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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.



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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
  • Kensington Farm Field Trip
  • Field Day / St. Jude Bike A Thon
  • Multiple Summer Camps
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Tammy Rittmueller

Director & Friendly Frog Kindergarten Teacher

 

I started working at Friends Preschool as the lead Buddy Bear teacher in 2018. In the Fall of 2020, I moved to teaching in the Friendly Frog Kindergarten classroom. In January 2021, I became the director of the school when Friends founder, Robin Fletcher, retired. I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from EMU with an additional endorsement in Reading. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading a good book at the beach, and hiking with my husband and dog. My favorite moments working at Friends are when my students look at me with joy and say, “I just read that!” A true lightbulb moment that fills my heart with joy every single time.

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Kristin Born

Office Manager

 

I have been with Friends preschool off and on for over 9 years.  I have a bachelor's in communications from CMU. I have a loving husband, three beautiful daughters and two adorable dogs.  In my spare time I like boating, golfing and laying by the pool.

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Tracy Bruletti

Assistant Director & Buddy Bear - Lead Teacher

 

I joined Friends in 2015.  My education background is a Bachelors in Business Management and Aviation Science from Southeastern Oklahoma State 1992. My Master’s Degree in International Marketing Management from Thunderbird – Glendale Arizona 1996. My CDA in Child Development in 2018. My interests are kids, family, cooking, tennis and pickleball!

 

I love working with the kids at Friends and the happiness they bring to me personally.  My three children attended Friends – I just love this experience for the children.

A time to grow, make new friends, and discover so many exciting things.

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Mandi Yaris

Buddy Bear - Lead Teacher

 

I joined Friends Preschool in the fall of 2020. I am a graduate of Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Previously, I worked in the Walled Lake schools in special education. I enjoy traveling, swimming, shopping and spending time with my husband, Steve, my son, Cole, and my daughter, Madison. I love working at Friends Preschool and sharing what brings me joy which is working with my students. When I see a smile on a child's face, (that 'Aha!' moment) when they understand a concept they have been struggling with - that is when I know I am where I should be! I am happy to be a part of this fabulous team!

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Katie Harris

Buddy Bear - Assistant Teacher

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My name is Ms. Katie and I started out as a substitute teacher at Friends Preschool and Kindergarten in November of 2019. I started an assistant teacher position January 2019. I enjoy working at Friends because everyone is so nice and helpful to each other. We are not just teachers, but a group of friends that like to spread fun, joy, and the love of learning new things to all the children. I have an education in art from Oakland Community College and a business education from Washtenaw Community College. I like to read, garden, and spend time with my friends and family.   

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Karen Smith

Busy Bee - Lead Teacher 

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I have been a part of Friends in various ways since nearly the beginning.  My two sons attended while I was the Christian Education Director at the church and I subbed when needed for almost twenty years.  My daughter Abby taught the Busy Bee class for several years and I retired to take care of her baby-  but after a few months we switched and now I have been a Busy Bee teacher for the past few years.  I have a degree in Christian Education from Tyndale College.  When I’m not spending time with my husband, children and grandchildren I enjoy baking, gardening, scrapbooking and time with my friends. I am so thankful to be part of our precious little ones lives at school and form lasting relationships!

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Lori Schwartz

Busy Bee - Lead Teacher

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I started teaching at Friends in 2012 and I have a master's degree in educational psychology from EMU. I love going on hikes with my husband and 3 kids, watching the birds, playing board games, and gardening. I loved being a part of Friends! This school has such a loving environment. I enjoy making art projects with my students, it is so fun to watch the children's creativity and excitement!

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Sue Gosnler

Busy Bee - Assistant Teacher 

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

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Christina Zumstein

Busy Bee - 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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Barb Harris

Bible Story Teacher

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I am a former Elementary teacher.  I am one of the founders of Friends Preschool.  I come in everyday to Friends to tell the children a bible lesson.  I enjoy my family and thirteen grandchildren.

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