Our Educators

Janet

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR – EXTENDED CARE

Janet completed her Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood) at Melbourne University in 1990 and since then has worked with children in a variety of settings. Her 3 big children attended OAK and she is delighted to have recently rejoined this kindergarten community. Janet particularly enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for nature, music and art/craft with the children.

Natasha

EARLY CHILDHOOD CO-EDUCATOR YELLOW GROUP

Natasha has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Post Graduate Diploma in early Childhood Education. She values working in partnership with children, families, community and outside agencies to ensure children are given every opportunity to accomplish their personal best. An environment in which children are supported, challenged, nurtured and respected allows them to thrive to be the best they can be.

 

Kylie

EARLY CHILDHOOD CO-EDUCATOR – PURPLE GROUP

Kylie has a diploma in Early childhood Education and care, she joined OAK in 2022 in the purple group and then also in red group. Along with working at OAK, Kylie also works with children with additional needs. Kylie loves being apart of the children’s growth and play, helping them to discover and discuss their interests and to expand on their learning.

Cynthia

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR – YELLOW GROUP & EXTENDED CARE

Cynthia has worked at OAK for over 10 years and she loves our little kinder! She believes that play-based learning provides children with valuable skills that help them develop holistically and at their own pace. She enjoys teaching children to love and care for their environment and creating a sense of belonging to the kinder.

 

Maudie

EARLY CHILDHOOD CO-EDUCATOR – ORANGE GROUP

Maudie believes that nurturing and responsive relationships are central to an engaging and effective learning environment. She is committed to supporting children in being responsive and considerate towards their peers, so that together, we build group cohesiveness. Maudie’s aim is to create a space where children want to be.

 

Melina

EARLY CHILDHOOD CO-EDUCATOR – PURPLE GROUP

Melina believes that learning should be fun and play based aiming to nurture and encourage children to use their imaginations while observing and interacting with the world around them. She has worked with children for many years teaching arts as well as sports. Melina has a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, enjoying all aspects of interacting and teaching young children as it is always full of surprises!

 

Su

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR – ORANGE GROUP

Su completed her Masters of Teaching at Deakin University back in 2017 and have been at OAK since 2020. One of her philosophies is believing that play can help children learn about the world around them and to have high expectations for them. 

 

Denise

NOMINATED SUPERVISOR AND EDUCATIONAL LEADER

Denise has a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education and has extensive experience in both early childhood and special education settings. She believes that a supported and resourced Educator team leads to the best outcomes for children.

 

Shelley

EARLY CHILDHOOD CO-EDUCATOR – RED GROUP

Shelley has a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education. She joined OAK as a co-educator in 2016 but was part of the OAK community prior to that while her son attended 3 and 4 year old kinder. Shelley is excited to be a part of children’s early learning journey by helping young minds grow and believes that children have the right to be accepted into a caring environment in which they can learn, grow and develop self-confidence.

 

Nicole

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR – RED GROUP

OAK welcomed Nicole in 2019 as the Blue Group Educator and in 2020 she will also take on the role of Yellow Group Educator. Nicole has a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) and has many years’ experience in Early Childhood. She aims to create an atmosphere that is stimulating, encouraging, nurturing, and natural whilst always catering to each child’s individual needs. Nicole believes children learn through play therefore it is of upmost importance that the environment provided facilitates development of creativity, exploration and imagination.

 

Mary-Ellen

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR – PURPLE GROUP

May has been the Educator of Purple Group since 2016. She loves working with the children and their families each year and always endeavours to provide a stimulating, fun and engaging environment for all children to play and learn in. Building on their skills, interests and abilities in order for each child to reach their full potential before heading off to school.

 

Kim

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR – RED GROUP

Kim’s philosophy as an educator is rooted in creating a learning environment that not only imparts knowledge but also shapes compassionate, resilient and well rounded individuals who are equipped to navigate the world with confidence and a love for learning.