HOME LOCATION (574) 936-9034

CENTER LOCATION (574) 936-1313

Small Wonders Daycare Preschool

Our Team Has Over 40 Years of Combined Experience
Home Location
Center Location

Meet Our Team:

Our Qualified Team Looks Forward to Caring For Your Child!

With over 40 years of combined experience, our team at both of Small Wonders’ Plymouth, IN locations is highly qualified and has the compassion and knowledge necessary to provide your child with individualized care. We are proud to maintain a Level IV Paths to QUALITY™ rating at our Home location, and our newer Center location, opened in 2017, has already achieved a Level III rating and is preparing for Level IV. Our staff is focused on providing each age group with developmentally appropriate activities, to help them grow in all facets and to prepare them for a successful future!

Deb Friar

Owner/ Director

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My name is Debra Friar and I am the Owner/Director/President of Small Wonders. I am married, parent of 3 adult children, and a grandmother. My background gives me the support to bring about my philosophy in Early Childhood, including:

  • Twenty years of experience in Child Care
  • An Associate’s degree in Early Childhood
  • Finishing a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood through Ball State University
  • Twenty years experience as a Preschool Teacher
  • Guiding Paths to Quality in all Programs
  • Certification of Accreditation in Family Child Care through NAFCC

Kristin Sheets

Assistant Director (Home Location); Lead Teacher in 2 year old Classroom (Home Location); Curriculum Manager; On-Line Program Support

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My name is Kristin Sheets. I am a Lead teacher in the Pre-K class at Small Wonders. I have
been with Small Wonders for 10 years. I graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor’s degree from
Indiana State University where I majored in Special Education. I have been in the Education
field for 16 years. I have been married for 15 years and have 2 children, Naomi (13) and Owen
(7).

Shelly Longson

Site Director, Lead Teacher in Pre-K Classroom (Center Location)

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My name is Shelly Longson and I am the Site Director for Small Wonders Center Location. I am also the Lead Teacher in the 4/5 year old Classroom. I have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education as well as Business Management. I have worked in the Childhood field for nearly 13 years and have been with Small Wonders for 7 years. I am married to my wonderful husband Kevin of 13 years. We have two children, Alexis (9) and Logan (6). We also have 2 rambunctious dogs and a very old cat!

Shalon Paterson

Assistant Director (Home Location); Lead Teacher in 3 year old Classroom (Home Location); Summer Camp Program Director

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My name is Shalon Paterson and I am the lead in the 3 yr old room. I have been teaching for 12 years, which 8 of the years have been with Small Wonders. I have been married for 21 years and have 2 children, Sammie (17) and Grace (12).

Savannah Weston

Jr. Staff Assistant

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My name is Savannah Weston. I will be 17 here in a few weeks. I’m a Junior at PHS and I play on the high school Softball team. I have always loved being around kids. When I get older I want to be a Child Psychiatrist.

Kayleen Arellano

Assistant Teacher in Pre-K Classroom (Center Location); Cook

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My name is Kayleen and I have been with Small Wonders for since June of 2019. I am the Assistant Teacher in the PreK Classroom (Center Location) and also carry my safe serve certificate and am responsible for the food service and prep at the Center Location. I am currently taking courses to earn my Associates in Early Childhood Education. I have 2 girls, Gemma and Rylee.

Sammie Paterson

Jr. Staff Assistant, After School Program (5-6) year old classroom (Center Location)

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My name is Samantha Paterson. I am a Junior in High School. This past summer I traveled to Europe. I sing competitively in Choir. I work in the After-School Program with the school-aged kids.

Emma Kruyer

Jr. Staff Assistant

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I’m Emma Kruyer and I am currently a Junior at Plymouth High School. For fun, I like to
participate in the school’s Theatre department and compete on the Speech and Debate Team. I work at the Home Location with kids ranging from 16 months to 4 years old, although I’m in the 2-3 year old class.
Presley Baca | Small Wonders Daycare Preschool, Plymouth IN

Presley Baca

Jr. Staff Assistant

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After I graduate this summer, I plan on attending college in the fall and becoming a future nurse! I have been working at Small Wonders since March of 2020 and absolutely love working here.
Alivia Simpson | Small Wonders Daycare Preschool, Plymouth IN

Alivia Simpson

Jr. Staff Assistant

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Hi I’m Alivia Simpson, I am currently a senior at Plymouth High School. After graduation, I will be attending the ASAP program at Ivy Tech, and then moving forward to IUSB to pursue a career in Elementary Education.
Kaylynn Buntun | Small Wonders Daycare Preschool, Plymouth IN

Kaylynn Buntun

Jr. Staff Assistant

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My name is Kaylynn and I am a senior at Plymouth High School. I play tennis for the high school team and enjoy working with and being around kids. After graduation, I plan to attend college to major in criminal justice and later pursue a career in that field.
Elizabeth Garcia Medina | Small Wonders Daycare Preschool, Plymouth IN

Elizabeth Garcia Medina

Bi-Lingual Teacher in Infant Classroom (Home Location)

Karrissa Reese | Small Wonders Daycare Preschool, Plymouth IN

Karrissa Reese

Jr. Staff Assistant

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I’m Karrissa and I’m a Sophomore at Plymouth High School. I love being around kids, they always make me smile. After High School I would like to attend college to pursue a degree in Early Childhood and possibly work as a child life therapist for cancer patients.
Maliyah LaForce | Small Wonders Daycare Preschool, Plymouth IN

Maliyah LaForce

Jr. Staff Assistant

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My name is Maliyah and I’m almost 18. After schooling I would like to work in the OB/GYN field or something in the medical field. I love helping people and working with the children. I couldn’t ask for a better job!
Bailey Baugher | Small Wonders Daycare Preschool, Plymouth IN

Bailey Baugher

Lead Teacher (Argos Location)

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My name is Bailey and I’ve worked for Small Wonders since August of 2020, however I’ve worked in childcare for four plus years. I’ve also worked with special needs individuals and autism, so my spectrum of experience is broad. I also have a son named Lincoln. I am a crazy momma bear but I always say “be the teacher you want your child/children to have.” I am dedicated to making your child feel loved and secure while at school as they become my second family. I have my CDA in the infant toddler age group and I’m currently Lead Teacher in the Argos Location. I can’t wait to meet you and your children!
Ashlee Smith | Small Wonders Daycare Preschool, Plymouth IN

Ashlee Smith

Assistant Teacher 2 year old Classroom (Home Location)

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I’m Ashlee, I’ve been married to my husband for almost 8 years. We have two children, a six year old son named Nathaniel and a one year old daughter named Sophia. We have 2 dogs (a great dane and a doberman). I am a country girl born and raised, I have worked at Small Wonders since October 2020 and Sophia and I absolutely love it there.
Jessica Baca | Small Wonders Daycare Preschool, Plymouth IN

Jessica Baca

Tri-Lingual Teacher Assistant; Summer Camp Assistant

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My name is Jessica and I am a PHS alumni, class of 2019. I am double majoring in Secondary Education and History with a Minor in Chinese at Valparaiso University. I chose to go into education because I truly enjoy helping younger generations develop into themselves. Helping others is something that has always made me happy and working at Small Wonders has provided me with fulfillment working with the children. Fun fact about me is that I am fluent in English, Spanish and semi-fluent in Chinese. I am also a member of Valpo University’s Ultimate Frisbee Team.
Matthew Friar | Small Wonders Daycare Preschool, Plymouth IN

Matthew Friar

Teacher Assistant; Summer Camp Assistant; After School Teacher

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I am pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice at Ball State University. After graduation I would like to work as a DNR officer.

Our team looks forward to meeting you and your child! Contact ustoday for more information, to learn about the enrollment process, or to set up a visit!

Home Location
Center Location
Argos SW Academy

Home Location

1223 N Center St
Plymouth, IN 46563

PHONE: (574) 936-9034

Center Location

11345 9A Rd
Plymouth, IN 46563

PHONE: (574) 936-1313

Argos SW Academy

410 N. First Street
Argos, IN 46501

PHONE: (574) 598-2856

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Hours

M–F 6:15 AM – 5:30 PM

Email

dfriar@smallwonders1.com