Rhea Parekh is the daughter of the Primrose franchise owners and a proud owner herself! Her journey in early education began during college when she ran a preschool program over the summer while visiting home. Rhea earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration from Drake University, all while staying connected to her love of working with children as a preschool assistant at a local program near campus.

In her free time, Rhea combines her passion for early education and motherhood by partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters and spending quality time with her own “little.” She’s also a certified Pilates instructor, focusing on providing a safe and supportive space for women recovering after childbirth. And on occasion, you might spot her sweet puppy, Moose, making special visits to the programs!

I’m honored to serve as the Director of Primrose School of Urbandale, where I bring over a decade of experience in early childhood education to my role. My journey in education began at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, where I earned my BA, and continued with an AA in Elementary Education from Harold Washington College in Chicago, IL. Throughout my career, my passion for teaching children has been my driving force, and I’m thrilled to now channel that passion into my role as Director, where I’m dedicated to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners to thrive and grow.

Ms. Jennifer brings over a decade of experience in the early education field, making her a valuable addition to our team. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, which has been the foundation of her extensive career in nurturing and educating young minds. Before joining us, Ms. Jennifer worked at the Department of Human Services, where she gained invaluable insights and experience in supporting families and children. Her diverse background and dedication to early childhood education ensure that Primrose School of Urbandale will continue to thrive under her leadership. We are excited for the positive impact she will have on our students, staff, and community.

Mrs. Kayla has been in the early childhood education field for over a decade, specializing in working with one- to two-year-olds. As a mom of two little ones herself, she brings both experience and heart to her work every day. In her free time, Mrs. Kayla enjoys spending time with her family exploring different parks in the area and taking her children to the zoo.

Ms. Katie has been with us for nearly three years, seen throughout the years as a preschool and toddler teacher! She has consistently demonstrated her commitment to early childhood education. She has expertly taken on the responsibility of training new staff and has completed extensive training herself, making her an excellent fit for this role. In addition, she is currently in the process of attaining her Child Development Associate. Ms. Katie’s dedication, expertise, and passion for fostering a nurturing learning environment have made her an invaluable asset to our team. We are confident that her transition to Education Coach will bring continued growth and excellence to our school.

Ms. Karla is an amazing addition to our Young Infant classroom! She has been working with little ones since high school and is now pursuing a degree in Pediatric Nursing, with a special focus on supporting infants. Her passion for caring for children shines through in all she does. In her free time, Ms. Karla can be found studying or spending time with her friends and family.

Ms. Renata is the backbone of our Older Infant classroom! With over five years of experience working with infants, she brings both expertise and a loving touch to everything she does. A proud mom of two little boys, Ms. Renata spends her weekends at the park or enjoying playdates with her family.

Hello! My name is Macaley Nelson. I have spent the past 10 years working with children of all ages, and it has become a true passion of mine. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Utah State University, where I developed a strong foundation in understanding people and communities. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends, getting lost in a good book, and working on crafts.

Ms. Greta has been working with little ones for five years and has truly found her passion in caring for infants—especially since becoming a mom herself! Her creativity and warmth shine through in everything she does. A fun fact about Ms. Greta is that she’s also a professional violinist and singer!

Mrs. Reggie is our wonderful Infant Floater and has been part of the Primrose family for several years! While her primary career focus is in esthetics, she has discovered a true passion for early childhood education and loves supporting our classrooms whenever she can. A familiar and friendly face in our program, Mrs. Reggie enjoys spending her days surrounded by little ones and helping them grow.

Mrs. Tami has been part of the Primrose family for several years, beginning her journey at the Ankeny location before joining our program. Her sweet and calm presence creates a warm and comforting environment for the little ones in her care. We’re especially excited for Mrs. Tami as she’s preparing to welcome her own little one soon!

Ms. Sam is still in the beginning stages of the adventure that is Early Childhood Education but she has been involved in programs catered to helping children learn, grow, and express themselves freely since teenhood. Many of those programs focused on art, music and theater, subjects that she is quite passionate about. At Primrose, Ms. Sam can be found in Young Toddlers, encouraging her students to try their best while also making sure there is plenty of fun and laughter, too! Outside the classroom, she enjoys playing video games with her partner, drawing for hours and spending time baking with her son as a taste tester.

My name is Shelcy Villa, I’m 20 years old, and I’ve been with Primrose for five months, caring for toddlers with patience, love, and enthusiasm. I love working at Primrose because it’s a wonderful school that truly supports children’s growth, creativity, and emotional development. I enjoy creating magical moments through crafts, dancing, and fun activities that help little ones explore and express themselves. Working with toddlers is incredibly special to me, and I’m excited to continue bringing joy, warmth, and positive energy to our classroom every day.

My name is Norah Robertson, and I bring over ten years of experience in the childcare field. I have worked as a camp counselor for two separate camps and as an after-school teacher, where I gained extensive experience supporting children’s academic, social, and emotional development.

Beyond my professional experience, I value spending quality time with my son and significant other and enjoy traveling. I am committed to continued professional growth and plan to return to school to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. My long-term goal is to establish my own childcare-focused business, where I can provide a structured, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for young learners.

Hi! My name is Christiana, but I go by Ms. Chrissy, and I’m the toddler teacher here at Primrose Schools of Urbandale. I’m currently an ECE student working toward my AAS and plan to continue my education after that. I love working at Primrose because of the amazing sense of community and support you feel here every day. Outside of work and school, I enjoy hanging out with my family, especially my nephew and nieces. I’m excited to keep growing in early childhood education and making a positive impact on the children and families here at Primrose, using what I learn.

Hi! My name is Jacqueline, and I’ve been working in childcare since right after high school, which has helped shape my passion for nurturing and teaching young children. I love creating a warm, fun environment where kids feel safe to explore, learn, and be themselves. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy traveling solo, trying new experiences, and growing both personally and spiritually. As a teacher at Primrose, I’m excited to continue furthering my education while supporting children’s growth and being part of a positive, faith-centered and family-focused community.

I have eight years of childcare experience, mostly with the fun, energetic 2–3 year old age group. I started in West Des Moines and am so excited to be in a different building getting to know all my new students. I’m originally from Arkansas and love traveling back to see my big family there!! When I’m not at work, I’m usually spending time with friends and family, at a concert, or planning my next adventure

Kaara is new to the childcare profession and is already loving the opportunity to teach and learn alongside the children each day. She enjoys creating meaningful connections in the classroom and watching children grow. Outside of work, Kaara loves doing puzzles, spending time with her dog, and practicing Pilates.

My name is Maddi, and I have worked with children since I was 13 years old. I enjoy working in childcare because it is rewarding to watch children grow and learn each day. I am eager to continue growing as a teacher by learning new methods that support different learning styles. I am one of the two-year-old teachers and enjoy seeing how much they develop in a short time while also building strong relationships with both children and parents.

My name is Chloe! I have nearly four years of experience working with children. I am passionate about creating a supportive and caring environment where children feel comfortable, safe, and encouraged:) I enjoy spending time outdoors, listening to music, and appreciating quiet moments such as watching sunsets. At Primrose, I am seeking an opportunity for personal and professional growth while being fully present for the children. I am motivated to learn effective strategies to help children stay focused, engaged, and successful while following lesson plans and supporting their overall development.

My name is Jocelynn, and I have been working in childcare for about six years. I love to see the children grow, learn, and flourish through the different aspects of school. I am looking forward beinfg a teacher at primrose so I can continue to support children as they discover their strengths, excel in skills like writing, adding, and subtracting, and shine with confidence. Teaching also allows me to grow alongside them, both personally and professionally, as we learn and succeed together.

Hello! My name is Ms.Denise and I’ve been a Pathways teacher at Primrose for 2 years. I have been working in childcare for 10 years and grew up in a childcare setting where my mom was a toddler teacher for 20 years. I feel so lucky to be able to take part in such an important stage in children’s lives both academically and socially. Before coming to Primrose I studied horticulture and have one child of my own. In my free time you can find me somewhere outdoors, gardening or just exploring with my son.

My name is Michaela. I have worked with children for 6 years. I am looking forward to seeing how much my students learn and grow over the next year.

My name is Keira martinez I love spending time with my family, traveling, and working with kids. I have a big furry baby who is a German Shepard I love spending time with him and having puppy dates with friends ! I’ve been a nanny for four years for two different families, which has given me lots of hands-on experience and a big appreciation for caring for children.

I’ve been teaching professionally for eight years but my passion for education began much younger. I’ve been a teacher at Primrose for over a year now and have two children attending. I feel strongly about experiencing every milestone- whether it’s first words, steps, letter / number recognition or simple improvement, every moment is worth celebrating. My ultimate goal is to provide a safe, nurturing classroom where every child, teacher and parent feel supported and welcomed.

My name is Peyton and I’ve been working for Primrose since August of 2025! I wanted to become a preschool age teacher because I not only enjoy spending time and caring for children, but making a positive impact on families! Some things I enjoy doing outside of work are going on road trips, skiing/ winter activities, and shopping!

have been with Primrose for 4.5 years and have spent the past two years teaching preschool, a role I truly enjoy, and have over 15 years of experience working in the field. I am passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging environment where children can learn and grow. Outside of work, I am a mom to an active boy and enjoy spending time outdoors, attending sports activities (mostly hockey and baseball), and reading.

I enjoy working with children and creating a fun, supportive environment where they can thrive. I have eight years of experience working with children, including four years in school settings. I value building strong, positive connections with both children and their families, and I look forward to fostering meaningful relationships that support each child’s growth and well-being.

My name is Harshita. I am a Primrose School teacher with 4 years of experience. I enjoy working with young children and helping them learn and grow in a safe, caring, and fun environment.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Childcare Director Certification. I enjoy planning engaging activities and building strong relationships with children and families.
As a Primrose teacher, I am looking forward to supporting each child’s development, creating joyful learning experiences, and working closely with families to help children succeed.
I am also a mother of two boys and enjoy spending quality time with my family.

Hello, I am Criselda Follett. Having moved to the USA last year, I started working at this school on January 5th, 2026. Prior to this, I accumulated 15 years of experience as a kindergarten teacher in Germany. My enthusiasm for teaching lies in guiding young minds to become independent learners and creative thinkers.