The Adults on Campus

Meet the Learning Guides

Between the five of us, we’ve got over 60 years of teaching experience—and a fire for doing things differently. We've all seen what happens when education gets treated like a factory business, and trust us: it’s not cute. Kids aren’t products, and schools shouldn’t feel like office buildings or jails.

Your children were born people (shocking, we know). They deserve an education that meets them where they are—curious, creative, wiggly, and wildly capable. We trust childhood, we trust natural inquisition, and we know all learning comes from an inner drive.

We mix the magic of sensory-based learning, the freedom and independence of Montessori, and the awestruck wonder of Charlotte Mason into something that actually makes sense for real humans. No buzzwords. No soul-crushing worksheets. Just joyful, thoughtful, human learning.

Let’s make school free again.

Our Founder

Ms. Brittanie, the heart and captain of the ship, created Freedom Friends as a haven where her children—and others seeking connection—could gather without the pressure of tests, desks, or endless homework. Driven by her love for grain-free living, free-range parenting, and nurturing conscious connections with young minds, she continues to lovingly shape what it means to truly belong to the Freedom Friends community.

Charlotte Mason Lead

Stacie brings over a decade of hands-on experience in early childhood education, beginning with babysitting at age 13 and continuing through roles in both home and school settings. By 16, she was assisting at her mom’s licensed preschools during school breaks, gaining real-world experience that would shape her teaching career. At 19, she officially stepped into the classroom and has since earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential along with an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She has taught and led in a variety of settings, including serving nearly three years as a preschool director. Stacie has worked with children ranging from six weeks old to elementary age, with a strong understanding of developmental milestones and classroom management. After time spent at home raising her boys, she returned to the classroom in 2024 and continues to support families at Freedom Friends.

Charlotte Mason Assistant

Meet Gabriela! At 31, she’s a proud mom to a 10-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter, and has spent over a decade nurturing children as both a nanny and a Montessori-based teacher. Her passion for caregiving and early education shines through in everything she does, whether it’s leading a classroom or raising her own little ones. Gabriela brings a thoughtful, child-centered approach to teaching, with a love for creating playful, meaningful learning moments. When she’s not in the classroom, she enjoys reading, spontaneous road trips, and competitive (but kind-hearted!) rounds of Mario Party with her kids. She’s thrilled to be joining this beautiful school community and looks forward to growing alongside the children and families for years to come.

Ms. Harley

Harley Pope is a mother of three and a Children’s Mindfulness Instructor since 2020. With experience as a nanny and educator, she brings energy, creativity, and heart to every learning experience. She loves staying active and she can be found at a nearby park playing pickleball when she isn’t at co-op coaching our cheer squad on Tuesday! She believes each child is unique and loves learning and discovering alongside her students. Her greatest joy is helping children recognize their God-given gifts and guiding them to use their passions to believe they can do anything they set their hearts on. As a lifelong learner, at home, Harley listens to child development and parenting audiobooks to grow in understanding and connection with the children she teaches. She’s excited to bring passion, mindfulness, and faith to inspire lifelong learners.

Sammie & Abby

While they won’t be with us daily, Sammie and Abby, along with Sensory Studio LLC, remain an essential part of the learning experience at Freedom Friends. As the creative force behind our sensory-based classes, they specialize in sparking independence and encouraging social connection through hands-on play. Their work blends art, movement, and meaningful interaction in ways that deeply enrich our community. Both women faithfully lead the charge in sensory events and child-led learning experiences throughout the area. Even when they’re not in the building full-time, you can expect to see them regularly—bringing creativity, joy, and a whole lot of messy, magical learning to our space. We’re so grateful to have their ongoing presence as part of our extended Freedom Friends family!

We're not the Experts

Children are born persons—each a universe of wonder, curiosity, fears, delights, and dreams. They move through the world with purpose only they can know. Our co-op exists to walk beside them—hand in hand with their families, our guides, and the greater community—nurturing world-builders who grow in love, rooted in belonging. Each child is learning to be an expert on themselves, we just support the journey to wholeness.