Primrose School of Upper Kirby

Our Staff

  • Ms. Amanda Kirk, Director of Operations

    Ms. Amanda Kirk

    Director of Operations

    Amanda Kirk is the Operations Director for our schools. She graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor’s degree from Texas Lutheran University and moved to Austin. She began her Early Childhood journey as a 3-4 year old teacher and worked her way up in that company to School Age Manager. In 2009, Ms. Kirk decided to move back to Houston. She began at the Primrose School of Pearland Parkway as the Private Pre-Kindergarten 1 teacher in October of that year. Since then, she has moved up as Administrative Assistant for that school and then as Area Curriculum Coordinator for the Primrose Schools under the franchise owners. During her time as an Area Curriculum Coordinator, she helped train teachers on how to implement the Primrose curriculum. Now as Operations Director, she travel the schools helping in all aspects of the building. Ms. Kirk loves the journey that she is still on with Early Childhood and hopes to be with Primrose for many more years to come.

  • Mrs. Rosalinda Sanderson, Director of Education

    Mrs. Rosalinda Sanderson

    Director of Education

    Mrs. Sanderson began working for Primrose in August of 2012. She is a certified Texas teacher and holds a Master's Degree in Education from the University of St. Thomas. She taught in both the Private Pre-Kindergarten and Private Kindergarten classrooms prior to moving into the position of Curriculum Coordinator. Mrs. Sanderson is passionate about the Primrose Balanced Learning approach as it encourages children to explore and learn on their own while providing that nurturing guidance that young children need. Her educational background, experience, and her passion is what makes her an effective role model to our teachers.

    Now as the Director of Education, Mrs. Sanderson serves as the education coach for all new and current teachers. She leads by example and works closely with our teachers to ensure the highest of standards in our classrooms. In her free time, Mrs. Sanderson enjoys reading with her two sons and watching movies.

  • Ms. Vanessa Greggio Hudgins, Business Administrator

    Ms. Vanessa Greggio Hudgins

    Business Administrator

    Ms. Vanessa is our school’s Business Administrator. She holds her industrial engineering degree and has joined our Primrose team having ten years of experience at her previous company. Ms. Vanessa is in charge of the day-to-day aspects of Primrose that go on behind the scenes. Her responsibilities include billing and taking care of our financial accounts, maintenance, and the daily operations that ensures our school is running smoothly. With Ms. Vanessa’s experience, commitment, and dedication, our school stands strong and is maintained inside and out to the utmost quality. Not only does she do this for our school, but also five more schools under our franchise owners in the greater Houston area. She holds quite the critical role here at Primrose! We are so lucky to have her.

  • Mrs. Gabby Guzman, Director

    Mrs. Gabby Guzman

    Director

    Mrs. Gabrielle Guzman is our Director. She joined the Primrose School of West Pearland location in the Fall of 2013. Mrs. Guzman was presented with the opportunity to complete the Directors' course and upon completion, she was promoted to the position of Director. Mrs. Guzman enjoys the continuing education Primrose provides, and her positivity, drive and commitment keeps our school to the utmost professionalism.

    Mrs. Guzman's priority at Primrose is to make sure our families and staff feel welcomed and are happy. Her philosophy of a successful childcare is to protect, guide, educate, and provide the best experience for all children. She believes it is important to approach everyday with great joy and provide the best possible service both in and outside the classroom. Mrs. Guzman is thankful to be a part of such an amazing team and we are so appreciative to have a true leader at Primrose School of Upper Kirby who cultivates our desired culture daily. She does an amazing job capturing special moments for our school's Facebook and website. Mrs. Guzman grew up in the Pearland and Houston communities, and is a big family person! The Primrose Friend who she most relates to is Percy: the proud rooster who is the leader of the Primrose Friends. Percy has a big, caring heart and represents setting an example of good character.

  • Ms. Alondra Almazan, Leadership Team Member

    Ms. Alondra Almazan

    Leadership Team Member

    Ms. Alondra was our Pre-Kindergarten teacher and has at least five years of childcare experience. She loves seeing how much her students learn and grow on a daily basis. It brings her joy to see her students implementing something new they learned from her lessons. One of Ms. Alondra’s strengths includes to be uplifting to her students especially when they say they cannot do something; she always encourages them to try their best! Her students would say that one of their favorite times in class is when they all sit down together and write in their journals. A fun fact about Ms. Alondra is that she loves doing crafts! She started getting “crafty” when she started working with kids and she actually learned how to draw because of her students.

  • Ms. Diamond Noel, Leadership Team Member

    Ms. Diamond Noel

    Leadership Team Member

    Ms. Diamond was our Preschool teacher and has at least six years of childcare experience. She loves coming to work engaging with the students, and building bonds. One of Ms. Diamind’s strengths includes bringing a fun energy to school to spread with the staff and students. The character she most relates to is Erwin the Dog because she loves art and to be crafty! A fun fact about Ms. Diamond is that she was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana. 

  • Ms. Pricillia Bowshier, Leadership In Training

    Ms. Pricillia Bowshier

    Leadership In Training

    Ms. Priscillia has been with Primrose since 2019. She believes that what separates Primrose Schools from other care centers is that “we have a schedule for everything and that we have different things/lessons in our curriculum to do with our students every day.” The babies in her care are what motivates her to come to work every day and she loves seeing their happy, smiling faces every morning! She takes great care of our little ones. A fun fact about Ms. Priscillia is that she likes to color and sing along to Disney Cartoon movies!

  • Mr. Benjamin Decker, Chef

    Mr. Benjamin Decker

    Chef

    Chef Ben has over twenty years of experience as a Chef, and has been with Primrose School of Upper Kirby since its opening back in 2015! He has been most enthusiastic about providing our students with the best quality and most colorful, healthy meals. What keeps Chef Ben motivated to come to work every day is "the realization of how important our roles are here at Primrose... in addition to providing quality meals, exposing the children to new foods and other cultural cuisine is a big fulfilling experience for me personally." We feel very lucky to have someone so motivated and passionate about the food we serve at Primrose and equally as passionate about putting a smile on our student's faces!

    Chef Ben's favorite foods are Mexican and Thai, and one of his favorite weekend activities includes watching cooking shows. Oftentimes, our students refer to Chef Ben as "Chefy."

  • Ms. Kendra Richard, Infant Teacher

    Ms. Kendra Richard

    Infant Teacher

    Ms. Kendra is our Infant teacher. She believes that the education and resources provided to teach really separate Primrose Schools from other child care centers. Observing her students learn more motivates her to come to work. Ms. Kendra believes her strength as a teacher is implementing wonder time, which is her favorite part of the schedule. A fun fact about her is that she enjoys hanging out with her family and shopping.

  • Ms. Donna Hicks, Infant Teacher

    Ms. Donna Hicks

    Infant Teacher

    Ms. Donna is our Infant teacher. She believes that "activities and Wonder time", are what separates Primrose Schools from other  care centers. Being a great teacher and being with her students are what motivate her to come to work every day. Ms. Donna enjoys being able to care for her students and makes sure they all feel special. A fun fact about her is that she loves Molly the cow! 

  • Ms. Alicia Gallardo

    Infant Teacher
  • Ms. Michelle Acosta, Infant Teacher

    Ms. Michelle Acosta

    Infant Teacher

    Ms. Michelle is our Infant teacher. She believes that "the education part", is what separates Primrose Schools from other care centers. Being able to take care of and teach her students is what motivates her to come to work every day. The students really enjoy it when she reads to them. The character she most relates to is Libby the Lamb because she is fair with everyone.  

  • Ms. Leslie Vallone, Infant Teacher

    Ms. Leslie Vallone

    Infant Teacher

    Ms. Leslie is our Infant teacher. She believes that "the detailed teaching strategies that are provided", is what separates Primrose Schools from other care centers. Being able to observe her students grow is what motivates her to come to work every day. The character she most relates to is Benjamin the Bear because she loves the weather!  A fun fact about her is she loves to sing and give hugs!

  • Ms. Katia Isaac, Infant Teacher

    Ms. Katia Isaac

    Infant Teacher
  • Ms. Maida Rodriguez, Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Maida Rodriguez

    Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Maida is our Toddler teacher and has around 12 years of childcare experience. She believes that what separates Primrose Schools from other care centers is our advanced and Balanced Learning curriculum. Through our teaching philosophy, “our children learn more and have more prestige” to better prepare them for their academic and personal journey. Ms. Maida truly enjoys teaching and being with her students. Her students would say that their favorite thing about her is her patience and dedication to them. Ms. Maida has been a part of the Primrose family for many years and we can proudly say that she really exudes what a Primrose teacher should be to their students.

  • Ms. Rebecca Ngoy, Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Rebecca Ngoy

    Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Rebecca is our Toddler teacher. She believes what separates us from other care centers is that our curriculum is explained in very detail for teachers to understand, and she is impressed by how the students are learning more each day. When her students smile at her is what motivates her to come to work daily, she loves to make them feel safe. Ms. Rebecca believes her strength as a teacher is the level of care she is able to provide to her students.  Ms. Rebecca most relates to Mia because she loves outside time! A fun fact about her is she likes to make her students laugh. 

  • Ms. Breauna Smith, Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Breauna Smith

    Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Breauna is our toddler teacher. She believes that what separates Primrose Schools from other care centers is that “the staff is very friendly and makes her feel welcomed.” The babies in her care and speaking to her parents are what motivate her to come to work every day. She also enjoys being able to work in a positive environment. A fun fact about Ms. Breauna is that she does volunteer work associated with children and is currently in school to be a pediatrician. 

  • Ms. Tomya Denson, Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Tomya Denson

    Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Tomya is our Toddler Teacher. 

  • Ms. Linnet Rivero, Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Linnet Rivero

    Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Linnet is our Toddler teacher. She believes that "the structured schedule", is what separates Primrose Schools from other care centers. Being a great teacher and being with her students are what motivate her to come to work every day. She believes that her strength as a teacher is she takes great care and makes her students feel special. A fun fact about her is she loves to spend time with her family! 

  • Ms. Avarea Thomas, Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Avarea Thomas

    Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Ava is our Early Preschool teacher. She believes that the curriculum and staff are what separates Primrose Schools from other care centers. Her students welcoming her in the early mornings is what motivates her to come to work. Ms. Ava believes her strength as a teacher is her creativity during the day. A fun fact about her is that she loves spending time with her family! 

  • Ms. Dayana Rosales

    Early Preschool Teacher
  • Ms. Cecilia Guidard

    Early Preschool Teacher
  • Ms. Shekylea Foster

    Preschool Pathways Teacher
  • Ms. Savannah Serratos, Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Savannah Serratos

    Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Savannah is our Preschool teacher. She believes that what separates Primrose Schools from other care centers is that “we have a schedule for everything and that we have different things/lessons in our curriculum to do with our students every day.” Her strength is creating art with the children! Ms. Savannah most relates to Percy because she helps lead the classroom and helps the children make good decisions. A fun fact about her is that she loves dancing!

  • Ms. Kaitlyn Hatten, Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Kaitlyn Hatten

    Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Kaitlyn is our Preschool teacher. She believes that what separates Primrose Schools from other care centers is that we put a major focus on educating our students, and she loves to be able to implement the curriculum. Her students getting excited to see her in the mornings motivates her to come to work every day and to hear them tell her good morning. Ms. Kaitlyn believes her strength as a teacher is she always sets a good relationship with each of her students. The students seem to enjoy it when she reads during Og's story time! Ms. Kaitlyn most relates to Libby because she is always listening and watching her students at all times! A fun fact about her is that she enjoys hanging out with her friends and loves being outside. 

  • Ms. Destiny McCardie

    Preschool Teacher
  • Ms. Jimaya Bernard, Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Jimaya Bernard

    Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Jimaya is our Preschool teacher. She believes that the "curriculum", is what separates Primrose Schools from other care centers. Being able to teach with her students and observing them grow is what motivates her to come to work every day. The character she most relates to is Billy the Duck because she loves to sing!  A fun fact about her is she loves to spend time with her daughter, she loves reading, and being crafty! 

  • Ms. Amritha Thiruvengadam, Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Amritha Thiruvengadam

    Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Amritha is our Preschool teacher. She believes that the structured learning environment separates Primrose Schools from other care centers. She enjoys teaching her students and seeing their growth. Her just being able to see and talk to her students is what motivates her to come to work daily. A fun fact about Ms. Amritha is she plays the piano and bass guitar.

  • Ms. Markaeia Richmond, Private Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Markaeia Richmond

    Private Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Markaeia is our Private Pre-Kindergarten teacher. She believes that what separates Primrose Schools from other care centers is that, “we put a major focus on educating our students, and she can see them grow .” Her students in her care are what motivates her to come to work every day, and she loves to hear their excitement in the classroom. Ms. Markaeia believes her strength as a teacher is her classroom management. Ms. Markaeia most relates to Percy because she helps lead while creating a fun learning environment. A fun fact about her is that she loves pasta and the color blue.

  • Ms. Nancy Recinos, Private Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Nancy Recinos

    Private Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Nancy is our Private Pre-Kindergarten teacher, and she has around 35 years of experience in the childcare industry! As an educator, there are so many things that motivate her to come to work every day such as “the passion to teach and mold the young minds of my students to become a good person and citizen.” Ms. Nancy seeks to promote the value of education in her classroom and wants to touch the lives of her students. She wants to go above and beyond her job description by motivating and engaging her students. One of Ms. Nancy’s strengths would include her desire to build trustworthy relationships with her students. She believes in having equal respect and providing the children in her class the time to share happenings, events, or even items with her. This would most likely be their favorite thing about Ms. Nancy!

  • Ms. Gabbie Lewis, Private Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Gabbie Lewis

    Private Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
    Apple of Our Eye

    Ms. Gabby is our PPK teacher. She believes that the curriculum is what separates Primrose Schools from other care centers. Her students welcoming her in the early mornings is what motivates her to come to work. Ms. Gabby believes her strength as a teacher is she creates a fun and calm environment for her students. A fun fact about her is that used to fly planes with her grandpa! 

  • Ms. Jamie Flores, Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Jamie Flores

    Kindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Jamie is our Kindergarten teacher. She believes that "hands down the curriculum", is what separates Primrose Schools from other childcare centers. The staff and her students are what motivates her to come to work every day. Ms. Jaime loves the fun energy she brings to the classroom and how she is able to level herself down with her students too. A fun fact about her is that she loves Harry Potter and all Disney Movies! She also enjoys spending lots of time with her family and two dogs.   

  • Sotirios & Estela Papadopulos

    Franchise Owners

    We are Sotirios and Estela Papadopulos: proud Franchise Owners of Primrose School of Upper Kirby.

    We first discovered Primrose Schools while searching for childcare for our daughter, Estefania. We were busy with the demands that came with operating our own business and we wanted to ensure that our daughter was being well cared for and it was also important to us that she receive quality education. When we learned about Primrose Schools and what was offered, we immediately knew we had found something special and so both of our children, Estefania and Alexandre, ended up being Primrose graduates. Our experience with Primrose inspired us to offer leading education and care to families in the greater Houston area. Fast-forward 20 years later, Estefania obtained her Masters’ degree in Business Administration with a minor in psychology at the University of St. Thomas while our son, Alex, is a professional racecar driver in the GT4 European Series allowing him the opportunity to compete in races all across Europe. His positive demeanor and “never-give-up” attitude have left nothing but good things to be said by all whom Alex has worked with in the car racing world.

    Today, we are the proud owners of six Primrose School locations throughout greater Houston. Our excitement continues as we are dedicated to bringing the best possible early education and care to families that live and work in the communities we serve. We are committed to creating a warm and nurturing atmosphere in our schools that enable children to exercise their active minds, healthy bodies and happy hearts.

    Our latest big news and with the utmost pride and joy, we are so happy to welcome our “once-little” Primrose daughter to continue our legacy and what we believe Primrose to be. Since Estefania officially joined the team, she has displayed grace, warmth, and a passion for creating a positive influence for any and all children who step into our schools. She is dedicated to supporting all six schools so surely you will see her around to welcome you with a smile!

    Finally, thank you for your interest in our school. We are beyond delighted to have the opportunity to provide (what we believe to be) the best early education and care to the youngest citizens of Houston. We can't wait to meet you and welcome you to our Primrose School of Upper Kirby family!

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