TEACHING TEAM
At Wonnai Preschool our staff employ a collaborative approach to program development and implementation. Our staff are passionate about their roles and strive to create a warm and friendly atmosphere for children and their families.
The programs are developed around the principles set out in the Victorian Early Years Learning & Development Framework, with each of our teaching team bringing their unique talents and interests to the various sessions. This approach enables Wonnai Preschool to provide children with a boutique kinder experience in the leafy surrounds of Langwarrin.
Emma Anderson – Banksia group teacher
Emma is a Langwarrin local with over 33 years of experience as an Early Childhood Teacher.
Wonnai Pre-School has been lucky to call her one of their own for the past 17 years.
Emma believes that as a Pre-School Teacher she is in the unique and wonderful position of working in partnership with the children on their learning journey. Her program aims to support all children to be engaged, confident and competent learners. The program is play based and as such activities and experiences are provided to spark curiousity, provide opportunities for hands on interactions, promote problem solving skills and foster creativity and wonder.
Emma also encourages children to become active members of our community, promoting independence and interpersonal skills and building respectful relationships with each other.
Emma loves the community feel of Wonnai Pre-School and values the support of parents, our Committee and our wider community. This sense of community and belonging at Wonnai, impacts very positively on the experiences of the children at our Pre-School.
Kylie Barker- WATTLE & GUMNUT group educator
Kylie holds a Diploma in Children’s Services and has worked in the industry since 1996. Her background includes working with children with autism and disabilities. She really enjoys watching the children develop their independence and forming friendships and skills to set them up for school years and beyond. She also believes that each child is an individual and as an educator she does her best to develop each child’s strengths and skills.
Lauren Jinks - BANKSIA Educator
Lauren is a Diploma qualified Early Childhood Educator and is thrilled to be joining the Wonnai Community this year.
Lauren loves being able to support children through new experiences and watch them grow with confidence; whilst discovering more about their surroundings and identities.
Lauren enjoys opportunities for art experiences, movement, story time, cooking experiences with the children.
ZOE - GUMNUT GROUP TEACHER
Zoe has over 14 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, as well as a Masters in Primary Teaching. Her combined qualifications support children during their most influential early learning years and transition to school, ensuring continuity of learning.
Zoe values children’s wellbeing and social and emotional development as the foundation for learning and relationships. She is also a qualified children’s yoga teacher and enjoys incorporating mindfulness, movement and relaxation into her teaching practices. Zoe values building strong relationships with children and families and creating calm, engaging learning environments where children feel a sense of belonging.
Zoe is passionate about holistic and nature-based learning, creating meaningful opportunities for children to learn through play, real-life experiences and connections with the natural world. She believes children thrive in nurturing environments where they feel safe, supported and inspired to explore, create, connect and grow.
Madeleine - gumnut & WATTLE group educator
Maddy is a diploma qualified early childhood educator who is passionate about creating a calm, caring, and supportive environment where children feel safe to be themselves.
Maddy enjoys engaging with children through arts and crafts, sensory play, outdoor adventures, and group activities that encourage them to learn, explore, and grow at their own pace. Maddy also loves creating inviting play spaces that encourage children’s creativity, curiosity, and sense of belonging.
Nicole - Wattle group teacher
Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood/Primary.
I am proud to be a teacher at Wonnai Pre-School. I’ve been teaching since 1989, in community run kindergartens, primary Schools and private Grammar Schools.
I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners. Helping each child progress in all areas of their development social, language, academic and motor skills.
I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment.
Vanessa - banksia GROUp educator
Vanessa is intentional about sustainable practice, building connection to Country and instilling messages of kindness and inclusion to ensure her students are empathetic and socially aware individuals. She is due to finish her Early Childhood Teaching qualification by the end of 2026.
Vanessa believes in an everyday kind of magic; the magic of childhood and discovery. She believes that as an educator, it is her role to protect this magic and a child’s right to be; championing each individual, inspiring confidence, and supporting them to be the best version of themselves.
She is committed to following the children’s interests as they communicate them through play, extending upon those interests to further children’s learning and scaffold life skills; challenging and empowering each individual to grow while providing a compassionate and secure environment to springboard their exploration and learning of self and the world around them.