Primrose School would love to meet your family.
Contact UsPrimrose School of Willow Glen team is super excited to welcome Ms. Monica Thompson as a Director of the School.
Born and raised in the Bay Area town of Union City, Monica graduated Cumlaude from James Logan High School, then attended Ohlone College to study Sign Language and Early Childhood Education. She has been working in the Early Childhood Education field since 2004 when she moved to the central valley and became a Prekindergarten teacher for a 100-year-old preschool. Monica was quickly regarded as a dedicated and well-rounded instructor, so after a move back to her hometown of Union City years later, her next venture leads to becoming the Assistant Director at Kinder-care Learning Center in Fremont. After reaching recognizable milestones within the company and being offered several positions of her choosing, she decided to become the Director at Kindercare Milpitas. Over the last year, she has been highly recognized by the President of Kinder-care, Wei-Ling Chong, and received several accolades such as Highest Enrollment Award in Q3 and Highest Labor Retention in 2018. A monumental moment was her recent recognition at the 50th Anniversary of Kindercare Summit in Florida for receiving the Quality of Leadership Award during the intense, lengthy process of getting the Milpitas Kinder-care Accreditation with NAEYC. Her dedication to running a center that abides by NAEYC's rules and regulations prove that she can confidently take over the role of Primrose of Willow Glen Center Director.
Monica's experiences have allowed her to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of developing the whole child and discovering each child's unique genius. Her philosophy is based on her uncompromising belief that all children can thrive, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, encouraging community, and a supportive family unit. All of which Primrose School possesses. That is why she is eager to join the Primrose family and is looking forward to working closely with the families and staff toward the common goal of raising strong, independent human beings.
During her downtime, Monica enjoys spending time with her partner Tasha as well as her close-knit family by going to the beach, taking road trips, and visiting her son Niles who is a D2 Football coach at Northwestern University in Oklahoma.
Her hobbies include reading mystery novels, watching documentaries, and attending local music festivals.
Hello! My name is Ayah. I have been working with children for over 5 years now. I love the world of child development. I am blessed to have one of the most fun and rewarding jobs out there. I cannot wait to become a part of Primrose and create a thriving learning experience together with you and your family.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Name: Ayah Shanaway
Hometown: Kissimmee, FL
Child care experience: 3 years working with 2 year old age group and potty training, 2 years working with infants
Education Background: AA in Child Development & BA in Communication Studies
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite weekend activity: Watching scary movies with my husband
Favorite children’s book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Primrose character I most relate to: My favorite character is Oggy the Book Worm! He encourage children t read as much as they can. There is always a new adventure waiting in a book.
What I’m most excited about this school year: I’m excited to watch all my students grow and develop throughout the school year.
Hi, I am Ms. Andrea! I am very excited to be joining the Primrose community! I have been working with children for almost 5 years now mainly in after-school and summer camp settings. I can not wait to bring some of the fun things I have learned to Primrose and our classrooms. I was born and raised here in San Jose and have always known I wanted to be a teacher. Being able to teach and enrich the lives of students in my hometown is a dream come true! I attended San Jose State University and completed my bachelor's degree in Child and Adolescent Development. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, friends, and my dog, Meeko! I also enjoy trying new foods and exploring our city and its beautiful state. I am looking forward to meeting all of my students and families and can’t wait for all of the fun we'll have while learning and growing together at Primrose!
Name: Andrea
Hometown: San Jose
Child care experience: 5 years
Education Background: B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development from San Jose State University
Favorite Food: Burritos Favorite
Weekend Activity: Taking my dog Meeko to the park and spending time with my family and friends.
Favorite Children’s Book: Stellaluna by Janell Cannon & The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
Primrose character I most relate to Megy the Pig. Like Megy, I think taking care of and appreciating our beautiful planet is very important!
What I’m most excited about this school year: I am most excited to meet my students and to watch them learn and grow.
Hello, my name is Michelle and I've worked at Primrose since 2020. I graduated from ASU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Communications and Digital Marketing, and am currently persuing a second Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from WGU. In my free time I enjoy rock climbing, photography, attending concerts, arts and crafts, and goint to car shows. I was born and raised in San Jose, CA but I spent a couple of years living in Boulder, CO, which I miss dearly. I am an avid animal lover and have owned cats, dogs, lizards, and bunnies over the years. My favorite season is autumn and I love anything spooky!
I love working at Primrose and using my marketing and communication skills to help grow our amazing learning family!
Favorite food: Anything vegetarian
Favorite children’s book: Stellaluna
I’m Pearl.
I've been working with children for 25 years. It has made me learn how to cope with various situations children can encounter: from giving hugs for tiny owwies to having a heart to heart about any concern. I decided to be a teacher to spend more time with my daughter & I ended up falling in love with teaching.
I have lived in the Philippines, Dubai, Texas, Sweden, & California (where I have a lot of family). Traveling has given me a more open perspective about life. I do love to travel with my husband and daughter.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family!
Name: Pearl Pery
Hometown:Philippines
Child care experience: 25 years. from Infant to high school children
Education Background:BA Mass Communication; Child Development Associate Degree; Early Childhood Director Certificate
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite weekend activity Cooking up a storm to update my cooking website
Favorite children’s book:The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It's such a fun story that incites children's giggles and laughter.
Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin
What I’m most excited about this school year:Seeing the children’s faces alight with excitement over engaging activities
Hi, my name is Elaine, and I’m excited to be part of the Primrose community! I was born and raised in San Jose, CA, and always had the passion to travel. I’ve also had a passion to work and help children achieve their best potential. I graduated from De Anza College with an A.S. in Early Childhood Education, and recently received a Community Health Worker certification from Mercy College of Health Sciences. I usually spend my free time with my family, catching up with friends, exploring with my partner, and being at home with my cats, Espresso and Marshmallow. I’m definitely looking forward to meeting all of the families and students here at Primrose!
Name: Elaine A
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Child care experience: 5 years+
Education history: A.S. from De Anza / certification from Mercy College of Health Sciences
Favorite food: Pizza / Mexican and Filipino food
Favorite weekend activity: Watching movies and spending time with my cats
Favorite children’s book: The Giving Tree
Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin the Dog
Hello Primrose Families!
I have been cooking since I was 16 years old in Nebraska. My wife and I moved here from Missouri and have lived in the Midwest for most of my life until this past year. Working with children, I was a foster parent and took care of my nieces and nephews and I enjoyed being with them a lot. I like to prepare nutritional varieties of food and for 27 years I’ve worked in various cafes, pizzerias, and steakhouses. What I enjoy most about cooking is seeing the smiling faces and meeting new people in the places I have cooked in.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Hometown: Fremont, NE
Child care experience: 4 years
Education Background: 27 years of Food Service
Favorite food: Pancit
Favorite weekend activity: Hikes
Favorite children’s book: My book of Bible stories
Primrose character I most relate to: Megy the pig
What I’m most excited about this school year: To start cooking in the kitchen for the children and meeting all of the families at Primrose!
Name: Ricki Dimas
Title: Chef
Let’s get to know each other.
I’m Ricki. I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I am the school chef and I am very happy to join the Primrose Team. I grew up cooking with my family and have fond memories of making big family meals. I have worked in the food service industry and I now enjoy cooking for the little ones at Primrose. Here is a little bit more information about myself:
Name: Ricki Dimas
Hometown:Gilroy, CA
Education:Silver Creek High School
Favorite food: Mexican food
Favorite weekend activity:Spend time with my family
Primrose character I most relate to: Peanut because he stands for honesty
What I’m most excited about this school year: Growing with the Primrose Willow Glen family
Hi my name is JoAnn Munoz Escobedo, let me tell you about myself.
I was born and raised in San Jose. Since I was little, I would play school and I would always be the teacher. I enjoy being around and helping the children prepare for the next level of their life.Teaching is a passion of mine, I love to challenge the children. In my Free time, I love to relax with popcorn and watch a movie. I enjoy cooking and baking for my family. I also enjoy taking walks in the park.
Name: JoAnn or JoHometown: San Jose, CaliforniaChild
Care Experience: I have 12 years experience in child care. I was a Center Director for 12 years. For the past 15 years I've been teaching in the Pre-K class.
Education: I have my ECE requirements classes, I will continue to take classes to further my education.
My Favorite Food: I have 3 favorite pizza, french fries and pastas.
Favorite weekend Activity: Watching a good movie and enjoying my quiet time.
Favorite Childrens Book: I love Pete the Cat stories.
Primrose character I relate to most is Katie the Cat, I love to talk with my students and hear about anything they have to say.
What I’m most excited about this school year is being a part of the Primrose team. I want to develop a bond with children and parents. To be able to meet and exceed the expectations from parents and coworkers.
I’m Miss Cyndi! I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I am a lifelong Californian! I have two daughters who are the loves of my life. I also have an adorable Chihuahua/ Miniature Pinscher who goes on all of my adventures with me. I come from a big family and we enjoy celebrating Birthdays and Holidays together. I love to sing and carry a song in my heart at all times. I look forward to sunny, song filled days with my students.
Name: Miss Cyndi
Hometown: San Jose, California
Child care experience: I have taught in several Bay Area schools over the past decade
Education Background: I obtained my Early Childhood Education Certificate from DeAnza College. I am also a BYU Idaho Pathways Graduate.
Favorite Food: Mexican and Italian
Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with family and friends, singing and walking in nature
Favorite Children’s book: A Bad Case of Stripes
Primrose character I most relate to: Og the caring Bookworm. I have a compassionate heart and a love of reading. My books are some of my most cherished treasures.
What I’m excited about this school year: Building relationships with my students and their families
I’m Danh Tran. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
My journey in childhood education started in college when I was teaching at a local Vietnamese school, and took my first Early Childhood Education course. I ended up taking more and more courses and eventually majored in the subject.
My hope as an educator is to create an environment where all students have an opportunity to learn and achieve their goals. I also hope to help children develop the tools they’ll need in order to thrive in the next phases of their lives.
Name: Danh Tran
Hometown:San Jose, California born and raised
Child care experience: 2 years experience in Child Care
Education Background:Associates and Bachelors in Child Development
Favorite food: Pho and Poke
Favorite weekend activity:Playing Computer Games with my friends
Favorite children’s book: The Magic Treehouse Series
Primrose character I most relate to: Ally the Bunny, I love to see students take a breath and think about how to solve a problem
What I’m most excited about this school year: I’m excited to start my professional career in early childhood education and meet people with similar passions and drives.
I’m Veronica. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I have been working with young children and adolescents for 20 years now. What I enjoy the most about working with children is being able to see their growth and development throughout the years. My favorite activity to do with the children is enrichment art because children can explore and express themselves freely and create their ideas.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Name: Veronica Cervantez
Hometown:Santa Clara, Ca.
Child care experience:17 years (ages 3-5 years)
Education Background:Early Childhood Education
Favorite food: Tacos
Favorite weekend activity:Spending time with my daughter and my dog (Dutches)
Favorite children’s book: The Giving Tree
Primrose character I most relate to:Libby the Lamb
What I’m most excited about this school year:Getting to know each child and family and having the experience to watch them learn and grow.
Hi there! I am Ms. Raechel and I’m excited to be assisting/teaching Pre-Kindergarten this year.
I have previously taught kindergarten and 1st grade. I was born and raised in San Diego, CA and I recently got married to my husband this past November. I’m currently residing in the Bay Area. I am so looking forward to this school year at Primrose- it’s going to be great!
Name: Raechel Anne Cunanan Jones
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Child care experience: While I was attending college, I worked as a Program Leader for an after school program in Long Beach for about a year. When I moved to the Bay Area, I was working at Stratford School as a Lunch & Extended Day Teacher. I’ve been working with children since I was about the age of 14 to my late teen years through teaching a Sunday School class at my home church as well.
Education Background: Graduated High school in 2014. Got my Secretarial Science Associate’s Degree in 2018.
Favorite food: Mexican, Thai, Mediterranean, Jamaican, and Filipino food :-)
Favorite weekend activity: Getting Brunch or looking for a nice coffee shop with my husband!
Favorite children’s book: The Rainbow Fish
Primrose character I most relate to: Molly
What I’m most excited about this school year: I’m most excited about meeting new friends (students and their families), and leading the classroom! It will be very fun!
I’m Ms. Maria Lopez and I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I have been working with young children for over 20 years. I enjoy working with children to see their growth and development throughout the years. I have three children and four grandchildren. I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Hometown: San Jose, Ca
Childcare experience: 20 years (3-5 years)
Education Background: Early Childhood Education
Favorite food: Anything and Everything
Favorite weekend activity: Visiting my grandchildren
Favorite children’s book: Brown bear, Brown Bear
Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin the dog.
What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know each child and family and having the experience to watch them learn and grow.
Hello, my name is Patricia, I am Salvadoran. I have worked with children from 6 months to 12 years old since 2011, but mainly with preschool children.
Since I was little, I loved to imagine that I was a teacher. The wall of my patio was my blackboard and my cousins were my students. I love being a teacher, I love helping children in the learning process. For 4 year, I was a Director at the kindergarten I previously worked for. It was my priviege to be supporting parents in the teaching-learning process with their children.
I can't wait to learn more about you and your family.
Hometown: Cojutepeque, El Salvador, Central America
Child care experience: Professional experience since 2011
Education Background: Graduate in Early Childhood Education
Favorite food: pasta
Favorite weekend activities: watching movies with my husband, calling my mom, visiting new places with my husband.
Favorite children's book: "The Little Prince" by Antoine De Saint-Exupéry
What I'm most excited about this school year: Learn, meet and help children in their learning process with the Primrose teaching methodology.
Hi, I’m Ms. Zoe. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I have previously worked at Primrose as a Preschool Pathways teacher and have made my return as a Pre K teacher after some time away, working for the California Conservation Corps. I firmly believe that Primrose provides your child with not only with the opportunity to develop fundamental life skills that they will carry well into their academic and social careers, but also, with loving and and nurturing teachers.
I can’t wait for the new school year to begin so I can learn more about you and your family!
Name: Zoe
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Child care experience: About four years
Education Background: Bachelor's Degree in Child & Adolescent Development
Favorite food: Souvlaki
Favorite weekend activity: Going on hikes/ anything outdoors.
Favorite children’s book: "The Greedy Zebra."
Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin the Dog
What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know your child and learning the best way I can support each him/her so that he/she has the best opportunity to grow and thrive.
Best way to schedule time to talk: Either message through the Procare app or ask me directly.
Let’s get to know each other.
Hi I’m Miss Nikki and I am so excited to be a part of the Primrose team! I grew up here in San Jose and love it. I have worked with children for almost 20 years. I started off at the YMCA and eventually moved on to teaching where I worked at Campbell Union School District and Santa Clara Unified School District where I would sometimes fill in as the site coordinator.
I absolutely love teaching and watching the children learn & grow.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family!
Name: Nicole (nickname: Nikki)
Hometown:San Jose, CA
Child care experience: Almost 20 years
Education Background: Early Childhood Education Units from SJCC
Favorite food: I love pizza & pasta
Favorite weekend activity: To go & have fun in the beach with my dog. He loves to run on the sand.
Favorite children’s book:The Hungry Caterpillar- it was my favorite book when i was young
Primrose character I most relate to: Ally the Bunny because she teaches responsibilty.
What I’m most excited about this school year: Meeting the new families of Preschool 1 & watching the children learn & grow!
Hello! My name is Ms. Brianna and I am truly so excited about meeting you all soon and getting to know your wonderfully curious little ones. I have been working with children for almost 10 years now since 2013 when I began my journey into the early education field, although my time caring for children and modeling teaching behaviors has extended far into my childhood. My parents would often come to pick me up at my own school center only to find me classrooms down helping the other teachers with the babies! Even at 6, I knew I was a natural-born caregiver, I mean it when I say I have a deep passion for working with children. During my time in the early education field, I have worked in many preschool classrooms, ran a home daycare center for mixed-ages, and have spent some time as a behavior technician implementing services to children with autism. Since joining the Primrose family as a teacher and as a parent I am bursting with new opportunities. My daughter is flourishing in their Pathways program and I am overjoyed to soon begin anew with a fresh class of young learners. As a teacher, I like to learn about my kids' individual temperaments and get to know what personally makes them sing. If I'm your child's teacher, expect us to get creative, get messy, and have fun! Preschool is hands down my favorite age because it is the discovery age, children do everything for the first time and in that, there is magic.
Hometown: San Jacinto, CA (Southern Cali)
Child care experience: Professional experience since 2013+
Education Background: AA in Early Childhood & Education Sciences
Favorite food: Mexican Food
Favorite weekend activities: Taking walks & small adventures with my partner and our daughter, cracking open a good book, creating art, writing poetry, dancing it out in our living room to sweet beats.
Favorite children's book: Favorite book forever all time, "The Little Prince" by Antoine De Saint-Exupéry
Primrose character I most relate to: Og the Bookworm, not only is Og our resident book lover who encourages children to use their imagination but also symbolizes the importance of caring for one another.
What I'm most excited about this school year: Creating meaningful experiences with children and laying the foundation for future building blocks. I want to help foster a love for learning and community in every child.
Hi everyone! I am Ms. Rubi, I am very excited to start my journey here at Primrose!
Here is a little bit about myself:
I was born and raised in the Bay Area. I love spending time with my family. I love to read, journal and go to the beach as well. I have been working with young children for over 5 years!
I can’t wait to meet you and your family!
Rubi Hernandez
Hometown: Sunnyvale, CA
Child care experience: Day Care teacher, babysitting and Early Preschool class Education Background: 12 ECE units De Anza/Foothill College (Child Development)
Favorite food: Sushi and Tacos
Favorite weekend activity: Reading and going to coffee shops
Favorite children’s book:: Brown bear, brown bear, What do you see?
Primrose character I most relate to: Katie the curious cat
What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know my kiddos and helping them achieve their goal
Hello! My name is Jennifer. After working in the retail for 11 years, I happily changed my career path and began teaching. I live in San Jose with my 5 year old daughter Elena and my husband, Cesar. I look forward to working with you and creating a wonderful preschool experience for your child!
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Name: Jennifer Magana
Hometown: San Jose
Child care experience: I have one year as a Preschool Teacher and 4 years as an Infant-Toddler Teacher
Education Background: I have 2 years of General Education & 2 years of Child Development
Favorite food: Pizza, Donuts
Favorite weekend activity: Sleeping in, going to the park with my two dogs, daughter and husband. I also like going to many family events, watching movies and reading books.
Favorite children’s book: I Love You Forever by Roberto N. Munsch! For the reason that no matter how old you get or what you do, your mother will always be with you.
Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin the dog because Erwin is very trustworthy as well as patient.
What I’m most excited about this school year: I am most excited about getting to meet all my new little friends and Parents.
Hello! I’m Ms.Yasmine! I am so happy to be a part of Primrose and look forward to getting to know students and parents.
I am born and raised in San Jose, CA. I enjoy going to the beach, hiking, traveling, watching sports, spending time with family/ friends, shopping, and attending concerts/music festivals. I used to play softball and played for 13 years. I come from a big family being the eldest girl and have had to help with taking care of my siblings. I’ve worked with Elementary-HighSchool students. I attended San Jose City Community College (SJCC) being a student-athlete graduating with an AA degree in Liberal Arts. The sport I played at SJCC was Softball. Then transferred to San Jose State University graduating with a BA degree in Social Work.
Name: Yasmine Hernandez
Hometown: San Jose
Education Background: Early Child Development, Social Work
Favorite Food: Mexican, Chinese, and Filipino food, Pasta, Sushi, Wings, and Soups
Favorite Weekend Activity: Beach, Hiking, Traveling
Favorite Children's Book: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Primrose Character I Relate To The Most: Molly the Cow
What I'm Most Excited About This School Year: This is the first school I have worked at and I hope to create some best moments/ memories here
I’m Anjali. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I have been in the USA for 10 years. I love California’s diversity. I love Primrose School of Willow Glen because of the team work & the helpfulness. I also like our Leadership Team- they are supportive to our needs.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family!
Name: Anjali P.
Hometown:India
Child care experience:10 years
Education Background: Early Childhood Education graduate, Masters in English Literature
Favorite food: Biryani
Favorite weekend activity:Shopping, hanging out with friends
Favorite children’s book:Pete the Cat, My Groovy Buttons- it’s fun & motivating.
Primrose character: Molly - she’s a problem solver.
What I’m most excited about this school year: to meet new students, new parents, & to see how they will learn and grow
Let’s get to know each other.
I’m Andrea Alvarez. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I am 27 years old and grew up living in the Bay Area and love it here! I have always wanted to be a teacher, whenever we had “what i want to be when I grow up” projects in school Teacher was always the first thing on the list. I have a dog named Enzo and 3 pet African Dwarf Frogs at home. I love to read on my free time and enjoy baking. I also enjoy being crafty and doing different art projects, I believe art should be messy and creative fun for the kids and can’t wait to share with everyone.
You see, at Primrose Schools we’re more than a team of professional teachers and child care education specialists. We’re also a family, and we care for every child as though he or she was our own. And like your home, our school provides a secure, nurturing environment that fosters self-discovery and a love of learning.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Name: Andrea Alvarez
Hometown: San Jose
Child care experience: 9 years. 4 years in different afterschool programs for K-5 and 5 years as a Preschool teacher at a private center.
Education Background:DeAnza College
Favorite food: My grandma’s enchiladas and rice
Favorite weekend activity: Hanging out with my family
Favorite children’s book: Puff the Magic Dragon
Primrose character I most relate to: Og, I love to read!
What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know all the Primrose Friends throughout the year
Name: Lilia Singh
Hometown: Santa Barbara CA.
Child Care Experience: I worked as a Teacher Assistant for WeeCare Preschool. After a few years, I decided to try working with older students at an elementary school in Santa Barbara County named Hollister Elementary School. I also worked part time at a high school in Goleta called Dos Pueblos High School.
Education Background: Went to High School at Dos Pueblos High school in Goleta CA. I graduated with a full college scholarship and attended Allen Hancock College in Santa Maria CA. I’m currently attending Evergreen Valley College majoring in Administration of Justice and Law Enforcement. My goal is to become a Correctional officer/ mentor / counselor and work with our youth.
Favorite Food: My favorite food is Mexican food and Indian food.
Favorite Weekend Activity: Right now my favorite weekend activities are exploring this new city (San Jose) I live in, gardening and going to the movies.
Favorite Children’s Book: My Favorite children’s book is, How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss.
Primrose Character I most relate to: The Primrose character I’m can relate to is Percy, the proud rooster- I like to provide and set good example of good character.
What I’m Most Excited About This school Year: This school year I’m excited about everything in general. Excited to just see what the students and staff have to offer to make it a great year.
Let’s get to know each other.
I’m Jamy . I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
As an engineer,I am very interested in STEM education. I’d like to keep the children interested in STEM activities, to help develop their observation skills & help them discover the world around them. I also volunteer to teach at the Korean school on Saturdays & Sunday school at my church. Everyday, I love going to the gym after work to stay healthy.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Name: Jamy J.
Hometown: Korea
Child care experience: 3 years
Education Background: Engineering and Early childhood Education
Favorite food: Hot pot
Favorite weekend activity: Teaching, I really love to be in a classroom with children.
Favorite children’s book: It's Okay to Make Mistakes
Primrose character I most relate to: Percy.
What I’m most excited about this school year: To show and express
my love for teachng children.
Natalia Rosas
Early Preschool Teacher
Classroom 2
Greetings! I am Miss. Natalia and this is a little tidbit about me! I was born and raised in
San Jose and have always been interested in the field of education. Working with
children and seeing them grow into the confident learners that I know they will be,
brings me joy! Watching the excitement and eagerness on their faces is the most
fulfilling part of my day. In my freetime, I love to spend time with friends and family
creating new memories. I enjoy reading and try to keep up with my one book a week
goal! If I’m not home and you can’t find me at the local bookstore, then you can find me
at the beach soaking in the sun.
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Childcare experience: I have worked 4 years ( and counting) grades Preschool-3rd!
Education Background: AA in Early Childhood & Education Sciences
Favorite Food: Anything Mexican or from my Mama's recipes.
Favorite Weekend Activities: My favorite activities include going on hikes, listening to live
music, and relaxing at the beach with a good book.
Favorite Children’s book: My favorite is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Truly a
classic!
Primrose character I most relate to: Og the Bookworm
What I'm most excited about this school year: I am most excited to create meaningful
relationships and experiences that hopefully will have a long lasting impression! I can
not wait to meet you all!
Hello my name is Erika also known as Ms. Erika!
I'm very excited to join the Primrose community! I have been working with children for 10 years. I started my journey in a regional occupational program in high school working alongside with children. I gained the passion and love of working with children from my Aunt who was a kindergarten teacher. She would always tell me how she loves her job and how seeing her kids grow and becoming successful. I was born in the Philippines and immigrated to the US when I was 3 years old. I lived in Union City until I was 6 years old and then we moved to the Central Valley. I grew up in a little town called Lathrop and now I am back in the Bay Area since 2017. I attended and graduated from De Anza community college in 2019 where I received my A.A. degree in Liberal Arts with a focus on Child development. On my free time I love playing video games, shopping, and spending time with my family and friends. Some of my hobbies also include painting, music and exploring my favorite city (San Francisco). I am looking forward to start my new adventure in meeting the kids and families at primrose! I am deeply excited to grow as a teacher and building connection with them.
Name: Erika Viray
Hometown: Lathrop
Child care experience: 10 years
Education Background: A.A. Liberal Arts with a focus on Early Childhood eduction
Favorite Food: Korean & Filipino food
Favorite Weekend Activity: playing video games and spending time with my family and friends.
Favorite Children’s Book: Oh, the places you'll go by Dr. Seuss
Primrose character I most relate to Megy the Pig. because I believe that we should take care of our planet!
What I'm excited for this school year is: getting to know the wonderful kids and their families.
Hello! My name is Betsy. I was born in Lima Peru, I have 20 years of experience working in childcare..
I am a mother of a 14-year-old boy. I've been living in the USA for almost 4 years, 2 of which was in Miami where I continued my vocation in the childcare field. Today I'm very happy to belong to the wonderful Primrose School of Willow Glen Family for more than a year now.
Name: Betsy M.
Hometown: Lima, Peru
Child care experience: 20 years
Education Background: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, CCEI units
Favorite food: ceviche from my country, Perú
Favorite weekend activity: I enjoy exercising and staying active,
Favorite children’s book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear
Primrose character I most relate to: Molly since her main value is respect for others.
What I’m most excited about this school year: to meet our children, to see them grow, and to keep them safe & happy.
Hi!
My name is Andrea Holt. I was born in Germany and moved to the United States at the age of 19. I began working with young Infants 15 years ago. I started out in Brooklyn, New York. I completed all my required training there. After four years, we moved to Ft. Hood, Texas where I began working with young Infants at Meadows Child Development Center and received my Child Development Associates in 2011. I worked at Meadows Child Development Center with young Infants for ten years. When an opportunity arose to move to California I decided to move here.
Hometown: Germany
Education : Child Development Associate. I also have a current pediatric first aid and infant/child CPR certification.
Child care experience: 15 years working with Infants
Favorite children’s book: “Love you forever” by Robert Munsch
Primrose character I most relate to: Molly the Cow! I believe that you should always treat people with respect, show you care and always lend a helping hand.
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite weekend activity: My favorite weekend activity is spending time with my fiancé, and my dog. I like going out and exploring the area which is new to me, since I just moved here a month ago.
I’m Cherie Dotson. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I have been in the childcare field for 36 years. I have worked with every age group and have been an Assistant Director as well as a Director. My most favorite age group is the young infants. It has always amazed me how much an infant learns from 0 to 12 months, from being born to walking, eating table food, and talking by 12 months.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Name: Cherie Dotson
Hometown: San Jose
Child care experience:36 years
Education Background: Early Childhood Education
Favorite food: Italian
Favorite weekend activity: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy all water activities and visiting the coast often. I enjoy sewing and doing crafts.
Favorite children’s book: Eric Carly books
Primrose character I most relate to: Og is the Primrose character I most relate to, I love reading stories to the Infants, they get excited, and are eager to listen, see, touch and feel.
What I’m most excited about this school year: Being able to share in the nurturing and education of the infants in my care.
Hi! I’m Ms. Natalie!
I am looking forward to meeting each and everyone one of you.
I love caring for people and doing my dream job---taking care of infants
and being around all the caring and loving people at Primrose.
When I am not here ar Primrose, I love to spend time with my son and visit my parents in Vacaville.
You see, at Primrose Schools we’re more than a team of professional teachers and child care education specialists. We’re also a family, and we care for every child as though he or she was our own. And like your home, our school provides a secure, nurturing environment that fosters self-discovery and a love of learning.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Name: Natalie Jones
Hometown: Milpitas, CA
Child care experience: 28 years of ECE Teaching Experience
Education Background: Early Child Education
Favorite food: Anything with carbs
Favorite weekend activity:watching movies with my family
Favorite children’s book:I love you this much
Primrose character I most relate to:Benjamin the Bear
What I’m most excited about this school year: getting to know my infant room babies!
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family!
Name: Maria M.
Hometown:I’ve lived in San Jose since 1979.
Child care experience: I've been in childcare for over 30 years.
Education Background:Over 30 ECE units
Favorite food: Chile relleno
Favorite weekend activity:Relax, visit my grandaughter & our pet, Astro, & do some cleaning
Favorite children’s book:Little Red Riding Hood & Gingerbread Man. They bring back childhood memories.
Primrose character I most relate to: Libby the Lamb because fairness is important
What I’m most excited about this school year:I’m excited about going back to school to continue my education and being back with the children and the parents
Best way to schedule time to talk:Schedule through the office
Hello. My name is Nadia Malik. I am an immigrant and currently living in San jose. This is my very first year working as a teacher at preschool level. I have worked as an Assistant Director (Administration) in a well reputed University of Pakistan for 14 years.
Primrose is my new family ,where we care for every child as though he or she is my own. I am fun, loving, creative, innovative, and a team-oriented person. I love to add some more life in the classroom by engaging students in interesting activities. I have done my Master’s in Mass Communication. My communication skills and understanding for the emotional world of children, specially at preschool level, is my greatest strength as a teacher.
Name: Nadia Malik
Hometown: Pakistan
Child care experience: one year
Education Background: Mass Communication
Favorite food: Pasta/Biryani
Favorite weekend activity: Movies/cooking
Primrose character I most relate to: Billy
Name: Bindu
Hometown:San Jose
Child care experience:3 years
Education Background: Master of Commerce
Favorite food: Mediterranean
Favorite weekend activity:Hikes
Favorite children’s book: The Very Hungry Caterpiller
Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin the Dog
What I’m most excited about this school year:(Meeting New students)
Hi, I’m Brenda Salas. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I am originally from Mexico and I will love to teach your kids a little bit more about my culture.
Such as the holly days that we celebrate and about the different things that my country has around it. In the process of getting to know the children, I will also love to learn about the different things and celebrations that they might love to do at home.
About me: I began my journey in the child care field about three years ago; in the previous school where I was at I did learn a lot about how to communicate with the kids and how to help them when they are feeling upset or they are having a hard day. Even though it was hard at times I did manage to make the kids comfortable and loved by me.
I am a very simple person but like every single person, I do love to pamper myself every now and then I will reward myself by going shopping or just grabbing dinner at a restaurant.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Name: Brenda J. Salas Islas
Hometown: Mexico, city
Child care experience: three years
Education Background: ECE units.
Favorite food: Italian food
Favorite weekend activity: going to the beach
Favorite children’s book: is in Spanish and it was a book from a Disney movie little mermaid
Primrose character I most relate to is Erwin the dog
What I’m most excited about this school year:to learn and interact with the kids and about their favorite things to do
I’m Marjorie and I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
Hometown: San Jose
Child care experience: 3 years
Education Background: Currently attending DeAnza College and studying Child and Adolescent Development
Favorite food: Tacos/Pizza
Favorite weekend activity: Going to the gym w/my husband
Favorite children’s book: A bad case of stripes
Primrose character I most relate to: Mia the mouse, she’s tiny but fierce
What I’m most excited about this school year: This school year I am most excited to impact the lives of the little humans we get to
work with every day
Name: Jyoti Arora
Hometown: Hazaribagh,India
Childcare experience: Eight years of preschool teaching experience/ six years of first grade teaching experience in India.
Educational Background: Bachelor's Degree in History, Honors from Vinoba Bhave University, India. ECE credential from De Anza College & CCEI (Child Care Education Institute) Online.
Favorite Food: Indian Food
Favorite Weekend Activity: Spending time with my family and friends. Favorite Chiren's Book: "Have you Filled Your Bucket Today” by Carol McCloud.This heartwarming book encourages positive behavior by using the concept of an invisible bucket to show children how easy and rewarding it is to express kindness, appreciation, and love by "filling buckets."
Primrose character I most relate to: Molly the Cow & Katie the curious cat. Molly teaches children about respect and Katie teaches children about sharing & caring.
What I’m most excited about this school year: I am very excited to meet new children and am looking forward to having fun, learning, and exploring together. It’s so rewarding seeing a child progress and seeing the happiness they show when they have achieved something for the first time.
.Best way to schedule time to talk: Through the office
Hi! My name is Lizeth. I happily live with my parents. I love music, I love to be engaging with a lot of music activities with the children. I also like cooking projects & art. I strive to wake up the children’s creativity, self expression and inner talents.
Name: Lizeth
Hometown: Mexico City
Child care experience: 11 years
Education Background: Early Childhood Education Units
Favorite food: Persian
Favorite weekend activity: Swimming & tennis
Favorite children’s books: Amelia Bedelia & Where the Wild Things Are
Primrose character I most relate to: Percy, because he likes to encourage children to have courage.
What I’m most excited about this school year: meet children and engage with the parents. I want to be part of their cognitive development.
Teacher’s Name Gunel A.
Classroom Name Young Infant
I’m Gunel. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I’m a musician, I love Music & I love reading. I just moved to California from Virgina. I have 2 children, aged 5 & 7. I’ve been married for 8 years. I taught Music to 7 year old children for 22 years. I love playing the violin & I hope to show my violin skills to the children one of these days.
Hometown: Azerbaijan
Child care experience: 2 months in the USA
Education Background: BA in Music Education
Favorite food: Broccoli
Favorite weekend activity: Go to the park with my children
Favorite children’s book: Harry Potter
Primrose character Og because he loves to read
What I’m most excited about this school year: Meeting the children & their families, meeting the people at Primrose Schooll of Willow Glen who have been very welcoming to me.
Meet Sima Shah, proud Owner of Primrose School of Willow Glen. As a longtime resident of California’s Silicon Valley, she is excited to help introduce San Francisco Bay Area parents to the premier child care and early education experience Primrose has provided to many other children around the country.
Research-based and Innovative Education is Sima’s passion. She earned a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles after immigrating to the U.S. with her husband Amar Chokhawala. Sima worked as a computer engineer while also molding young minds as an adjunct professor of at several local colleges and universities in Computer Science Department. Amar was an early Google employee before he founded his own software company, Reflektion in 2013, where he will continue serving as Chief Executive Officer.
When their first daughter, Amiya, was born in 2005, Sima struggled to find trusted and high-quality care, and eventually decided to keep her daughter at home with a full-time nanny. After the birth of her second daughter, Risa, in 2008, Sima decided to enroll Amiya into a Bay Area preschool. Not long after, Sima found the program lacked the holistic approach she’d hoped to find. It focused too much on structure and teacher guided activities, and did not provide enough opportunities for play and exploration. As a result, Sima tried to create her own “balanced program” by sending her daughter to a structured school three days a week, and child-initiated play based program for the other two days.
It was during this time Sima and her husband first learned about Primrose Schools through an advertisement in the Wall Street Journal; however, there were not any Primrose schools in California at the time.
“I knew that children needed both exploration and structure, and I kept thinking that someone had to already have a program that is more balanced. When I found Primrose, I was so pleased to see that they built their entire curriculum around this idea of balance,” said Sima. “Never having experienced it myself, I was skeptical until I flew out to Colorado to visit my first Primrose school. The moment I entered the school, I was wowed by the entire experience: people, culture, approach, environment and curriculum.
At Primrose School of Willow Glen, Sima will strive to provide a nurturing atmosphere and environment that fosters all aspects of their students’ development. Her goal is to promote the social-emotional aspect of growth, which enhances learning for children. She wants parents to feel welcome and confident that Primrose is the best option for their children.
“In today’s world, if both parents work, a child spends at least 40 hours a week at her education facility. We always think of making our homes inspiring and comfortable for our children. At Primrose School of Willow Glen, we want the same for our students. Our facility will be filled with the same quality of care, attention and comfort children experience at home,” said Sima.
Primrose School of Willow Glen will feature the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach which blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion.