STAFF
Holly Baynham
Jenny Des Rivieres
Holly Baynham
3s Lead Teacher
Administrative Director
Holly first got involved with FCP in 2005 when her son attended the 2’s program, then the 3’s the following year. Our own Mrs. Kelley was his teacher. She fell in love with the school and hoped she’d be able to be involved in the future. Her opportunity came in 2012 when she was offered a teaching assistant role in the 2’s class. She eagerly accepted and since that time has worked in every age group of the school.
Prior to her work at FCP, Holly worked as a Corporate Event Planner at Ford Motor Company from. She also spent many years working in various hotels in Sales and Catering.
Holly is known as the “pied piper” of reading. It’s her favorite way to engage with the kids, whether it’s one on one or in a group. It’s not unusual to see a child curled up in her lap enjoying a good book.
Nell Beattie
Jenny Des Rivieres
Holly Baynham
4s Assistant Teacher
Nell was a stay-at-home mom raising two boys until 2005 when she began working at Bingham Farms Elementary School as a KinderPlus teacher’s aide. She remained there until 2012 when she joined FCP.
Nell loves interacting with young children, helping them find their voice. She believes that decision-making skills start at an early age and takes every opportunity to help little ones make good decisions.
Jenny Des Rivieres
Jenny Des Rivieres
Jenny Des Rivieres
3s Assistant Teacher
Bonjour FCP families! I’m Jennifer Des Rivieres. I have been an assistant teacher here since 2020 helping out in all of the classes. I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan but have traveled to 35 of our other states. In 2015, I received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Oakland University and changed my career path to the job of my dreams. I have worked in other preschools and as a nanny since becoming a certified teacher. As a nanny of a former FCP graduate, I was introduced to the amazing staff here and then got to stay. I love to play and make learning fun. I am passionate about passing on a message of kindness and community in our school. I look forward to teaching and learning from our students.
Kristen Farrar
Kristen Farrar
Jenny Des Rivieres
2s Assistant Teacher
Hello FCP families! My name is Kristen Farrar and I am thrilled to be an assistant teacher in the 2’s class! I substituted in 2020 and I’m looking forward to being with your little ones on Tuesdays and Thursdays. My experience in early childhood education spans over 15 years as a teacher, assistant director, and director of 2 preschool/child care centers in Bloomfield Hills and Troy. I have a BA from Albion College and a MSW (Master of Social Work) from Wayne State University. I grew up in Birmingham and attended Marian High School. My hobbies include spending time with my husband and 3 children, reading, playing tennis and spending time in northern Michigan. The education of young children is so important to me because it is when they begin to lay the important foundations for life; socially, physically and academically. I love their spontaneity and their sense of wonder. Here’s to a wonderful school year filled with fun and learning!
Tracy Glazier
Kristen Farrar
Tracy Glazier
2s Assistant Teacher
Tracy, a native of Grosse Pointe Park, joined the Franklin Community Preschool in 2014 after raising her two boys. Tracy is a graduate of Wayne State University where she earned her Bachelors in Broadcast Journalism.
Prior to joining the FCP family, Tracy spent her time volunteering through the Birmingham Public School system via Harland Elementary, Derby Middle School and Seaholm High School.
Tracy likes working within a play-based curriculum, where children are able to develop their self-confidence and ability to interact with others. She supports each child in their quest to reach their fullest potential.
Kim Greidanus
Kristen Farrar
Tracy Glazier
4s Assistant Teacher
Kim has been working with FCP since 2015. She holds a BA in Finance from MSU and in 2008 she obtained her teacher’s certificate in Waldorf Elementary School Education where she taught grades 1/2 for two years at Oakland Steiner in Rochester Hills. In addition to assisting Chris in the 4’s classroom, she works with the children two afternoons per week providing an enrichment program that enhances skills previously taught. Kim believes that children flourish when they are given an environment that is consistent, engaging and safe.
Kelley Martin
Kelley Martin
Kelley Martin
3s Lead Teacher
"Ms. Kelley" has been teaching children at Franklin Community Preschool since 2005. Prior to teaching her own class, Kelley volunteered in public and private preschool classrooms in the area.
Kelley graduated with majors in International Business and French from the College of Wooster (Wooster, Ohio). She managed corporate training programs and international special events. While working in the business world she attended Wayne State University’s Master of Arts in Teaching program.
Kelley’s teaching goal is for children to love coming to school and to keep them safe and happy. She feels it is very important that children enjoy school and look forward to coming each day. In her class, children will be exposed to many different educational experiences, with a focus on listening skills, social interaction, following directions and self-confidence.
Laura Mills
Kelley Martin
Kelley Martin
1s Lead Teacher
Laura was happy to find Franklin Community Preschool in 2016 when her son enrolled in the two’s class. Since then, both of her children have gone to Franklin for all of their preschool years. Franklin became a special place in Laura’s heart, because she saw it foster so much love for learning, going to school, and making friends. Laura was offered a role as the One’s lead teacher in 2021, and she was excited to accept and join this precious little school.
Laura has been a preschool teacher since 2007. She graduated from Western Michigan University in Early Childhood Development and went on to get her Masters in Education from Madonna University in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Laura has worked for Birmingham Public Schools since 2009. She worked at Greenfield Elementary for 8 years as an ASD preschool teacher, and then transitioned into a part time Early On teacher.
Laura provides a loving classroom environment that fosters each child’s individual learning style. Through child led play and age appropriate learning experiences, your little one will enjoy coming to the “ones” class and foster a love for learning through purposeful play.
Chris Nader
Kelley Martin
Katie Rourke
4s Lead Teacher
Christina Nader has been a preschool teacher in both private and public institutions since 2006 and at FCP since 2011. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Michigan State University and continued her education at Oakland University working towards a Masters in Elementary Education majoring in mathematics. Chris is certified in Conscious Discipline for preschool educators.
Chris’ teaching philosophy focuses on keeping her teaching style flexible to reach and engage all of the children in her care. She provides a nurturing and safe classroom environment, which allows the children to grow both socially and academically, and help them develop a love for learning.
“In my classroom, the children will learn by play, self-directed projects and teacher guided instruction. I strongly believe in working together with parents and caregivers so that every child can have a wonderful preschool year and be best prepared for the their next step in their educational journey.”
Katie Rourke
Taylor Starnes
Katie Rourke
2s Lead Teacher
Academic Director
Katie Rourke has been a preschool teacher at FCP since 2015 when she became the 2’s lead teacher and the director of academics. Prior to teaching preschool, Katie taught third grade in West Bloomfield for seven years. She holds a Bachelor of Education in Special Education from Michigan State University. She continued her education at Oakland University earning a Masters in Early Childhood Development.
Katie provides children with a positive introduction to learning in a classroom setting. Age-appropriate activities and materials help young children develop large and small muscle coordination, language skills, cooperation and invite them to engage in creative play situations. A daily routine that is predictable and consistent is followed. Each class time balances teacher and child initiated experiences through the careful selection of developmentally appropriate activities to make learning meaningful and joyful.
Taylor Starnes
Taylor Starnes
Taylor Starnes
1s Assistant Teacher
Taylor, a native Arkansan, joined the FCP family when her children started attending preschool here in 2017. She fell in love with the school’s supportive and enriching community and curriculum and knew she would love to one day be involved. 2021 was her first year assisting, though two of her children are FCP graduates and her youngest is now in our 1’s class. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of Arkansas and loves to incorporate her love of nutrition, gardening, and the outdoors into fun and engaging learning for little ones!
Diane Warner
Taylor Starnes
Taylor Starnes
4s Assistant Teacher
Diane joined the FCP staff in 2010. After working for a couple of years she took time off to stay home with her children. In 2016, she was happy to return to the FCP family.
Diane believes in an encouraging learning environment where each child feels valued and recognized. Her approach to childcare is a balanced mix of enthusiasm and patience.
Prior to FCP, Diane volunteered at her church as a youth group leader and also volunteered at Wing Lake Developmental Center. She is a graduate from the Center for Creative Studies where she majored in art direction.