Primrose School Building

Primrose School of Woodbury NY

Our Staff

  • Ms. Michelle, Assistant Director

    Ms. Michelle

    Assistant Director

    "I can't wait to meet your child and see all the amazing experiences they will have here!"

    Name: Michelle

    Hometown: Queens, NY

    Childcare experience: 10+ years in childcare

    Favorite food: Sushi & Spicy Thai food

    Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with my family

    Favorite children’s book: "Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle

    Primrose character I most relate to: Ally the bunny, because she helps children understand that they’re responsible for themselves and that behaving responsibly helps everyone!

  • Ms. Khepree, Curriculum Coordinator

    Ms. Khepree

    Curriculum Coordinator

    "I have a BA in sociology and have been in the childcare field for over 10 years. I have been at Primrose Woodbury since the opening of the school in 2020. I am looking forward to getting to know your family!"

    Name: Khepree Barker

    Hometown: Brentwood, NY

    Childcare experience: BA Sociology & 10+ years in childcare

    Favorite food: Anything spicy

    Favorite weekend activity: Going to church with my daughter & going to brunch

    Favorite children’s book: "In My Heart" by Jo Witek

    Primrose character I most relate to: Molly the cow, because she teaches us to have respect for others. 

  • Ms. Alberly, Curriculum Coordinator

    Ms. Alberly

    Curriculum Coordinator

    "I cannot wait to see your child grow and laugh with us."

    Name: Alberly

    Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

    Childcare experience: 13 years in Early Childhood Education & 10+ years as an infant teacher (love those babies)!

    Favorite food: Spaghetti with meat sauce

    Favorite weekend activity: Hanging with my children & shopping

    Favorite children’s book: "The Going to Bed Book" by Sandra Boynton

    Primrose character I most relate to: Billy the duck, because he loves shaking and grooving to music!

  • Ms. Joanna, Assistant PreK Teacher

    Ms. Joanna

    Assistant PreK Teacher

    “I enjoy seeing the happy faces of children as they grow and learn. It is a pleasure working with them and their families. I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family."

    Name: Joanna DiCocco

    Hometown: Bethpage, NY

    Childcare experience: 6 years

    Favorite food: Any pasta dish

    Favorite weekend activity: Cooking and enjoying a big meal with my family

    Favorite children’s book: "What Do You Say When a Monkey Acts This Way?" by Jane Belk Moncure

    Primrose character I most relate to: Libby the lamb, because she teaches children that being fair leads to positive relationships and more fun for everyone!

  • Ms. Yvonne, Lead Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Yvonne

    Lead Preschool Teacher

    "I look forward to getting to know your child and helping them learn, grow, and most importantly, have fun. I look forward to a wonderful year ahead."

    Name: Yvonne Wang

    Hometown: Taipei, Taiwan

    Childcare experience: 5 years in early childcare & Master's in Art Therapy

    Favorite food: Korean BBQ

    Favorite weekend activity: Brunching, cooking, baking, drawing, and reading books

    Favorite children’s book: "Oh, The Places You'll Go" by Dr.Seuss

    Primrose character I most relate to: Molly the cow, because she teaches us to be kids to ourselves and others. She promotes a positive social environment and encourages developing healthy respectable frienships!

  • Ms. Jessica, Assistant Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Jessica

    Assistant Preschool Teacher

    “I am excited to meet your child! I realized I love teaching and education when babysitting my cousins. Afterwards, I decided to continue my interests and become a teacher. I look forward to shaping young minds.”

    Name: Jessica Jones

    Hometown: Elmont, NY

    Childcare experience: BA in History, 2 years as a preschool teacher

    Favorite food: Caribbean & Italian food

    Favorite weekend activity: watching sports, hanging with friends, reading

    Favorite children’s book: Arthur/Franklin series

    Primrose character I most relate to: Molly the cow, because I love math and being respectful to others

  • Ms. India, Lead Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. India

    Lead Early Preschool Teacher

    "I am so excited to welcome you into my classroom and to get to know your children. We will have an amazing year filled with fun and adventure. I cannot wait to watch our kids learn and grow!"

    Name: India Bonilavri

    Hometown: Lodeve, France

    Childcare experience: BA in Early Childhood Education

    Favorite food: Cheeseburgers

    Favorite weekend activity: Going to the movies, making art, reading books

    Favorite children’s book: "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen

    Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin the dog, because he loves art and reminds me of my dogs, Penny and Rio. 

  • Ms. Leonora, Assistant Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Leonora

    Assistant Preschool Teacher

    “Hi! I’m the proud mother of five fantastic children. I’m passionate about bringing knowledge to the children I teach in a fun and creative way that will make a lasting impact.”

    Name: Leonora Melillo

    Hometown: Queens, NY

    Childcare experience: Early Childhood Teacher for three years. Graduated from New York College of Health Professions

    Favorite food: Italian

    Favorite weekend activity: Sunday dinners at my parents' house with the entire family

    Favorite children’s book: “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” By Bill Martin, Jr.

    Primrose character I most relate to: Percy the rooster, because he represents courage!

  • Ms. Sophia

    Substitute Teacher

    "I am so excited to be in the classroom with your child and learn all about them!"

    Name: Sophia

    Hometown: Jericho, NY

    Childcare experience: 1 year

    Favorite food: Noodles

    Favorite weekend activity: Cooking

    Favorite children’s book: "The Three Little Pigs" 

    Primrose character I most relate to: Benjamin the bear, because he shows children that they can be kind and giving to others without expecting anything in return.

  • Ms. Ivy, Assistant Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Ivy

    Assistant Early Preschool Teacher

    "I became an assistant teacher at Primrose School of Woodbury after moving from China to the United States! I am so excited to meet your child and can't wait to watch them learn and grow."

    Name: Ivy

    Hometown: Syosset, NY

    Childcare experience: 2 years

    Favorite food: All spicy foods

    Favorite weekend activity: Reading and writing

    Favorite children’s book: Bob Books by Bobby Lynn Maslen

    Primrose character I most relate to: Molly the cow, because I love life and being respectful to others is very important. 

  • Ms. Farah, Substitute Teacher

    Ms. Farah

    Substitute Teacher

    "I am so excited to meet your child! I have worked in education for over 20 years and I can't wait to your encourage your child's curiosity while uplifting and inpsiring them!"

    Name: Farah

    Hometown: Hicksville, NY

    Childcare experience: 20 years

    Favorite food: Afghani Pulao

    Favorite weekend activity: Listening to music, spending time with family, and traveling

    Favorite children’s book: "The Cat in the Hat" by Dr. Seuss

    Primrose character I most relate to: Molly the cow, because she encourages friendship among everyone!

  • Ms. Asiyah

    Lead Early Preschool Teacher

    "I am ecstatic to be apart of the tribe that will help your child flourish and blossom. I love children and watching them change, learn, and grow. They are an inspiration to me with their little personalities and I hope to inspire them as well."

    Name: Asiyah

    Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

    Childcare experience: BA Psychology

    Favorite food: Mac and Cheese

    Favorite weekend activity: Dancing, traveling, painting, creating

    Favorite children’s book: "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault

    Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin the dog, because I love art! 

  • Ms. Jackia, Lead Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Jackia

    Lead Early Preschool Teacher

    "Hi I am Ms. Jackia, I am so excited to meet your child! I have 17 years experience in early childhood care. I look forward to have a wonderful year with your child!"

    Name: Jackia Ahmed 

    Hometown: Bangladesh/ Hicksville, NY

    Childcare experience: 17 years

    Favorite food: Ice cream and chocolate

    Favorite weekend activity: Gardening

    Favorite children’s book: "Llama Llama Red Pajama" by Anna Dewdney

    Primrose character I most relate to: Percy the Rooster

  • Ms. Sulite

    Assistant Toddler Teacher

    "I'm Ms.Sulite and I'm proud to be your child's teacher! My favorite thing about being a teacher is seeing your child's growth. They're being molded everyday to be the best they can be and that truly brings me happiness."

    Name: Sulite

    Hometown: Huntington, NY

    Childcare experience: 2 years

    Favorite food: Pizza

    Favorite weekend activity: Getting organized, reading, drawing, and taking naps

    Favorite children’s book: "Llama Llama Rojo Pijama" by Anna Dewdney

    Primrose character I most relate to: Megy the cow, because being kind to yourself and others really does go a long way!

  • Ms. Kayla, Lead Toddler Teacher

    Ms. Kayla

    Lead Toddler Teacher

    "I am excited for the school year ahead and to get to know and evolve with each of the students."

    Name: Kayla

    Hometown: Hicksville, NY

    Childcare experience: CDA program

    Favorite food: Sushi

    Favorite weekend activity: Watching movies, drinking smoothies, and going to Sephora

    Favorite children’s book: "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" by Laura Numeroff

    Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin the dog, because he represents friendship. 

  • Ms. Noah, Lead Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Noah

    Lead Preschool Teacher

    "I look forward to stretching the imaginations of my students and inspiring even more creativity and curiosity within them!"

    Name: Noah

    Hometown: Uniondale, NY

    Childcare experience: STEAM teacher 5+ years/ HS art teacher

    Favorite food: Sushi

    Favorite weekend activity: Oil painting, reading, visiting museums, listening to classical music

    Favorite children’s book: "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton

    Primrose character I most relate to: Percy the rooster, because he is a group leader and I try my best to guide and set an example for my community. 

  • Ms. Zareen, Lead Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Zareen

    Lead Preschool Teacher

    "I am so excited to get to know your children and you. I have worked with children for as long as I can remember. It is truly my passion to be able to shape their little minds. As they learn from me, I learn from them. I can't wait to continue to watch them learn and grow."

    Name: Zareen

    Hometown: New Hyde Park, NY

    Childcare experience: Degree in Teaching/Education

    Favorite food: Sushi

    Favorite weekend activity: Cooking, going to the beach, and doing crossword puzzles

    Favorite children’s book: "What Should Danny Do?" by Adir Levy and Ganit Levy

    Primrose character I most relate to: Percy the rooster, because he represents courage and leadership; traits my dad has instilled in me.

  • Ms. Brenda, Lead Infant Teacher

    Ms. Brenda

    Lead Infant Teacher

    "Welcome to the infant room. I look forward to getting to know your child and helping them succeed in their educational journey, while having fun! We will have a wonderful time ahead!" 

    Name: Brenda

    Hometown: El Salvador

    Childcare experience: 3 years

    Favorite food: Pizza

    Favorite weekend activity: Cooking, drinking iced lattes, and doing art

    Favorite children’s book: "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle

    Primrose character I most relate to: Molly the cow, because it's cool to be kind!

  • Ms. Esther, Lead Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Esther

    Lead Early Preschool Teacher

    “I am so excited for the new school year. I cannot wait to play and learn with your children. We will have an amazing adventure together!"

    Name: Esther

    Hometown: Hicksville, NY

    Childcare experience: 10+ years

    Favorite food: Chicken cutlets

    Favorite weekend activity: Reading, eating dessert, and shopping at Target

    Favorite children’s book: "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle

    Primrose character I most relate to: Molly the cow, because I believe over all else, it's important to be kind.

  • Ms. Lisa, Lead Early Preschool Teacher

    Ms. Lisa

    Lead Early Preschool Teacher

    “This is my seventeenth year in childcare and tenth year as a preschool teacher. I love watching kids learn and grow. I strive to make learning fun and engaging!"

    Name: Lisa

    Hometown: Levittown, NY

    Childcare experience: 17 years

    Favorite food: Sushi

    Favorite weekend activity: Watching basketball, eating spicy foods, and doing yoga

    Favorite children’s book: "What Should Danny Do?" by Adir Levy and Ganit Levy

    Primrose character I most relate to: Megy the pig, because she represents conservation and cares about the planet.

  • Ms. Annmarie

    Assistant Teacher

    "I'm so excited to see your child's smiling faces every morning when they walk through those doors!"

    Name: Annmarie

    Hometown: Woodbury, NY

    Childcare experience: 10+ years

    Favorite food: Any type of pasta

    Favorite weekend activity: Going to the beach & spending time with family

    Favorite children’s book: "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown

    Primrose character I most relate to: Og® the Bookworm, because he tells children that caring for others helps make the world a better place — and feels good, too!

  • Ms. Katie

    Assistant Toddler Teacher

    "I can't wait to play with the children and watch them learn and grow!"

    Name: Katie

    Hometown: Hicksville, NY

    Childcare experience: 10+ years 

    Favorite food: Pizza

    Favorite weekend activity: Hanging out with my friends

    Favorite children’s book: "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown

    Primrose character I most relate to: Megy the Pig, because she helps children identify actions they can take to help the environment!

  • Ms. Shinell, Head Chef

    Ms. Shinell

    Head Chef

    “Hi. I am Chef Shinell and I am super funny and love to take care of everyone around me.”

    Name: Shinell Harris Fray

    Hometown: Amityville, NY

    Childcare experience: I have experience raising my two daughters, Jireh and Justice. Professionally, I have my Food Handling Certificate and my BA in Media Communications.

    Favorite food: Chicken Alfredo

    Favorite weekend activity: Going to amusement parks

    Favorite children’s book: "The Ladder That Reached Heaven"

    Primrose character I most relate to: Billy the duck, because he loves music like me. 

  • Shveta and Rahul Alreja, Franchise Owner

    Shveta and Rahul Alreja

    Franchise Owners

    Welcome to the Primrose of Woodbury NY.

    We, Shveta and Rahul Alreja, are the proud owners of the Primrose of Woodbury NY, the first Primrose school in New York State. We are passionate about early childhood education and are dedicated to positively making an impact in the lives of children and their families in a secure and nurturing learning environment.

    90% of a child’s brain is formed in their first five years, thus making these years the most formative for overall development and learning. Even prior to having two children of our own, we understood the significance provided by a strong early childcare and educational experience. After thorough research, it was ultimately Primrose’s value and promise that led us to partner with them.

    I, Shveta, began my professional career as an undergrad from Boston University, with a B.A. in Business Administration, Marketing, and Psychology. I worked in corporate America and India as a brand manager at Unilever. Following my stint in India, I operated a wholesale clothing business. It was after a few years of working that I realized that I was not entirely satisfied and needed a change. My brother Neel, who has autism and has been the cornerstone of inspiration for all major life decisions, inspired my next path. I decided to take a detour and pursue my M.A. in Early Childhood and Special Education from New York University. My graduate school and teaching experience in the NYC public school system proved to be gratifying, and ultimately carved this new chapter in my life.

    Since Rahul and I were born and raised, and are now raising our own family on Long Island, it was imperative for us to give back to our community. We were familiar with the dearth of high quality early educational programs around us, which eventually led to our decision to be a part of the Primrose family. Especially after having two kids of our own, Arya and Kavir, it became even more apparent to us to want to bring to Long Island the high-quality standards and education of that of Primrose.

    At Primrose Schools, all facets of a child’s development – cognitive, social emotional, physical, creative, and character development - are paid close attention to. Primrose’s proprietary Balanced Learning Curriculum masterfully weaves all learning domains in a developmentally appropriate and intentional way, and the Balanced Learning Journey builds on the teachings from grade to grade. The Balanced Learning Curriculum is time tested throughout the 400+ schools across the country, and research informed by industry experts. Every detail is thoughtfully addressed, as proven by being the first educational preschool to earn national accreditation from AdvancedED.

    We are excited to be a part of the Primrose family, and are looking forward to making a difference in the lives of children, their parents, and the community around us.

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