Teachers & Staff

Ms. Grande
At Primrose School of Wesley Chapel, every child thrives in a safe, nurturing environment that encourages curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Ms. Grande brings over 20 years of early childhood education leadership experience to her role as Director of Excellence, guiding both children and teachers to reach their full potential. After returning to the classroom in Early Preschool, she fell in love with the Primrose Balanced Learning® Curriculum, inspiring her to rejoin school leadership and support every aspect of the learning environment.
Ms. Grande holds a National CDA and Florida Director Credential, further enhancing her expertise in creating safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate experiences for children. Families appreciate her warm, approachable, and hands-on leadership style, clear communication, and dedication to fostering strong relationships with both teachers and parents. She ensures every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to grow.
Ms. Grande is a mom to three grown sons and two goldendoodles. Outside of school she enjoys vintage and antique shopping with her husband, spending time outside and exploring all that Florida has to offer!

Ms. Paronto
At Primrose School of Wesley Chapel, we know the pre-kindergarten years are a critical time for building confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Ms. Paronto brings five years of early childhood education experience to our school, creating a classroom environment where learning is fun, structured, and full of creativity.
Families appreciate Ms. Paronto’s encouraging and supportive approach as she partners with them throughout the enrollment process. She fosters a nurturing environment where each child feels seen, valued, and confident, laying a strong foundation for school readiness and future success.
Ms. Paronto strongly believes in the importance of inclusion while helping children develop essential social skills for life. Her favorite part of early education is watching Primrose students’ eyes light up as they master new skills and discover the joy of learning.
Originally from Vermont, Ms. Paronto holds her National CDA credential and recently obtained her Florida Director credential. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and caring for her pets.

Ms. Hudson
At Primrose School of Wesley Chapel, we understand families are looking for more than just childcare they’re looking for leadership they can trust. That’s why we are proud to have Ms. Hudson guiding our educational programs with expertise and warmth.
Ms. Hudson began her career in education began in 1994 as a kindergarten teacher in a childcare center in Illinois. Over the past 23 years, has been privileged to serve children and families in both Illinois and Florida through a variety of educational roles. Ms. Hudson’s professional experience includes nine years as a classroom teacher, nine years as a Reading Specialist, two years as an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher, two years as a Behavior Specialist, and most recently, teaching first grade in a hybrid homeschool setting.
Ms. Hudson holds a Florida Staff Credential and a Florida Teaching Certificate with certifications in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and Reading. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Reading Education, which have provided a strong foundation for supporting students, educators, and families in achieving academic success.
Throughout her career, Ms. Hudson has been committed to fostering positive learning environments, supporting individual student growth, and helping educators implement effective instructional practices. Ms. Hudson’s diverse experience has allowed her to develop a comprehensive understanding of the academic, behavioral, and developmental needs of young learners.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys spending time with family. Ms. Hudson’s husband, who also works in education, has been a steadfast supporter of her passion for teaching and learning. Together, they have four grown children, a daughter currently in high school, and a granddaughter in elementary school. She am also an enthusiastic dog lover and the proud owner of a beloved Golden Retriever.
Faith, family, and service are the guiding principles that shape both Ms. Hudson’s personal and professional life. As Educational Coach, she is honored to support and mentor the talented teachers at Primrose School, helping them provide engaging, meaningful learning experiences for every child. Ms. Hudson believes that when educators are empowered, supported, and inspired, children are best positioned to thrive and reach their full potential.

Ms. Andersen
At Primrose School of Wesley Chapel, we understand families are looking for more than just child care they’re looking for leadership they can trust. That’s why we’re proud to have Ms. Andersen guiding our educational programs with warmth, expertise, and heart.
Ms. Andersen began her journey in early childhood education in 1997 in Chicago, where she started as a toddler teacher. Her deep passion for nurturing young minds led her to teach Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten, building a strong foundation in both child development and classroom leadership.
Since joining Primrose in 2020 as a VPK teacher, Ms. Andersen’s dedication and expertise have earned her promotions to Education Coach and now Director of Education. In this role, she mentors and supports our teaching staff, helping them create safe, engaging, and nurturing classrooms where every child can thrive.
Families appreciate Ms. Andersen’s thoughtful leadership, which is rooted not just in over two decades of experience, but also in her academic background she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a Director’s Credential with VPK endorsement, and a Micro-Literacy Credential. Her commitment to high-quality early learning ensures that every child at Primrose is met with care, encouragement, and developmentally appropriate guidance.
As a mother of two children and someone who understands the hopes and concerns of parents, Ms. Andersen brings a personal touch to her role. She believes that strong relationships between families and educators are essential and she’s here to support you every step of the way.
With leadership you can trust and a team that puts children first, Primrose School of Wesley Chapel is a place where families feel confident, connected, and cared for.

Mr. Archer
At Primrose School of Wesley Chapel, every family and child deserves a safe, nurturing environment where communication, trust, and care are top priorities. Mr. Archer began his journey with Primrose in August 2023, but his connection to Primrose started long before that.
In 2017, his son enrolled as an infant and proudly graduated from VPK after growing through every classroom, making him one of the few children to experience the full Primrose journey. Having experienced Primrose as both a parent and now as a school leader gives Mr. Archer a unique perspective on what families value most in early education: safety, trust, meaningful relationships, and a true partnership between home and school.
Before joining Primrose, Mr. Archer built a career centered on exceptional guest service and leadership with Publix, Walt Disney World Resort (Disney-MGM Studios), Busch Gardens, Chick-fil-A, and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Those experiences shaped his commitment to creating welcoming environments where people feel valued, cared for, and supported. Today, he brings that same philosophy to every family who walks through the school’s doors.
A graduate of the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida and a commissioned Florida Notary Public, Mr. Archer combines strong business leadership with a genuine passion for early childhood education. He is dedicated to ensuring the school operates with excellence while fostering a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and discover their best selves. He believes families deserve open communication, highly trained and compassionate teachers, and the confidence that their child is receiving the highest quality care each day.
Above all, Mr. Archer is passionate about building a school community where every family feels welcomed, connected, and truly part of the Primrose family, because he has experienced firsthand just how meaningful that sense of belonging can be.

Ms. Allen
At Primrose School of Wesley Chapel, we believe nutrition is a key part of your child’s daily learning and growth. That’s why we are proud to have Ms. Allen leading our culinary program. Ms. Allen has over three years of experience in dietician field and a heart full of care.
Ms. Allen ensures every meal is prepared with the highest standards of safety, cleanliness and nutrition in mind. More than that, she prepares every dish with the same love and attention she would give her family and friends. Ms. Allen plays a vital role in supporting each child’s health, happiness and overall well-being.
With Ms. Allen in the Primrose kitchen, you can feel confident knowing your child is not only well-fed but truly cared for.
Outside of Primrose, Ms. Allen is married and loving mom to two cats. She also enjoys taking care of her plants.

Ms. Perez
At Primrose School of Wesley Chapel, we believe that every child thrives in an environment where they are loved, nurtured, and encouraged to explore at their own pace and Ms. Perez brings that belief to life every day in our Older Infant classroom.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Ms. Perez brings more than nine years of early childhood experience and a Baccalaureate in Pedagogy (Kindergarten–Third Grade) to her role. Families are drawn to her calm, patient nature and the way she creates a peaceful, comforting space where infants feel safe, secure, and deeply cared for.
Ms. Perez recently moved to Florida and embraces each day as an opportunity to build meaningful connections with the children and families in her care. Her classroom is filled with gentle routines, soothing interactions, and joyful moments as babies grow, discover new skills, and reach important early milestones.
Outside of school, Ms. Perez enjoys relaxing at the beach, cooking her favorite Puerto Rican dishes, and spending time with her two children. Her favorite children’s book, Cinderella by Charles Perrault, reminds her that kindness and perseverance always shine through, values she brings into her classroom every day.

Ms. Galvan

Ms. Serrano
When families entrust us with their infants, they’re looking for more than just care they want a teacher who is nurturing, attentive, and experienced in supporting babies through every stage of early development. At Primrose School of Tampa Palms, Ms. Serrano brings all of that and more to our infant classrooms.
With over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, Ms. Serrano is a calming, steady presence in the classroom. She holds both her DCF 45-hour training and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, giving her a strong foundation in infant care, safety, and developmental milestones.
Ms. Serrano’s favorite part of working with infants is helping them grow and thrive through daily routines and meaningful interactions. Whether she’s supporting tummy time, guiding first social connections, or offering comfort and cuddles, her gentle, experienced approach gives parents the peace of mind they need during their baby’s earliest months.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Ms. Serrano brings a rich cultural perspective to her classroom. Families also appreciate her consistent communication, thoughtful observations, and the loving relationships she builds with every child in her care.
Originally from a family that values traditions, Ms. Serrano loves celebrating the holidays especially Christmas by sharing a variety of homemade foods and pastries. Outside of school, she enjoys peaceful walks in nature and spending time with her pets: Laura the cat, and two dogs, Hershey and Tara.
With Ms. Serrano, your baby is in the hands of someone who truly understands the importance of early bonding, trust, and developmental support. Her deep experience and loving heart make her a cherished part of the Primrose family and a favorite among parents and children alike.

Ms. Santiago
At Primrose School of Wesley Chapel, we are excited to have Ms. Santiago as part of our team. With more than 25 years of experience in early childhood education, including owning and operating her own family daycare in New York, she brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and dedication to our Infant Program.
Ms. Santiago believes strongly in the power of communication and can often be heard chatting, singing, and engaging with our youngest learners throughout the day. Her nurturing nature and commitment to helping families feel confident that their babies are safe, loved, and well cared for are evident in everything she does. From actively engaging infants in meaningful interactions to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment, she creates a space where children can thrive.
Originally from the Bronx, New York, Ms. Santiago enjoys spending time outdoors riding her bike, shopping, making memories with her family, and enjoying movie nights. She is active in her faith and especially enjoys celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with loved ones.
Ms. Santiago’s warmth, positivity, and genuine love for infants make her an invaluable member of our team. We are grateful for the joy, care, and experience she brings to our school each day.

Ms. Jones

Ms. Bonilla
At Primrose, we’re more than educators we’re a family, and every child is nurtured as if they were our own. Ms. Bonilla brings this same spirit to her Young Toddler classroom, combining over six years of early childhood experience with warmth, creativity, and dedication. Originally from Puerto Rico, she has a true passion for helping toddlers explore, learn, and grow in a safe and engaging environment.
Families appreciate Ms. Bonilla’s gentle, encouraging approach. She understands that the toddler years are a crucial time for building communication skills, independence, and confidence. Her classroom is full of love, laughter, and hands-on learning experiences, where each child feels valued, supported, and inspired to discover the world around them.
Ms. Bonilla holds an Associate’s degree in Optical Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, blending academic knowledge with heartfelt purpose in her teaching. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys time with her husband and two teenage sons, family movie nights, and holiday traditions like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Her favorite children’s book, Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin, reminds her and her students that every day is an opportunity to keep learning, exploring, and smiling.

Ms. Alfonso
t Primrose School of Wesley Chapel, we know the Older Toddler years are a time of incredible growth as children become more independent, develop new skills, and discover the world around them. Families want a teacher who provides a loving and encouraging environment where children feel supported as they learn and grow, and Ms. Alfonso brings that warmth and dedication to our Older Toddler classroom.
Ms. Alfonso brings several years of experience working with young children. She holds a High School Diploma and is currently pursuing her Associate’s Degree. She loves watching children grow, learning about different cultures, and discovering each child’s unique personality. Her caring approach helps children feel confident as they explore new experiences and develop important early learning skills.
Through Primrose’s Balanced Learning® approach, Ms. Alfonso supports each child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through nurturing relationships, purposeful play, and engaging classroom experiences. She enjoys creating a classroom environment where children feel safe, loved, and excited to learn each day.
Ms. Alfonso especially enjoys spending time with family during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys reading, being creative, spending time with friends and family, and caring for her dogs and cat.
With her gentle spirit, caring heart, and passion for helping children grow, Ms. Alfonso creates a classroom where children feel valued, encouraged, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Ms. Gonzalez
Ms. Gonzalez brings a love of art and nature to our Preschool Pathways classroom, creating engaging experiences that spark curiosity and creativity. She finds great joy in watching children grow and celebrating the important developmental milestones they achieve along the way.
With her warm and caring personality, Ms. Gonzalez creates a classroom environment where every child feels safe, supported, and inspired. She is passionate about encouraging independence and fostering confidence in each child. One of her favorite activities is reading to the class, especially her favorite book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, bringing stories to life in a way children truly enjoy.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Gonzalez enjoys spending time with her infant son, hosting gatherings, and scrapbooking. She also loves relaxing at the beach, hiking, and running her own crafting business.
We are excited to have Ms. Gonzalez in our Preschool Pathways classroom and look forward to the joy and enthusiasm she brings to children as they learn through play.

Ms. Wells

Ms. Mortensen
At Primrose School of Wesley Chapel, we believe every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated and that’s exactly what families love about Ms. Mortensen.
With several years of experience supporting and educating individuals with intellectual disabilities, Ms. Mortensen brings warmth, compassion, and reliability to every classroom she serves. Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, she draws on her experience and dedication to create an inclusive, welcoming environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive at their own pace.
Ms. Mortensen believes that strong relationships and open communication with families are essential to helping children succeed socially, emotionally, and academically. She is committed to partnering with parents to ensure each child feels confident, valued, and encouraged every day.
As a proud mother of two sons, Ms. Mortensen understands the trust families place in their children’s teachers. She brings that same care, attentiveness, and nurturing spirit to her work, helping children develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Outside of school, Ms. Mortensen enjoys spending time with her family, reading, volunteering at her church, and enjoying the outdoors whether she’s fishing or relaxing at the beach.
We are grateful to have Ms. Mortensen as part of our Primrose family!

Ms. Delgado
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Delgado to Primrose School of Wesley Chapel as a Support Teacher in our Wonder Program!
Ms. Delgado is Mexican-American, family-oriented, and passionate about working with children. She brings several years of experience as a before- and after-school care counselor and loves watching each child’s unique personality grow and develop.
A high school graduate who has also begun her college education, Ms. Delgado is excited to expand her knowledge of the Primrose Balanced Learning® approach and continue growing professionally with our school.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Delgado enjoys shopping and spending time with her husband and extended family. She is also a proud pet mom to one dog, one cat, two aquatic turtles, and three bunnies! She speaks both English and Spanish and looks forward to building meaningful connections with our children and families.
We are so excited to have Ms. Delgado as part of our Primrose family and look forward to watching her grow with us!

Ms. Brito
At Primrose, we’re more than educators, we’re a family that nurtures each child with the same care and love we’d want for our own. In our Older Toddler classroom, Ms. Brito brings that spirit to life every day. Her calm, patient nature and bright, welcoming smile help create an environment where little ones feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.
Families appreciate Ms. Brito’s ability to connect with toddlers at every stage of development. Whether she’s encouraging independence, celebrating curiosity, or cheering on a new milestone, she helps turn everyday moments into meaningful achievements. She loves hearing the honest thoughts of her students, embracing their energy, and sharing in the excitement of their discoveries.
Ms. Brito is currently pursuing her associate’s degree and continues to expand her knowledge and expertise in early childhood education. She is passionate about fostering confidence, creativity, and a love of learning through hands-on experiences, meaningful interactions, and plenty of laughter.
When she’s not in the classroom, Ms. Brito enjoys creating art, spending time with friends, and relaxing with her beloved cat.
We’re grateful for the warmth, dedication, and positivity Ms. Brito brings to our Primrose family each day!

Ms. Clark
At Primrose School of Wesley Chapel, we know the pre-kindergarten years are a critical time for building confidence, independence, and a love of learning. Ms. Clark brings five years of early childhood education experience and a background from the University of Central Florida to her classroom, creating a balanced environment where learning is fun, structured, and full of creativity.
Families appreciate Ms. Clark’s warm, patient, and encouraging approach, as she helps children explore, take risks, and develop essential social, emotional, and early academic skills. She fosters a classroom where each child feels seen, supported, and confident, laying the foundation for school readiness and lifelong learning. Her favorite children’s book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, inspires playful, engaging literacy experiences that make learning meaningful and memorable.
Bilingual in English and Japanese, Ms. Clark brings cultural awareness to her classroom, helping children appreciate the world around them. Outside of school, she enjoys creative writing, working out, beach days, and spending time with family and friends.
With Ms. Clark guiding the way, your child will grow academically, socially, and emotionally in a nurturing, joyful environment.
Fun Fact: If I wasn’t a teacher, I would be a pediatric nurse.

Ms. Nayak

Ms. Barwick
Ms. Barwick brings 20 years of teaching experience and a deep passion for helping children grow, explore, and develop the skills they need for future success. Families appreciate her warm, patient, and nurturing approach, as she creates a classroom where every child feels safe, supported, and encouraged to discover, learn, and build confidence. She believes in making a meaningful impact on children’s lives while celebrating the joy and curiosity they bring each day.
Her favorite part about teaching is the mutual impact children and teachers have on each other inspiring growth, curiosity, and confidence. Ms. Barwick incorporates engaging hands-on activities, creative lessons, and storytelling to make every day fun, educational, and memorable.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Barwick treasures time with her daughter and son, and family is at the heart of her life. She enjoys family vacations at the beach, as well as celebrating holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Her dedication, experience, and genuine care help ensure every child in her class feels valued, inspired, and ready for the next step in their learning journey.

Mr. Holden
We are pleased to welcome Mr. Holden to the Venture program in a staff support role at Primrose School of Wesley Chapel.
Mr. Holden brings three years of experience working with Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten and administrative support. He holds a National CDA and Staff Credential.
Mr. Holden enjoys being part of each child’s journey as they grown, learn and develop. He believes in the importance of open conversations, creating an environment where children feel heard, valued and encouraged to express themselves. He is passionate about providing the guidance and support children need to build confidence and reach their full potential.
Outside of school, Mr. Holden enjoys watching sports, playing board and card games and spending time with friends and family.
We are excited to have Mr. Holden join our Venture teaching team and look forward to the positive impact he will make on our children, families and staff!

Ms. LaCava
With more than 39 years of experience in early childhood education, Ms. LaCava brings an extraordinary depth of knowledge, dedication, and passion to Primrose School of Wesley Chapel. Committed to excellence in every learning environment, Ms. LaCava believes in allowing children the freedom to “mess about”, explore, discover and learn through meaningful experiences while maintaining a strong focus on intentional teaching. She understands that childhood is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and as educators, it is our responsibility to make every moment count. Her philosophy centers on creating opportunities for children to thrive, grow, and develop into confident, responsible, lifelong learners.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. LaCava has been married for 38 years and is the proud mother of two adult daughters and grandmother to one amazing 2 year old! She holds her Staff Credential and an Associate of Arts degree in Early Education.
When she isn’t at school, she enjoys cooking, traveling and watching movies.
We are thrilled to welcome Ms. LaCava and her wealth of experience, enthusiasm and passion for early education to our Preschool program.

Ms. Kaste

Ms. Pullen

Franchise Owners
Deanne and Rob Fitzpatrick
Welcome to Primrose School of Wesley Chapel! As long-time residents and blessed parents of three grown children, we understand how important it is to find a preschool that feels safe, nurturing, and aligned with your family’s values. We’ve walked alongside many parents in your shoes searching for high-quality early education that supports both academic growth and character development.
For over 26 years, we’ve been deeply involved in our children’s education and have worked passionately with youth through various ministries and community programs. Deanne spent a decade homeschooling our children, driven by a desire to provide personalized learning and a strong foundation. That same commitment to individualized care and meaningful learning is what drew us to Primrose.
When Deanne first toured a Primrose school, she immediately felt at home. The Balanced Learning® approach blending purposeful play with nurturing guidance; resonated with our belief that who children become is just as important as what they know. Deanne holds a National Director’s Credential and brings her experience as both an educator and a parent to every decision we make.
Rob’s background in corporate sales leadership and community development has shaped our commitment to service. He holds a Master of Divinity, is ordained, and has led youth ministries and educational programs for many years. Rob also holds a National Director’s Credential and shares our vision of creating a safe, joyful, and enriching environment for every child.
We know families in Wesley Chapel value trust, transparency, and a preschool that partners with them in their child’s growth. That’s why we’re dedicated to building a school where children feel loved, supported, and inspired every day. One of our favorite Primrose principles is “Approach each day with joy” and we truly live by it.
We’re honored to bring our life experiences, faith, and passion for education to this community. Together, we’re committed to “Forging a Path That Leads to a Brighter Future for All Children.”
Warmly,
Deanne and Rob Fitzpatrick




