Our Pre-Kindergarten Classroom
Primrose® introduces and reinforces new information through playful exploration, teacher-guided inquiry and rich discussion as they help foster Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts®. Your child will have fun every day as they play and learn important academic skills, social skills and more, because when they are mentally, physically and emotionally ready to learn a skill, they develop mastery.
Nurturing Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts
Health & Safety
Our school is committed to high standards of safety and cleanliness as we create a caring and nurturing environment where children can thrive.
- Requiring any children or staff with respiratory illness symptoms or fever to return home and stay home until fever free for at least 24 hours
- Frequent disinfecting and sanitizing of high-touch toys
- Frequent handwashing by children and staff, which is embedded in our curriculum and daily staff protocols
- Training teachers on common signs of illness in children, and placing signage in every classroom to keep signs of illness top of mind
- Daily laundering of crib sheets for infants; for older children, individual cots and blankets are provided for each child and laundered weekly
- Ensuring appropriate teacher-student classroom ratios
- Continuous health & safety training for our staff, including first aid and CPR certification
- Maintaining an up-to-date and customized Safe School Plan posted in all classrooms for easy teacher access
Our Pre-Kindergarten Classroom Teachers & Staff
Ms. Becky Benson
Becky Benson has been with Primrose since 1999, and her dedication to early childhood education spans more than two decades. With a degree from Miami University and a deep love for teaching, Becky brings experience, consistency, and warmth to the Pre-Kindergarten classroom every day.
She has been married to her husband, Jim, for 30 years, and together they’ve raised three wonderful daughters. Their family recently welcomed a son-in-law and shares their home with two Boston Terriers and a cat. Becky is also an avid fan of FC Cincinnati, the Bengals, and the Reds — and she loves taking motorcycle rides with her husband on sunny weekends.
Her favorite puppet is Katie the Cat, and what she values most about Primrose is the strong leadership and supportive families. For Becky, the best part of her work is witnessing those “light bulb” moments when a child understands something for the first time — moments that make every day worth it.
Ms. Veena Papannagari
Veena Papannagari joined Primrose in 2023 and brings a unique blend of academic excellence and heartfelt dedication to her Pre-K classroom. Originally from India, Veena holds a Master’s degree in Computer Applications and takes great pride in fostering a structured, engaging environment where young learners thrive.
Veena is married to her husband, Srinivas, who works in IT, and together they have two wonderful children — a 9-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son. When she’s not in the classroom, Veena enjoys playing indoor games and spending time with friends, always making space for connection and fun.
Her favorite Primrose puppet is Molly the Cow, and she values the school’s emphasis on structure, community, and meaningful social interaction. For Veena, teaching is more than a career — it’s an opportunity to shape young minds and be a part of something truly impactful.
Ms. Daiona Shorter
Ms. Shorter is originally from Indianapolis and recently relocated to Ohio. She brings curiosity, wonder, and creativity into the classroom each day and has seven years of experience in early childhood education. Ms. Shorter studied Early Childhood Education at Vincennes University and has taught children from toddlers through Kindergarten.
She began her career with Primrose in 2018 and is excited to be back doing what she loves—helping little learners grow, explore, and thrive. Her favorite part of working with children is their curiosity and sense of humor, and she enjoys sharing favorite stories like Chicka Chicka Boom Boom with her students.
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Shorter enjoys spending time with her husband, reading, and watching romantic comedies. Christmas is her favorite holiday, and she looks forward to her family’s summer reunions each year. At home, she has three cats—Scarlette, Luna, and LJ.
Ms. Shalini Godishala
Shalini Godishala became a part of the Primrose family in 2024, bringing her analytical mind and nurturing heart to the Pre-Kindergarten classroom. With a background in engineering and a strong passion for education, Shalini blends structure with creativity to help children grow academically and socially.
She is a proud mother of two — a high school junior and a fourth grader — and loves spending quality time with her daughter. Photography is one of her favorite hobbies, and she enjoys capturing everyday moments with joy and intention.
Her favorite puppets are Percy the Rooster and Mia the Mouse, and she’s grateful for the supportive leadership and strong teamwork that make Primrose a positive place to teach and learn.
Gallery
