As the Director of Circle of Friends Preschool, I have a passion for helping children and families enjoy a great start to life-long learning!

I have an Associate’s degree in Child Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Business. I have been involved in the early childhood education field as both a teacher and an administrator for over 27 years. Prior to joining Circle of Friends, I was the director of a corporate child development center in downtown St. Louis. I am the proud parent of twin boys. In my spare time I love to read, spend time with my boys, enjoy the St. Louis Cardinals and Blues, and I used to scuba dive (which I hope to get back into soon). I am thrilled to be a part of the Circle of Friends family!

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Staff

Emily Pikaard

A life-long Missourian, Emily grew up in a small town in the middle of the state, where music and faith were fundamental to her development. As a daughter of an organist, she spent many hours at church and has participated in music ministry for most of her life. Emily sang

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Rev. Ron Beaton

A lifelong United Methodist, Pastor Ron Beaton was baptized and confirmed at First United Methodist Church in Kennett – deep in the Missouri Bootheel. He graduated from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky and was active in the Murray State Wesley Foundation, the United Methodist Campus Ministry. It was there that he met his now wife, Kasey.

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Julie Weitzel

Julie Weitzel is the SonShine Singers Director at Manchester UMC. Julie was a member of Manchester UMC’s Children’s Choirs when she was in elementary school and is currently a Spanish Teacher and choreographer at Eureka High School. Julie enjoys musical theater, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. She

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