Kristen TenBroek and Danielle Rodrigues are two local moms who worked full time since their kids were born and as a result know the ins and outs of needing full-time childcare for their families. From their own experiences, they understand the balance between working and parenthood as well as the difficult decision it can be to entrust your child in the care of others. Together they opened Primrose North Shore, a premium early childhood education center serving children 6 weeks to 5 years old, in Danvers. I’m thrilled to share their story in our latest Meet a Mom Interview. Keep reading to learn more about Primrose North Shore’s offerings and how Kristen and Danielle continue to navigate this busy season of motherhood.
Where are you from originally and what town do you live in now?
Kristen TenBroek (KT): I grew up in Middleton, MA, and am now living in Rye, NH.
Danielle Rodrigues (DR): I grew up in New Haven, CT, and have lived in Amesbury, MA, for the last 16 years with my family.
Kristen TenBroek and family
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
KT: I have three girls: Dyan, 12; Ella, 11; and Mia, 7.
DR: I have a son, Maxx, who is 17 years old, and daughter, Madelyn, who is 15 years old.
Danielle Rodrigues and family
What’s your favorite family activity on the North Shore?
KT: I grew up going to the Topsfield Fair and it’s still one of our favorite fall activities!
DR: We love the beach (all of them on the North Shore!) and enjoy visiting Cider Hill Farm for our CSA and fruit picking in the summer.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop on the North Shore?
KT: My favorite place to eat and shop would be downtown Newburyport. I love a boutique shop and the Black Cow.
DR: As a family, we love Crave and Flatbread in Amesbury.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you came to open Primrose North Shore?
KT: I’m a Registered Nurse with a background in Early Intervention, where I worked closely with families through home visits, as well as serving as a classroom nurse in a dayschool setting. As a mother whose own children have been in care since infancy, I deeply understand the importance of finding a place where parents feel confident, supported, and at ease. Opening Primrose North Shore was a natural step, it allowed me to blend my passion for early childhood development with the desire to create a safe, nurturing environment that truly partners with families in their child’s growth and learning.
DR: I was a pediatric physical therapist for 20 years, working closely with children and families in their homes. That experience gave me a deep understanding of child development, family dynamics, and the importance of creating safe, nurturing environments. Kristen and I—both working parents ourselves—have always shared a passion for supporting children and families. We saw a real need for a childcare center that not only prioritizes health and safety but also offers a strong educational foundation. That’s what inspired us to create a space where children can thrive and families feel truly supported.
What age children attend Primrose?
We start as young as 6 weeks up to 5 years old during the school year. In the summer, we offer a summer camp program for students up to entering the 2nd grade.
Where is Primrose North Shore located?
Primrose North Shore is located right on 114 in Danvers–right on the Middleton line.
How many different programs does Primrose North Shore offer?
We offer care for infants through transitional Kindergarten and we have a Summer Adventure Program for school-aged children.
What are some curriculum highlights?
Our exclusive Balanced Learning approach brings together the best early education wisdom with modern research and learning science to inspire curiosity, creativity, confidence, and compassion for a lifelong love of learning. We foster a sense of belongingness and have a strong emphasis on character building.
What are parents excited to learn about the school when they first visit?
Parents love our Balanced Learning curriculum that emphasizes active minds, healthy bodies, and happy hearts. They also love that we offer lunch, morning and afternoon snacks, all included with tuition, and have an amazing in-house chef! No need to pack anything in the morning.
How do parents schedule a tour?
Parents can schedule a tour through our website at www.primrosenorthshore.com.
When does enrollment begin?
We have rolling enrollment and are always happy to add new faces to our Primrose Family.
Any tips for balancing work & motherhood?
KT: Balancing owning a business and motherhood, especially with three daughters in sports, is definitely a challenge, but also such a gift. I rely a lot on structure and communication. I keep a calendar that keeps our family and my business on track, and I’ve learned to prioritize what truly matters each day. It’s not always perfect, but I remind myself that being present, whether at a game or in a meeting, matters more than doing everything. My girls inspire me daily, and I hope they see that it’s possible to chase your dreams while showing up for your family.
DR: That’s a great question—and yes, the struggle is real! I want to be at every game and school event, but running a business makes that tricky. I’ve learned to be intentional with my time, ask for help when I need it, and give myself grace. It’s not perfect, but I try to show my kids that being a working mom is something to be proud of.
What is the best piece of mom advice you ever received?
KT: The best mom advice I’ve ever received was: ‘You don’t have to do it all, just be there and be present.’ It reminded me that my presence means more to my kids than perfection. They won’t remember if the house was spotless or dinner was fancy, but they’ll remember that I showed up to their games, listened when they needed to talk, and loved them through it all. That advice has helped me let go of unnecessary pressure and focus on what really matters.
DR: I remember someone saying to me when my kids were in preschool, “the days are long but the years are short so try to slow down and enjoy all of it.” Now that my oldest is looking at colleges and preparing for adulthood, I truly understand that.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you need some “me” time?
KT: I love taking my dog, Bear, for walks on the beach, going to the gym and pedicures!
DR: I love to go for a walk with friends or enjoy a good book!
Learn more about Primrose North Shore at www.primrosenorthshore.com and follow along with the adventures of the students and staff on Instagram @primrosenorthshore or on Facebook @PrimroseNorthShoreDanvers.
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This post is sponsored by Primrose North Shore but all opinions present are my own.