Teachers & Staff

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Vanessa Renteria
Joined 2021
Vanessa Renteria
Director

I’m Mrs. Renteria! I relocated to Texas from California 6 years ago. I have been married to my husband for 13 years and we have two children. I have been working with children for over 15 years. I have taught Sunday school, worked as a paraprofessional, pre-k teacher, and an elementary librarian. I got my Associate Degree in Elementary Education in 2011 and graduated summa cum laude in May of 2023 with my BS in Family and Human Development.  In my spare time I like to go on mini adventures with my family, go thrifting, and I love to read!

 

 

 

Kandi Jones
Joined 2022
Kandi Jones
Office Manager

I was born in Abilene, TX. I am an only child. I love all kinds of sports. I have always had a passion for children. I am currently getting my Bachelor’s degree at Tarleton State University. I got married in 2018. We don’t have any children at this time.

 

Wilma Barrera
Joined 2019
Wilma Barrera
Education Coach

I’m Wilma Barrera. I am originally from California, but was raised in Waco, TX. I have been working in Early Childhood Education for thirteen years, five of them at the Primrose School of Waco at Woodway! I have worked with every age group and have learned a lot from my time with each of them. I have a Child Development Associate Certification in Preschool Education. In my spare time I love to go hiking, crochet blankets, and relax.

 

Justin Smith
Joined 2022
Justin Smith
Chef

My name is Justin Smith. I’m from Waco, Texas. I have three daughters. I have worked professionally in the food industry for sixteen years. I like Star Wars and playing video games in my spare time.

 

Salima Ali
Joined 2019
Salima Ali
Mentor Teacher and Wonder Teacher

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

 

I have two children. My daughter Sarah just graduated and my son Aahil is going to high school. My husband Aslam is so supportive of me. I have been in education for 7 years. I worked at the Montessori Preparatory School. I have been at the Primrose School of Waco at Woodway for five years! I love to work with the children.

 

 

 

Bree Garrett
Joined 2024
Bree Garrett
Wonder Teacher

I have a passion for working with children. I have been in the childcare industry for four years. When I am not working, I am traveling across central Texas for my son’s travel baseball team.

Melodee Stump
Joined 2022
Melodee Stump
Wonder Teacher

My name is Melodee Stump. I was born in Rhode Island and lived there for 19 years. I moved to North Carolina and lived there for 8 years, where I met my husband, Ray. Three years after we married we moved to Irving, TX and we lived there for 36 years. We have two children, one is 32 and has two children and the other is 26 and is a student at the University of Texas at Austin. We can’t leave out our 14 year old fur baby, Kirby a schnauzer corgi mix. We relocated to Waco after my husband retired. I has been working for Primrose Of Las Colinas for 17 years, mostly with babies. I especially enjoy the infant room. It is fascinating to watch them grow and develop so quickly and to see their personalities begin to form, not to mention they are so cute and cuddly! I also realize the importance of quality care, being that I was a working mother for quite some time.

 

Theresa Campbell
Joined 2023
Theresa Campbell
Wonder Teacher

I have been in childcare for about 20 years. I find comfort in seeing babies grow. I love teaching them positive things in life. I love to work in my garden and spend time with my grandchildren.

Sandra Espinal
Joined 2025
Sandra Espinal
Wonder Teacher

I am 26 years old and have four kids of my own. I have worked in childcare for 2 years and worked with all age groups! I enjoy watching them learn new things and achieve their milestones. I hope to build a unique relationship with each child and their family.

Hallie Polk-Lucas
Joined 2024
Hallie Polk-Lucas
Wonder Teacher

I was born in Waco, TX and now live in Robinson, TX. I graduated from A. J. Moore High School. Later, I graduated from Catawba Valley Community College with my Associates in Applied Science Degree. I was married to a U. S. military soldier (now deceased). Together, we have a son and a daughter. I worked in the Federal Government and in school environments while my husband served. I have spent the past 13 years as a substitute. I love to travel and spend time with my family.

Brooke Holsinger
Joined 2024
Brooke Holsinger
Wonder Teacher

I’m originally from Chicago, IL. I moved down to Waco, TX with my husband and two cats just over a year ago. I’ve always loved working with children and I am so happy to be joining the Primrose Family!

Andromeda Rasoul
Joined 2024
Andromeda Rasoul
Wonder Teacher

I recently moved from Birmingham, AL to Texas in June 2024. I am a mother of three….boy/girl twins who are in college and a daughter who is in High School. I moved to be closer to family. I am passionate about nurturing and educating young minds. Although I have a Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice, childcare remains my calling. I am excited to be a part of the Primrose family.

Lilla Bozzai
Joined 2025
Lilla Bozzai
Wonder Teacher

I’m Lilla Bozzai. Our family’s relocation from Hungary to Waco was driven by my husband’s enrollment at Baylor University. I began teaching in 2013 and went on to earn my master’s degree, specializing in the use of dramatic tools and games in teaching children. After taking time raise my son, born in 2021, I am now looking forward to teaching at Primrose School and getting to know my students and their parents.

Angelica Kinsman
Joined 2022
Angelica Kinsman
Wonder Teacher

My name is Ms. Kinsman! I recently moved from California to Texas with my aunt. I’m really enjoying being here as it been a life changing experience. In June of 2017, I graduated with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Humphreys University. I have eighteen years of experience working with children, from infants all the way to elementary school age. I worked for the Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Joaquin County for two years providing childcare and resources for families in need. In my free time I love to travel state to state. I enjoy fishing, camping, hiking, and viewing wildlife at the Nature Wildlife Preserves.

 

I am looking forward to getting to know your child and observe each one as they learn their skills and interact with their peers and teachers.

 

Jada Rasoul
Joined 2024
Jada Rasoul
Toddler Teacher

I’m  Jada Rasoul. I love being around kids, it brings  joy to my life. I enjoy cooking and singing.

Desiree Bustamante
Joined 2023
Desiree Bustamante
Wonder Teacher

I’m Desiree Bustamante. I am so excited to be able to work with all the great students and teachers of Primrose. I love working with children. I have wonderful nieces and nephews that I got to help raise. I have always loved helping children learn. I have really enjoyed working here at Primrose.

 

Andrea Gutierrez
Joined 2024
Andrea Gutierrez
Wonder Teacher

I’m Andrea Gutierrez. I have been in early childhood education since 2007. I worked for the Primrose School of Waco at Woodway previously and had moved to Austin, Texas and recently moved back to Waco. I like to be outdoors, and spent time with my family.

Marga Johnson
Joined 2021
Marga Johnson
Lead Mentor Teacher and Wonder Teacher

I’m Mrs. Johnson, I was born and raised right here in Waco. I have had the privilege of working with young children for over 15 years. I have been with the love of my life, Glen, for almost three years. I am the bonus-mom to an amazing boy named Khalil. I am the aunt to twelve nieces and nephews and godmother to four of them. I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family this year!

Autumn Lewis
Joined 2022
Autumn Lewis
Mentor Teacher and Wonder Teacher

I’m Miss Lewis! I am 31 years old and I am so glad to be working in childcare. I graduated college in 2016 but spent nine years in the food service industry. I love animals and exploring new things. I am very close to my mom and love spending time with her and my boyfriend Paul. My best friend and I love to read books and spend hours talking about them.

 

Christina Turner
Joined 2023
Christina Turner
Wonder Teacher

Hello! My name is Christina Turner.

 

I’m from a small country town called Bryan College Station, TX. I moved to Waco, TX in the middle of 2019. I have one child, a girl. She is six years old. I have been in early childhood education since 2007 and have worked with all age groups. I am so proud to be a part of the Primrose family.

 

Katie Barrera
Joined 2021
Katie Barrera
Venture Teacher

I’m Ms. Barrera.

 

I am from colorful Colorado and moved to California following my husband in the military. We finally landed in Texas where the adventure ended! We have a hyper little boy that loves coming to Primrose. I am very excited to see all the excited little smiles!

 

Maria Lerma
Joined 2024
Maria Lerma
Venture Teacher

I’m  Maria Lerma. I have been a teacher for about 17 years. I enjoy working with teachers and seeing students grow. I enjoy going to church and spending time with my family.

Susie Cabrera
Joined 2024
Susie Cabrera
Venture Teacher

I was born in El Paso, TX and lived there for 30 years. I have three grown children and three grandchildren. I began teaching in 1991 for Head Start. My specialty is ESL for Pre-K – 1st Grade.

Rosa Montelongo
Joined 2024
Rosa Montelongo
Venture Teacher

I was born and raised in Waco, TX. I have been married for 21 years. We have three children, two dogs, and a turtle. I enjoy working with children as well as in the children’s ministry at our church. I enjoy family time and watching our son play soccer.

Francesca Lucas
Joined 2023
Francesca Lucas
Explorer Teacher

I love doing arts and crafts. I also love reading books. I am from Waco and have lived here for the majority of my life. I am 36 years old and I am currently in school for my Bachelors in psychology technology.

Amanda Stone
Joined 2023
Amanda Stone
Explorer Teacher

I am 27 years old and am currently trying to finish my biomedical engineering degree. I grew up in Pueblo, CO. I have two dogs and an iguana.

Marissa Arispe
Joined 2024
Marissa Arispe
Support Teacher

I’m  Marrisa Arispe. I’m married to my high school sweetheart. I have three children, two boys and one girl. We live in Robinson. As a family we like to hang out outside and grill.

Alyssa Avalos
Joined 2024
Alyssa Avalos
Support Teacher

I’m Alyssa Avalos. I was born in Monterey , CA. I moved to Waco, Texas. I have worked in early childhood education for  4 years. I have worked in social services for about  2 years

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Franchise Owners

Jo McLaughlin, Noel Rigley

Welcome to the Primrose School of Waco at Woodway!

Jo McLaughlin was a working mother in 1993 at a cross roads; spend more time with her family or continue with her career path. She stepped away from her career to spend more time with her son thus beginning her Primrose journey as an Assistant Teacher at the first Primrose School in Texas shortly after it opened in 1993. Jo quickly fell in love with Primrose. When it came time to take the next step in her career, Jo knew Primrose Schools was the right partner because the Primrose curriculum represents the best for young students and the culture matched her values and leadership beliefs. Jo earned her B.A. in Early Childhood Education and continued to grow with Primrose. Her journey has given her the experience as an assistant teacher, a lead teacher, an office assistant, a director, an area director, and she worked for the Primrose Corporate Office for 14 years as a School Business Consultant and Training Specialist which ultimately led her to join Dr.’s Pratiksha and Noel Rigley as a Franchise Owner in August 2018.

Jo has been married to her husband Bob for 40 years. Bob is also a Primrose advocate and has worked with Primrose Schools for 20 years. Jo and Bob have a wonderful family of 3 children, 4 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren (some of whom are Primrose graduates). The family enjoys the great outdoors!

Teaching and mentoring to give back to their community and church are a priority for Bob and Jo. Jo has volunteered with her local fire department and the Red Cross. Jo and her husband provided hurricane disaster relief in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. Jo also understands the need to be prepared, to react, and respond to immediate emergencies in our communities with training she received with Home Land Security.

In 2018 Jo was honored to partner with the late Dr. Pratiksha and Dr. Noel Rigley. As their former Corporate School Business Consultant, she witnessed first hand the exemplary approach to Primrose’s outstanding education, the accredited curriculum and character development program that their schools implement daily.

Dr. Noel Rigley supports Dallas area schools – Primrose School of Frisco West, Primrose School of Park Cities, Primrose School of Plano at Preston Meadow, Primrose School of Klyde Warren Park and Primrose School of Prestonwood.

Together the ownership team has 65 years of Primrose service instilling active minds, healthy bodies and happy hearts in young children entrusted to our care. Who children become is as important as what they know, is a belief that is at the core of our Balanced Learning approach. Our exclusive early learning approach balances purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence, and compassion. We deliver more than a curriculum; it’s a life-changing early learning experience for children and families in our schools.

 

 

Our family would love to meet yours.

Contact us to schedule a tour.
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