Primrose School of West Plymouth

Our Staff

  • Heather Mackowick, School Director

    Heather Mackowick

    School Director

    Ms. Mackowick is our school director and has been with the Primrose family since September of 2007. She comes to us highly recommended with an extensive background in the early education field. Graduating with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood. Heather has over 30 years of experience working with young children and is delighted to be a part of the Primrose team. Ms. Mackowick states,"my passion is caring for young children and watching their growth and knowledge blossom in such a short time".

    These are a few of my Favorite Things

    Food:Cheesburgers

    Hobbies: Reading and Gardening

    Beverage: Diet Coke

    Candy: M & Ms

    Color: Red or Bright Pink

  • Ms. Giuliani, Assistant Director

    Ms. Giuliani

    Assistant Director

    I’m Michelle Giuliani. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I grew up in Plymouth, MN where I graduated from Maple Grove Senior High. I then went to Minnesota State University-Moorhead to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I have a loving husband and an adorable little girl. I love spending time with my family in my spare time. I love being an Assistant Director and I can’t think of anything else I would rather be doing.

    These are a few of my Favorite Things

    Food: Pasta

    Hobbies: Reading and Shopping

    Beverage: Chocolate Cooler from Caribou

    Candy: Kit-Kat

    Color: Purple

  • Ms. Amanda, Administrative Assistant

    Ms. Amanda

    Administrative Assistant

    I’m Amanda Gross.I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I live in Buffalo with my spouse, 3 beautiful boys and my dogs. I have always loved working in childcare! I have an associates degree in social work from St. Cloud State University. 

    These are a few of my Favorite Things

    Food: Pizza

    Hobbies: Camping

    Beverage: Coke

    Candy: Kit-Kat

    Color: Red

     

  • Ms. Wojciak, Education Coach

    Ms. Wojciak

    Education Coach

    I’m Deb Wojciak.I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

    I am so excited to get to know you and your children. I love being the Education Coach. I have been working with children of all ages for many years and I love teaching children the curriculum. Curriculm has always been a passion for me. I have a son and daughter of my own.

    These are a few of my Favorite Things

    Food:Fruit and Veggies

    Hobbies: Hiking, exploring new places and painting with my kids

    Beverage: Water, Tea and Diet Coke

    Candy: Dark Chocolate

    Color: Green

  • Ms. Shea, Infant Lead Teacher - Employee of the Year 2009

    Ms. Shea

    Infant Lead Teacher - Employee of the Year 2009

    Ms. Shea has been with the Primrose family since 2007. She brings over 6 years of experience working with young children as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Child Psychology with an Associates Degree in Early Education. Ms. Shea's calm demeanor and caring nature makes her a wonderful asset to our Infant Staff! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her son, Will and daughter, Paige.

    These are a few of my Favorite Things

    Food:Chinese

    Hobbies: Reading

    Beverage: Sprite

    Candy: Twix and Skittles

    Color: Blue or Red

  • Ms. Lawrence, Infant A Lead Teacher~ Teacher of the Year 2017

    Ms. Lawrence

    Infant A Lead Teacher~ Teacher of the Year 2017

    I love working with children of all ages whether it be at school or my church. I started at Primrose in December of 2011. I have worked in the Robbinsdale School District special education department for ages from 3 years old to Kindergarten. I love watching the children grow and develop into young adults. I enjoy getting down to their size and interacting with them. Let us all understand there is a little kid in all of us. Sometimes we have to step out of our little box and enjoy life. That is what it is all about.

    These are a few of my Favorite Things

    Food: Burgers and Crab Legs

    Hobbies: Reading and Camping

    Beverage: Coffee and Lemonade

    Candy: Chocolate Heath

    Color: Purple

  • Ms. Wecker, Infant A/B Support Teacher

    Ms. Wecker

    Infant A/B Support Teacher

    Hello,

    My birthday is February 21st. I have 4 younger siblings and I love working with infants. I have experience with all ages working as a swim instructor. I am so excited to help the babies learn and grow.

    My Favorite Food: Pizza

    Favorite Children's Book: Rainbow Fish

    Favorite Candy: Peanut M&Ms

    Favorite Drink: Water

  • Ms. Metcalf, Infant B Lead Teacher

    Ms. Metcalf

    Infant B Lead Teacher

    I live in Buffalo with my husband and 2 kids. I have been in childcare for almost 15 years and have loved every minute of it. In my spare time I like to read and spend outdoors and spend time with my family. 

    Favorite Food: Steak and Lobster

    Favorite Children's Book: Harold and the Purple Crayon

  • Ms. Anderson, Toddler Lead Teacher

    Ms. Anderson

    Toddler Lead Teacher

    Hello! My name is Ms. Anderson. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I have been married for over 34 years. I have 2 grown sons, one of which is married and has a daughter that goes to Primrose of West Plymouth. I love working with children because they have a way of showing you a different way the world and have unlimited hugs to give. It's so wonderful to watch them grow and learn and know that I helped with that. I can't wait to learn more about you and your family.

    These are a few of my Favorite Things

    Food: Chocolate

    Hobbies: Baking and Reading

    Beverage: Water

    Candy: Chocolate

    Color: Pink

  • Ms. Warner, Toddler A Lead Teacher

    Ms. Warner

    Toddler A Lead Teacher

    Hello,

    I'm from Brookston, MN. I like to spend time with my family and friends. I received my AAs in Early Childhood Development at Fond du Lac Tribal Community College. My favorite children's book series is Llama Llama books.

  • Ms. Hunter, Toddler B Teacher

    Ms. Hunter

    Toddler B Teacher

    Hi! My name is Ms. Hunter. I am the second oldest out of 14 siblings. I enjoy singing, dancing and drawing. I really enjoy working with kids of all ages and do plan on furthering my career in Early Childhood Education. I can't wait to learn more about uou and your family.

    These are a few of my Favorite Things

    Food: Pasta

    Hobbies: Drawing

    Beverage: Water

    Candy: Kit-Kat

    Color: Blue

  • Ms. Kunzmann, Support Teacher -Employee of the Year 2008

    Ms. Kunzmann

    Support Teacher -Employee of the Year 2008

    Ms. Kunzmann graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been with Primrose School of West Plymouth since the school opened in 2007. Ms. Kunzmann knew from the time she was young she wanted to work with the infant age group. Ms. Kunzmann and her husband have 2 wonderful children that love coming to Primrose School too!

  • Ms. Chong, Early Preschool Lead Teacher

    Ms. Chong

    Early Preschool Lead Teacher

    Ms. Chong has been with the Primrose family since 2008. She comes to us from Maple Grove where she lives with her husband and two kids. She works in our Early Preschool classroom. She has a major in Early Childhood Education and has lots of experience working with young children. She says that she absolutely loves working at Primrose and working with young children!

    These are a few of my Favorite Things

    Food: Linguine

    Hobbies: Watching Movies and Traveling

    Beverage: Caramel Macchiato

    Candy:Starbursts

    Color: Red and Purple

  • Ms. Carol

    Early Preschool Lead Teacher

    I love to read, sing and dance with the young children. I live in Maple Grove with my family. I like to make delicious food for my family. My favorite food is all kinds of seafood and noodles.

  • Ms. Adams, Lead Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Ms. Adams

    Lead Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Hello,

    I'm Ms. Adams! I love kids and I love watching them grow and become independent. My favorite activity to teach is circle time. I love putting on little puppet shows for the kids. My favorite children's book is "Pete the Cat". I can't wait to meet you and your family.

    These are a few of my Favorite Things

    Food: Tacos

    Hobbies: Snowboarding

    Beverage: Dunkin Donuts/Starbucks

    Candy: Kit-Kat

    Color: Green

  • Ms. Hauge, Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Hauge

    Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Hauge (Ingledue) graduated from Hennepin Technical College in 2006 with her two year degree in Early Childhood Development. She has been teaching since October 2nd, 2002 and has been teaching at Primrose School of West Plymouth since August 1st, 2011. She is one of our lead teachers in the Preschool classroom. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She looks forward to getting to know all of the children and families in her classroom.

    These are a few of my Favorite Things:

    Food: Breakfast and Sweets

    Hobbies: Crafting

    Beverage: Iced Caramel Latte

    Candy: Most anything with chocolate and peanut butter

    Color: Pink, Green and Yellow

  • Ms. Marquardt, Preschool A Lead Teacher

    Ms. Marquardt

    Preschool A Lead Teacher

    I'm Amanda Marquardt. I'm married to my husband Brandon. We have two beautiful daughters. We enjoy spening time outside! I am looking forward to learning more about you and your family.

  • Ms. Johnson, Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Johnson

    Preschool Teacher

    I’m Lauren Johnson.I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I This will be my fifth year teaching preschool and my seventh year teaching overall. I love learning with children of all ages; its so much fun to watch them grow! I am a lifelong learner and love to get my hands on any form ofnew information that I can. I can’t wait to share my love of learning with you! In my spare time my son Jack and Miles keeps me busy. Jack is in Kindergarten and Miles is in Toddler A. I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

    These are a few of my Favorite Things

    Food: Potatoes in any form

    Hobbies: Camping, Biking, Eating and going to concerts/movies

    Beverage: Iced Caramel Latte and Peach Iced Tea

    Candy: Chocolate

    Color: Purple

     

  • Ms. Halverson, Preschool Teacher-Teacher of the Year 2012

    Ms. Halverson

    Preschool Teacher-Teacher of the Year 2012

    Ms. Halverson has been with the Primrose family since January of 2008 and has over seven years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Music and Communication Studies. She has always had a passion for music, singing, and performing, so having the opportunity to teach her knowledge to young children has been extremely rewarding! You will always find a lot of music going on in her Preschool B classroom as well! These programs have also allowed Ms. Halverson the experience teaching in all classrooms and ages at Primrose, and she just loves getting to know each and every one of their unique personalities! In her spare time she loves to sing and perform in shows around the Twin Cities, read, scrapbook, and spend time with her niece and newphew. :)

    These are a few of my Favorite Things

    Food: Ice Cream and Breakfast Food

    Hobbies: Scrapbooking, Reading, Working Out and Musicals/Singing

    Beverage: Coffee

    Candy: Skittles (Berry Bag) and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

    Color: Purple

  • Ms. Fitzgerald, Preschool C Lead Teacher

    Ms. Fitzgerald

    Preschool C Lead Teacher

    I am very talkative, energetic, and animated. Love children. I have been working with children for 35 years and obviously love children! I love spending time with friends and family.

    These are a few of my Favorite Things

    Food: Mexican

    Hobbies: Grandkids

    Beverage: Pineapple Matcha

    Candy: Dark Chocolate

    Color: Pink

  • Ms. Beugen, Preschool C Teacher

    Ms. Beugen

    Preschool C Teacher

    I’m Samantha Beugen.I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I live with my parents, younger sister, and our dog, Max here in Plymouth. For high school I first went to Fair downtown in Minneapolis for 9th and 10th grade. Then I went to Perpich Center for the Arts for 11th and 12th grade. While I was there my main art area was that I focused on was theatre. My love for the arts especially performing arts has been a very useful key inmy career. Other interests of mine include traveling, photography, swimming, going to the Minnesota Golden Gophers hokey games and watching movies, just to name a few. I’m so excited to be at Primrose.

  • Ms. Heinicke, Pre-Kindergarten A Lead Teacher

    Ms. Heinicke

    Pre-Kindergarten A Lead Teacher

    I’ve been working with kids since 2006. I went to school at Rasmussen college and I’m going to school for human services. I enjoy bon fires, summers at the lake and my family cabin, I love to spend time with my family and and dog Luna, I’m always down for a good burger!

    These are a few of my Favorite Things

    Food: Red Meat and Vietnamese

    Hobbies: Trying new Recipes, Cooking and Baking

    Beverage: Sprite and Red Wine

    Candy: Twix and Kit-Kat

    Color: Coral and Salmon

  • Ms. Garvais

    Pre-Kindergarten A Lead Teacher

    I’m Taylor Garvais, I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I have been working in childcare for a few years. When I am not working I really enjoy being outdoors. I enjoy hunting and fishing when I am at the cabin. I also really enjoy dancing, I was at a dance studio for 15 years. I also was on the St. Cloud State University's Dance Team. I am looking forward to working with the children and being a member of the Primrose family. I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

    These are a few of my Favorite Things

    Food: Sushi and Spaghetti

    Hobbies: Fishing, Hunting, Gardening and Going on Walks

    Beverage: Dr. Pepper and Mango Iced Tea (Caribou)

    Candy: Sour Patch Kids and Gummy Bears

    Color: Neon (Any Color), Red and Pink

     

  • Ms. Tea, Pre-Kindergarten Support Teacher

    Ms. Tea

    Pre-Kindergarten Support Teacher

    Let’s get to know each others.

    My name is Tailyr. T.E.A. are my initials! I am currently going for my degree in early childhood development, thinking about child psychology. I love kids. I’ve been the family babysitter since I was just a little kid myself. I believe all children are capable with proper patience and guidance.

    These are a few of my Favorite Things:

    Food: French Toast and Dessert

    Hobbies: Skating and taking care of my Bearded Dragon

    Beverage: Rootbeer

    Candy: Twizzler

    Color: Golden Sparkle

     

  • Mr. Jeremiah, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Mr. Jeremiah

    Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

    Hello! My name is Mr. Jeremiah. I was born right here in Minnesota and have learned to embrace the cold. I have 4 siblings that I adore greatly, and a dog named Rolo. On weekends you will likely catch me camping with my friends or enjoying quality time with my family. I look forward to meeting each of you and amp proud to be part of the Primrose Family.

  • Ms. Taylor, Pre-Kindergarten B Lead Teacher

    Ms. Taylor

    Pre-Kindergarten B Lead Teacher

    Hello,

    I graduated from St. Michael Albertville High School in 2017. Since then I have studied Elementary Education but fell in love with Early Childhood Education. My hometown is Greenfield where I live with my boyfriend Joe, dog Oakley and our 2 cats.

  • Mr. Jacob, School Chef

    Mr. Jacob

    School Chef

    Hello! My name is Mr. Jacob. I moved to Minnesota over 2 years ago. I was working in a professional kitchen for 2 years. I recently just moved to Plymouth and am excited to be working for Primrose to help everyone eat a balanced and nutritious diet. I can't wait to learn more about you and your family.

  • Saleem Karmaliani and Salima Mithani, Franchise Owner

    Saleem Karmaliani and Salima Mithani

    Franchise Owners

    Meet Saleem Karmaliani and Dr. Salima Mithani – dedicated parents of three daughters and active owners and operators of Primrose Schools located in the northern, central and southern neighborhoods of twin cities metropolis. 

    Primrose School of Prior Lake & Savage was the very first Primrose to open its doors in Minnesota in August 2006. With years of successfully serving the Prior Lake and Savage communities, the couple decided to organically grow into neighborhoods where the communities were still lacking high quality early childhood education and care. As a result they own Primrose School of South Minneapolis & RichfieldPrimrose School of Prior Lake and Savage, Primrose School of Arden Hills and Shoreview, Primrose School of Edina, and Primrose School of West Plymouth

    As parents of young children themselves, Karmalianis understand the importance of starting early to shape a child’s educational foundation and character. The couple, sees first hand, the difference early childhood education makes in young lives as they have themselves witnessed how Primrose School has positively impacted their own children. "We knew we wanted to deliver the same high-quality care and education for other families," said Saleem. Recognizing how challenging it was to find a quality, early childhood development program for their own children, Karmalianis embraced and continue to promote the Primrose mission with a well-balanced educational experience for the families they serve through these schools.

    Saleem holds graduate degrees in Education and Public Policy, while Salima practices the field of Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine. Both are graduates of University of Minnesota and have been living in Twin Cities for 25 plus years. Together they have three daughters Cerena and twins Sophie and Sara. Karmalianis love sports and are die-hard fans of Gophers and Minnesota Vikings. The family loves to spend time outdoors and are frequent visitors to Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).

    “Our mission remains consistent with the Primrose model: to provide our families with the premier well balanced early childhood development experience in a safe and loving environment. We know this is only possible with our parents and teachers’ continued partnership and support” said Saleem. His past experience in Education as well as working for the government in the field of Human Services for over 15 years is practically evident in his day to day operations in their schools. Between their schools, Saleem leads a dedicated and professional team of over 120 employees managed by 12 highly qualified and caring leadership team members.

    “When we were introduced to Primrose for our own children, we immediately became enthralled with the curriculum, instruction methodologies and dedication of the teachers to develop each child emotionally and cognitively,” said Dr. Salima Mithani. The couple recognized that Saleem's experience in education combined with Primrose Schools's philosophy would allow their family to establish a strong model of early learning in Minnesota where parents and children would feel comfortable and part of a family.

    Both Saleem and Salima volunteer for local community organizations in the field of education and public services. Dr. Salima Mithani also served as the board member and treasurer of their children elementary school's PTO.

    Primrose School of West Plymouth opened its doors on September 10, 2007, and our teachers have been enthusiastically teaching the exclusive Balanced Learning system with STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math) Program for children ages six weeks to 6 years old. Developed by and taught exclusively at Primrose Schools, Balanced Learning Curriculum blends teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a special emphasis on character development in the schools.

    We hope to see you around at the school. For more information about Primrose School of West Plymouth, please visit our Facebook page.

    Read More