Teachers & Staff

Ms. Amanda Snellgrove
My name is Amanda Snellgrove and I am the Executive Director for the Primrose School of Athens. My love for working with children began at a very early age. I began babysitting at the age of twelve and have found a way to involve children in every aspect of my career thus far. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Development from Georgia Southern University, where I had my first experience with a quality child care setting.
My husband, Paul, & I met here in Athens and have enjoyed raising our children in this community. My daughter, Jorja, currently attends the University of North Georgia and recently completed the Disney College Program. My son, Malak, is a Senior at Oconee County High School and loves all things related to the Bulldogs and boating.
I am honored to bring my passion, knowledge, and experience to the Primrose team. I have worked in every classroom from birth to five year olds. Prior to joining the Primrose team, I directed an accredited child care center. I look forward to getting to know your family and ensuring all the high standards of Primrose are being met and exceeded.

Ms. Anu Kannan

Ms. Sky Davis
Hi! I’m Sky Davis.
At Primrose, we’re more than a team of childcare specialists. We’re also a family, and we care for every child as though they are our own. 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.
Food Service Experience: 8 years
Education: B.A. in Forensic Psychology
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: They keep things fun!
Favorite Children’s Book: The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
Favorite Holiday: Halloween
Favorite Family Tradition: Camping every summer
Languages Spoken in the Home: English
Pets in the Home: 2 cats: Cookie & Cosmo
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Hike, read, and listen to music

Ms. Hunter Conley
Hey there! I’m Hunter Conley, and I’ve been lucky enough to call Athens, Georgia my home for 19 years. I absolutely love this town and everything it has to offer. When I’m not working, you can usually find me outside with my big, adorable pup, he’s my sidekick and loves nothing more than playing at the lake or the the beach and soaking up the sunshine. I also spend a lot of time with my high school sweetheart, and together, we love finding new places and making memories with our friends.
For the past 11 years, I’ve worked as a nanny, which has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life. I love taking care of kids, helping them grow, and making sure they have lots of fun along the way. I’m so excited to be joining the Primrose family. I can’t wait to get started and be a part of something special here!
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 11 Years
Education: High School Diploma
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Watching them learn about the world through their eyes.
Favorite Children’s Book: The Giving Tree
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Other Significant Cultural Celebrations in Your Home:
Favorite Family Tradition: Sunday dinners
Languages Spoken in the Home: English
Pets in the Home: Oliver my German Shepard Mix
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Spend time with my family and friends

Ms. Simona Barnett
Hello! My Name is Simona Barnett. I was born and raised in Hong Kong. I came to the U.S. when I was 16 years old. I enjoy my lifestyle here in the States. I am married to my wonderful husband, Curtis. We have 4 daughters that are full of personality and definitely keep us busy. We enjoy spending time together and going on different adventures.
I am a certified Early Childhood Education teacher in the state of Georgia. I have been teaching for about 17 years. I am passionate about teaching young children…they inspire me! I especially love watching how each child grows over a period of time. Children amaze me! I am excited about being part of the Primrose family.
Hometown: Hong Kong
Child care experience: 17 Years
Favorite food: Japanese
Favorite weekend activity: Rest and spending time with my family
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: Learning about my students and growing with them!

Ms. Emily Baxter
Hi, I’m Emily Baxter. I wanted to tell you a little about me .
My parents are originally from Mexico, but I was born and raised in Athens. My goal is to obtain a degree in Early Childhood Education and attend Athens Technical College to obtain an Associate and Bachelors degree in Early Childhood education.
I love working with kids! Watching children learn new skills, play each and every day as they interact with friends, and have fun brings me a lot of joy!
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, going on adventures, trips, and love doing and trying new things!
Hometown: Athens, GA
Child care experience: 4 years
Favorite food: Chicken
Favorite weekend activity: Watching movies and outdoor activities
Favorite children’s book: The Rainbow Fish
Primrose character I most relate to: Benjamin the bear
What I’m most excited about this school year: watch children learn and discover new things as they play and learn every day

Ms. Nisha Blackwell
Hi, I’m Nisha Blackwell. I wanted to tell you a little about me.
I was adopted from India. I was in an orphanage that had children with disabilities and it helped teach me about inclusivity. I have a big heart for teaching and connecting with children because of my experience in India. I was eight years old when I moved to Georgia.
I am working towards my Associates degree in Social Work at Athens Technical College. I would also like to get my Bachelor’s degree later.
In my free time, I love decorating and being crafty. I love traveling the world experiencing new cultures with my Mom. I also love going on exciting adventures like hiking, jet skiing and outdoor activities with my boyfriend.
Hometown : Athens, Georgia
Child care experience: 4+ years
Education Background: Currently attending Athens Tech
Favorite food: Indian food
Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with my boyfriend and swimming
Favorite children’s book: Oh, the Places You’ll Go
Primrose character I most relate to: Ally
What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to connect with students and families

Ms. Sabrina Boggs
Child Care/Teaching Experience: I started here at Primrose in June of 2024
Education: B.S. in Psychology from UGA
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Seeing them apply things that I taught them to their lives!
Favorite Children’s Book: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Favorite Holiday: Christmas!
Other Significant Cultural Celebrations in Your Home: Lent, Ash Wednesday, Passover, Marti Gras
Favorite Family Tradition: Cutting the King Cake/Rosca to see who found the baby
Languages Spoken in the Home: Spanish/English
Pets in the Home: 2 cats: Mushroom & Boo
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Spend time with my fur babies and my partner

Ms. Ty Chism

Ms. Amanda Connolly
Hi! I am Amanda Connolly and I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I am originally from England, married to a Canadian, and have two American children and one puppy. I have lived in Georgia now for over 26 years and really enjoy what this state has to offer.
My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family! We love to be outside, hiking, gardening, reading, painting and travelling. I have traveled to most continents and hope to continue. I enjoy learning new cultures and seeing new places!!
I am very passionate about working with children and have worked with all ages. I feel it is important for children to feel safe and comfortable so they can create a great foundation for the love learning and build meaningful relationships and see kindness in themselves and each other.
Hometown: Rotherham, England
Childcare experience: 28 + years
Education Background: B.S.- Psychology
Favorite food: Indian or Thai
Favorite children’s book: Charlotte’s Web
Primrose character I most relate to: Peanut the Pony
What I’m most excited about this school year: Meeting new students and families, having a successful fun year!!

Ms. Delaney Dusch
Hi! I’m Delaney and I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I grew up in Cumming, Georgia and graduated from Georgia State University.
I love to make art, read, and tend to my many plants. I have a cat named Miss Toast who I spent a lot of my time with. I love working with young children because it’s such a beautiful and transformative time. There’s so much to learn about the world around us and it’s such a treat to witness the big strides that happen in small moments with the kids.
Hometown : Cumming, GA
Child care experience: Three years
Education background: BAFA
Favorite food: Thai
Favorite weekend activity: Walking around the botanical gardens
Favorite children’s book: The Rainbow Fish
Primrose character I most relate to: Og
What I’m most excited about this school year: The joy and growth that the year will bring!

Ms. Emily Duthie
Hi, my name is Emily Duthie! I recently moved to Athens from Florida to be closer to family. I have two dogs and a cat and am so excited to explore the area.
I love being outside in nature and have been exploring all the trails in and around Athens with my dogs. I worked as a babysitter in high school, and after graduating, I went to work as a preschool teacher in Florida.
I love working with kids and seeing them learn and grow. Working with little ones is an amazing opportunity and I am so excited to be joining the Primrose team to care for your little ones!
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 2+ years
Education: Attending Georgia Southern University
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Watching their joy when learning something new
Favorite Children’s Book: Winnie the Pooh
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Other Significant Cultural Celebrations in Your Home: Easter
Favorite Family Tradition: English and British Sign Language
Pets in the Home: Two dogs: Luna (a husky) and Zyron (mix), and one cat: Bolt
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Read and go on nature walks

Ms. Christie Evans
Hi, I’m Christie Evans. I wanted to tell you a little about myself! I have worked in Early Child Care for over 10 years now and I love working with children and helping them with their early learning and development. I am a Medical Assistant graduate from the Medical Institute of Northeast Georgia. I have two children: My son, Zachary and my daughter, Logan. We enjoy going to the movies, camping, and just spending quality family time together. I’m so excited to be a part of this educational journey with the children here at Primrose Athens! I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Hometown: Monroe, GA
Education Background: Medical Assistant certification through The Medical Institute of North East Georgia
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite children’s book: Anything Dr. Seuss!
Favorite Holiday: Christmas and Thanksgiving
Favorite Family Tradition: Family dinners on the holidays
Pets in the Home: 1 lab/pit mix named Sunny
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Go to the gym, read, watch movies, hangout with family + friends

Ms. Kiersten Frady
Hi, my name is Kiersten Frady! All my life, I have dreamed of working with children. It has become a passion of mine. I come from a huge family, I’m the oldest of six children and the oldest out of 12 cousins. Also, I have a dog and a cat who have the best personalities and they are my world. My hobbies include camping, racing and anything to do with nature.
One of my favorite adventures is when the entire family and all the pups go to the mountains during the summer and we all go camping. We spend that time away from our phones and internet, and just focus on the time spent together. We have done this for the past couple of summer and it has become a vacation we all get to look forward to during the year. I have such a love for people and kids in general and I believe stepping into this role will be a life changing experience. I can’t wait to start my journey with Primrose School of Athens!
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 5+ years
Education: Social Circle High School ‘23
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Watching the excitement on their faces when they learn something new!
Favorite Children’s Book: Any Pete the Cat by James Dean books
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Pets in the Home: A puppy named Dixie and a cat named Bobo
Favorite Family Tradition: Camping in the mountains
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Take Dixie on walks and just spend time with my family!

Ms. Eady Hall

Ms. Olivia Hall
Child Care/Teaching Experience: Babysitting before starting at Primrose in 2025
Education: Currently enrolled at Commonwealth Institute for certificates
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Watching how children develop & learn over time
Children’s Book: Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss
Favorite Holiday: Halloween
Favorite Family Tradition: Family reunions
Languages Spoken in the Home: English
Pets in the Home (Name and Type of Animal): 1 Crested Gecko: Doug
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Fish, swim, hangout with my family

Ms. Sarah Hansen
Hi! I’m Sarah Hansen. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I have been a babysitter for about 7 years. I graduated from Chattahoochee High School in 2024 and went to Cosmetology school right after that. I love working with kids, love their energy, and love how silly they get!
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family!
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 6+ years
Education: Licensed cosmetologist
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love being active with them!
Favorite Children’s Book: Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite Family Tradition: Hanging Christmas decorations
Languages Spoken in the Home: English, but my Dad’s family is from Spain
Pets in the Home: Dog-Hazel
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Hang with friends, spend time with family, and do Bible studies/be active at my church.

Ms. Molly Jones
Hi! I’m Molly! I grew up in Tatnall County, Georgia and am currently a senior at the University of Georgia. I’m currently pursuing my degree in Human Development! I have always loved working with children, as I have worked in childcare for 2.5 years and have babysat my whole life.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family!
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 2.5 years
Education: Currently a senior at UGA pursuing a degree in Human Development
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Watching them learn & grow everyday with so much happiness and excitement!
Favorite Children’s Book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Other Significant Cultural Celebrations in Your Home:
Favorite Family Tradition: Getting together for Easter and doing an Easter Egg Hunt with every family member involved!
Languages Spoken in the Home: English
Pets in the Home: 2 German Shepherds, Delilah & Sampson, and 1 Golden Doodle, Goldie
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Go to the beach, kayak, & hang out with my family & friends

Ms. Kaitlyn Lentz
Hi! My name is Kaitlyn Lentz! I moved to Athens from Atlanta about 3 years ago. I went to St. Pius X for high school and am currently enrolled at Athens Tech taking child development classes. I hope to get my Bachelor’s in child development and family sciences and eventually be a child life therapist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta! I have been a nanny for several ages from 4 months to 12 years and still hold all of my kiddos dear in my heart. My favorite part of working with children is encouraging healthy communication and watching their own little personalities develop!
When I am not here, you will be able to find me most likely at a UGA football game or anything related! I was raised by two avid Georgia fans and grew up going to Sanford most home games. There just isn’t a whole lot that is better than fall weather and football! When it’s not football season, I am definitely counting down the days. Don’t be surprised if you catch me trying to teach kiddos to say “Go Dawgs!”. I’m so excited to be joining the Primrose team and getting to know all of the sweet faces!
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 9+ Years
Education: Current student at Athens Technical College
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Watching their personalities flourish!
Favorite Children’s Book: How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
Favorite Holiday: Valentine’s Day!
Favorite Family Tradition: Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve!
Languages Spoken in the Home: English
Pets in the Home: No pets yet!
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Watch Georgia Football or read!

Ms. Leila Mazloom
Hi! My name is Leila Mazloom and I am so excited to be here! Teaching and working with children has been my dream ever since I was little and was teaching my stuffed animals. I hope to eventually teach art in an elementary school. For now, I am so grateful to be able to watch these students grow everyday!
I can’t wait to get to know you and your family!
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 10+ years- Babysitting, Church Sunday care, Preschool substitute teacher
Education: Savannah College of Art & Design –BFA in Fibers
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: How much they teach me everyday
Favorite Children’s Book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Other Significant Cultural Celebrations in Your Home: Easter, Norwuz (Iranian New Year), American New Years
Favorite Family Tradition: Traveling to see my family in Norway with my Mom & brother
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Crochet, needle felt, read, watch TV, hang out with my dog!

Ms. Kate McLean
Hi! I’m Kate and I’m a 2nd year student at UGA, majoring in Elementary Education. I was born and raised in Athens and am a huge GA football fan! My favorite movie/princess is Tangled/Rapunzel!
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family!
Child Care/Teaching Experience: Babysitting + nursery volunteer at Athens Church
Education: K-12 at Prince Ave., current 2nd year at UGA
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Working on art projects with them and playing “race” with them on the playground!
Favorite Children’s Book: The Bernestain Bear books
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite Family Tradition: Having a big watch party for the UGA vs. Auburn football game!
Languages Spoken in the Home: English
Pets in the Home: 1 Yellow Lab-Deke
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Spend time with my friends and family! I also love going to Santa Rosa Beach!

Ms. Stacy Miller
Hi, my name is Stacy Miller. I live with my husband, George. The rest of of my family are in various sections of Atlanta. I moved to Georgia from Colorado two years ago. I attended Colorado Mountain College and studied ECE. I have worked with Infants and Toddlers for over ten years. Prior to working in childcare, I worked for over 17 years with after school, holiday, and summer programming in Miami Shores, Florida.
My favorite thing about working with infants and toddlers I getting down on their level and expanding whatever they are interested in with sign & verbal language. I love seeing their milestones and chatting with parents about their day. I am a big fan of incorporating sign language into our day! I am excited to get to know your children!
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 20 + years
Education: Associate Degree in Education
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Teaching sign language
Favorite Children’s Book: Any Sandra Boynton book
Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite Family Tradition: Watching University of Miami football games
Languages Spoken in the Home: English
Pets in the Home: White Golden Retriever named Hailey Boo
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Garden, Camp, Go on Nature Walks, Visit Nature Parks, Saltwater Reef or Game Fishing, Cooking New Recipes, Antiquing or Thrifting, & Treasure Hunting for Cool Rocks, Fossils, Antlers, or Feathers.

Ms. Daniela Osorio
Hi, I’m Daniela Osorio. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I was born and raised here in Athens, Ga. I graduated from Clarke Central High School and continued my education at Athens Technical College. I received an Associate degree in Early Childhood Care and Education in August 2019. I have been working with children for the past two years and I can honestly say I love what I do. I love watching children learn and grow with the world around them. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, traveling to new places and taking lots of pictures.
I am so excited to work and grow alongside your child and become a part of the Primrose family.
Hometown: Athens, GA
Childcare experience: 3 years
Education Background: Associates in Early Childhood Care and Education
Favorite food: Chick-Fil-A
Favorite weekend activity: spending time with family, traveling
Favorite children’s book: The Rainbow Fish
Primrose character I most relate to: Katie
What I’m most excited about this school year: I am excited to grow with the Primrose family and connect with all the children.

Ms. Paula Pereyra
Child Care/Teaching Experience: Since moving to the US in 2023
Education: Bachelors in Finance Management and Audit
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Listening to all of their thoughts and ideas everyday.
Favorite Children’s Book: Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Other Significant Cultural Celebrations in Your Home: Christmas Eve
Favorite Family Tradition: Waking each other up early on birthdays to sing to them
Languages Spoken in the Home: Spanish
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Read and bake

Ms. Sherie Pierce

Ms. Susannah Prather
Hi! My name is Susannah Prather and I wanted to tell you a little some thing about myself. I have lived in Georgia my whole life. I am the 3rd oldest in a family of 9 and I just got married this past February.
I have been in childcare almost my whole life. If I wasn’t babysitting my little siblings, it was the neighborhood kids or in the nursery at my church. I have always loved watching little ones play, learn and grow. Their creativity, innocence and resilience is something I am honored to learn from them.
I have a lovely cat Pibb and 2 geckos. I love trying new dinner recipes and DIY home projects. I am looking forward to working with this great staff to help nurture young minds and give each child the best day every day.
Hometown: Athens
Childcare experience: Two years
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite weekend activity: Movie night with my husband
Favorite children’s book: Little Bear’s Little Boat
Primrose character I most relate to: Katie
What I’m most excited about this school year: To have fun and learn with these amazing kids, getting to know them and their families.

Ms. Ashley Reid
Hi! I’m Ms. Ashley and I’m so excited to be a part of Primrose! I have years of childcare experience and love creating a fun and welcoming environment for the little ones.
I’m so excited for the year and I can’t wait to get to know you and your family!
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 4+ years in PreK
Education: High School Diploma
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Seeing their personalities grow
Favorite Children’s Book: Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite Family Tradition: Spending time together during holidays
Languages Spoken in the Home: English
Primrose Character I Most Relate To: Percy the Rooster
What I’m Most Excited About This School Year: Building relationships with the kids and watching them learn and grow.

Ms. Natalie Rohrer
Hi! My name is Natalie Rohrer, and I have lived in Athens for the past 4 years! I
graduated a year early (May 2025) from UGA with my bachelors degree in
Psychology, and I studied American Sign Language all three years. I have three
cats named Karma, Archer, and Storm! I also have a dog named Beasley, who is
a black lab. I also love to sing, read books, and play piano!
My goal is to always make the classroom a safe space for every child who enters,
and making sure they feel cared for while away from home. I found my joy
working with kids as a substitute teacher, and cannot wait to continue this journey
as a teacher with Primrose!
Child Care/Teaching Experience: Substitute Teacher
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from UGA
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Everyday is different!
Favorite Children’s Book: Fancy Nancy
Favorite Holiday: Valentines Day
Other Significant Cultural Celebrations in Your Home: Christmas
Favorite Family Tradition: Getting Hibachi for birthday celebrations
Languages Spoken in the Home: English, some use of ASL
Pets in the Home: Karma (Tabby Cat), Archer (Tabby Cat), Storm
(Mainecoon), Beasley (Black lab)
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Hike, get CookOut, watch scary movies

Ms. Nysia Romain
Hi! I’m Nysia Romain and I’m so excited to get to know your family! I’m originally from Massachusetts, but have also lived in Hawaii and now live in Statham. I absolutely love working with children, especially infants and toddlers, and I can’t wait to get to know yours!
Child Care/Teaching Experience: In addition to babysitting for many years, I’ve been here at Primrose since 2022.
Education: B.A. in Liberal Studies from Framingham State University
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Seeing them develop new skills like walking and talking
Favorite Children’s Book: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Lucille Colandro
Favorite Holiday: Halloween
Favorite Family Tradition: Baking together at the end of the year.
Languages Spoken in the Home: English & Spanish
Pets in the Home: 4 cats: Ricky, Ginger, Cutie, Simba, & 1 dog: Chico
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Cuddle with my cats & crochet

Ms. Miranda Saborio
Hi! I’m Miranda. I’ve been working with kids for about 6 years now, including 5 summers as a camp counselor and 1 year as a children’s activities cast member at Disney World while doing the Disney College Program! I love doing anything outdoors, including hiking and going whitewater kayaking.
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 6 years including 1 year at Disney World as a children’s activities cast member.
Education: Working on my B.S. in Outdoor Education!
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: I love watching them grow and develop into their own person.
Favorite Children’s Book: Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
Favorite Holiday: Christmas!
Favorite Family Tradition: My mom is from Denmark, so we celebrate Midsummer (June 23rd) every year!
Languages Spoken in the Home: English
Pets in the Home: I have a dog, Merry! She was my “foster fail” who I adopted officially last Christmas!
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Go hiking and do anything outside! My Dad and I go whitewater kayaking almost every weekend-last year I hiked the GA portion of the Appalachian trail!

Ms. Alix Sherry
Ms. Alix Sherry
Hi, my name is Alix Sherry! I moved to Athens almost a year ago from North Georgia to live with my wonderful boyfriend, and I couldn’t love it here more! I adore everything artistic and creative, as well as exploring and enjoying nature. I also have a bearded dragon named Zenny, who loves to play and eat salads.
In May of 2024, I graduated from Reinhardt University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music
Performance. When I wasn’t in classes or practicing, I was teaching flute and piano to students of varying ages. Teaching has always been something that I am truly passionate for, and I strive to encourage students to explore their creative side and express themselves to the fullest. I am thrilled to be a part of the Primrose team!
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 5 years
Education: Bachelors Degree in Music Performance
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: Encouraging their creative side
Favorite Children’s Book: Are You My Mother? P.D. Eastman
Favorite Holiday: Halloween
Favorite Family Tradition: Decorating the Christmas tree
Languages Spoken in the Home: English
Primrose Character I Most Relate To: Benjamin
What I’m Most Excited About This School Year: Getting to know students and their families, and having lots of fun

Ms. Mitzie Smit
Hi! I’m Mitzie and I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I am blessed with two sons who are United States Marines, and I have a mini farm where I reside in Bogart. This is where I love to spend my time with my three dogs Tob a Bloodhound, Bailey a German Shorthair Pointer, Georgia a miniature Dachshund, as well as seven hens and a rooster.
I am a University of Georgia graduate where I received my B.S. in Early Childhood Education and a Piedmont University graduate where I received my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I have spent my teaching career mostly teaching Pre-K, Kindergarten, First, and Second grade. My love for teaching started early for me. I am from a family of educators. My father is a retired UGA professor and my mother a retired elementary teacher. I have fond memories of helping my mom during teacher workdays and that is when my love for teaching began.
I believe in providing children with a positive and safe learning environment where all children can achieve and succeed. Parent and teacher communication is definitely a very important part of education, and I will always do my best to make sure our lines of communication are open.
Hometown: Athens
Child care experience: 27 + years
Education Background: Bachelors and Masters in Early Childhood Education
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with my family and fur babies
Favorite children’s book: Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Primrose character I most relate to: Percy the Rooster
What I’m most excited about this school year: Teaching and getting to know my students and their families.

Ms. Helen Tucux
Hi, I’m Helen Tucux. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I am 24 years old and I just moved from Los Angeles, CA. I graduated from California State University Northridge with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development.
I have always loved working with children. I have been a Sunday School teacher, Toddler teacher, and Pre-K teacher. I love to teach because I get to witness the “ah ha” moments. I am able to impact the lives of the children I teach and make a difference.
During my free time I like to discover new hikes. The views and waterfalls I am able to witness here are amazing! I am so happy to be part of the Primrose family and I look forward to getting to know all of your children and be the best teacher that I can be for them.
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Childcare experience: 4+ years
Education Background: B.A in Early Childhood Development
Favorite Food: Enchiladas
Favorite weekend Activity: Spending time with my husband, hiking, and playing with my new puppy!
Favorite children’s book: Animal Boogie by Debbie Harter
Primrose character I most relate to: Benjamin because like him, I enjoy the outdoors and we have the same birthday!
What I’m most excited about this school year: I can’t wait to be a part of your child’s pre-k experience! Being able to do all kinds of fun projects, explore, engage together and above all, form relationships with both you and your children.

Ms. Megan Willoughby
Hi, I’m Megan Raines, and I wanted to tell you a little about myself.
I’ve worked in child care industry for 6 years, three of those at Primrose. I moved from Kennesaw, GA to Athens over the summer.
I have a little girl, Isabella, who is almost one year old. I love spending all my time with her and going on adventures together. I love working with children, and I look forward to teaching yours!
Hometown: Gainesville, GA
Childcare experience: Six years
Favorite food: Crab legs & Pizza
Favorite weekend activity: Loving on my daughter and anything outdoors
Favorite children’s book: Pete the Cat
Primrose character I most relate to: Billy the Duck
What I’m most excited about this school year: All the laughs and learning about my children

Ms. Kim Wooten
Hi, I’m Kim Wooten! I wanted to tell you a little about myself! I have worked in Early Child Care for over 15 years now and I love this field. I have one child: My daughter, Mardee. She was here at Primrose with me since infants, but is now in Oconee Schools. I’m so excited to be a part of this educational journey with the children here at Primrose Athens! I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Child Care/Teaching Experience: 15 years
Education: Child Development Associate (CDA)
Favorite Thing About Working with Children: The joy they show when they learn something new
Favorite Children’s Book: Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite Family Tradition: Christmas Eve dinner
Languages Spoken in the Home: English
In My Personal Time, I Like To: Read and spend time with family!

Franchise Owners
Will & Ellen Beasley
Meet Will and Ellen Beasley, proud Owners of Primrose School of Athens. The Beasleys are excited to bring the high-quality Primrose Experience to families of the Classic City.
Will and Ellen’s connection to Athens goes back many years. Ellen is from Rome, Georgia, and attended the University of Georgia, where she earned a degree in Communications Sciences and Disorders through the College of Education. It was here where she met Will, who grew up in nearby Lavonia and graduated from UGA through the Terry College of Business. The couple moved to Atlanta after graduation, with Ellen getting a Master of Education degree and becoming a Speech Language Pathologist, and Will beginning a career in commercial insurance.
After several years in the city, the couple moved back to Athens to start a family. At the same time, Will also was looking for a career change and wanted to start his own business. Once Will and Ellen began looking for child care options for their oldest son, Boyer, who was born in 2015, they saw a need in Athens they could help meet. These events, in addition to Ellen’s passion for education, led them to Primrose. The Primrose School of Athens opened in April of 2017. Will uses his business experience to manage the day-to-day operations of the school, while Ellen uses her experience in education to focus on the curriculum and child development. Will and Ellen now have three sons, who all have or currently attend Primrose Athens.
“We know from personal experience with our own son how difficult it can be to find high-quality early education and care in Athens,” Ellen said. “We love partnering with parents to be an extension of the child’s home and focus on the Balanced Learning® approach as well as character development. We are blessed to provide everything Primrose has to offer to our own sons as well as to other families in the Athens area.”
“We approach this as a team,” Will says. “With Ellen’s background in education and my experience in business, we play to our strengths to make Primrose School of Athens a fulfilling place for all of our families.”
The Primrose School of Athens provides a safe, nurturing atmosphere where children can grow their Active Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts®. Primrose School of Athens is located at 180 Athens Town Boulevard. For more information, visit www.PrimroseAthens.com.




