Primrose School would love to meet your family.
Schedule A Tour
Ms. Patricia Sammon has over 20 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. Her journey began as a Head Start Educator with the Economic Opportunity Commission of Nassau County. She furthered her studies which enabled her to obtain her Administrator Credential in Early Childhood. Patricia is also a former Director of a Preschool in Massapequa.
Patricia has a strong commitment in developing a safe and secure environment as well as implementing a high level of quality early childhood education. She continues to acquire an appreciation both professional and personal, of the importance of individual positive development in every child.
During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children and her four grandchildren. She also loves long walks on the beach, dining out and dancing!
Hello, My name is Elizabeth Gilmore. I have my Masters in education. I have been at Primrose since the opening of the school in 2020. I have been in the childcare field for over 10 years. Outside of work, I enjoy skiing during the winter and relaxing and reading a good book. I look forward working with your family.
Hello, My name is Taneva Mattocks. I am currently pursuing my BS in Early Childhood and Special Education. I have been at Primrose since the opening of the school in 2020. I have been in the childcare field for over 10 years. Outside of work, I like to draw and cosplay on my free time. I am looking forward to getting to know your family.
“I love working with children as a teacher and as a Mom. I have a twelve-year-old son. When I’m not teaching, I’m “Mommying.” My favorite age to work with is the infants because they are so curious.”
Name: Melissa Romero
Hometown: Farmingdale, NY
Childcare experience: Working with children for over ten years
Education Background: CDA
Favorite food: Tacos
Favorite weekend activity: Going to the gym
Favorite children’s book: Goodnight Moon
Primrose character I most relate to:Percy because he is cheerful and has a big caring heart!
What I’m most excited about this school year: Growing with the company and getting to know all of the staff and students!
Hello, My name is Maura Carrington. I have my Bachelors in arts. I have been at Primrose since the opening of the school in 2020. I have been in the childcare field for over 10 years. Outside of work, I love to relax on the weekend with my family and friends. I am looking forward to getting to know your family.
Hello, my name is Khepree Barker. I have a BA in sociology and have been in the childcare field for over 10 years. I have been at Primrose since the opening of the school in 2020. Outside of work, I love going to brunch and church with my daughter. I am looking forward to getting to know your family.
“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
Education Background: Bachelors Degree
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
What I’m most excited about this school year: “Getting to know your children and seeing their eyes light up when they realize what they learned and can do.
Hello, My name is Michelle Behal. I have my BA in Early childhood education and psychology. I have been in the childcare field for over 10 years. I have been at Primrose since the opening of the school in 2020. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, especially my twin children. I am looking forward to getting to know your family.
” I love the idea that I could make an impact on a child’s attitude towards learning and the way they view the world is why I love working with children. I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family."
Name: Najia Islam
Hometown: New York, NY
Childcare experience: 6 years
Education Background: BA in Journalism
Favorite food: Burgers and Frappuccino
Favorite weekend activity: Meeting up with friends, watching movies and shopping.
Favorite children’s book: Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
Primrose character I most relate to: Molly
What I’m most excited about this school year: Meeting and getting to know new students.
Let’s get to know each other.
“I am artistic and I love being creative. Working with children allows me to do that on a daily basis.
Name: Yvonne Wang
Hometown: Taipei, Taiwan
Childcare experience: I have been working in the childcare field for the past four years
Education Background: Master in Art Therapy
Favorite food: Korean BBQ
Favorite weekend activity: Brunching and Cooking
Favorite children’s book: There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books by Lucille Colandro
Primrose character I most relate to: Percy
What you’re most excited about this school year: To watch the children grow and be creative every day.
Let’s get to know each other.
“My Name is Molly and I am very excited to start working here at Primrose.”
Name: Molly Terry
Hometown: Northport, NY
Childcare experience: I have spent three years in childcare and am pursuing my Masters in Early Childhood Education from Fordham University.
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite weekend activity: Yoga
Favorite children’s book: The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin
What I’m most excited about this school year: To meet and learn about our new students this year
“My brother and I are both J.J, and I’m named after a comic book character.”
Name: Jessica Jones
Hometown: Queens, NY
Childcare experience: I have a BA from Queens College. I have tutored and worked at a preschool in the past.
Favorite food: CHEESE- mozzarella sticks and parmiagiano
Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with friends and anything related to the Mets and Giants
Favorite children’s book: Harold and the Purple Crayon
Primrose character I most relate to: Mia because I love sports
What I’m most excited about this school year: Excited to finally live on my own, start a new job and make new teacher friends
Let’s get to know each others.
“I am originally from France and studied in Belgium.”
Name: India Bonilavri
Hometown: Lodeve, France
Childcare experience: College in Belgium
Favorite food: Hamburgers
Favorite weekend activity: Watching movies at the theater
Favorite children’s book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Primrose character I most relate to: Benjamin the Bear because I love the color red
What you’re most excited about this school year: Being with the children
“Hi. I am Catherina. I am inquisitive and easy going.”
Name: Catherina Blair
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Childcare experience: I have always loved working with children since I was a child. I’ve gained experience by volunteering at church camps, babysitting, and working in a childcare center for six years. I have an Associates in Early Education.
Favorite food: Italian Pizza
Favorite weekend activity: Shopping at TARGET
Favorite children’s book: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault
Primrose character I most relate to: Peanut the Pony, who embodies Honesty, because I believe honesty is the best policy
What I’m most excited about this school year: To get to know all the staff and students!
Let’s get to know each others.
“I have five sisters, which has taught me a lot.”
Name: Angie Batres
Hometown: Inwood, NY
Childcare experience: Pursuing my BA in Speech Pathology.
Favorite food: Chicken
Favorite weekend activity: Hanging with my whole family
Favorite children’s book: Dr. Seuss’ “There’s a Wocket in my Pocket”
Primrose character I most relate to: Molly
What you’re most excited about this school year: To see the kids and I grow together
Let’s get to know each other.
“Hi, I’m Esha. I am Indian and can speak Hindi fluently.”
Name: Esha Sarin
Hometown: Plainview, NY
Childcare experience: MA in Elementary and Special Ed.
Favorite food: Penne
Favorite weekend activity: Gym
Favorite children’s book: Oh, the Places You’ll Go
Primrose character I most relate to: Molly because I love math
What I’m most excited about this school year: Make new teacher friends
Let’s get to know each other.
“Hi. I am Jaylen. I am left-handed and super tall!”
Name: Jaylen Murray
Hometown: Harlem, NY
Childcare experience: I have a BA and am pursuing my MA in Special Education.
Favorite food: Seafood
Favorite weekend activity: Hanging with Family
Favorite children’s book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Primrose character I most relate to: Benjamin the Bear
What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know the kids and watching them grow!
Let’s get to know each other.
“Hi. I am Chef Shinell and I am super funny and love to take care of everyone around me.”
Name: Shinell Harris Fray
Hometown: Freeport, originally Amityville
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: 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
What I’m most excited about this school year: New opportunities with growing and learning at Primrose
Let’s get to know each other.
“Hi, I’m Amanda. I have a twin brother.”
Name: Amanda Hickey
Hometown: Farmingdale, NY
Childcare experience: Farmingdale State College. Been in childcare for 9 years, babysitting and camp counseling
Favorite food: Tacos
Favorite weekend activity: Gardening
Favorite children’s book: Pete the Cat 4 Groovy Buttons
Primrose character Billy because I love the color purple
What I’m most excited about this school year: Watching the kids grown and learn
Let’s get to know each other.
“Hi, I’m Evangelia (Eva). My favorite thing about working with children is watching them learn and grow.”
Name: Evangelia Markoulis
Hometown: Glen Cove, NY
Childcare experience: I have spent three years in childcare. I got my BS in Psychology and BA in Sociology with a Minor in Spanish and am currently going to graduate school for my MS in School Psychology.
Favorite food: Anything BBQed (especially pulled pork)
Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with family and friends
Favorite children’s book: Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
Primrose character I most relate to: Billy because he loves to keep promises!
What I’m most excited about this school year: To meet our new students and make new friends!
Let’s get to know each other.
“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 because he reprsents Courage
What I’m most excited about this school year: I’m excited to be a part of the Primrose team and to be a leader in education.
About Ms Caitlyn:
“I love to be imaginative and can’t wait to bring that side of me into my own classroom setting.”
Name: Caitlyn Lynch
Hometown: Kings Park
Childcare experience: Babysitting since 15, camp counselor for 5 years, independent aid at BOCES, and after-school elementary counselor. BA in Psychology and Neuroscience from SUNY Albany
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite weekend activity: Taking my dogs for walks
Favorite children’s book: The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh
Primrose character I most relate to: Mia the Mouse because she is tiny and loves to listen
What you’re most excited about this school year: Watching all the children grow into the best versions of themselves and develop their independence every day.
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.