging, supportive learning environments where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Throughout her career, she has helped children build confidence, independence, and kindness, while fostering a lifelong love of learning. Her favorite children’s book is Love You Forever by Robert Munsch, a story that holds special meaning to her and beautifully reflects the love between parent and child. In her free time, Ms. Dicus enjoys spending time with friends and family and taking part in fun activities like games, bonfires, camping, and swimming.

Mrs. Murphy has been working with children since 2006 and brings years of experience along with the heart of a mom to two—Kellan and Keegan. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southeast Missouri State University and recently completed her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Studies at Walden University. What she loves most about working with children are the small, meaningful moments—like a funny comment during story time or a kind gesture between friends. Her favorite children’s book is Blue Hat, Green Hat by Sandra Boynton, because it was the first book both of her kids read to her on their own. In her free time, Mrs. Murphy enjoys diamond painting, reading, and spending time with her husband and children.

Ms. Turner is an early childhood educator with over six years of experience working with children, ranging from 6 weeks to 3 years old. She has a strong educational background in Child Development and Education. Ms. Turner loves the curiosity and wonder children bring, and her favorite book is Stand Tall, Mary Lou Melon by Patty Lovell, which inspires confidence and individuality. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two kittens and trying new DIY projects. This year, Ms. Turner is excited to meet the new children at Primrose and inspire a love of learning.

Ms. Makayla Koon has been dedicated to working with children for over 10 years and holds a Masters of Science in Child and Family Development. Her passion lies in creating a fun and loving environment where children can achieve their learning goals and milestones.

Ms. Koon’s favorite children’s book is “What Do You Do With An Idea?” by Kobi Yamada, reflecting her belief in nurturing creativity and imagination. In her personal time, she enjoys spending quality moments with her family, playing with her dog Annie, and staying active by going to the gym. Ms. Koon enjoys getting to know all of the children, families, and staff at Primrose and loves forming strong, healthy relationships within her families.

Mrs. Huff brings a diverse background in working with children, with experience as an au pair, nanny, and preschool teacher. She is originally from Ecuador, where she also gained valuable experience working with children. She loves children’s creativity and enjoys learning from them each day, as well as helping them explore the world and discover how quickly they learn.

Mrs. Huff holds an associate degree and is fluent in both English and Spanish. Her favorite children’s books are the Llama Llama series because each story shares meaningful lessons about behavior, emotions, and relationships. In her free time, Mrs. Huff enjoys doing crafts, working on puzzles, watching movies, and baking desserts.

Ms. Harris brings a wealth of childcare experience, having worked in various childcare centers, and gained invaluable skills as the second oldest among eight siblings. Her passion for working with children is fueled by the joy of witnessing their growth and learning. Ms. Harris firmly believes in providing compassion and patience, essential elements for a child’s development. Choosing Primrose was a natural fit, as their teaching methods and goals align closely with Ms. Harris’ beliefs in childcare and education.

Outside of work, Ms. Harris explores various art forms, enjoys drawing, and shopping. During her free time, she finds relaxation in watching movies and expressing herself through art.

As a part of the Primrose team, Ms. Harris is committed to nurturing young minds and creating a supportive environment for children to thrive.

Ms. Lewis has spent decades working with children and brings a wealth of experience, patience, and joy to the classroom. Her lifelong passion for early education shines through in the way she connects with each child and helps them feel seen, heard, and valued.

She loves seeing the world through a child’s eyes and feels honored to be part of their learning journey. An avid reader, Ms. Lewis enjoys all kinds of children’s books and believes every story has something special to offer.

Outside of the classroom, she loves gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with her family. She’s especially excited to build strong, lasting relationships with the children and their families this school year.

Ms. Posimo brings over 20 years of experience working with children, including time spent in school settings and as a nanny. She brings a strong foundation of knowledge and care into the classroom each day.

Ms. Posimo’s favorite part of working with children is their natural curiosity and genuine love for learning. She enjoys fostering that excitement and helping children explore new ideas in fun and meaningful ways.

Her favorite children’s book is There’s a Monster at the End of This Book because of its fun, interactive style that keeps children engaged and laughing. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Posimo is a huge sports fan who loves to read, browse flea markets, and take short day trips.

Mrs. Leslie Bolk has over 15 years of experience in early childhood education. She has completed coursework in early childhood education including the Child Development Associate program. She has held positions from classroom teacher to private nanny of children ages 6 weeks through 7 years.  Mrs. Bolk loves caring for children and watching them learn and grow. Infants have a special place in her heart as she loves to develop a special bond with them. Mrs. Bolk was married in 2021 and her and her husband love to travel together. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, camping and crafting. Mrs. Bolk is excited to be a part of the Primrose Family and deliver high quality care and education to the babies in the infant class.

Mrs. Moore brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in early childhood education. Holding an associate degree in early care and education, she has been passionately caring for children and their families for nearly two decades. Her expertise spans across various age groups, although she has spent the majority of her career working closely with infants and toddlers.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Moore is a dedicated wife and mother. Married to her husband, John, for 15 years, she takes great pride in her two children, Ben and Mackenzie, as well as their two four-legged companions, Olive and Otis. Mrs. Moore actively participates in Scouts programs and even leads a Girl Scout troop. Camping and spending time outdoors with her family are cherished pastimes.

Mrs. Moore is thrilled to join the Primrose family and is committed to providing a nurturing and engaging learning environment for her students. Her passion for early childhood education shines through her dedication and caring approach, making her an invaluable member of our team

Ms. Harms brings over six years of hands-on experience in early childhood education, having worked with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Her background includes specialized coursework in Child Development, which has strengthened her knowledge and passion for supporting young learners at every stage.

One of Ms. Harms’s favorite parts of working with children is witnessing the pure joy and excitement on their faces when they discover something new. She loves the book TRAIN! by Judi Abbot, which shares a fun and meaningful message about sharing, trying new things, and making friends.

In her free time, Ms. Harms enjoys reading, playing puzzle games, biking, and spending time with her family.

Mrs. Williams brings a well-rounded background in early childhood education, with experience working with children of all ages—from infants and toddlers to preschoolers and school-aged children. She holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is passionate about creating joyful, engaging learning experiences for every child.

Her favorite part of working with children is seeing them learn and laugh—those lightbulb moments and giggles make each day meaningful. One of her favorite children’s books is The Day the Crayons Quit because it introduces color and emotion in a fun, relatable way that sparks great conversations with kids.

When she’s not in the classroom, Mrs. Williams enjoys spending time with her friends and family and relaxing by playing computer games.

Ms. Lauer brings a caring and attentive approach to the classroom, with experience supporting children through daily routines, schoolwork, meals, and engaging activities. She values creating a safe, positive environment where children feel supported and encouraged.

Her favorite part of working with children is witnessing their joy and curiosity as they learn and grow. She enjoys watching their personalities develop and celebrating the moments when children discover something new or accomplish a goal.

Ms. Lauer’s favorite children’s book is Night, Night Baby Bundt by Jamie Harper, a story she loves for its gentle rhythm and engaging illustrations. In her free time, she enjoys creative activities like drawing and painting.

Ms. Gray has a strong background working with children in a variety of settings. In addition to working as a preschool texted, she spent time volunteering at Camp Independence, where she collaborated with pediatric physical therapists to support children with Cerebral Palsy—a meaningful experience that deepened her passion for helping young learners grow and thrive.

Ms. Gray holds an Associate of Arts degree. She loves creating a warm, engaging environment where children feel safe to explore, discover new things, and build confidence in their abilities. One of her favorite books to share is “Bubbles” by Ben Clayton, which she uses to introduce toddlers to early science concepts in a fun and hands-on way.

Outside of school, Ms. Gray enjoys reading and writing short stories, spending time with her two cats, thrift shopping with friends, and hiking.

Ms. Manno is a passionate educator devoted to nurturing young minds at Primrose! She finds immense joy in guiding students, helping them cultivate invaluable skills for life’s journey.

While Ms. Manno holds a cosmetology license, her heart firmly resides in the classroom, committed to long-term work with children, fostering their growth and curiosity.

Beyond teaching, Ms. Manno enjoys expressing herself through creative arts as well as reading and spending time with her two dogs.

Finding a warm and inviting home at Primrose has been a delightful chapter in Ms. Manno’s journey, where she thrives on creating a vibrant learning environment for each child.

Mrs. Collier discovered her love for working with children through the Early Childhood Careers program at Lewis & Clark Career Center, where she gained hands-on experience with preschool and pre-k students. She enjoys creating a fun and engaging learning environment where children can explore and grow.

Her favorite children’s book is Where the Wild Things Are for its celebration of imagination and emotions. In her free time, Mrs. Collier enjoys reading, drawing, and spending time with her husband.

Ms. Dorsam graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelors degree in Child Development. She has over 5 years experience in early childhood education. She has also recently graduated with her Masters in Child Counseling.

Ms. Dorsam loves to connect with children and watch them use their creative minds. She was born and raised in St. Louis and in her free time, she loves to be active and travel.

Ms. Flick is currently pursuing her RN degree and has a strong passion for helping others. Being around children is a special passion of hers because of the joy and positive outlook children have on life. Ms. Flick has five younger siblings and has always enjoyed working with children. She has experience working in preschool aftercare and has volunteered at programs like Safety Town, Cheer Camp, and tutoring elementary students. In her free time, Ms. Flick enjoys baking, reading, thrifting, and spending time with her family and friends.

Ms. MacKenzie Patterson has been working in Early Childhood Education since 2018, beginning her career while attending the University of Missouri. She earned her degree in Human Development and Family Sciences with an emphasis in Family and Lifespan Development. Following graduation, she gained valuable experience at the University School for Young Children, a laboratory school on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University.

In 2020, Ms. Patterson relocated to St. Louis to continue pursuing her passion for early childhood education. She is deeply committed to supporting each child’s growth and development and finds great joy in watching her students reach important milestones. For her, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is witnessing the pride children feel when they achieve their goals.

Ms. Patterson spent three years as a Preschool teacher here at Primrose before moving into a part time substitute position.

Ms. Bamert joined Primrose after retiring as a Kindergarten Teacher. She taught kindergarten at a local elementary school for nearly 30 years.  She was a toddler teacher here at Primrose for nearly 7 years before she retired in June of 2025. She hasn’t gone far though because she is staying on as a part time support teacher with us.

Ms. Bamert has a deep passion for watching children grow and change. She holds a Bachelor’s degree including a teaching certification in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. She also has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum.

Ms. Peters brings experience from both volunteer work and her previous role at another accredited preschool. She enjoys creating a positive and engaging environment where children feel excited about learning.

Ms. Peters’ favorite part of working with children is seeing their enthusiasm as they explore new ideas and grow. Her favorite children’s book is Oh, the Places You’ll Go! because it is a story she loved growing up and continues to find inspiring. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, going to the gym, and baking.

Ms. Davis is a student at Lindenwood University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She has worked with children for most of her life, beginning as a neighborhood babysitter and later gaining experience as a swim instructor and preschool teacher. Through these roles, she discovered a passion for supporting children from an early age and helping them reach important developmental milestones. She finds joy in watching children grow and loves celebrating their progress alongside them.

Ms. Davis’s favorite children’s book is The Kissing Hand, as it highlights the importance of love and reassurance during transitions. In her free time, Ms. Davis enjoys expressing her creativity through painting, exploring thrift shops, and spending time outdoors—often walking or biking around Main Street.

Ms. Bartlett earned her BFA in Sequential Art from the Savannah College of Art and Design, bringing her love of creativity and storytelling into her classroom. She has experience working with 2-3-year-olds and tutoring, and she enjoys guiding children as they explore and learn new things.

Her favorite children’s book is Junie B. Jones, a story she loved as a child for its humor and the way Junie navigates the world with personality and sass. Outside of school, Ms. Bartlett enjoys making art, spending time outdoors with her dog, and discovering new coffee shops.

Ms. Simmons has experience working with children in both daycare and Y-Club settings. She loves being around kids and is inspired by their infectious joy and curiosity.

Ms. Simmons is currently in her third year of college. Her favorite children’s books are Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and Where the Wild Things Are, both of which bring a sense of nostalgia and fun. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing, reading, and staying active through workouts.

Ms. Walker holds a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and brings her love of creativity and storytelling into the classroom. She has been working with children since she was young, helping her mom run an in-home daycare, babysitting, and later joining a Primrose school in Kansas City.

She loves that every day with children is full of laughter and smiles. Her favorite book is All the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss, a story that inspired her to believe every child can make their own path. Outside of school, Ms. Walker enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her loved ones.

Ms. Jones brings a wealth of experience in childcare along with over a decade of serving as a youth leader at her church. She holds a CDA certification and is continuing her education to further grow her knowledge and passion for early childhood education.

Ms. Jones is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore and learn. She loves their natural curiosity and the excitement they bring to even the smallest moments, and she is dedicated to making a lasting impact in their lives. Her favorite children’s book is Llama Llama Red Pajama, which she enjoys for its bright colors, expressive emotions, and fun rhyming that helps children stay engaged. In her free time, Ms. Jones enjoys spending quality time with her granddaughter, making the most of those special moments together.

Ms. Land was born in St. Louis and moved to California when she was 21. She relocated back to St. Louis with her daughter and loves to be a part of the Primrose team. Ms. Deardorff has extensive experience in the field of education, working as the director of a children’s education program and public school lunch supervisor. She is excited to provide healthy, nutritional meals to our students to support their learning experience and create healthy bodies and active minds. Ms. Land enjoys the laughter and kindness at Primrose and lives by the quote “Do one thing every day that scares you.” We are so happy to have Ms. Land on the Primrose team!