At Primrose School of Tampa Palms, we know the toddler stage is full of big emotions, growing independence, and constant discovery. Families want a teacher who can guide their little ones with patience, consistency, and joy. That’s exactly what Ms. Berkitte brings to our young toddler classroom every day.

With over two years of experience in early childhood education and an Associate’s Degree in the field, Ms. Berkitte creates a nurturing and engaging environment where toddlers feel safe to explore, learn, and begin to express who they are. She’s passionate about supporting each child as they develop their own personality and gain confidence in their growing abilities.

From first words to first friendships, she helps toddlers navigate big developmental leaps with empathy and encouragement while also making every day full of laughter, stories, songs, and hands-on learning.

Families appreciate her thoughtful, responsive approach to the unique needs of this age group. Whether it’s building routine, promoting social-emotional development, or celebrating each child’s milestones, Ms. Berkitte brings a calm, creative energy to her classroom that toddlers and their parents love.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Berkitte enjoys hiking, exploring new restaurants, reading fantasy and mystery novels, and going on spontaneous road trips. As the second oldest of nine siblings, she’s no stranger to managing busy days and big personalities with care and heart.

With Ms. Berkitte as your toddler’s teacher, you can trust they’re in a space where they’re not only cared for but truly understood and encouraged to shine.

Fun Fact: If I wasn’t a teacher, I would be the owner of a cafe and a school.

At Primrose School of Tampa Palms, we understand the young toddler years are filled with exciting discoveries, growing independence, and important developmental milestones. Families can feel confident knowing their child is nurtured, supported, and genuinely cared for by Ms. Conley in our Young Toddler classroom.

With over six years of experience working in child care and a natural gift for connecting with young children, Ms. Conley brings patience, warmth, and enthusiasm to her classroom each day. Her favorite part of teaching is seeing her students happy, watching them grow, and celebrating the many milestones they achieve as they learn and explore.

Families appreciate the welcoming and engaging environment she creates where young toddlers feel safe, loved, and encouraged to discover the world around them. Ms. Conley is attentive to each child’s unique personality and developmental needs, partnering closely with families to support smooth transitions and continued growth.

Her joyful personality, paired with her love of interactive play, music, movement, and story time, makes her a trusted presence for both children and parents. She especially enjoys reading Tickle the Duck and other playful books that inspire smiles, laughter, and a love of learning.

Outside of work, Ms. Conley enjoys spending time with her family, browsing vintage stores, and relaxing at home with her beloved pets, including two dogs and four cats. Her nurturing spirit, both in and out of the classroom, shines through in everything she does.

For families seeking a caring, attentive teacher during this exciting stage of development, Ms. Conley provides the consistency, encouragement, and heartfelt support that help young toddlers thrive.

Fun Fact: If I wasn’t a teacher, I would be an entertainment performer at Walt Disney World.

Ms. Gillis brings more than 21 years of experience in early childhood education and a genuine passion for helping children learn, grow, and reach important milestones. As an Older Toddler teacher at Primrose School of Tampa Palms, she loves watching children discover new skills and develop the confidence and independence they need for future learning and success.

Ms. Gillis holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education, Birth through Kindergarten. She enjoys creating a warm and nurturing classroom where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore the world around them. Her favorite part of working with children is seeing their growth firsthand and celebrating each milestone along the way. Her favorite children’s book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., a beloved story that encourages young children to explore colors, animals, language, and repetition.

Christmas is Ms. Gillis’s favorite holiday, and family is at the heart of many of her favorite memories. In her personal time, she enjoys drawing, painting, reading, and spending quality time with her family. Her home is also filled with plenty of furry and finned friends, including her dogs, Phoenix and Tiny; her cats, Boots and Toothless; and her fish, Ben and Doug.

Ms. Gillis is excited to share her years of experience, creativity, and love of learning with the children and families of Primrose School of Tampa Palms. She looks forward to helping each child feel loved, valued, and excited to learn every day.

Fun Fact: If I wasn’t a teacher, I would be a Veterinary Technician.

At Primrose School of Tampa Palms, we know the Older Toddler years are filled with exciting milestones as children gain confidence, strengthen their independence, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Families want a teacher who encourages each child with patience, kindness, and enthusiasm, and Ms. Edwards brings those qualities to our Older Toddler classroom every day.

Since beginning her early childhood education journey in 2020, Ms. Edwards has enjoyed supporting young children as they grow and discover new abilities. She holds a High School Diploma and finds great joy in watching children progress as they get older, celebrating each new milestone and accomplishment along the way. Her nurturing nature helps create a classroom where children feel safe, loved, and encouraged to explore the world around them.

Through Primrose’s Balanced Learning approach, Ms. Edwards fosters children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through meaningful interactions, hands-on learning, and purposeful play. She believes every child learns at their own pace and enjoys helping them build confidence as they master new skills and develop positive relationships.

Ms. Edwards’ favorite children’s book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle because it beautifully illustrates growth, discovery, and transformation, themes she enjoys witnessing every day in her classroom. Halloween is her favorite holiday because it brings imagination, creativity, and plenty of fun for children and families alike.

When she is not at school, Ms. Edwards enjoys reading all kinds of books, painting on canvas, and spending time with her beloved cat, Cheddar.

With her caring heart, encouraging spirit, and passion for helping young children grow, Ms. Edwards creates a classroom where every child feels valued, supported, and excited to learn each day.

Fun Fact: If I wasn’t a teacher, I would be a painter.

Ms. Lowe is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment for our Older Toddlers where they feel safe, supported, and excited to learn each day. She believes one of the most rewarding parts of working with children is having the opportunity to make a positive impact on their growth and development. She enjoys encouraging children as they build confidence, discover new interests, and reach important milestones.

Ms. Lowe holds a high school diploma and brings a caring and encouraging approach to her work with young children. Her favorite children’s book is Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss because of its inspiring message about possibilities, growth, and the exciting journey ahead. She looks forward to helping children develop the skills and confidence they need as they take their own steps toward the future.

Christmas is Ms. Lowe’s favorite holiday, and one of her favorite family traditions is traveling to her grandmother’s house to cook, share meals, and spend quality time together. Family is especially important to her, and she enjoys reading books and spending time with her children in her personal time. At home, she is also kept company by her beloved pets, Baxter the cat and Twinkie the dog.

Ms. Lowe is excited to be part of the Primrose School of Tampa Palms family and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with children and families while helping each child feel loved, valued, and ready to learn and grow.

Fun Fact: If I wasn’t a teacher, I would be working with children with disabilities.

Ms. Stapleton is a teacher who is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing classroom where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore and learn. She especially loves seeing a child’s face light up when they accomplish something that was once challenging. Celebrating these moments of growth and discovery is one of the most rewarding parts of working with young children.

As an Older Toddler teacher, Ms. Stapleton enjoys helping children build confidence and independence as they develop new skills, form friendships, and discover the world around them. She believes every accomplishment, big or small, is an opportunity to celebrate and encourage a child’s love of learning. Her favorite children’s book is I Love You More by Laura Duksta, a sweet story that celebrates the special bond between children and the people who love them.

Christmas is Ms. Stapleton’s favorite holiday, and family is at the center of her favorite memories. In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with her children, especially going swimming, visiting the beach, and making fun memories together at Adventure Island.

Ms. Stapleton is excited to be part of the Primrose School of Tampa Palms family and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with her students and their families while helping each child feel loved, confident, and excited to learn each day.

Fun Fact: If I wasn’t a teacher, I would be a baker.