Born and raised in the Bay Area town of Union City, Monica graduated Cumlaude from James Logan High School, then attended Ohlone College to study Sign Language and Early Childhood Education. She has been working in the Early Childhood Education field since 2004 when she moved to the central valley and became a Prekindergarten teacher for a 100-year-old preschool. Monica was quickly regarded as a dedicated and well-rounded instructor, so after a move back to her hometown of Union City years later, her next venture leads to becoming the Assistant Director at Kinder-care Learning Center in Fremont. After reaching recognizable milestones within the company and being offered several positions of her choosing, she decided to become the Director at Kindercare Milpitas. Over the last year, she has been highly recognized by the President of Kinder-care, Wei-Ling Chong, and received several accolades such as Highest Enrollment Award in Q3 and Highest Labor Retention in 2018. A monumental moment was her recent recognition at the 50th Anniversary of Kindercare Summit in Florida for receiving the Quality of Leadership Award during the intense, lengthy process of getting the Milpitas Kinder-care Accreditation with NAEYC. Her dedication to running a center that abides by NAEYC’s rules and regulations prove that she can confidently take over the role of Primrose of Willow Glen Center Director.

Monica’s experiences have allowed her to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of developing the whole child and discovering each child’s unique genius. Her philosophy is based on her uncompromising belief that all children can thrive, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, encouraging community, and a supportive family unit. All of which Primrose School possesses. That is why she is eager to join the Primrose family and is looking forward to working closely with the families and staff toward the common goal of raising strong, independent human beings.

During her downtime, Monica enjoys spending time with her partner Tasha as well as her close-knit family by going to the beach, taking road trips, and visiting her son Niles who is a D2 Football coach at Northwestern University in Oklahoma.

Her hobbies include reading mystery novels, watching documentaries, and attending local music festivals.

Hello! My name is Ayah. I have been working with children for over 5 years now. I love the world of child development. I am blessed to have one of the most fun and rewarding jobs out there. I cannot wait to become a part of Primrose and create a thriving learning experience together with you and your family.

I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

Name: Ayah Shanawany

Hometown: Kissimmee, FL

Child care experience: 3 years working with 2 year old age group and potty training, 2 years working with infants

Education Background: AA in Child Development & BA in Communication Studies

Favorite food: Sushi

Favorite weekend activity: Watching scary movies with my husband

Favorite children’s book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Primrose character I most relate to: My favorite character is Oggy the Book Worm! He encourage children t read as much as they can. There is always a new adventure waiting in a book.

What I’m most excited about this school year: I’m excited to watch all my students grow and develop throughout the school year.

I started my Early Childhood Education journey in 2006 when I moved to San Francisco and attended City College of San Francisco. I was sort of lost, taking general education courses and I stumbled upon a child developmental class that really kept my interest. From that class on, I continued to take more child developmental courses, started my first teaching career that year, and eventually got my teaching certification in Early Childhood Development. I’ve always loved being around children, I wanted to change my cousin’s diapers when I was 5 years old!  When I was 9 years old, I filled out what I wanted to be when I grow up a questionnaire and sealed it shut, and opened it 11 years later. Coincidently enough, it said “Teacher” and I knew that I was going in the direction I was meant for. I then worked for Little Flowers Montessori as a Teacher for a long time, but I reached a plateau, expressed that I wanted more responsibility and growth in my career, and luckily, was given the chance to become a Director and was proven to be a great asset and with them for 5 years. Since then I have also been a previous Director at Bright Horizons. Seeing and experiencing children’s development is a fulfilling thing.

I took a small break from childcare and when I found Primrose, it was evident that I missed being around children so much. They make my day and warms up my heart with each waving child and hug. As a Leadership at Primrose, I’m happy to experience such hard-working teachers and teamwork to continue to keep the children safe, while having fun along with child development and education. I am blessed to be a part of the Primrose School of Cupertino and hopefully grow with this wonderful company.

Some fun facts about me are that I love to travel, go hiking, have nature adventures, enjoy eating UBE anything, and go to the spa of course for some relaxation.

Hi, I am Ms. Andrea! I am very excited to be joining the Primrose community! I have been working with children for almost 5 years now mainly in after-school and summer camp settings. I can not wait to bring some of the fun things I have learned to Primrose and our classrooms. I was born and raised here in San Jose and have always known I wanted to be a teacher. Being able to teach and enrich the lives of students in my hometown is a dream come true! I attended San Jose State University and completed my bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, friends, and my dog, Meeko! I also enjoy trying new foods and exploring our city and its beautiful state. I am looking forward to meeting all of my students and families and can’t wait for all of the fun we’ll have while learning and growing together at Primrose!

Name: Andrea

Hometown: San Jose

Child care experience: 5 years

Education Background: B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development from San Jose State University

Favorite Food: Burritos Favorite

Weekend Activity: Taking my dog Meeko to the park and spending time with my family and friends.

Favorite Children’s Book: Stellaluna by Janell Cannon & The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

Primrose character I most relate to Megy the Pig. Like Megy, I think taking care of and appreciating our beautiful planet is very important!

What I’m most excited about this school year: I am most excited to meet my students and to watch them learn and grow.

Hi, my name is Elaine, and I’m excited to be part of the Primrose community! I was born and raised in San Jose, CA, and always had the passion to travel. I’ve also had a passion to work and help children achieve their best potential. I graduated from De Anza College with an A.S. in Early Childhood Education and recently received a Community Health Worker certification from Mercy College of Health Sciences. I usually spend my free time with my family, catching up with friends, exploring with my partner, and being at home with my cats, BonBon and Chata. I’m definitely looking forward to meeting all of the families and students here at Primrose!

Name: Elaine Roselle

Hometown: San Jose, CA

Child care experience: 5 years+

Education history: A.S. in Early Childhood Education from De Anza College / Community Health Worker certification from Mercy College of Health Sciences

Favorite food: Pizza / Mexican and Filipino food

Favorite weekend activity: Watching movies and spending time with my cats

Favorite children’s book: The Giving Tree

Primrose character I most relate to: Katie the Cat

Name: Lauren Ferrell

Hometown: Chino Hills, CA

Child care experience: I have been in in the early childhood education for 19 years. I have held the roles of teacher, health and safety coordinator, assistant director, and center director.

Education Background: I have my Master’s Degree in Education from Whittier College.

Favorite food: Mexican

Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with my Yorkie, Belle.

Favorite children’s book: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin, because he teaches us the importance of  friendships.

What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to meet all of the amazing Primrose families and seeing how much the children flourish using the balanced learning.

Hello, my name is Kelly Shea.

I grew up in the beautiful Bay Area, near Santa Cruz, CA, where the ocean and mountains have always held a special place in my heart. When I’m not working in a preschool, you can find me walking on the beach or hiking in the mountains.

I studied Early Childhood Education and began working in preschools in my early 20s—and I’ve never looked back! When it was time to raise my family, I settled in Willow Glen, where I lived for nearly 30 years. I feel so fortunate to have built a strong community here, one that I still maintain today. Willow Glen will always hold a special place in my heart.

After teaching primarily Pre-K throughout my career, I’m thrilled to now be a part of the incredible team here at Primrose. In my role, I offer additional support to both parents and children whenever needed. We at Primrose are here to ensure that your family has the best experience possible, and we want you to know that we are always available for any questions, comments, or concerns you may have.

I truly enjoy meeting and working with young families. I hope that my years of experience in early childhood education and raising my own family can be helpful to you. It would be my honor to support you in any way I can.

Hi, I’m Cynthia!
I have been working at Primrose for a little over 5 years now. What I enjoy the most about working with children is being able to see their growth throughout the years.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family 🙂
Hometown: San Jose, CA.
Education Background: Certified MA & in Early Childhood Education
Favorite food: Tacos
Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with family and going to the beach.
Favorite children’s book: You Are My I Love You By Maryann Cusimano. I absolutely love this book! I read it to my kids every day since birth and I know the book by memory.
Primrose character I most relate to: OG the Bookworm- Teaching children to care for others to the world a make a better place!

Hello Primrose Families!

I have been cooking since I was 16 years old in Nebraska. My wife and I moved here from Missouri and have lived in the Midwest for most of my life until this past year. Working with children, I was a foster parent and took care of my nieces and nephews and I enjoyed being with them a lot. I like to prepare nutritional varieties of food and for 27 years I’ve worked in various cafes, pizzerias, and steakhouses. What I enjoy most about cooking is seeing the smiling faces and meeting new people in the places I have cooked in.

I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

Hometown: Fremont, NE

Child care experience: 4 years

Education Background: 27 years of Food Service

Favorite food: Pancit

Favorite weekend activity: Hikes

Favorite children’s book: My Book of Bible Stories

Primrose character I most relate to: Megy the pig

What I’m most excited about this school year: To start cooking in the kitchen for the children and meeting all of the families at Primrose!

Hello! I’m Veronica Cervantez.

I’m excited to share a little bit about myself with you!

I’ve been working with young children and adolescents for over 20 years, and it’s truly been a rewarding journey. What I love most about working with children is witnessing their growth and development over time. It’s amazing to see their personalities shine and their confidence grow. One of my favorite activities to do with the kids is enrichment art—it gives them a chance to express themselves creatively and bring their unique ideas to life.

I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your family as we begin this school year together!

A Few Fun Facts About Me:

• Name: Veronica Cervantez

• Hometown: Santa Clara, CA

• Childcare Experience: 17 years with children ages 3–5

• Education: Fully Qualified Preschool Teacher with a background in Early Childhood Education

• Favorite Food: Tacos

• Weekend Fun: I love spending time with my daughter and our dog, Dutches

• Favorite Children’s Book: The Giving Tree

• Primrose Character I Relate To Most: Libby the Lamb

• What I’m Most Excited About This School Year: Building relationships with each child and family, and sharing in the joy of their learning and growth!

Hi, I’m Ms. Danielle!
I’m excited to introduce myself and share a little about my background.

I was born and raised in San Jose, California, and from a young age, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. My passion for working with children began early—babysitting my younger cousins, volunteering in classrooms at my former elementary school, and even coaching girls’ softball for two seasons.

I’ve been teaching preschoolers for the past seven years. I began with pre-kindergarten for three years, then moved on to teaching three-year-olds for another three. Before joining Primrose, I worked with a mix of two-year-olds and young three’s. I truly enjoy helping children learn, grow, and have fun along the way!

Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with my family and friends, watching movies, attending concerts, traveling, and, of course, grabbing a good cup of coffee.

I’m thrilled to be part of the Primrose team and can’t wait to get to know all of you!

Name: Danielle
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Child Care Experience: 7 years of preschool teaching experience
Education Background: A.A. in Early Childhood Education; currently attending San Jose State to further my studies
Favorite Food: Sushi and tacos
Favorite Weekend Activity: Spending time with family and friends
Favorite Children’s Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Primrose Character I Relate to Most: Molly
What I’m Most Excited About This School Year: Getting to know all the children and their families!

Hello! I’m Miss Natalia – here’s a little about me!

I was born and raised in San Jose, and I’ve always had a passion for education. Working with children and watching them grow into confident, curious learners brings me so much joy. The excitement and wonder on their faces truly make every day special.

In my free time, I love making memories with friends and family. I’m an avid reader with a personal goal of finishing one book a week—if I’m not at home, you’ll likely find me at a local bookstore or soaking up the sun at the beach.

Hometown: San Jose, CA
Childcare Experience: 5+ years working with children from Preschool through 3rd grade
Education Background: Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood & Education Sciences
Favorite Food: Anything Mexican—especially my Mama’s recipes!
Favorite Weekend Activities: Hiking, enjoying live music, and relaxing at the beach with a good book
Favorite Children’s Book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein – a timeless classic
Primrose Character I Relate To Most: Og the Bookworm 📚
What I’m Most Excited About This School Year: I can’t wait to build meaningful relationships and create lasting memories with both students and families!

I’m so excited for the year ahead and can’t wait to meet you all!

Hi! My name is JoAnn Munoz Escobedo, but you can call me Jo.

I was born and raised in San Jose, California. Ever since I was a child, I loved playing “school”—and I was always the teacher! That early passion for teaching has stayed with me throughout my life. I truly enjoy being around children and helping them grow, learn, and prepare for the next stage in their lives. Teaching is not just a job for me—it’s a calling. I especially love challenging children and seeing their confidence bloom.

In my free time, I enjoy relaxing with a good movie and some popcorn. I also love cooking and baking for my family, and I find peace in taking walks at the park.

About Me:

• Name: JoAnn (or Jo)

• Hometown: San Jose, California

• Child Care Experience: I have over 12 years of experience in child care, including 12 years as a Center Director. For the past 15 years, I’ve been teaching in the Pre-K classroom.

• Education: Fully Qualified Preschool Teacher

• Favorite Foods: Pizza (I have three favorites!), French fries, and pasta

• Favorite Weekend Activity: Watching movies and enjoying some quiet time

• Favorite Children’s Book: Pete the Cat series

• Primrose Character I Relate to Most: Katie the Cat—because I love talking with my students and hearing all about what’s on their minds!

What I’m most excited about this school year is being part of the Primrose team. I’m looking forward to building strong, meaningful connections with both children and their families. My goal is to meet—and exceed—the expectations of our parents and coworkers, and to make a positive impact every day.

Hi,

My name is Madhuri, and I hold a Master’s degree in Geography from Bihar University. I am continuing my education in Early Childhood Education with the goal of becoming a Master Teacher.

I believe every child learns at their own pace, and it is essential for educators to recognize and support each student’s unique strengths and needs. My goal as a teacher is to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children feel confident, supported, and excited to learn. I am deeply committed to fostering not only academic growth but also the social and emotional development of every child in my care.

As a lifelong learner, I am always eager to explore and apply new strategies that allow me to better meet the needs of my students. Being part of their learning journey brings me immense joy and fulfillment.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy hiking, practicing yoga, exploring new places, and spending quality time with family and friends. As the eldest of four siblings, I grew up with a strong sense of responsibility, which shaped my passion for helping others. I believe in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and cultivating meaningful relationships as key to overall happiness and well-being.

Hi, my name is Samatha Santos, and I have been a preschool teacher for several years.

My favorite part of working with children is witnessing their excitement when they discover or learn something new. I also love seeing their personal growth from the beginning of the school year to the end and watching their confidence grow as they begin to understand new concepts. One of my favorite children’s book series is The Berenstain Bears because each story teaches a valuable lesson, which is so important for young children.

My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love decorating my home inside and out, but what I enjoy most is spending time with loved ones. Gift-giving is something I truly enjoy. One of my favorite family traditions is celebrating Christmas Eve with my family and then gathering again on Christmas Day.

I have two cats: a five-year-old black cat named King and a one-year-old tuxedo cat named Magic. I also love to sing and have performed at several events, including my mom’s wedding and graduations. I look forward to growing with Primrose!

Name: Lilia Singh

Hometown: Santa Barbara CA.

Child Care Experience: I worked as a Teacher Assistant for WeeCare Preschool. After a few years, I decided to try working with older students at an elementary school in Santa Barbara County named Hollister Elementary School. I also worked part time at a high school in Goleta called Dos Pueblos High School.

Education Background: Went to High School at Dos Pueblos High school in Goleta CA. I graduated with a full college scholarship and attended Allen Hancock College in Santa Maria CA. I’m currently attending Evergreen Valley College majoring in Administration of Justice and Law Enforcement. My goal is to become a Correctional officer/ mentor / counselor and work with our youth.

Favorite Food: My favorite food is Mexican food and Indian food.

Favorite Weekend Activity: Right now my favorite weekend activities are exploring this new city (San Jose) I live in, gardening and going to the movies.

Favorite Children’s Book: My Favorite children’s book is, How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss.

Primrose Character I most relate to: The Primrose character I’m can relate to is Percy, the proud rooster- I like to provide and set good example of good character.

What I’m Most Excited About This school Year: This school year I’m excited about everything in general. Excited to just see what the students and staff have to offer to make it a great year.

I’m Mrs. Nasrin Zarkub.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I’ve been working with children for more than 20 years now! It’s a very rewarding job to see kids learn and grow over the years. 

I live with my husband and two children, along with our little dog named Simba.

Hometown: Iran

Education Background: I was a midwife in my country and delivered over 60 babies. After I moved to San Jose and had my kids, I decided to study Child Education and am a Fully Qualified Teacher

Favorite food: Persian, French

Favorite weekend activity: Hiking with my family and my dog

Favorite children’s book: Corduroy by Don Freeman, but I have many favorites

Primrose character I most relate to: Percy the Rooster (maybe because I collect roosters 🙂

What I’m most excited about this school year: I’m excited to get to know my new students and their families.

Hi there! I’m Ms. Carrie and I began working in child care in 2017. I discovered my passion for working with children during my time volunteering at Walden West Outdoor Science School. Over the years, I have had the chance to work with children ages 6 weeks- 10 years old.

Education Background: A.A. Child Development, Certificate of achievement Early Childhood Education, Fully Qualified

Favorite food: Mexican cuisine

Favorite weekend activity: Hiking, reading, or spending time with my nephew

Favorite children’s book: Pete the Cat

Primrose character I most relate to: Og

What I’m most excited about this school year: Watching all my friends learn, grow, and reach new milestones!

Hi I’m Miss Nikki and I am so excited to be a part of the Primrose team! I grew up here in San Jose and love it. I have worked with children for almost 20 years. I started off at the YMCA and eventually moved on to teaching where I worked at Campbell Union School District and Santa Clara Unified School District where I would sometimes fill in as the site coordinator.

I absolutely love teaching and watching the children learn & grow.

I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family!

Name: Nicole (nickname: Nikki)

Hometown: San Jose, CA

Childcare experience: Almost 20 years

Education Background: Fully Qualified Preschool Teacher

Favorite food: I love pizza & pasta

Favorite weekend activity: To go & have fun on the beach with my dog. He loves to run on the sand.

Favorite children’s book: The Hungry Caterpillar- it was my favorite book when I was young

Primrose character I most relate to: Ally the Bunny because she teaches responsibility.

What I’m most excited about this school year: Meeting the new families of Preschool 1 & watching the children learn & grow!

Hello everyone, my name is Miss Yira, and I want to tell you a little about myself.

This will be my 6th year working with young children. I lived most of my years in Mexico from when I was very little to 13 years old. I love to connect with nature and visit new places. I am passionate about health and fitness, finding balance, and staying active. Teaching is a big part of my life, it is one of those rare professions that keeps your brain young, allowing me to continue my journey as a student and a lifelong learner. Being a teacher is such a pleasure as I learn new things every day.

Hometown: San Jose, CA

Child care experience: 6 years of experience

Education Background: Montessori Trained, Fully Qualified.

Favorite food: Thai Food

Favorite weekend activity: Hiking, beach, gym

Favorite children’s book: “ The Color Monster” by Anna L

Primrose character I most relate to: Libby the Lamb

What I’m most excited about this school year: I am super excited to meet you all and watch you learn and grow.

I’m Ms. Maria Lopez and I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

I have been working with young children for over 20 years. I enjoy working with children to see their growth and development throughout the years. I have three children and four grandchildren. I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

Hometown: San Jose, Ca

Childcare experience: 20 years (3-5 years)

Education Background: Early Childhood Education – Fully Qualified Preschool Teacher

Favorite food: Anything and Everything

Favorite weekend activity: Visiting my grandchildren

Favorite children’s book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear

Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin the dog.

What I’m most excited about this school year: Getting to know each child and family and having the experience of watching them learn and grow.

My name is Angeline Tran. I was born and raised in Vietnam. I came to the USA in 1991. Graduated from Beauty College School and got a Cosmetologist license in 1993. I worked at Sweet Pea’s Beauty Salon for a couple of years. In 1995, I taught the Vietnamese language and the Bible from first grade to middle school on Saturday and Sunday. Then later, I was a Coordinator of the Bilingual Catechetical Program at Most Holy Trinity Church in San Jose. I graduated from San Jose State University with a BA in Child Development degree. I started teaching Pre-K for 16 years. I currently hold a Director and a Site Supervisor Permit. I loved working with children. Working with children has reminded me of how amazing and exciting the world can be for young kids when they explore things around them. I love seeing things from their eyes when they learn a new thing. It makes me so happy. Also, children encourage me to use my imagination and find new creative ways to do things. My hobbies are art, crafts, and traveling.

My name is Kelly, and I am deeply passionate about Early Childhood Education. I currently work as a preschool teacher at Primrose School. For over four years, I have also volunteered at a community center, teaching Vietnamese language and culture. Through my experience working with young children, I have discovered that education is truly my calling.

I believe in fostering inclusive learning environments where every child feels valued and has the opportunity to grow. In the classroom, I prioritize building strong relationships with both children and their families. I support each child’s development through play-based learning, while encouraging kindness and confidence.

I’m thrilled to be part of the Primrose community and look forward to partnering with families to support every child’s unique learning journey.

I am currently pursuing my education at West Valley College.
My favorite holiday is Christmas.
At home, we speak both English and Vietnamese.
My favorite children’s book is The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear.
One of my favorite parts of working with children is incorporating music and movement during circle time.

In my free time, I enjoy cooking, spending time outdoors, connecting with nature, and practicing meditation.

Hello! My name is Jennifer. After working in the retail for 11 years, I happily changed my career path and began teaching. I live in San Jose with my 5 year old daughter Elena and my husband, Cesar. I look forward to working with you and creating a wonderful preschool experience for your child!

I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

Name: Jennifer Magana

Hometown: San Jose

Child care experience: 7 years

Education Background: Fully qualified preschool teacher.

Favorite food: Pizza, Donuts

Favorite weekend activity: Sleeping in, and going to the park with my two dogs, daughter, and husband. I also like going to many family events, watching movies, and reading books.

Favorite children’s book: I Love You Forever by Roberto N. Munsch! For the reason that no matter how old you get or what you do, your mother will always be with you.

Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin the dog because Erwin is very trustworthy as well as patient.

What I’m most excited about this school year: I am most excited about getting to meet all my new little friends and Parents.

Hello wonderful families! My name is Ms. Michelle. I just started working at Primrose, but I am looking forward to working with all these children here at the school. I was born in Sacramento but moved to San Jose to go to San Jose State University. I grew up with a big family with myself being the second youngest, but I grew up taking care of my nieces and nephews from my siblings and I love them all!

My education background: BA in Psychology. I previously worked as a behavior technician for almost 5 years, which is someone who worked with children who had autism, so I am happy to put that knowledge to good use.

My favorite foods are sushi, ramen, and pasta.

My favorite weekend activity is napping! Other things I like to do are catching up on my shows, reading in my spare time, playing video games with my significant other, and going out to eat at new places.

My favorite children’s books are Elephant and Piggy books.

The Primrose character I most relate to is Peanut the Pony as I always want to be honest with myself, and my opinions, and be honest with the children as well. I don’t like to skew knowledge and being honest is the best way to get to know someone.

The thing I’m most excited about this school year is starting this new journey at this school with all these children. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me here with all the children and watch them grow!

Hello! I’m Aisha. I want to tell you a little about myself. I was born and raised in Bangladesh. I moved to the USA in 2016. I have been working with children for about 3 years. I love working with kids because every day is a reminder of the pure joy of discovery and the magic of imagination. Their laughter is infectious, their curiosity is boundless, and their capacity for love is limitless. In their presence, I am constantly inspired, challenged, and humbled. Simply put, being with kids fills my heart with happiness and purpose.

Name: Aisha Moutushi
Home Town: San Jose.
Child care experience: 3 years
Education Background: I completed my AA on Elementary Education from Evergreen
Valley College. Currently attending San Jose State University to complete my BA on Liberal Studies.
Favorite food: Biriyani
Favorite weekend activity: Go out for a long drive on HWY1.
Favorite children’s book: Green Eggs and Ham, See you later alligator
The primrose character I most relate to:Mia the mouse.
What I’m most excited about this school year: I’m most excited about connecting with the children, seeing their curiosity ignite, and guiding them on their journey of learning and discovery.

I’m Diane. I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

I’m a 20 year old, who loves travelling, going on walks with my dog, and eating out. I got to visit Puerto Rico twice, is a very cultural and tropical island. The vibes there were amazing, I also visited multiple times my parents home country, which is Mexico. One of my favorite plate is Tacos, although I do enjoy any plate of food. I recently a year ago started working with younger kids. My first job was at a gymnastic school, so I got to work with hands on. I taught groups of 3-4 year old kiddos, taught them to do basics like jumping, crawling, etc. From there I started enjoying working with little kids, I started exploring many other jobs like after school programs which led to my growth in my career. I’m a very open person, I will accept any tips. So feel free to let me know anything.

I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.

Name: Diane Suleima Vargas

Hometown: San Jose

Child care experience: One Year

Education Background: N/A

Favorite food: Tacos

Favorite weekend activity: Hiking with my dog

Favorite children’s book: Fantastic Mr. Fox

Primrose character I most relate to: Erwin The Dog

What I’m most excited about this school year: I’m excited to get to grow my career more. I get to experience new things, meet new people and get to know the kiddos around here. I love working with little ones and help them advance in their learning.

Hi I’m Diane, these are the few things about myself. I was born in the Philippines and decided to live here in the US. I have been working in a kindergarten in the Philippines for a year before I came here. I love working with kids. When I was 6 years old, a bunch of kids from our neighborhood taught basic knowledge to others. It’s my privilege to work here at Primrose Community! Furthermore, every weekend I love spending time with my family, together eating my favorite food, ramen! And make music. I am looking forward to working, learning, and sharing my fun ideas with the students and meeting new kids and parents in this community!

Hello! My name is Ms. Beza, I was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I am married and have two girls.

Hometown: San Jose

Childcare experience: This is my 5th year working as a preschool teacher, and one year here at Primrose School of Willow Glen

Education: I have a Diploma in Nursing and used to work in the medical field before I moved to the United States. I am a trained Montessori teacher and earned Associate Teacher Certificate in ECE from SJCC College. Currently I am attending San Jose City College Pursuing my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.

My favorite food: Injera, Mexican food and veggie combo.

Favorite weekend activities: Eating breakfast with my family, going to church, shopping, and taking a long walk.

Favorite children’s book: Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs and Stellaluna.

Primrose character I most relate to: Benjamin the Bear: generous, kind, and giving to others without expecting anything in return.

What I’m most excited about this school year: I am excited to meet all children under my care and help/encourage them to become the best version of themselves.

Hello! My name is Nawshin Khan, and I’m from Bangladesh. I’m thrilled to be part of this wonderful school year! I have always had a passion for working with children and creating a positive and fun learning environment. I completed my high school education in Bangladesh and am currently pursuing an associate degree in Early Childhood Education at evergreen valley college. I believe in creating a nurturing and supportive environment where every child feels valued and inspired to explore their creativity. Outside the classroom, I love reading story books. with Cinderella being one of my all-time favorite children’s books. I’m a big fan of Bengali cuisine, with biriyani being my ultimate favorite dish.
I’m thrilled to be working with all the amazing kids this school year, and I can’t wait to see them grow and discover the world around them!

I am Ms. Natalie, and I wanted to share a little bit about myself. I am a very passionate and loving person who has been working with children from a young age. My first job was at a fun place called Pump It Up, where children celebrated birthday parties and enjoyed active play. I recently moved back to San Jose after earning my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento. While living in Sacramento, I interned at a preschool as a teacher’s aide, which further strengthened my love for working with young children. I plan to continue my education by applying for a master’s degree in Early Childhood Mental Health and Emotional Development. I love working with little ones because they are full of life, positivity, and creativity.

I am originally from San Jose, California. My favorite food is Nicaraguan cuisine, and I enjoy spending my weekends attending my nephew’s sporting games. My favorite children’s book is Green Eggs and Ham, and the Primrose character I relate to most is Erwin the Dog. This year, I am most excited about getting to know all of the children and having lots of fun together throughout the year.

Hello, I’m Farzaneh “Mahsa” T. I was born and raised in Iran and hold a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, along with completing over 30 units at De Anza College. Art has always been a big part of my life, especially drawing, photography, and modern painting. I have seven years of child care experience and have spent the past four years working closely with children, helping them explore their creativity through art and play. I believe children naturally express their inner world through creative activities, and I enjoy supporting them as they build confidence and a love for learning. I’m excited to build meaningful connections with my students and support their growth throughout the school year. When I’m not with children, I enjoy caring for my houseplants, painting, reading, and practicing meditation. Italian food is my favorite, and my favorite children’s books are The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Pete the Cat.

Hello!
My name is Sara, and I’m thrilled to be part of the team here at Primrose! I bring over 15 years of experience in early childhood education and childcare, and I am a fully qualified preschool teacher. I’m passionate about creating a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive — and I love learning alongside them every day!

I was born and raised in San Jose, CA, where I developed a love for sports and musical theater. I’m also a proud wife and first-time mom to a wonderful 1-year-old son. In my free time, I enjoy family walks with our two pups, spending quality time with my husband and son, and recording music with my dad — a hobby that’s very close to my heart.

One of my favorite Primrose characters is Billy the Duck because he plays the drums — and as a music lover, I really connect with that!

I’m looking forward to building strong relationships with each child and their families to provide the highest level of care and support on their learning journey.

My name is Zahra. I was born in Iran and spent most of my life in Tehran. I first earned a diploma in Mathematics before studying Civil Engineering. However, my passion for human development and psychology led me to change fields, and in 2018 I completed my Master’s degree in General Psychology at Tehran Science and Research. Since then, I have worked as a psychologist in several schools, applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) to support children and their families in achieving better developmental and educational outcomes. In 2021, I began my Ph.D. studies in General Psychology while continuing to work as both a lead teacher and counseling psychologist at schools and universities. I have also submitted two articles to psychological journals. I am delighted to now be collaborating with the Primrose team in California, a professional community dedicated to supporting infants and toddlers with updated protocols that foster growth in both developmental and educational skills.

Hello, my name is Tajjai, and I would love to share a little about myself.  I was born and raised in San Jose, CA. At Primrose, we’re more than a team of child care specialists—we’re a family. We care for every child as though they are our own, and like your home, our school provides a secure, nurturing environment that fosters self-discovery and a love of learning. I can’t wait to get to know you and your family better.

I bring several years of child care and teaching experience, including participating in the Young Women’s Families Program offered by my high school for 2–3 years, working as a swim instructor for children ages 0–8, and serving as a teacher’s aide in a Montessori school environment for one year. I am currently attending De Anza Community College to pursue my goal of becoming a teacher.

What I love most about working with children is being present for them every day, knowing they depend on me, and experiencing the joy of their unique personalities. Each day is different, and setting standards while following our mission is something I look forward to. Some of my personal favorites include the book Charlotte’s Web, the holiday Halloween, and my family’s Thanksgiving tradition where everyone cooks a dish. At Primrose, I most relate to Og the Bookworm, who says, “Oh Gee… I can read!”

In my personal time, I enjoy painting, drawing, going on adventures, reading my Bible, and writing down key moments in my life.

Hi!

My name is Andrea Holt. I was born in Germany and moved to the United States at the age of 19. I began working with young Infants 15 years ago. I started out in Brooklyn, New York. I completed all my required training there. After four years, we moved to Ft. Hood, Texas where I began working with young Infants at Meadows Child Development Center and received my Child Development Associates in 2011. I worked at Meadows Child Development Center with young Infants for ten years. When an opportunity arose to move to California I decided to move here.

Hometown: Germany

Education : Child Development Associate. I also have a current pediatric first aid and infant/child CPR certification.

Child care experience: 15 years working with Infants

Favorite children’s book: “Love you forever” by Robert Munsch

Primrose character I most relate to: Molly the Cow! I believe that you should always treat people with respect, show you care and always lend a helping hand.

Favorite food: Pasta

Favorite weekend activity: My favorite weekend activity is spending time with my fiancé, and my dog. I like going out and exploring the area which is new to me, since I just moved here a month ago.

Hi! My name is Diana Garcia.

Hi! I’m Ms. Natalie!

I am looking forward to meeting each and everyone one of you. I love caring for people and doing my dream job—taking care of infants and being around all the caring and loving people at Primrose. When I am not here at Primrose, I love to spend time with my son and visit my parents in Vacaville. You see, at Primrose Schools we’re more than a team of professional teachers and child care education specialists. We’re also a family, and we care for every child as though he or she was our own. And 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.

Name: Natalie Jones

Hometown: Milpitas, CA

Child care experience: 28 years of ECE Teaching Experience

Education Background: Early Child Education

Favorite food: Anything with carbs

Favorite weekend activity: watching movies with my family

Favorite children’s book: I love you this much

Primrose character I most relate to: Benjamin the Bear

What I’m most excited about this school year: getting to know my infant room babies!

Hello! I’m Ms. Yasmine! I am so happy to be a part of Primrose and look forward to getting to know students and parents.

I am born and raised in San Jose, CA. I enjoy going to the beach, hiking, traveling, watching sports, spending time with family/ friends, shopping, and attending concerts/music festivals. I used to play softball and played for 13 years. I come from a big family being the eldest girl and have had to help with taking care of my siblings. I’ve worked with Elementary-HighSchool students. I attended San Jose City Community College (SJCC) being a student-athlete graduating with an AA degree in Liberal Arts. The sport I played at SJCC was Softball. Then transferred to San Jose State University graduating with a BA degree in Social Work.

Name: Yasmine Hernandez

Hometown: San Jose

Education Background: Early Child Development, Social Work

Favorite Food: Mexican, Chinese, and Filipino food, Pasta, Sushi, Wings, and Soups

Favorite Weekend Activity: Beach, Hiking, Traveling

Favorite Children’s Book: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Primrose Character I Relate To The Most: Molly the Cow

What I’m Most Excited About This School Year: This is the first school I have worked at and I hope to create some best moments/ memories here

Hi, I am Ms. Lisette! I am very excited to be joining the Primrose community. I have been working with children almost 4 years already. I have participated in after schools programs and summer camps. I was born and raise in San Jose, CA. My education background is early childhood education. I have attended school at San Jose City College. My favorite food is Chinese and Mexican food. My favorite weekend activity is going on walks and hanging out with my friends and my family. My favorite children book is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. I’m most excited about this school year is learning and helping children grow!

Hi, my name is Teresa Arreola.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself.

I have been working at Primrose since March 2019, I feel happy working at school, I like reading stories to the children, supporting them, and meeting families. My experience working with preschool children dates back to 2002.

Hometown: Oaxaca, Mexico, I live in San Jose since 1988 I have two sons and a daughter and three granddaughters

Favorite food: Pizza, Mexican enchiladas with chicken

Favorite weekend activity: listening to music, walking, going to the movies

Children’s favorite book: Brown bear, what do you see?

Primrose character I like the most: Percy, because he is a leader who helps others

What I am most excited about this school year: meeting the children, reading them stories, supporting their learning and their skills

I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family!

Name: Maria M.

Hometown: I’ve lived in San Jose since 1979.

Child care experience: I’ve been in childcare for over 30 years.

Education Background: Over 30 ECE units

Favorite food: Chile relleno

Favorite weekend activity: Relax, visit my granddaughter & our pet, Astro, & do some cleaning

Favorite children’s book: Little Red Riding Hood & Gingerbread Man. They bring back childhood memories.

Primrose character I most relate to: Libby the Lamb because fairness is important

What I’m most excited about this school year: I’m excited about going back to school to continue my education and being back with the children and the parents

Hello everyone, my name is Miss Kam, and I would love to share a little about myself. I have always had a passion for working with children and believe that early childhood is a crucial stage in their development. I previously worked as a kindergarten teacher in my home country of Hong Kong and bring with me five years of childcare experience. I hold a degree in Early Childhood Education and am excited to continue supporting young learners here at Primrose.

Some of my personal favorites include seafood as my favorite food, and on weekends I enjoy walking, hiking, reading, and practicing yoga. My favorite children’s book is Pete the Cat, and the Primrose character I relate to most is Molly the Cow because she represents kindness and friendship.

What excites me most about this school year is getting to know each child and family, watching the children learn and grow, and making a meaningful impact in their lives. I look forward to helping them explore the world around them, use their creativity, and find joy in meaningful learning experiences.

Hello! My name is Belen Rivera.

I was born and raised right here in San Jose, California. I’ve been in the child care industry for a year now. While it hasn’t been long, working with children has always been something I’ve loved and felt passionate about.

I graduated from Wilcox High School in 2016 and attended Mission College for about a year before deciding to pursue Bible studies. I spent six incredible months in Panama attending Bible College, and then completed my studies at the same college in Los Angeles.

When it comes to food, Mexican cuisine is my absolute favorite—if it’s on the menu, count me in!
On weekends, I enjoy staying in, ordering takeout, and watching a good movie. I’m definitely a homebody and love a cozy night indoors.

My favorite children’s books are the Junie B. Jones series! They always bring back childhood memories, and I saw a lot of myself in Junie as a kid. At Primrose, the character I relate to most is Og the Bookworm. I enjoy teaching our Primrose friends how to show kindness and care for one another every day.

What excites me most about working at Primrose is seeing the children grow and bloom into their full potential. It’s truly an honor to be part of their early learning journey.

Hi, I’m Elham Riddle.

I’d love to share a little bit about myself. I was born and raised in Tehran, Iran, and I’m the middle child of three sisters. I studied Art and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Photography back home. In 2002, I left Iran and moved to India, where I was introduced to Hinduism and Buddhism—both of which have deeply shaped my spiritual path. I lived in India for two years, then spent a year in Malaysia before moving to the United States in 2005.

I’ve been working with children—particularly those on the autism spectrum—for many years now. I find great joy and purpose in supporting their growth and development.

I’m deeply spiritual and believe in karma, compassion, and the importance of serving others. Though I don’t have children or pets of my own, I absolutely love being around both. I believe everyone is born with a unique purpose, and mine is to serve—to nurture children, care for animals, and connect with nature.

Quick Facts About Me:
Name: Elham Riddle
Hometown: Tehran, Iran
Child Care Experience: 8 years
Education: B.A. in Photography, Certified Medical Assistant, Teaching in Child Development
Favorite Food: Vegan, gluten-free dishes
Favorite Weekend Activity: Outdoor adventures
Favorite Children’s Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Primrose Character I Relate To Most: I like the cat—though I don’t remember its name!
What I’m Most Excited About This School Year: Learning new skills and growing with my students