Teachers & Staff

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Teachers
Staff
Mrs. Smith
21 Years of ExperienceJoined 2022
Mrs. Smith
Director

Hi, I’m Mrs. Amber Smith! I am from Camarillo, California. I lived the first half of my life in Southern California and the second half in Las Vegas, Nevada. I have over 20 years of experience working in the childcare field with specific experience as a director and assistant director. On the weekends, I enjoy barbequing and watching sports with my family (especially the Dodgers). I am most excited to get to know all of the wonderful Primrose families and witness the children learn and grow in and out of the classroom!

 

Mrs. Wahl
36 Years of ExperienceJoined 2022
Mrs. Wahl
Food Service Teacher

Hi I’m Mrs. Michelle Wahl! I am from Maddock, North Dakota. I have been working in the childcare field for over 23 years. I love Greek, German and Mexican food. I enjoy hanging out with my grandchildren and camping. I’m excited to be here at Primrose and get the kitchen in order, the way I like it!

 

Ms. Vanessa Vega
5 Years of ExperienceJoined 2024
Ms. Vanessa Vega
Lead Teacher - Infant 1

Hi, I’m Ms. Vanessa! I am from Chicago, IL. I have over 2 years of experience working with children. I am a high school graduate and have my CNA at East Valley Institute of Technology. I enjoy hiking, watching movies and reading in my spare time. I’m most excited to develop bonds with the students!

 

 

 

Mrs. Vega
16 Years of ExperienceJoined 2022
Mrs. Vega
Lead Teacher - Infant

Hi, I’m Mrs. Vega! I am from Chicago, IL. I have over 12 years of experience working with children of all ages. I am a high school graduate and did 3 years of classes working on my Bachelor’s degree on Early Childhood Education. On the weekend, I enjoy drinking coffee, reading and spending time with my family. I relate the most to Benjamin the Bear and I’m most excited to develop a bond with the children and their families!

Mrs. Michal
15 Years of ExperienceJoined 2025
Mrs. Michal
Lead Teacher - Infant

Hi, I’m Mrs. Michal! I am from Anaheim, CA. This is my first time in childcare but I’ve worked as a nanny for many years. I am currently working towards my CDA as well. I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter in my spare time and I love Mexican and Italian food! I’m most excited to grow and foster young minds!

Mrs. Aikram
7 Years of ExperienceJoined 2023
Mrs. Aikram
Assistant Teacher - Older Toddler

Hi, I’m Mrs. Aikram! I am from Libya. I have over 5 years of experience working with children. I also have my Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. I enjoy shopping in my spare time and I love Persian food! I am excited to be around the students and make a difference in their lives!

Mrs. Akter
24 Years of ExperienceJoined 2018
Mrs. Akter
Assistant Toddler Teacher

Hi, I’m Mrs. Akter! I am from Chandler, AZ. I have worked in childcare for a few years with at least two years at this Primrose school. I also have my Bachelor of Arts in Special Education. I enjoy spending time with my family and I love Biriany. I’m excited to be here at Primrose!

Ms. Garcia
5 Years of ExperienceJoined 2023
Ms. Garcia
Lead Teacher - Preschool 1

Hi, I’m Ms. Garcia! I am from Phoenix, AZ. This is my second experience working at a Primrose school. I love tacos and shopping in my spare time. I relate the most to Billy the Duck, and I’m excited to get to know the students and build relationships with them!

 

Mrs. Hockett
13 Years of ExperienceJoined 2023
Mrs. Hockett
Lead Teacher - Preschool 2

Hi, I’m Ms. Hockett! I am from Arcata, CA. I have over 11 years of experience working with children ages 6 and younger. I also have my degree from Santa Barbara City College. I enjoy hiking with my daughter and our dog in our spare time. I relate most to Percy the Rooster and I’m most excited to see the children learn and grow in their education!

 

Ms. Wormuth
Joined 2024
Ms. Wormuth
Lead Teacher - PreK 1

Hi, I’m Ms. Wormuth! I am from Carbondale, PA. I have over 4 years of experience working in childcare. My favorite food is sushi and I enjoy hiking in my spare time. I’m most excited to build connections and make friends!

 

Ms. Dworshak
Joined 2017
Ms. Dworshak
Support Teacher

Hi, I’m Ms. Dworshak! I am from Silver Lake, Minnesota. I have been working at Primrose for over 3 years. I enjoy gardening and the children’s book “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss. I love working at Primrose and watching the little ones grow!

 

Ms. Luketich
54 Years of ExperienceJoined 2024
Ms. Luketich
Support Teacher

Hi, I’m Ms. Luketich! I am from Greeley, CO. This is my first time working in a childcare facility, but I was a pediatric nurse for over 40 years. I enjoy doing anything outdoors with my family and my favorite children’s book is “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. I am most excited to meet the staff and children and watch them grow!

Ms. Cobbs
9 Years of ExperienceJoined 2025
Ms. Cobbs
Lead Teacher

Hi, I’m Connie Cobbs! I am from Tempe, Arizona. I have over 10 years experience working with children. I was previously the Toddler teacher here at Primrose West Chandler from 2022-2024. After stepping away to be with family I am super excited to be back working with these amazing children. I cannot wait to help them reach their full potential!

Ms. Valeria
8 Years of ExperienceJoined 2025
Ms. Valeria
Assistant Teacher

Hello! My name is Valeria Cazares. I am from Yuma, Arizona. I graduated high school and currently am enrolled in college at ASU. I have volunteered for childcare centers as well as worked for a staffing agency for childcares. I enjoy hanging out with friends when I m not working or in school. I am excited to get to know the children and help them learn and grow each day.

Ms. Cambree
6 Years of ExperienceJoined 2026
Ms. Cambree
Infant Teacher

Hello! My name is Ms. Cambree Peel. I am from Billings, Montana. I am currently enrolled in college to obtain my Bachelor’s Degree. I have worked in a licensed childcare center for about a year now and spent 6 years nannying prior to that. My favorite thing to do is to hang out at my pool. I am excited to be apart of the children’s learning journeys.

Ms. DaNaya
6 Years of ExperienceJoined 2026
Ms. DaNaya
Support Teacher

Hello! My name is Ms. DaNaya Fuller. I am from Chandler, AZ. I graduated from Chandler High School and earned my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Mesa Community College. I am now pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education Dual Language. I really enjoy drawing and painting. I am excited to individually get to know the children here at Primrose and  support them with key milestones while also supporting their learning journey.

Mr. Felix
8 Years of ExperienceJoined 2026
Mr. Felix
Support Teacher

Hello! My name is Mr. Felix Hernandez. I am from Nyack, New York. I worked as an elementary school teacher for 8 years, and last year made the change to Preschool. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in History. I enjoy building Lego sets in my free time. I am excited to work with the class and help them learn and grow.

Mrs. Lamrot
4 Years of ExperienceJoined 2026
Mrs. Lamrot
Support Teacher

Hello! My name is Mrs. Lamrot Bogale. I am from Bale Goba, Ethiopia. I have worked with children for the past few years. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family and creating fashion. I am most excited about helping children learn and watching them grow.

Ms. Kharia Grady
1 Year of ExperienceJoined 2026
Ms. Kharia Grady
Pre Kindergarten Teacher

Hello! My name is Ms. Kharia Grady. I am from Kokomo, Indiana. I have just over a year experience working with children. I recently graduated from Fresno State University with my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. In my free time I enjoy playing Volleyball. I am excited to get to know the children and build trusted relationships.

Ms. Anjolee Sanchez
2 Years of ExperienceJoined 2026
Ms. Anjolee Sanchez
Support Teacher

Hello! My name is Ms. Anjolee Sanchez. I am from Chandler, AZ. My preschool experience started in high school when I worked in the Corona Del Sol Lab Preschool. I will graduate from high school next year. I enjoy paddleboarding in my free time. I can’t wait to learn all about the children.

Ms. Shivanna Jake
5 Years of ExperienceJoined 2026
Ms. Shivanna Jake
Toddler Teacher

Hello! My name is Ms. Shivanna Jake. I am from Holbrook, AZ. I have worked with children for the last few years at both Native American Christian Academy and Impact Africa. I graduated from Holbrook High School and received my Early Childhood Education certificate through Northland Pioneer College. I am currently a Coast Guard Reserve. I enjoy paddleboarding in my free time. I am excited to get to know the children and watch them grow.

Ms. Tatyenna Sanchez
3 Years of ExperienceJoined 2026
Ms. Tatyenna Sanchez
Early Preschool Teacher

Hello! My name is Tatyenna Sanchez. I am from Albuquerque, New Mexico. I have 3 years of experience teaching two year olds. I will receive my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in December 2026. I love to catch up on sleep during my free time. I am excited to be a part of the children’s developmental growth.

Franchise Owner

Anita and Pramod Patel

Meet Anita and Pramod Patel, proud Franchise Owners of Primrose School of West Chandler. As longtime residents of Phoenix, this couple is thrilled to bring the unique Primrose Experience to the children and families in the greater Phoenix area.

Anita and Pramod have been married more than 30 years and been residents of Ahwatukee for nearly 25 years. The couple has three grown children of their own and always placed the highest value on education, both for themselves and their family.The Patels were first introduced to Primrose in 2014 when a family friend became a Franchise Owner. The couple’s daughters have both worked in early education, so the whole family was inspired by the opportunity to bring high-quality education and care to their community.

“My family has always been involved in business, and my two daughters have enjoyed working in education,” said Anita. “Opening a school seemed like the perfect way to combine our family’s history with our passion for education, and once we learned about the Balanced Learning® approach and its emphasis on character development, we knew we wanted to open a Primrose school.”

Originally from the United Kingdom, Anita and her parents have owned several businesses focused on customer service in both the U.K. and the U.S. Her parents’ legacy and dedication to customer service excellence inspired Anita to open her own Primrose school with her own family. Anita will manage the daily operations, putting her MBA to good use. Pramod will manage marketing and be the resident “IT guy,” while continuing his work as an engineer. Pramod and Anita’s middle daughter will also work at the school, putting her degree in Early Childhood Education and years of experience from teaching at a Montessori school to good use.

“We believe in the Primrose mission to forge a path to a brighter future for all children, and we want to start by making a positive impact on the lives and futures of the children and families in Arizona,” said Pramod. “Our community deserves the fun, safe environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion in children.”

Our family would love to meet yours.

Contact us to schedule a tour.
A child and teacher's hand on a bookA young boy playing with toysA young boy playing to the floor looking up at cameraA young boy smiling at cameraA young boy looking at cameraA child and teacher's hand on a bookA young boy playing with toysA young boy playing to the floor looking up at cameraA young boy smiling at cameraA young boy looking at camera
© 2026 Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. We will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable registration and disclosure requirements in your jurisdiction. Contact Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC, 3200 Windy Hill Road SE, Suite 1200E, Atlanta, GA 30339, to request a copy of our FDD.

*Study was conducted on a representative sample of Primrose Pre-Kindergarten students across twelve Primrose schools in nine states in the Spring of 2024. The Bracken School Readiness Assessment 4th Edition assesses children’s school readiness in terms of their understanding of concepts that are strongly related to early childhood cognitive and language development as well as early academic achievement.

**Based upon recent assessments of approximately 3,900 Primrose students aged 4 screened using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires®, Third Edition during the 2024-2025 school year. Ages & Stages Questionnaires® and ASQ® are registered trademarks of Paul H Brookes Publishing Co, Inc.