Teaching Staff

I joined the team in 2014. I am a kindergarten teacher, an early intervention teacher, a parent, an animal lover, an exercise nut and a very keen gardener. At Kinder you will find me in the office in the Amethyst building or in the kinder rooms getting to know your children and supporting their educational programs. I look forward to working alongside you to meet our common goal – the wellbeing and development of your child.

​I joined Thornbury Kindergarten in 2014, starting in our first ever Bush Kinder program. I have a Masters in Early Childhood Teaching and completed a research project exploring children’s self-concept as part of my studies. It is amazing to have a career that enables me to both observe and contribute to the immense development that occurs in the preschool years. Forming respectful and responsive relationships with children and families is fundamental to my teaching practice. I enjoy learning alongside the children, getting to know their interests, curiosities and dispositions. I am enthusiastic about the importance of outdoor and nature play in children’s lives for their wellbeing and developing within children a love and care for the environment. When I am not at kinder or bush kinder, I am spending time with my daughter, walking our dog Rocky, reading or listening to music.

Being part of a child’s early childhood education is a great privilege. The privilege of learning from and with families to support their child to flourish. The privilege of learning from and with a child; to hear their ideas, to give them room to use their voice and to flourish as the unique individual they are. And the privilege of building upon the child’s vast knowledge and skills, inspiring them to think, be curious, create and share their ideas with others. 

My initial training and background was as a primary school teacher. I have also worked as a children’s and families’ educator in the aid and development sector speaking in schools and writing educational resources, and as facilitator of a playgroup with parents overcoming depression. 

Favourite things in my life include reading books, coffees with my friends, walking in the bush, making music and hanging around with my own children and partner. 

I joined Thornbury Kindergarten in 2018. I graduated with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from the University of Melbourne in 2010. In 2017, I spent some time exploring nature-based programs throughout UK and Iceland with a team of passionate Educators from both Australia and around the world. This experience helped me to further develop my understanding of the value of outdoor learning, child-led inquiry and nature immersion. 

When I'm not working, I love spending time in nature, visiting Healesville Sanctuary and reading.

I completed a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education from RMIT in 2018 however, I have been part of Thornbury Kindergarten since 2013, first as a parent and committee member then an educator and now a teacher. I hold a strong belief that children are capable and unique individuals who learn best when engaged in play-based environments with numerous social interactions with peers and educators. I am committed to developing strong relationships with families to foster a strong and successful learning experience. When I am not working, I spend a lot of time driving my children to numerous sporting activities. My family enjoys camping, biking riding, bush walking and time at the beach.

​I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Deakin University in 2004 and a Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education from RMIT in 2006. I have been a Kindergarten Teacher for over 15 years. I have experience working in Long Day Care and Sessional Kindergartens. I have worked full time, part time, I have been a Director and taught 3 year old kinder and 4 year old kinder. I have also helped out in the admin role at Thornbury. I have done a couple of stints emergency teaching with agencies where I worked at over 40 Early Childhood Services across Melbourne. This gave me exposure to many different communities and services and I have seen lots of different ways of teaching and learning. I joined Thornbury Kindergarten in 2016 as a casual relief and support teacher and continue to work in this role supporting the staff and children. I am very passionate about Outdoor Education and Environmental Education in the Early Years. Outside of work I have also trained as a potter/ceramicist and make the odd pot here and there. I am also learning a lot about Permaculture and Regenerative Agriculture. In 2022 my partner and I are moving to New Gisborne to create our own little farm. When I find time I love hiking, camping, reading, swimming and being creative.

I’ve been teaching with children since 1994 after completing my Diploma of Education at Melbourne University. From this time, I have had various experiences working with children and what really stands out for me are the times that I worked in London and in Japan. I have a passion for Early Childhood Education and truly believe that learning is for life. I value creativity in children’s play and strive to provide nurturing and inviting environments that encourage imaginative and inventive thinkers. Children’s play is a source of wonderful possibilities that can lead to fascinating discoveries amongst their experiences.

My role as a teacher is to be curious, attentive and to listen to the children during/alongside their play. These elements are important to me so that I can become more in tune with the children, guiding them to reach their full potential.

When I am not teaching at Kinder- I am busy with Charlie my 8yr old son, especially at his games of soccer. I have recently enjoyed more time camping near the beach with my family and hope to one day soon join a walking group to explore nature even more.

I joined Thornbury Kinder in 2018. I have an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from NMIT, Integration Aide Certificate, Certificate III in ECE and I am an Inclusion Support Educator.  I have been working in this field since 2013 and I absolutely love working with children of all abilities. Children are full of awe, wisdom, creativity and honesty. With children there is always something new to be discovered, shared or learned and that is inspirational. I have two wonderful children of my own, one of whom is an Autistic young adult. I love to read, listen to music, drink good coffee and spend time with my family. 

I have been at Thornbury Kindergarten since 2016. I have a Diploma in Early Childhood Studies.  I was born in Greece and I came to Australia when I was 12 years old.  I am a mother of two teenage children and prior to having my children, I worked in a childcare centre. 
When I am not working I like to go for walks with my family. We have a cat called Lulu, two chickens and an angel fish.  I don't have a favourite meal because l love all food!

I know this kindergarten very well - my son attended for three years! I completed Certificate 3 and have a Diploma in Early Childhood Education & Care and I completed my training in Thornbury Kindergarten. I can speak fluent Hindi, English and understand Punjabi. If I described myself in a few words, I would say: ”Loves Everyone, loves nature & loves cooking “.

Kia Ora! I was born in New Zealand, but I have been living in Melbourne for nearly 18 years. I started at Thornbury Kinder in 2019, and after a break to have my twin girls end of 2020, I am excited to be returning in 2022! I completed a Diploma in Early Childhood education in 2015 and have started studying a Bachelor in Early Childhood Education. I’m passionate about child led, play based learning, embedding Indigenous perspectives and sustainability. When I’m not working I’m chasing my 3 around Thornbury parks, or the zoo. One day soon I hope we’ll be able to take the newest additions to our little family to New Zealand to finally meet all of their extended family!

I am a Thornbury local and love the community here. My childhood was spent in Thornbury and although I spent years interstate and in other suburbs, this has been home again since 2014. I have worked in education for 30 years, in the TAFE sector, where I managed libraries and student support centres. I take great pleasure in helping people and enjoy contributing to a community of like-minded people and that’s what I’ve found since joining Thornbury Kindergarten in 2020.  Away from work I spend my time with my grownup “kids” and my beautiful grand-children – they are a source of such joy. I love movies, music festivals, local theatre, walking with friends and café outings.

I completed my Diploma in 2022 and have been a part of Thornbury kindergarten since 2019 as my daughter completed 3 and 4 year old kindergarten here.

I believe that each child should feel a sense of belonging; I see the importance and confidence this gives a child by feeling connected to a group and community. This will support their learning so that the child can lead the way for their own interests and their own identity making them feel confident to be who they are.

This is why I am passionate about child-led, play-based learning which brings the child to the forefront of the decision making of their learning. This ensures each child feels they are unique and special and able to learn.

When I’m not at kinder I love spending time with my family and our cheeky dog Bentley, having a coffee with friends or being in our garden.

I am a local mum of three and have been a parent at Thornbury Kinder since 2016.
After working for many years in high end fashion I realised my passion is in Early Childhood Education.
I completed my Certificate III in Children’s Services and started my diploma when I had my first child.
When I’m not at kinder I love singing, cooking, reading and exploring Melbourne with my family. 
I’m thrilled to be joining the wonderful team at Thornbury Kindergarten and I can’t wait to get to know all the children and their families. 

Inspired by my experience as a Thornbury Kindergarten parent I pursued a career change in late 2019 (from Cloud Infrastructure Management, very exciting) to working in Early Childhood Education. I completed the Certificate III of Early Childhood Education in 2019 and then completed the Diploma in 2021, while working in Long Day Care. I love my family, being outdoors, listening to and playing music, and am currently studying to attain my Bachelor of Education (Early Years). I am passionate about the Bush Kinder and Out and About programs, and am proud of the experiences and challenges that children can navigate while at Thornbury Kindergarten.

I am thrilled to join the team at Thornbury Kindergarten as a teacher in the Bush Kinder program and as a casual relief teacher from 2023. I recently completed a Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching at Melbourne University and feel privileged to begin this stage of my career in a centre which aligns with my personal and professional values. Prior to working in Early Childhood I worked in the not-for-profit sector in various community development roles supporting children and families and with schools to develop projects to support refugee and asylum seeker young people. I have also taught English as an Additional Language to new arrivals in a language school and various secondary colleges.  
Outside of work I love to travel, explore nature close to home along Edgars Creek and around Melbourne, cook for family and friends and get out to live music and community festivals.  

I came to live in Melbourne from Spain with my Australian husband and my son in 2011. In Spain I co-founded my own drama school where I taught drama to all ages. I graduated as a Primary School Teacher in Spain and here in Melbourne I completed a Diploma in Early Childhood Education. My passion is using play to stimulate curiosity and creativity in children which I believe is essential for future learning. I have been teaching Spanish in Kindergarten for the last 4 years and I joined Thornbury Kindergarten in 2020. It has been a delightful experience sharing my language and my culture with the children. I love spending time in nature, going to the theatre, traveling and of course, spending time with family and friends.