Birthplace:  Gainesville, GA

Quote to live by:  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

Women who inspire me:  My grandmother, my mom, and colleagues.

My biggest life accomplishments:  … is having a family (love my boys!).  Also, doing what I do here at Primrose.  My passion is watching the children and teachers grow.  Love leading them in the right path.

Bio:  Ms. Elysha is the Director at Primrose School of Gainesville.  She has been with the school for over 20 years!

She attended North Hall High School and holds a CDA certificate in Early Childhood Education. Having lived her entire life in the North Hall area, she is deeply rooted in the community.

As a mother, Ms. Elysha has a unique perspective and connection to the school. Her son attended Primrose from infancy through the Explorers Club, graduating from the Private Kindergarten class in 2014.

Ms. Elysha’s passion for working with children began when she was a little kid, and it has continued to drive her throughout her career. She loves building relationships with families and children at Primrose, finding joy in seeing children learn and grow. Her goal is to create a positive learning environment that fosters the development of the next generation of leaders.

In her free time, Ms. Elysha is very active in her son’s activities, including dairy cow showing. She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, riding bikes, and being outdoors. Baking is another one of her loves, and she takes great pleasure in serving others.  Ms. Elysha has been married to her best friend, Brian, for 22 years.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Ms. Elysha leading our preschool, and her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of the children and families is truly inspiring.

Birthplace:  Jefferson, GA

Quote to live by:  God is good all the time. 

Women who inspire me:  My mom!

My biggest life accomplishments:  Earning my RBT certification, seeking higher education, and serving at my church and going on a mission trip.

Bio:
Ms. Cariss is excited to be joining the Primrose Schools family as a Curriculum Coach. Originally from Jefferson, Georgia, she grew up alongside her older brother, younger sister, and mom, who continue to be her biggest supporters and inspiration.

Ms. Cariss brings experience working with children and families in a variety of settings. She has served as a Registered Behavior Technician, supporting young children using positive, developmentally appropriate strategies in homes, clinics, and daycare centers. These experiences have helped shape her strong understanding of child development and her passion for meeting children where they are.

She is currently studying Sociology at the University of North Georgia, where her coursework has deepened her knowledge of child development, family systems, and the important role relationships play in supporting learning and growth.

In her role as Curriculum Coach, Ms. Cariss is excited to support teachers and partner with families while bringing the Balanced Learning® approach to life in meaningful and engaging ways. She loves helping children explore, discover, and grow through experiences that are both fun and purposeful.

What Ms. Cariss enjoys most about her work is supporting educators, building strong relationships with families, and nurturing each child’s confidence and love of learning. She looks forward to being part of each child’s journey and helping create a positive, enriching school experience.

We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Cariss to our Primrose family and look forward to the passion, care, and dedication she brings to our school community.

Birthplace:  Hernando, MS

Quote to live by: “What is meant for you will never pass you by.”

Women who inspire me:  The women in my family and Dolly Parton.

My biggest life accomplishments:  Earning my Bachelors and getting to serve my community everyday.

Ms. Shelby brings a vibrant spirit and a rich background in supporting young learners.  Before joining Primrose, Shelby made a meaningful impact at the Boys & Girls Club, where she served elementary school students with creativity and dedication—crafting lesson plans and building strong connections.  During summers, Shelby also led a kindergarten class at camp, and for five years she volunteered as a youth group leader working with elementary and middle school students.

Shelby holds her Bachelor’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with focuses in Fine Arts & Humanities from the University of North Georgia. She’s eager to support our families and foster a joyful, inspiring environment where every student can reach their goals and dreams.  We know her passion for education and heart for children will shine through in all she does.

Birthplace:  Johns Creek, GA

Earned her high school diploma.

Proudest Accomplishments: Learning the ins and outs of living on my own, starting a career for myself.

Quote to live by:  “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and do so with some passion, compassion, humor, and style.”

Birthplace:  Dahlonega, GA

Quote to live by:  “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says, “I’m Possible!” – Audrey Hepburn

The Primrose character Charlotte relates the most to is Katie the cat!

My biggest life accomplishments:  Remaining an honor roll student throughout all of high school.

Hometown: New Orleans

Proudest Accomplishment: My proudest accomplishment is raising respectful children.

Goals and Aspirations: My goal is to be the best parent I can be and raise my children to be someone they are proud of and a person I am proud of.

Quote to live by: “Don’t be a drag, just be a Queen” .

Hometown: Gainesville, GA

Earned a High School Diploma.

Proudest Accomplishment: My proudest accomplishment is completing a year at Primrose with the children.

Goals and Aspirations: My goal is to make an impact on children in watching them learn what they are being taught.

Quote to live by: “Be still and know that I am god” – Psalm 46:10

Hometown: Dahlonega, GA

Earned her high school diploma.

Proudest Accomplishment: Being a wife and mother.

Goals and Aspirations:  I would love to become a business owner and travel more.

Quote to live by: “If you don’t like the road you’re on, pave another one.”

Hometown: Pendergrass, GA

Proudest Accomplishment: Winning NCA college cheerleading Nationals.

Goals and Aspirations:  I want to earn my masters degree in Social Work and work for CPS.

Quote to live by: “Hakuna Matata!”

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Proudest Accomplishment: Earning my college degree and becoming a mother to 3 children.

Goals and Aspirations:  I would love to use my degree to become the director of a childcare facility.

Quote to live by: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Hometown: Buford, GA

Earned her high school diploma at Mill Creek High School.

Proudest Accomplishment: Being able to provide parents with peace of mind during my time as a nanny.

Goals and Aspirations:  I would love to become a children’s librarian.

Quote to live by: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Hometown: Mexico

Earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Miguel Ángel Institute.

Proudest Accomplishment: My proudest accomplishment is building strong, trusting relationships with the young children and their families. Seeing my students grow up with confidence, curiosity, and joy reminds me everyday why i chose this profession.

Goals and Aspirations: My goal is to continue my growth as an educator, always striving to provide a nurturing, engaging, and supportive environment. My aspiration is to keep inspiring a love of learning in my students and be a positive influence during the formative years of their lives.

Quote to live by: “Play is the highest form of research” – Albert Einstein.

Hometown:  Buffalo, NY

Attended and graduated from Cherokee Bluff High School

Proudest Accomplishment: earning my High School Diploma

Goals and Aspirations:  To become an elementary school teacher and get my certification in counseling

Quote to live by: “One day at a time”

Hometown: Suwanee, GA

Attended and earned diploma from Suwanee High School.

Proudest Accomplishment: My proudest accomplishment is adopting and fostering my dog and cat.

Goals and Aspirations: My goal is to go to continue to teach and inspire children for years to come. I would also love to travel to Switzerland and Singapore.

Quote to live by: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Hometown: Hartwell, GA

Earned a Masters in cosmetology from Athens Tech.

Proudest Accomplishment: My proudest accomplishment is owning a hair salon and wedding business by the age of 22.

Goals and Aspirations: My goal is to go to continue to teach and inspire children for years to come. To continue playing and pivotal in shaping the future generation. To foster a love for learning in early childhood that last through adulthood.

Quote to live by: “The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams” .

Hometown: Gainesville, GA

Attended and earned my diploma from Chestatee High School.

Proudest Accomplishment: My proudest accomplishment is buying my first car.

Goals and Aspirations: My goal is to go to Cosmetology school and remember you only live once

Quote to live by: “Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance” .

Hometown: Gainesville, GA

Earned a High school diploma from Flowery Branch High School.

Proudest Accomplishment: My proudest accomplishment is opening my own gallery show in school.

Goals and Aspirations: My goal is to make more art, talk to more people and worry less.

Quote to live by: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken” – Oscar Wilde .

Hometown: Chattanooga, TN

Proudest Accomplishment: Finally making the jump into working in childcare… a dream of mine since I was 13, and it is the best thing I have ever done.

Goals and Aspirations:  Continuing to learn and grow to be the best teacher I can be.

Quote to live by: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you’ll ever know.” – Christopher Robin

Hometown: Banks County

Proudest Accomplishment: Graduating high school and enrolling in college to pursue my career.

Goals and Aspirations:  Become a first or second grade teacher (ELA) and owning my own dance/ballet studio.

Quote to live by: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Hometown: Honduras

Earned a High School Diploma from Gainesville High School.

Proudest Accomplishment: My proudest accomplishment is my children, my husband, and my job. My greatest sources of pride in life are my wonderful children, my supportive husband, and my fulfilling career. Each of my children brings unique joy and achievement. Their laughter and growth remind me of the impact I have in their lives. My husband stands by me as a true spouse, sharing in both life challenges and triumph. Together we build a loving home. In my career, I find deep satisfaction in my work, where I strive to make a difference everyday, and I take pride in the skills and relationships I’ve developed through my professional journey.

Goals and Aspirations: My goal is to be happy with my daily activities, working on areas I need to improve to be a better person, wife, mother, and friend. And travel around the 50 states in the states, and worldwide.

Quote to live by: “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” -Philippians 4:13

Hometown: Gainesville, GA

Proudest Accomplishment: Finishing esthetics school and getting into college for nursing.

Goals and Aspirations:  I want to finish nursing school and become a medical esthetician.

Quote to live by: “Kindness always comes back.”

Hometown: Gainesville, GA

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Piedmont University.

Proudest Accomplishment: My proudest accomplishment is becoming a Primrose teacher.

Goals and Aspirations: My goal is to become a school counselor to further mentor and guide children.

Quote to live by: “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste the experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences” -Eleanor Roosevelt.

Hometown: Jackson County

Currently pursing a degree from University of North Georgia.

Proudest Accomplishment: My proudest accomplishment is being able to go to college.

Goals and Aspirations: My goal is to finish college.

Quote to live by: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”.

Hometown: Gainesville, GA

Earned a High school diploma.

Proudest Accomplishment: My proudest accomplishment is being a mom and grandma.

Goals and Aspirations: My goal is to be semi-retired.

Quote to live by:  “Do the best you can and move on.”