Bron

BRON- 

For over 25 years, I have worked in many roles across the early year’s sector; as an teacher, director, training manager, early years incursion facilitator and curriculum development manager; working in schools, for private companies, in the community sector and not-for-profit organisations and have been fortunate to spend some time supporting teachers in Timor Leste.

I have over 15 years experience working as a Director in the early years where I have always seen this role as one shared between administrative regulatory duties and working in the learning environment with children, families and my colleagues. I am delighted that my role at Diamond Creek Memorial Kinder is such that I work hands-on with children as well as Director. As of 2023, I now have the wonderful role of Service Director for all three kindergartens, supported by our wonderful Committee of Management and fabulous Educating team.

In addition to my role at Diamond Creek Memorial Kindergarten which I commenced in 2015, I am an Early Years Consultant, the Professional Development Coordinator at Environmental Education in Early Childhood Incorporated (EEEC)and on the National and State boards of Play Australia.

Qualifications:

• Masters of Early Childhood Education 
• Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood)
• Advanced Diploma of Children’s Services
• Advanced Diploma of Management
• Associate Diploma of Hospitality and Supervisory Studies
• Diploma of Children’s Services
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE)
• First Aid (level 2) inclusive of CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management
• Full VIT registration

Dee

DEE- 

I have been involved in the education and care of young children for over 30 years. I commenced my career as a nanny of two children while studying to become a Mothercraft Nurse. I then spent many years working with babies, toddlers and their families in centre-based care services.

Then as an Out-of School Hours (OSH) care Coordinator for a before-school program, I was involved in the accreditation process for this service before it was formally introduced into OSH by Government.

After completing my Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education, I worked as a Kindergarten teacher and Director of a Kindergarten where I implemented an emergent style of curriculum, focusing on children’s strengths, interests and development. I have worked within various early years settings as a Kindergarten Teacher and Educational Leader.

I then changed direction slightly to support and teach student educators in both accredited and non-accredited training. As well as a Kindergarten teacher, my most recent role is as an Early Year’s Consultant supporting and guiding professionals working with children from birth to eight years. I commenced at Diamond Creek Memorial Kindergarten in 2015 and have been the Educational Leader since that time.

A mother of four, I often draw from my personal experiences when supporting families and educating and caring for children.

Qualifications:

• Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood (Pre-school)
• Advanced Diploma of Children’s Services (partial RPL)
• Diploma of Community Services (Child Care)
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAA)
• First Aid (level 2) inclusive of CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management
• Full VIT registration

Frances

FRANCES- 

I have been a committed educator at Diamond Creek Memorial Kindergarten since May, 2002; working as a co-educator within both 3 and 4 year old curriculum. I have worked for many years in Early Childhood Education and this is a position I continue to thoroughly enjoy. 

My role at Diamond Creek Memorial Kindergarten has been a very personal journey with three of my four children attending the kindergarten, beginning in 1995. Most recently my Grandson was also part of the Kinder family in 2014 before going off to school.

In 2010, I decided to study my Certificate III in Children’s Services. I found my placement experiences and knowledge gained enhanced what I believe I can offer to educators, children and the families that attend our kinder. I completed my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2021.

I have attended and continue to attend many professional development courses and opportunities after hours, including ‘supporting families through conflict and separation’ and ‘child protection’. I also attend many Diamond Creek Eastern Kindergarten Teacher’s Associations (DEKTA) workshops and the annual conference. 

I am the current First Aid Officer for the service.

Because of my love of young children, my focus is supporting my colleagues and family members and encouraging the children so they may experience the best environment in which to begin their education. 

Qualifications:

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Certificate III in Children’s Services
• First Aid (level 2) inclusive of CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management

Simone

SIMONE- 

I have been part of the educating team at Diamond Creek Memorial Kindergarten since committing to a role as an Inclusion Support Educator in 2016, working with children with additional needs.

I grew up in Montmorency and have lived in Hurstbridge for over 20 years. I am Mum to three beautiful children, who attend local schools. In my spare time, you might see me walking our dog, Billie, gardening and watching my children playing sport.

Before discovering my passion for Early Childhood Education, I worked for many years as a medical scientist and was also involved with teaching tertiary students. It was through my own children that I became interested in working in and studying Early Childhood Education. I have since worked in Early Years Services (kindergarten and occasional care), as an educator.  

I am currently studying my Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education which I thoroughly enjoy, reflecting on contemporary theory and child and family focused learning environments.

I always look forward to working with families and children. No one knows children better than family members, so I invite families to share any facet of their family lives, community and culture with me, and the team. This will only enrich our relationships, our learning and our adventures.                                                                                                             

Qualifications:

• Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education 
• Certificate of Education (Integration Aide)
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences
• First Aid (level 2) inclusive of CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management
• Full VIT registration

Sunny

SUNNY-  

I taught in early childhood education in Taiwan for several years before coming to Australia for a refreshing working holiday. During this journey, I had many opportunities to work for some local families as a casual nanny. I met many beautiful people in Melbourne and thereafter, I decided to continue to explore my passion for early childhood education. I was involved in a natural and aesthetic teaching approach through Steiner Education which inspired me to appreciate learning and knowledge gained from the natural environment and to celebrate each child’s growth and beauty.

Since then, I studied my Masters in Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary), graduating from the University of Melbourne in 2019. Throughout my teacher training, I have learned the importance of communication among teachers, parents and communities in building a holistic learning environment for children to grow and develop. I also value play-based learning in children’s everyday life, which promotes learning by doing and provides children with authentic life skill experience so they can live in real world as adults (lifelong learning). 

I believe all children are capable learners with the ability to imagine, connect and grow holistically in a stimulating and warming environment. My aim is to work collaboratively with other teachers and parents in supporting children to discover   their great potential through their formative years.

Qualifications:

• Masters in Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary Education) 
• Advanced Diploma of Rudolf Steiner Education Teaching
• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
• First Aid (level 2) inclusive of CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management
• Full VIT Registration

Andrea

ANDREA- 

I have grown up, lived and worked within The Nillumbik Shire.  Life started in Eltham, Hurstbridge and beyond - adventuring along the banks of the Diamond Creek, horse-riding between towns, being inspired by the region’s artisan community and pursuing my own artistic pathways.

Past careers have included interior design, architectural finishes and colour consulting, all of which have given me great satisfaction. My lifetime passion for clay has continued parallel to these pathways and having my children Jasmine and Lucas allowed me the opportunity to pursue my arts further. I have been involved in many community groups in a voluntary or teaching basis with clay and sculpture. Yow Yow Studio is my gallery and studio at home in St. Andrews.

My choice to redirect my career to Early Childhood Education was a conscious and passionate one.

My involvement with children during clay classes has allowed me to see the benefits of children being encouraged in art and creative play in all development aspects.

During my study in 2018, I was privileged to be accepted for placement here at Diamond Creek Memorial Kindergarten. I am delighted to now be part of this amazing team /family. It is here that I am delighted to reconnect with both Bron and Dee who were my children’s educators many years earlier.

I look forward to getting to know your child and family, sharing amazing moments and learning opportunities.

Qualifications: 

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (studying)
• Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care
• First Aid (level 2) inclusive of CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management

Rochelle

ROCHELLE- 

I have worked with children of various ages for more than 20 years. I began my career working in primary schools as an Integration Aide supporting children with additional needs. Following this I began working in an OSHC program which led to becoming the program co-ordinator. It was whilst doing this that I returned to university to complete my Bachelor of Teaching in Primary. Upon completion of this I was a primary school teacher in Eltham, where I taught predominately in the junior year levels, until 2012 when I took family leave to stay home with my children after having my youngest daughter. Whilst being a stay at home mum I decided to pursue further education and my passion for working with younger children, and studied my Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education. In 2017 I began my journey as an Early Childhood Teacher working in sessional kindergarten in Mernda. I have taught both 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten groups and am so grateful to partner with families during these important early years. Kindergarten is a wonderful and fun place for children to play, explore, discover, wonder, experiment, learn, make friends and just ‘be’, as they begin their journey of becoming lifelong learners.

I am a mother to 3 daughters ranging in age from 11 to 24, so I also have much experience in various educational settings as a parent. I often share my wealth of personal experiences, as both an educator and a parent, when supporting families in educating and caring for children. Particularly in regards to children with additional needs, and in the area of trauma and wellbeing.

I am committed to professional development to further my knowledge and experience in education, and developing my abilities to support families within the kindergarten community. Personal development often supports my professional learning also. Student/child wellbeing, emotional regulation, anxiety and brain care is my current area of interest for further learning.

I have a love for children’s literature and storytelling, and love the joy I see children experience when sharing books with them.

I am very excited to be a part of the team here at Diamond Creek Memorial Kindergarten and I look forward to getting to know all our families and sharing in your child’s early education journey.

Qualifications:

• Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education 
• Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)
• Bachelor of Applied Science
• Certificate in Professional Children's Writing
• First Aid (level 2) inclusive of CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management
• Full VIT registration

Kate

KATE- 

Over the last 16 years I have worked in various roles involving children and education. These roles include OHSC, tennis coaching both within Australia and overseas and most recently while working at Taronga Zoo Sydney as a zoo keeper, I was invited to join the education team teaching conservation and sustainability.

After moving back to Diamond Creek where I grew up, I decided to follow my passion for teaching and go back to university to study my Bachelor of Teaching (Primary and Early Years).

I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to return to Memorial Kindergarten where I attended kindergarten as a child, to work with this incredible team and children.

As a mother myself, I understand the importance of early childhood education and the bond that children and families build with educators and the kindergarten family. I am passionate about creating a learning environment that supports children’s development and encourages them to thrive.    

I am so excited to be joining the team at Memorial Kindergarten, and I look forward to sharing this journey with all our families and children.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary)- Studying
• Bachelor of Zoology
  
• First Aid (level 2) inclusive of CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management

Leanne

LEANNE-

I am so thrilled to be joining the educating team here at Memorial kindergarten for the 2022 year. I am lucky enough to have previous knowledge of the kindergarten and all of my fellow educators as a parent with both my sons Myles and Austin completing/enrolled at both Collins and Coniston St sites, and then I am sure my daughter Winnie when the time comes!  

After completing my Secondary Education, I was accepted into a Visual Merchandising course at RMIT. Here I learnt how to attract, engage and motivate the customer towards making a purchase. Whilst studying, I held a job in hospitality. This is where I learnt that I had a natural ability to listen and interact with people well.

I than began my journey into the Early Education Sector, which in short I came to realise this was a career I truly enjoyed and am going on to 16 years now. I started as a kindergarten assistant studying my certificate 3 and found my previous experience gave me the skills to create beautiful and meaningful play spaces, a way to explore my creativity in ways that will draw the eye and leave the area/experience wanting to be explored, and my ability to connect with children and families. This gives me trusting and respectful relationships so that children and families feel supported during their Early years Education.

During my career I have worked at centres based on the Educational Project of Reggio Emilia. I have attended much professional development based on this approach and learnt that an environment is also a child's teacher, and we as adults are their guides. I believe this to be true, and apply this in my everyday life. Further study gave me the opportunity to become a room leader, then the appointed Educational Leader in our centre. This made me part of the senior team. I often trained staff on policies, procedures, guiding them through the Early years Framework and the principle of the Educational Approach of Reggio Emilia. During these years I was lucky enough to be given the experience to care for and nurture children from ages 6weeks to 6years which I enjoy and find very rewarding.

In 2016 I gave birth to my first born Myles, followed by Austin in 2017 and my baby girl Winnie in 2021. Throughout these years I have continued to casually work in Early Education, which worked perfectly for my family. I have been lucky enough to have had my Nephew, Niece and both sons be apart of the Memorial kindergarten community at both campus's. I am so glad I get to continue to be a part of the Memorial family, and surround myself with this wonderful team of educators.

Qualifications:

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Certificate III in Children’s Services
• First Aid (level 2) inclusive of CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management

Erica

ERICA- 

After moving back to Diamond Creek where I grew up, I decided to follow my passion for teaching and go back to university to study my Bachelor of Teaching (Early Years) at Melbourne University.

I am so excited to be joining the team at Memorial Kindergarten, and I look forward to sharing this journey with all our families and children.

Qualifications:

• Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching- studying
• Bachelor of Psychology and Family Studies
• First Aid (level 2) inclusive of CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management

Rachael

RACHAEL- 

I am so excited to be working as an early childhood educator within my own local community. I am passionate about being able to work collaboratively with like minded educators who put children at the centre of everything they do. 

I have experience working in kindergartens locally and have been in the early childhood profession since 2009, having experience in long day centre based education and care, family day care and private nannying. I have also been part of a parent committee as secretary so understand the importance of family and community involvement and their partnership with educators to strive for the best possible environment for children.

I believe one of my strengths is being able to make families feel at ease by building relationships with them and their child. As a parent, I understand how important this is. 

I do like to have a bit of fun and really enjoy working with children to incorporate art and stem investigations in curriculum.... if we get a bit messy... well that's all part of the fun! 

Qualifications:

• Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
• First Aid (level 2) inclusive of CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management
• Food Safety

Sonia

SONIA- 

Prior to joining the DCMK team in 2022, I worked in various local educational settings including occasional care, rural kindergarten, and the independent school sector. My passion for Early Years educations spans more than 30 years and was sparked whilst on work experience at Collins Street campus, many years ago. I have experience in teaching and leadership. My greatest joy is working with young children’s wonder, creativity and curiosity and supporting playful investigations and inquiry.

I am actively involved in professional organisations and currently serve as an elected committee member on the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange REAIE.

I live with my family, two teenage children, and a dog named Murphy in Nillumbik. I enjoy pottery and time in the bush.

Qualifications:

• Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood
• Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood)
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
• First Aid (level 2) inclusive of CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management

Kaori

KAORI- 

I am extremely passionate about early childhood education and for the past 5 years, I have worked locally with the Nillumbik area with children from infants to preschool age across a variety of contexts including kindergarten and centre-based care. I joined the team in 2022 and am looking forward to continuing my early childhood teaching journey.

I have a keen interest in the arts, from drawing and painting to origami and handcrafts. I speak, read and write Japanese and bring with me a unique insight into Japanese culture. I enjoy sharing my culture with children and integrating my culture and the arts into the learning environment. 

I have primary and secondary school aged children of my own and so have travelled the preschool years journey myself as a Mother.

Qualifications:

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (studying)
• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Bachelor in English Literature (Japan)
• First Aid (level 2) inclusive of CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management 

Samantha

SAMANTHA- 

Hello, my name is Sam.

I grew up, live and work in the Shire of Nillumbik.

My childhood was enjoyed in North Warrandyte and my adult like in Hurstbridge.

I have worked in many roles across the early year's sector and primary level, as a teacher, an out of school hours care coordinator, inclusion support (working alongside children with additional needs) as well as working in schools, childcare, kindergartens and private homes.

Qualifications:

• Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood)
• First Aid (level 2) inclusive of CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management

Kerry

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care 
• First Aid (level 2) inclusive of CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management