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Our History

 

Friends Preschool and Kindergarten opened in 1997 with just 8 families, today we host over 70 families.  The program was developed by Barb Harris, Robin Fletcher and Barb Woolworth as a ministry of the Milford United Methodist Church. 

 

We began with a passion for children and an interest in passing on our faith.  Today, we are still passionate about our dream; giving children the opportunity to experience God’s love, as they play, learn and grow.

 

This ministry has been a true blessing to our founders, our staff and especially the children we are able to prepare for success in their educational and spiritual life.



Give us a call:

1-248-684-6086

25 Reasons to Enroll...
  • Multiple Class Options
  • Fabulous Teachers
  • Low Student / Teacher Ratio
  • Daily Bible Lessons
  • Online Billing & Payment Options
  • Parent - Tot Classes
  • Friendly / Loving Staff
  • Highly recommended by many local Kindergarten Teachers
  • Fire Department Visit
  • Spicer's Apple Orchard Field Trip
  • Multiple Metro-Park Presentations
  • Fall Harvest Celebration
  • Thanksgiving Feast
  • Christmas Program
  • Christmas Book Exchange & Party
  • Donuts with Dad
  • Milford Library Visit
  • Valentine's Day Party
  • Dentist Visit
  • Vision & Hearing Screening for 4's & Above
  • Chick Hatching Experience
  • Muffins with Mom
  • St. Jude Bike A Thon
  • Field Day / St. Jude Bike A Thon
  • Multiple Summer Camps
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Tammy Rittmueller

Director & Friendly Frog Kindergarten Teacher

 

Miss Tammy has a Bachelor in Elementary Education with an additional accreditation in Reading.  She is married with two children, a daughter and a son.  Her children attended school at Hartland - Hannah graduated from Wayne State and Matthew is pursuing his passion as a Personal Weight Trainer.

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Kristin Born

Office Manager

 

Kris has been with Friends preschool off and on for over 8 years.  Kris has a Bachelors in Communications from CMU.  She has three beautiful daughters and loves photography & golfing.  

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Tracy Bruletti

Assistant Director & Buddy Bear - Lead Teacher

Tracy joined Friends in 2015.  She has a BA in Business Management and Aviation.  She has a Masters in International Marketing.  She obtained her CDA in 2108.  Tracy has three children who attended HVS and IA.  She speaks Spanish, French and Italian.

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Mandi Yardis

Buddy Bear - Lead Teacher

Mandi has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Oakland University.   She joined  Friends in Fall of 2020 and previously worked in  Walled Lake schools.  She enjoys time traveling, swimming, and spending time with her family - husband, son and daughter. 

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Katie Harris

Buddy Bear - Assistant Teacher

Katie has a Bachelor Degree from Ypsilanti in Business.   She has been with Friends since 2019.  She loves baking, nature walks and spending time with her husband.  

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Christina Zumstein

Buddy Bear - Assistant Teacher

 

Christina has a bachelor’s degree in accounting & finance from University of Michigan - Dearborn and an MBA from Madonna University.  This is my 3rd year as an assistant teacher.  I am married to my wonderful husband, Matt, and we have 4 children. In my spare time I love taking long walks, playing with my 2 dogs, reading, watching my kids play sports and traveling.  I am excited to be your assistant teacher! It’s going to be a fabulous year full of learning and growing.

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Karen Smith

Busy Bee - Lead Teacher 

Karen has been with Friends since 2018 and was formerly the Christian Education Director for MUMC for over 20 years.  Karen has three adult children and two grandchildren.  Karen loves babies, crafting and baking.

Lori Schwartz

Busy Bee - Lead Teacher

Lori has been working at Friends for over 10 years.  She was the Buddy Bear Art teacher for many years.    She has a degree in Educational Psychology.  She loves crafts, playing games, nature walks, and spending time with her family - Nora, Lincoln and husband, Paul.

Sue Gosnler

Busy Bee - Assistant Teacher 

Sue is a retired pediatric nurse for 42 years.  Sue loves her life and husband Jim, two daughters, three beautiful grandchildren and two dogs.  She loves gardening, bike riding and reading.  I feel very blessed to be on the staff of Friends preschool. 

Barb Harris

Bible Story Teacher

Barb is a former Elementary teacher.  She is one of the founders of Friends.  She comes everyday to Friends to tell the children a bible lesson.  She enjoys her family and thirteen grandchildren.

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