PRIMROSE SCHOOL FRANCHISING SPE - Key Persons


April Patterson

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant
Hello, my name is April Patterson, and I am thrilled to be a part of the Primrose School of Avalon Park. I've lived in Orlando, Florida since 2004. I have my AA degree in Business, and decided a year ago to make a career change due to my love and passion to help guide and provide a better future for children. I recently obtained my National Child Development Associates Certification (CDA), and my National Director's Credential. I am a proud mom to two wonderful children, Taylor and Cody. I enjoy spending all of my time with my family on the weekends at the beach, sitting and relaxing by the pool, soccer games, and dance competitions.

Dr. Carol Donovan

Job Titles:
  • Professor of Literacy Education at the University of Alabama
Dr. Carol Donovan is a Professor of Literacy Education at the University of Alabama. Her research interests include children's and teachers' selections and uses of books for science, children's genre knowledge development, and children's writing development. She has published her work in various journals, including Reading Research Quarterly, Research in the Teaching of English, The Reading Teacher, Elementary School Journal, and Language Arts. She received a doctoral degree in Multicultural Teacher and Child Education with an emphasis in reading and writing from the University of New Mexico.

Dr. Chih-Ing Lim

Job Titles:
  • Specialist at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute
Dr. Chih-Ing Lim is a Senior Technical Assistance Specialist at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is the co-director of the STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education Center, which works to build the knowledge on early STEM learning for children, especially those with disabilities. She also leads Supporting Change and Reform in Preservice Teaching in North Carolina, where she works with community college faculty to better prepare early childhood professionals to serve children with disabilities and who are from culturally and ethnically diverse families. She holds a bachelor's degree in music from the University of York in England, a post-graduate diploma in music and math education from Nanyang Technological University-National Institute of Education in Singapore, and master's and doctoral degrees in early childhood, families, and literacy education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Douglas Bell

Job Titles:
  • Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at Kennesaw State University
Dr. Douglas Bell is an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at Kennesaw State University in the Birth through Kindergarten teacher preparation program. With more than 30 years of experience in early childhood curriculum, early literacy, early social emotional development and working with young dual-language learners, he has held positions as teacher in all age groups birth through second grade. Additionally, he has served as early learning school administrator, curriculum coordinator, and teacher trainer. Dr. Bell has published and presented on local, state, national and international levels.

Dr. Gloria Julius

Job Titles:
  • Strategic Consultant
Dr. Gloria Julius is a Strategic Consultant advising on research and development of early childhood curriculum and instructional programming. Prior to consulting, Dr. Julius served as Chief Academic Officer for Primrose Schools, overseeing the research, development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the Primrose Balanced Learning® curriculum. Prior to joining Primrose, Dr. Julius served as the Chief Learning Officer for Calvert Education Services, a 115-year-old home schooling and virtual learning provider. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education with a concentration in music from Elizabethtown College, a master's degree in education with a concentration in curriculum development from Towson University, and doctoral degree in education policy, planning and administration from the University of Maryland College Park.

Dr. Iheoma U. Iruka

Job Titles:
  • Research Professor
Dr. Iheoma U. Iruka is a Research Professor of Public Policy, a Fellow at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (FPG), and the Founding Director of the Equity Research Action Coalition at FPG at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Iruka is engaged in projects and initiatives focused on how evidence-informed policies, systems, and practices in early education can support the optimal development and experiences of racially minoritized children and those from low-wealth households and communities. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Temple University, a master's degree in psychology from Boston University, and doctoral degree in applied developmental psychology from the University of Miami, Florida.

Dr. Jennifer McDonel

Job Titles:
  • Director of Music Education at Radford University
Dr. Jennifer McDonel is assistant professor of music and director of music education at Radford University. She also is a faculty member and former executive director of the Gordon Institute for Music Learning. Throughout her career, Dr. McDonel's teaching and research has spanned across all ages, with a specific focus on the impact of early childhood music learning on children's overall development. Dr. McDonel holds a bachelor's degree in music education from The Ohio State University, a master's degree in music education from the Eastman School of Music and doctoral degree in elementary education from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Dr. Laura Jana

Job Titles:
  • Media Spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics
Dr. Laura Jana is the proud mother of three, a pediatrician, author, certified child passenger safety technician, and Primrose School Franchise Owner. Dr. Jana is also a nationally recognized parenting expert and health communicator. Having first served as a consultant to Dr. Benjamin Spock, Dr. Jana went on to co-found The Dr. Spock Company in 1999, and then subsequently founded her own company, Practical Parenting Consulting. Dr. Jana now serves as a media spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics; is on the advisory board for American Baby magazine and The Walt Disney Internet Group; and serves as an expert consultant for academic organizations, non-profits and major corporations such as P&G, Dorel, Playtex and Reckitt Benckhiser/Lysol.

Dr. Maria Shaheen

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director, Early Childhood Education
Dr. Maria Shaheen joined Primrose Schools in 2014. She began her career as a multiage Preschool/PreK teacher in a school inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, and has taught in both public and private schools at the early childhood, elementary, and middle school levels. In addition, she has worked as a reading specialist, adult ELL instructor, and served in several administrative roles as both Curriculum Director and Director of PreK/Elementary. Prior to joining Primrose Schools, Dr. Shaheen was Assistant Professor of Elementary and Early Childhood Education at Kennesaw State University. Her research areas include early literacy, social justice in early childhood/ elementary education, and innovative teaching practices. Her publications and presentations at the state, national, and international levels relate to current, research-based best practices in early childhood/elementary education. Dr. Shaheen has a doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction and master's degree in Elementary Education from Kent State University in Ohio.

Dr. Mary Louise Hemmeter

Job Titles:
  • Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University
Dr. Mary Louise Hemmeter is a Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. Her research focuses on effective instruction, supporting social emotional development and addressing challenging behavior, and coaching teachers. She has directed numerous projects funded by the US Departments of Education and Health and Human Services. Through her work on the National Center on the Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning and IES-funded research projects, she was involved in the development of the Pyramid Model for Supporting Social Emotional Competence in Young Children and the Practice Based Coaching Model. Additionally, she is a co-author on the Connect4Learning Early Childhood Curriculum and the Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool. She has received the Merle B. Karnes Service to the Division Award and the Mary McEvoy Service to the Field Award.

Dr. Meg Small

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Research Professor and Director for Social Innovation at Penn State University 's Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center
Dr. Meg Small is an assistant research professor and director for social innovation at Penn State University's Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center. She is also director of the university's Health and Human Development Design for Impact Lab. With two decades of experience in the prevention research field, Dr. Small's work is focused on using research to create programs and inform policies that promote the health and well-being of children and families. She earned a bachelor's degree in health and human development from Penn State University, a master's degree in community health at the University of Alabama and a doctorate degree in community and public health from the University of Maryland.

Dr. Sandra M. Linder

Job Titles:
  • Associate Professor at Clemson University
Dr. Sandra M. Linder is an Associate Professor at Clemson University. centers her research on improving teacher quality in mathematics through professional development. In addition to her work in curriculum, Dr. Linder has multiple national publications relating to early childhood and elementary mathematics motivation and achievement, pre-service and in-service teacher quality and professional development, cross-curricular and technology integration in mathematics, and teacher beliefs related to mathematics pedagogy.

Jo Kirchner - CEO

Job Titles:
  • CEO
Jo Kirchner has devoted the majority of her career to pioneering breakthrough strategies for delivering high-quality early education and care. As CEO of Primrose Schools® since 1999, she has led strategic growth of the company from four locations in Georgia to a national brand recognized as an industry leader and innovator. Jo joined Primrose in 1990 as Vice President and was instrumental in creating and expanding the franchise model that now includes over 450 independently owned and operated schools coast-to-coast. Today, Jo continues to shape strategic direction for the rapidly expanding franchise company while also providing leadership on the Primrose Schools Board of Directors and the Primrose Early Learning Council. Outside the company, her national advocacy work includes serving on the board as co-chair for the Early Care & Education Consortium, a trustee for Cognia and the Committee for Economic Development of The Conference Board, and she engages in initiatives internationally to advance early education and child care. In 2017, Jo received the International Franchise Associations Bonnie LeVine Award in recognition of her commitment to the mentorship of women. Jo founded the Primrose Schools Children's Foundation and launched the Primrose Promise℠ corporate social responsibility program, which helps the Primrose organization fulfill its mission to forge a path that leads to a brighter future for all children.

Joyce Konrad

Job Titles:
  • Owners of Nine Primrose School Franchises

Kathy C. Trundle

Job Titles:
  • Department Head and Professor in Science, Technology
Dr. Kathy Cabe Trundle, Department Head and Professor in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education at North Carolina State University, has more than 30 years of experience in science education, including 10 years of public school teaching. Before joining the faculty at NC State, she was a Professor in Early Childhood Science Education at The Ohio State University, and she previously served as the State Science Consultant for the Kentucky Department of Education. Dr. Trundle has more than 200 scholarly publications, including research articles, book chapters, and books. In addition to her academic and scholarly activities, Dr. Trundle is highly sought after as a national and international expert in early childhood education. She serves as an advisor to the Fred Rogers Company and to Louisiana Public Broadcasting. She has served as a Fulbright Specialist in Indonesia. Additionally, she has been an invited keynote speaker at international conferences and universities in Turkey, China and Indonesia, and she consulted with the Chinese government on a science and technology museum project.

Kienna McCluster

Job Titles:
  • Director
I began my the Early Childhood career in 2004. I have been apart of Primrose Schools as a Director since 2012. I am an active member of the National Association of the Education of Young Children and a state and local chapter advisory committee member who assist with the professional development of early childhood professionals. I am passionate about connecting with others and nurturing relationships. Which, is the foundation to my daily motivation of knowing young children require consistency, dedication and love in these formative years of development. I am a mother of two and I simply enjoy being a mommy when not working. My son is involved in sports and musical theater year round, keeping my husband and I busy.

Mrs. Alyssa Coleman

Job Titles:
  • Director of School Excellence
Mrs. Coleman first joined Primrose in 2012. She taught in multiple classrooms at Brassfield before becoming Office Manager at New Irving Park. Mrs. Coleman is now Director of School Excellence at the Brassfield location. She has achieved the highest level of NC Division of Child Development and Early Education Administrator qualification (Admin III). Mrs. Coleman has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Learning from Lynchburg College and more than 12 years' experience in the field.

Mrs. Asia Fudge

Mrs. Fudge joined the Primrose School of Bent Trail team in 2020 with over six years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Fudge attended Dallas Baptist University to receive her B.A. in communication and is currently in school to further her education. She has a strong passion for teaching and watching the children in her class grow and develop into everything they were created to be. Mrs. Fudge also enjoys reading and serving her church and community.

Mrs. Cristina Martinez

Mrs. Martinez joined the Primrose School of Bent Trail team in 2021 with two years of previous Early Childhood Education experience. Mrs. Martinez also has two children who attend our school. She is passionate about working with infants and young toddlers and enjoys teaching them something new each day. She loves getting to experience the children walk, talk and do things for the first time.

Mrs. Erin Floyd

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director - Curriculum
Ms. Floyd is from Albemarle, NC. She has a BS in Human Development and Family Studies from UNC-G. Ms. Floyd has 8 years' experience in child care, all with Primrose. Ms. Floyd loves interacting with the children and getting to know their families. staff Tony and Kim Lancaster Franchise Owner https://ucarecdn.com/aa1b059c-4424-4eb2-8cec-2ade74882f3e/-/crop/3243x2115/0,24/-/resize/920x600/ <p>Kim and Tony Lancaster are the proud owners of Primrose School of Brassfield and Primrose School of New Irving Park! As a dual-career couple and parents of a recent college graduate, we understand and value the importance of balance. Primrose's Balanced Learning approach to early education resonated with us. Children need the right balance of child initiated and teacher guided activities to foster cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development. </p><p>Tony and Kim were introduced to Primrose Schools in 1997 at the grand opening for Primrose School of Brassfield, followed by Primrose School of New Irving Park in 2000. The Lancasters had the opportunity to continue the tradition of quality childcare and early education in Greensboro when their close family friends who opened the schools were ready to retire in 2012. The Greensboro Primrose Schools have been named "Favorite Childcare Facility" by Triad Moms on Main 5 times. </p><p>Tony has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from NC State University. His background is in operations and planning with Procter and Gamble. Kim graduated from Meredith College with a BS in Business Administration. She held various positions in sales and client services. "Our values perfectly align with our school's vision and mission: we work to provide the best and most trusted early childhood education and care for our children and their families."</p>

Mrs. Ghazala Javed

Job Titles:
  • Pre - Kindergarten Degreed Lead Teacher
Mrs. Javed joined the Primrose School of Bent Trail team in 2021 with over 15 years of Early Childhood Education experience. Mrs. Javed has a Bachelor Degree in Education, Art and Applied Behavioral Science. She also has two children of her own and previously owned her own in-home childcare center. She loves children of all ages and her favorite thing about teaching is seeing their faces light up when they learn something new.

Mrs. Jordan Rojas

Ms. Jordan joined the Primrose School of Bent Trail team in 2021 with over 3 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She is originally from California and also has a son who attends our school, as well as a new baby boy! Ms. Jordan enjoys teaching the Primrose curriculum and values the importance of making personal connections with each child and learning about their unique personalities.

Mrs. Kelli Palmer - COO

Job Titles:
  • Director of Operations
Mrs. Palmer is from Sanford, NC. She has her BS in Early Childhood Education from UNC-G and 9 years' experience in child care. Mrs. Palmer has been with Primrose for 5 years where she enjoys watching the children grow and learn.

Mrs. Kendall Johnson

Job Titles:
  • Director of Curriculum
Mrs. Johnson joined the Konrad group in 2017 as a teacher for one of our sister schools. In 2020 she joined the Primrose School of Bent Trail team as the Preschool, and then Pre-Kindergarten teacher. She was also the Pre-Kindergarten mentor teacher for our ownership group. She now has her Texas Director's Credential and enjoys mentoring and inspiring the teachers within the school. Mrs. Johnson is passionate about the Balanced Learning Curriculum and believes it is what sets Primrose apart; she loves watching it come to life in the classrooms each day.

Mrs. Sandra Hasten

Job Titles:
  • Regional Director of Operations for the Primrose School of Wellington
Sandra Hasten is the Regional Director of Operations for the Primrose School of Wellington, Primrose School of Bedford, Primrose School of Coppell and the Primrose School of Bent Trail for the "Konrad School" Primroses. She has over 20 years of experience with Primrose Schools. She was the Executive Director of Primrose School of Coppell for 13 years and then Executive Director at Primrose School of Wellington for 3 years. Mrs. Hasten has a love for working with a children and is proud to be a part of the Primrose Team. After receiving her degree from Sam Houston State University she always knew her heart was in children. Mrs. Hasten has a passion for creating a loving, nurturing environment where children learn and grow.

Ms. Alicia Molina

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant
Ms. Alicia Molina has been employed at Primrose School of Barker Cypress since August 2008. She started working part time while going to college as a Support Teacher, then worked as a Toddler Assistant Teacher, before moving on full time as a Preschool Lead Teacher in 2010. For the 2015-2016 School Year, Alicia was the recipient of our Heart of Primrose award! Ms. Alicia moved to our Pre-K program in August 2016 as a Lead Teacher. Three years later in August of 2019, Alicia was promoted to the Leadership Team as an Administrative Assistant. She is energetic, enthusiastic and brings smiles to the faces of our children, families and staff at Primrose School of Barker Cypress each day. We are thrilled to have her as part of our Leadership Team!

Ms. Bayley Deutsch

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director
Ms. Deutsch began her Early Childhood Education career with our Konrad Schools in 2015 at our Primrose School of Breckinridge Park. Ms. Deutsch first began as a teacher in the Toddler classroom. She loved every minute of teaching and knew from that moment that she was wanting to make it her career. She moved to Virginia, for a few years, and continued to work at Primrose Schools at Cahoon Commons. In Virginia, she grew into a Mentor Teacher, Education Coach, and Assistant Director. As Assistant Director, her position was critical, as she helped open a brand new school for the Virginia owners. She knew she would be moving back to the wonderful state of Texas, and as soon as she did, she accepted a position as a Director, and opened a newly built school in the Forney area. Ms. Deutsch is very excited to have rejoined our Konrad Schools, as she never forgot about our ownership group, and how they continued to stand out and above the rest of her employers. Bayley has worked across the country from Texas to Virginia for accredited programs and is eager to bring her experience and knowledge to Primrose School of Bent Trail. We welcome her with excitement for the passion and dedication she has! We cannot wait for you all to meet her!

Ms. Elizabeth Stafford

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant
  • School Director
Ms. Elizabeth Stafford has been part of our Primrose Family since November 2004 where she started as an Infant Assistant Teacher, before moving to the Explorer class for Summer Camp 2005. Starting with the 2005-2006 School Year, Elizabeth was the Lead Preschool Teacher for the next two years. The students in her Preschool class were so attached to her, and to this day, this is still her favorite age! In June 2007, a position was available on the School Leadership Team and Elizabeth became an Administrative Assistant. Soon after in September 2008, she was promoted to Assistant School Director. In 2019, with the opening of a new Primrose School by the Tanner family and several management members moving to the new school, Elizabeth took over as the School Director. She has developed a wonderful new School Leadership Team from tenured staff and Primrose School of Barker Cypress continues to thrive! Elizabeth has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College. She is the mother of two children who grew up at Primrose School of Barker Cypress. Elizabeth is also a Member-at-Large on the Boy Scouts Big District Committee. Our school is lucky to have such a dedicated leader!

Ms. Erica Patrick

Job Titles:
  • Assistant School Director
  • Asst. Director
Ms. Erica Patrick has been part of our Primrose Barker Cypress family since 2009. Erica started out as a Support Teacher working part time in the Preschool class and in 2011 took over full time as a Lead Preschool Teacher. For the 2013-2014 School Year, Ms. Erica was the recipient of our Teacher of the Year award! In August 2015, Ms. Erica became a Lead Pre-K Teacher and for three years her students shined academically! In August 2018, Erica moved to our Leadership Team as an Administrative Assistant and was promoted to Assistant School Director in January 2020. Erica is married to a law enforcement first responder and is the mother of two girls. We are thrilled to have her a part of our School Leadership Team!

Ms. Gabrielle Cox

Ms. Cox joined the Primrose School of Bent Trail team in 2014 and has been a lead teacher in the Early Preschool, Preschool Pathways and Preschool classrooms. Ms. Cox also assists the front office as the office manger. She enjoys teaching the children in her classroom new things and is proud to play such an important role in their early childhood education and development. Ms. Cox also values the importance of making personal connections with each child and their families.

Ms. Ivette Leal

Job Titles:
  • Curriculum Director
Ms. Ivette Leal De Romero has been employed by Primrose Schools since 1999, first as a Teacher at Primrose School of Champions, and then beginning 2001, as both Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator. Beginning in 2007, Ivette left the classroom and worked as the Curriculum Director for both Primrose School of Champions and Primrose School of Barker Cypress. With our newest school open in 2019, Ms. Ivette Leal splits her time between Primrose School of Barker Cypress and Primrose School of Bridgeland. Ivette earned a Bachelors degree in Education in Venezuela and taught at a private school before coming to the United States. We are fortunate to have such a strong academic leader and trainer at Primrose School of Barker Cypress!

Ms. Jasmin Pichardo

Job Titles:
  • Support Teacher
Ms. Jasmin Pichardo joined the Primrose School of Bent Trail team in 2021 with six years of previous experience in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Pichardo is creative; she enjoys crafting and painting in her free time and with the students in her class. She is experienced in working with children of all ages and helps support our teachers and school, working mostly with the Young Toddler and Early Preschool classes.

Ms. Jasmine Fulwood

Job Titles:
  • Degreed Kitchen Manager
Chef Jasmine joined the Primrose School of Bent Trail family in 2021 with over 13 years of kitchen experience and a degree in Culinary Arts. Chef Jasmine also has a son who attends our school. When she is not cooking, she enjoys spending time with her family and eating her favorite food- pho!

Ms. Karen Clevenger

Job Titles:
  • Area Director
Ms. Karen Clevenger opened the second Primrose School in the Houston area in December 1998 as the School Director, at Primrose School of Champions. In August 2001, Primrose School of Barker Cypress opened and she became the Area Director. Both schools were the proud recipients of the Primrose President's Award for Excellence in 2003 and again 2009. Primrose School of Champions was sold in 2016 and work began on opening a new school in the Cypress area. Primrose School of Bridgeland opened in May 2019 and Karen continues as the Area Director for both Primrose Barker Cypress and Primrose Bridgeland. Ms. Clevenger has an Education Degree from the University of West Florida, but also has work experience in management and banking, which gives her a great balance managing the schools. She has two children who worked at Primrose while high school students and feels that it was a good "life" experience for both.

Ms. Laura Gonzales

Job Titles:
  • Assistant
Ms. Gonzales joined the Primrose School of Bent Trail team in 2021 with five years of previous experience in childcare. She also has a daughter of her own. Ms. Gonzales is very adventurous; she enjoys dancing and art. She loves teaching the older infant students' new things and watching them explore.

Ms. Marissa Garcia

Job Titles:
  • Assistant
Ms. Garcia joined the Primrose School of Bent Trail team in 2022 as a teacher in the Early Preschool classroom eager to make a difference in the lives of young children. She also has a daughter who attends our school. Ms. Garcia loves dancing and enjoys having fun with the children in her class.

Ms. Mckenzie Sandefer

Job Titles:
  • Assistant
Ms. Sandefer joined the Primrose School of Bent Trail team in 2022 with several years of prior experience working with children in her church nursery. She also has a son who attends our school. Ms. Sandefer enjoys the Early Preschool classroom and how much fun and energy the students bring to school each day.

Ms. Nereida Cruz

Job Titles:
  • Pre - Kindergarten Assistant
Ms. Cruz joined the Primrose School of Bent Trail team in 2021 with seven years of previous experience in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Cruz enjoys working with children of all ages and loves teaching them character development skills; her favorite thing about working with students is watching them grow and become who they were meant to be.

Ms. Reagan Darnell

Job Titles:
  • Office Manager
Ms. Reagan Darnell joined the Primrose School of Bent Trail team in 2021 as the Office Manager. Ms. Darnell has been working as a teacher for our owner group in various of classrooms since 2019. Ms. Darnell is passionate about serving the WOW experience that Primrose has to offer to children and families. Reagan is essential to assisting in the needs of the school and providing excellent service.

Ms. Rebecca Witherow

Ms. Witherow joined the Primrose School of Bent Trail team in 2019 with two years of previous experience in Early Childhood Education. She also has a daughter who attends our school. Her favorite thing about Primrose is the curriculum and she loves watching it come to life in the classroom. Ms. Witherow also enjoys making personal connections with each student and family.

Ms. Shun Henderson

Job Titles:
  • Assistant
  • Preschool Assistant Teacher
Ms. Shun joined the Primrose School of Bent Trail team in 2021. She has over thirteen years of experience in Early Childhood Education and has worked with children of all ages. She also has two children of her own. Ms. Shun loves learning about each child, their interests and personalities. She thoroughly enjoys Primrose and our beliefs and mission.

Primrose Schools

Primrose Schools® is a national system of accredited private preschools that provides a premier early education and child care experience for children and families. Our Franchise Owners, Leadership Teams and School Staff partner with parents to help children develop the right foundation for continual learning in life.

Rebecca Parlakian

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director of Programs at ZERO to THREE
Rebecca Parlakian serves as senior director of programs at ZERO TO THREE where she directs a portfolio of projects related to child development, parenting, early learning, social-emotional skills, and high-quality teaching/caregiving. In her role, she has co-authored five parenting and professional curricula and developed resources for teachers, home visitors, and parents in various media formats. Ms. Parlakian's written work has appeared in a variety of publications and she has been quoted by media outlets including the New York Times and the Washington Post. She holds a master's degree in infant and toddler special education from the George Washington University where she currently teaches as an adjunct professor in their Graduate School of Education and Human Development.

Steve Clemente - President

Job Titles:
  • President
  • Primrose As President
Steve Clemente joined Primrose as President in May 2016. In his role, he leads internal operations for Primrose School Franchising Company and partners with CEO Jo Kirchner on strategic growth initiatives. Steve's entire career has been focused on providing senior leadership and management in multi-unit businesses. Prior to joining the Primrose Schools executive team, Steve served as President of Field & Stream, a subsidiary of Dick's Sporting Goods. Before that, he spent five years at the Nebraska Book Company, rising from Sr. Vice President in charge of operations to President and CEO. He began his career as an Executive in Training at Target Stores and enjoyed a 15-year trajectory there, culminating as a Group Vice President in charge of $3.3 billion in operations. He was widely recognized for mentoring high-performance executives, and his team led the company in customer service and financial profitability. Steve holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida. He earned a master's degree in business administration from Webster University.

Susan Tanner

Job Titles:
  • Owner

Tony Lancaster

Job Titles:
  • Owners of Primrose School of Brassfield
Tony Lancaster are the proud owners of Primrose School of Brassfield and Primrose School of New Irving Park! As a dual-career couple and parents of a recent college graduate, we understand ...

Young Infant Teacher

Job Titles:
  • Assistant
  • Lead Teacher
  • Teacher
Ms. Uzma joined the Primrose School of Bent Trail team in 2019 with over ten years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Uzma also has a granddaughter that attends our school. She is passionate about caring for infants and loves watching them learn and grow. Ms. Uzma also values the importance of making meaningful connections with the children and their parents. Ms. Fogle joined the Primrose School of Bent Trail team in 2021 with three years of previous experience in infant care. Ms. Fogle enjoys spending time with her family and caring for her younger brother. She loves working with infants to watch them grow and develop and reach new milestones.

Young Toddler Teacher

Job Titles:
  • Teacher