Primrose School Building

Primrose School of Wichita East

Our Staff

  • Emily Brungardt, Executive Director

    Emily Brungardt

    Executive Director
  • Ms. Olerud, Center Director

    Ms. Olerud

    Center Director

    I relocated to Wichita from Minnesota over 5 years ago. In Minnesota, I was a preschool teacher at a childcare center for a little over two years; when I moved to Kansas. I came to Primrose with over five years of experience in child care and have been part of the management team for 5 years. As the Center Director, I personally take pride in our warm atmosphere and highly regarded educational program. I have had the opportunity to gain valuable experience working with a variety of ages, ranging from preschool children all the way to elementary age children; I love watching them grow each day- learning new and exciting things.

    We understand how hard it is to leave your child under the care of someone else, and we take this responsibility seriously. I hope to help provide the best experience for each child, family and staff here at Primrose School of Wichita East.

  • Ms. Kirkpatrick, Assistant Director

    Ms. Kirkpatrick

    Assistant Director

    Mrs. Kirkpatrick has been teaching for five years. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies with Minors in both Early Childhood Development and Leadership. She wants her students to feel happy and confident to always try their best at everything. In her class Mrs. Kirkpatrick strives to meet each child’s individual needs. She enjoys Mia the mouse because she emphasizes an active lifestyle . Her favorite part of the day is Science Class. Primrose is proud to have such a talented and enthusiastic role model at school.

  • Ms. Hernandez, Curriculum Coach

    Ms. Hernandez

    Curriculum Coach

    Ms. Hernandez joins the Primrose team with 20 years of experience in the early childhood field. Her favorite puppet is Katie the cat because she shows the kids how to work together and how to be polite to one another. Ms. Hernandez’s favorite time of the day is small group because learning letters and how to write is something that is near and dear to her heart. Her goal is to make sure that her students are confident in what they know and that their journey is only beginning. Ms. Hernandez wants her students to feel safe, loved, and respected every day when they come into her class. We are excited to have Ms. Hernandez with her passion and amazing organization here at Primrose.

  • Ms. Sanders, Chef

    Ms. Sanders

    Chef

    Ms. Sanders joins Primrose with a years worth of experience within a public school. She has a passion for learning and has an inspiration for creativity. Her favorite Primrose puppet is Billy the duck because he teaches the importance of keeping promises. She wants each of her students to enter her room knowing they are going to be loved. We are very blessed to have Ms. Sanders apart of our team.

  • Ms. Westmoreland, Support Staff

    Ms. Westmoreland

    Support Staff
  • Ms. Russell, Lead Infant Teacher

    Ms. Russell

    Lead Infant Teacher

    Ms.Russell joins Primrose with 7 years of experience in the Early Childhood field. Ms.Russell's favorite Primrose Pal is Molly the Cow because respect can go along way and is valued in life. Ms.Russell's favorite time of the day is drop off and pickup becasue she feels she can get to know her families and rely important information that is needed to know for her students development. While the children are in Ms. Russell's care she hopes they feel loved and safe. We are very happy to have Ms.Russell's big heart here at Primrose.

  • Ms. Huckaby, Assistant Infant Teacher

    Ms. Huckaby

    Assistant Infant Teacher

    Ms. Huckaby is new to the early childhood field and is loving the environment. Her favorite Primrose Pal is Erwin the dog. Erwin encourages friendships and Ms. Huckaby loves watching children learn, grow, and become social with one another. Ms. Huckaby loves being able to get on the floor with children and play. Being on their level allows Ms. Huckaby the opportunity to help them learn through play. Ms. Huckaby’s goal for her children is to smile, move around, and explore with their friends. When they move up the next classroom, she hopes that they are hitting all the milestones to be successful. We are very excited to have Ms. Huckaby’s kind smile here at Primrose!

  • Ms. Monroe, Support Staff

    Ms. Monroe

    Support Staff
  • Ms. G. Sykes, Lead Young Toddler Teacher

    Ms. G. Sykes

    Lead Young Toddler Teacher

    Ms. G. Sykes joins Primrose with 4 years of experience in the early childhood field. Og is her favorite puppet because just like Ms. Sykes he shares the love of reading with the children. During Og’s story time one of Ms. Sykes favorite books to read to her class is Dr. Suess’ Fox in Socks because she enjoys all the tongue twisters in the book. She aims to make sure that the kids are loved and feel safe when coming to school every day! We are honored to have Ms. Sykes with her positive attitude and thirst for greatness as a teacher here at Primrose!

  • Ms. Schott, Assistant Young Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Schott

    Assistant Young Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Schott joins the Primrose team with just a year or two of experience in the early childhood field. Her favorite puppet is Erwin the dog because she likes that he teaches the kids to art just like she does. Ms. Schott’s favorite time of the day going outside because she is able to truly interact with the children and build the bonds that helps her be a better teacher to them. The goal she has for her students is to be able to help her students walk. Ms. Schott wants her children to feel loved and cared for when they are in her classroom. We are very excited to have Ms. Schott’s warm heart and patience here at Primrose!

  • Ms. Hopkins, Lead Older Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Hopkins

    Lead Older Toddler Teacher
  • Ms. Holley, Assistant Older Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Holley

    Assistant Older Toddler Teacher

    Mrs. Holley has been in the Early Education field for 15 years. She comes to Primrose with an abundance of experience and knowledge that will help her in any room she may be put into. Mrs. Holley has three favorite parts of the day; outside playtime, story time, and music time. She really enjoys watching them engage in these activities, learn new things, and build on their prior knowledge. Mrs. Holley wants all of her children to feel safe and know that they are loved. We are happy to have Mrs. Holley’s experience and warm heart here at Primrose!

  • Ms. O'keefe, Lead Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. O'keefe

    Lead Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. S. O’Keefe has 15 years of experience working with children. She would like to further her knowledge in early education by getting her associates degree. Ms. O’Keefe loves Mia the mouse because like herself she likes being outdoors with the children; she loves to watch them explore and enjoy the fresh air. She wants the children in her class to feel loved and safe while in her care. The best part of the day to Ms. O’Keefe is art because she enjoys seeing the kids in her class create and be excited about their work. Her goals for her children are to become empathetic towards others and learn some skills such as counting and writing their names. We love having Ms. S. O’Keefe on our Primrose team.

  • Ms. Slaughter, Assistant Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Slaughter

    Assistant Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Slaughter joins Primrose with 6 years of experience. Her favorite time of the day is Wonder time 2. Which is a time full of Arts and Crafts. One thing she wants her students to learn most while in care is to be kind to everyone. We are very happy to have such a creative teacher here at Primrose. 

  • Ms. C. Williams, Lead Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. C. Williams

    Lead Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Williams has nearly 3 years of childcare experience and has a degree in Early Childhood Education. Her favorite time of the day is center time because the children get to express themselves and it is the opportunity to get to know the children better. Her favorite Primrose friend is Molly the cow because she teaches us about respect and about being kind to ourselves and others which is something that she values herself. In class, Ms. Williams wants her children to feel confident in themselves and to grow within themselves. When leaving her class, she hopes that her students are on the path of potty training and have learnt how to share. We love having Ms. Williams here at Primrose!

  • Ms. M. Sykes, Assistant Teacher Early Preschool

    Ms. M. Sykes

    Assistant Teacher Early Preschool

    Ms. M. Sykes joins the Primrose team with 4 years of experience in the early childhood. Her favorite puppet is Molly the cow because she teaches an important life lesson of respect for others. Ms. Sykes’ favorite time of the day is wonder time because she gets to see the kids explore and learn in so many different ways. Her goal is to help the children be confident in who they are. Ms. Sykes wants her students to feel safe, protected, and loved in her classroom. We are excited to have Ms. M. Sykes and her passion for teaching here at Primrose.

  • Mrs. Wawrzynski, Lead Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Mrs. Wawrzynski

    Lead Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Ms. Wawrzynski comes to Primrose with 15 years experience working with children and almost 2 years of experience in the early childhood field. Ms. Wawrzynski has her associate's degree in applied science and is hoping to go back to school to get her early childhood education degree. Her favorite puppet is Molly the cow; she loves Molly because she teaches the children kindness not only to others but to themselves as well. Music has always been a big party of Ms. Wawrzynski’s life, she loves Primrose Rhythm and Notes. She enjoys watching the children come together and interact through music. Ms. Wawrzynski wants all of the children in her care to feel loved, safe, and welcome. As her children get ready to leave her, Ms. Wawrzynski wants them to feel confident in themselves and the skills they have learned over the year. We are so happy to have Ms. Wawrzynski be a part of our Primrose family!

  • Ms. DeLeon, Closing Support Staff

    Ms. DeLeon

    Closing Support Staff

    Ms. DeLeon joins Primrose with being new to the childcare experience. Her favorite puppet is Og the bookworm because she loves to read. Ms. DeLeon’s favorite time of the day is Music Time. She aims to make sure the students feel loved and appreciated while at school. The goals that she has in place for the children is that they are more independent, feeling safe, and always feeling happy. We are thrilled to have Ms. DeLeon and her dedication to being a teacher here at Primrose!

  • Ms. Oakley, Lead Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Oakley

    Lead Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Oakley joins Primrose with two years of experience in the early childhood field. In the future, Ms. Oakley would like to get her teaching degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Oakley’s favorite Primrose Pal is Katie the cat, not only because they share the same name but because Katie helps the children learn how to share and care about one another. Ms. Oakley’s favorite time of the day is music class, she enjoys being able to dance and sing with the children and build her relationship with them through the music. Ms. Oakley hopes that the children in her care feel safe, happy, and excited to come to school each day! We are very excited to have Ms. Oakley be a part of our Primrose family!

  • Ms. Richmeier, Assistant Teacher Preschool

    Ms. Richmeier

    Assistant Teacher Preschool

    Ms. Richmeier joins Primrose with this being her first experience in the early childhood field. Ms. Richmeier’s favorite Primrose Pal is Libby the Lamb because she treats everyone fairly, gives everyone a turn, and is very thoughtful; all character traits children should learn here at school! When the children are in Ms. Richmeier’s care she wants them to feel comfortable, loved, and safe. Before her children leave her care, she wants them to be able to confidently speak to peers and teachers and be able to find solutions by problem solving. We are very happy to have Ms. Richmeier be a part of our Primrose team!

  • Ms. Tucker, Lead Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Tucker

    Lead Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Tucker joins Primrose with 27 years of experience in the early childhood field. Ms. Tucker is working towards her degree in early childhood education and hopes to use that to further her knowledge. Katie is her favorite puppet because she shows the children how to successfully work in groups and interact with others. Ms. Tuckers favorite time of the day is wonder time when she gets to do art with the kids. She wants to make sure that the children feel safe, loved, and accepted while they are in her room. She also makes it a goal of hers to make sure the students learn to use their words, listening ears, and the potty before they have to go to the next classroom. We are so excited to have Ms. Tucker as one of our amazing teachers here at Primrose!

  • Ms. M. Hernandez

    Assistant Preschool Pathways Teacher

    Ms. Hernandez joins the Primrose team with 4 years of experience in the early childhood field. Her favorite puppet is Mia the Mouse. Ms. Hernandez favorite time of the day is outside play time as it gives everyone a breath of fresh air and gives the children time to run around and be loud while also giving their brains a break from learning. The goal she has for her students is to prepare them to grow and adapt to change and to know that making mistakes is ok. Ms. Hernandez wants her children to feel empowered, smart, capable, and comfortable when they are in her classroom. We are elated to have Ms. Hernandez with her patient demeaner here at Primrose.

  • Ms. Sellers, Lead Prekindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Sellers

    Lead Prekindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Sellers has 12 years of experience in the early childhood field, ranging in ages from infant to school aged children. Ms. Sellers’ favorite Primrose pal is Ally the bunny because they have the same motto, “Think before you act”. Ms. Sellers’ favorite part of the Primrose program is Noggin Joggin, she loves to watch her children problem solve and learn new concepts. Ms. Sellers hopes that her children feel safe and happy in her care, and know they have the support of their teachers to be the best that they can be! Ms. Sellers goal for her students in her class are to be respectful, use their manners, and know how to express themselves towards situations and friends.We are very excited to have Ms. Sellers warm heart here at Primrose!

  • Ms. Ramos, Assistant Prekindergaten Teacher

    Ms. Ramos

    Assistant Prekindergaten Teacher

    Ms. Ramos joins Primrose with 3 years of experience  in the early childhood field. Ms. Ramos favorite Primrose Pal is Katie the Cat because she represents cooperation. When we work as a team, we can get things done quicker and it is more fun. Ms. Ramos favorite time of day is watching the kids explore because she enjoys seeing her students experience new things. Ms. Ramos hopes that when the children are in her care, they feel happy, loved, and comfortable. We are very happy to have Ms. Ramos’ smiling face here at Primrose.

  • Ms. Strickland, Lead Prekindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Strickland

    Lead Prekindergarten Teacher

    Ms. Strickland joins Primrose with over 6 years of experience. She loves Molly the Cow because she respects everyone and she believes that everyone deserves respect no matter the differences they have. Her favorite time of the day is music and circle time. She wants her children to feel loved and valued in her classroom. She is excited for her students to learn how to be good listeners and how to follow multiple step instructions. We are very excited to have   Ms. Strickland here at Primrose.

  • Ms. Evans, Assistant Teacher Prekindergarten

    Ms. Evans

    Assistant Teacher Prekindergarten

    Ms. Evans joins Primrose with a new experience in the early childhood field. Libby is Ms. Evans favorite Primrose Pal because she enjoys kindness. Ms. Evan’s favorite part of the day is during the afternoon, and enjoys indoor activities every chance she can get. While the children are in Ms. Evans care she hopes that the children feel happy, safe, and respected. We are very excited to have Ms. Evans as part of our Primrose family as she has a drive to help and teach each child that surrounds her!

  • Ms. Hobbs, Support Staff

    Ms. Hobbs

    Support Staff
    Apple of Our Eye

    This is Ms. Hobbs first childcare experience in the early childhood field, however her love for children and learning are easy to see. Her favorite part of the day is having the opportunity with Og the bookworm to sit down and read with her children. Ms. Hobbs feels at this time she can really capture each child’s attention. We are happy to have Ms. Hobbs here at Primrose

  • Ms. Binter, Support Staff

    Ms. Binter

    Support Staff

    Ms. Binter has 25 years of experience working with children. She has a degree in Elementary Education and an Early Childhood minor. Ms. Binter’s favorite Primrose friend is Benjamin because she loves nature and wants to help the children learn how to take care of the earth. Her favorite part of the day is music class where she can watch the children dance and enjoy the music. Ms. Binter wants all of the children in her care to feel loved and nurtured. We are so happy to have Ms. Binter be apart of our Primrose team!

  • Ms. Zahid

    Support Staff
  • Ms. Reddy, Support Staff

    Ms. Reddy

    Support Staff

    Ms. Reddy joins the Primrose team with 10 years of experience in the early childhood field and a B.S. in education. Her favorite puppet is Molly because she likes that she teaches the kids the importance of respect for others. Ms. Reddy’s favorite time of the day centers because she is able to truly interact with the children and build the bonds that helps her be a better teacher to them. Ms. Reddy wants her children to feel loved, safe, happy, and cared for when they are in her classroom. We are very excited to watch Ms. Reddy learn here at Primrose!

  • Ms. Salman

    Support Staff

    Ms. Salman joins Primrose with over 20 years of experience in the early childhood field. She has a bachelors in education as well as mass communications. Ms. Salman’s favorite Primrose pal is Og, she believes the introduction of reading and books at a young is very important for speech. Ms. Salman’s favorite time of day is any time that she can create a teaching moment whether it be going over colors before lunch or talking about animals at centers. While in her care she wants to make sure that the kids feel loved and special. As Ms. Salman's children leave her for the next classroom, she would like them to be able to communicate their needs and wants. We are happy to have Ms. Salman’s loving presence here at Primrose!

  • Ms. Hartman, Support Staff

    Ms. Hartman

    Support Staff

    Ms. Hartman enters Primrose with 5 years of experience in the early childhood field. Ms. Hartman feels as though she can always learn about children while on the job. Ms. Hartman’s favorite Primrose pal is Og, she believes the introduction of reading and books at a young is very important. Ms. Hartman’s favorite time of day is circle time because she gets to have interactions that lead to learning in a fun way with her students. As Ms. Hartman's children leave her for the next classroom, she would like them to be independent and believing that they can do anything, but it is also ok to ask for help. We are very excited to have Ms. Hartman as a part of our Primrose team!

  • Ms. Trumps, Support Staff

    Ms. Trumps

    Support Staff
  • Ms. K. Williams, Support Staff

    Ms. K. Williams

    Support Staff

    Ms. Williams joins Primrose with 12 years of experience in the early childhood field. Ms. Williams loves to cook and is wanting to further her culinary arts. Billy the duck is her favorite puppet because she loves to sing and hear music from the kids. Ms. Williams’s favorite time of the day is wonder time and seeing all the kids learn so much. She strives to make sure the students feel accepted, happy, and safe here at school. We are proud to have Ms. Williams with her charisma as a teacher here at Primrose!

  • Ms. Clark, Support Staff

    Ms. Clark

    Support Staff

    Ms. Clark  joins the Primrose team with this being her very first experience in the early childhood field. Her favorite puppet is Og, because he enjoys books.  Ms. Clark’s  favorite time of the day is center times because this is the chance that the children get to freely move around the class and engage with friends. Her goal is to see the kids make multiple friends and to feel confident in expressing their feelings with words. Ms. Clark wants her students to feel happy, safe, and comfortable in the classroom. We are overjoyed to have Ms. Clark with her caring heart here at  Primrose

  • Ms.Alamood, Support Teacher

    Ms.Alamood

    Support Teacher

    This is Ms. Alamood's first childcare experience. She is working towards her degree in education and is very excited about her experience here at Primrose being a great asset to her journey ahead. My favorite time of the day is music time, she loves seeing all the kids personality come out with the music. As a teacher, she wants the kids to feel like their ideas, words, and thoughts matter. We are very hpapy to have Ms. Alamood as part of our team. 

  • Ms.Hessman, Support Teacher

    Ms.Hessman

    Support Teacher

    Ms.Hessman joins Primrose with 7 years of childcare experience. She has a Bachelor's degree in Child Development and is working towards her Masters in Child Life Studies. Her favorite Primrose Puppet is Benjamin the Bear because she loves the weather just as much as he does. Her favorite time of the day is center time because she is able to watch students play independently, and explore their interests. Ms.Hessman wants all children to feel safe and comfortable while they are with her in a classroom. A goal she has for each child is to make them feel confident. We are very excited to have Ms.Hessman as part of our team. 

  • Ms. Cotton

    Assistant Teacher

    Ms. Cotton joins Primrose with 3 years of para and childcare experience. She has a passion for babies and loves to help them feel so loved and comforted! Her favorite Primrose Puppet is Libby the Lamb becuase she always makes sure to include everyone! Ms. Cotton's favorite time of day is when the babies are well rested and happy after nap. She wants each child in her care to know that they are loved! We are so happy to have Ms. Cotton as a part of our Primrose Family!

  • Rajesh and Anjana Bhakta, Franchise Owner

    Rajesh and Anjana Bhakta

    Franchise Owners

    My dear friends thank you for your interest in Primrose School of Wichita East. My name is Anjana and my wonderful husband is Rajesh. We are thrilled to provide the very first premier educational child care option to Wichita and the Andover area families, featuring an all-inclusive program for infants through pre-K students, and an after school program for children up to age 12 as well. We are blessed to have twins! The desire to find the best care for our own children quickly developed into a passion to provide an educational and nurturing environment for all children in our community. During our search for child care we came across Primrose Schools and decided to visit a few of these schools. We were pleasantly overwhelmed by the safe and clean environment and the unique deliverance of the curriculum. I was so overjoyed that the experience literally brought tears to my eyes, and we knew we had to bring Primrose to Wichita. I truly believe that receiving a quality education by the influence of positive role models in the first five years, will set the foundation for your child's future. I am committed to making a positive difference in the lives of children in our community. We look forward to meeting you!

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