Our Team

We are incredibly lucky to have such an experienced educator team:

Tracey

I live locally with my husband and three children, our youngest is still at KG Primary.  We are forever renovating, looking forward – it is smaller jobs now to get things finished, if that’s really a thing!! 

This is my 9th year at Kangaroo Ground Preschool, and I feel like I am still trying to balance my work/life commitments! I really have an immense amount of respect for all parents, but working parents particularly – the juggle is real and something I hope we can assist with our service structure and family centred approach here at KG. 

I love the inquisitive minds of young children and I strongly believe that children are capable and competent learners.  Learning happens all the time, and when we provide a positive learning environment the growth can be rich and fulfilling.  I encourage a say YES attitude at Kinder for both our staffing team and the children.   

I am really enjoying sharing my love for animals at Kinder - Roger (the blue tongue lizard), the chickens and Smokey are a real point of difference for our service and I love being a driving force behind that.  

Kathy

Hi, my name is Kathy and I work with the 4-year-old group.  I like working with the children because every day is different and a challenge and we never know what fun things we are going to get up to! 

I have my Diploma of Children’s Services.  I live in Greensborough with my husband and one of my three children.  My house is a constant renovation as we tackle new jobs. I have two dogs Indi and Sasha and 2 Cats Bella and Hazel. 

I look forward to planning local travels and to see more of Australia and short trips overseas that doesn’t involve long flights. 

Marita

I have moved back to the Bend of Islands with my partner Ken, I have four grown children, three granddaughters and a new grandson.  All of my children attended Kangaroo Ground Primary. 

I have worked with children as a teacher and educator for many years, and still enjoy the new learning and challenges this work provides. I see it as important to build strong relationships with the children and their families to work with children’s strengths and help them develop skills needed for life long learning.  

I am also the co-ordinator of the KGPS Out of School hours care (OSHC) therefore have the privilege to see children in different settings. 

Outside of work I love riding, gardening, reading and bushwalking.  

Kim

I live in Eltham with my three teenage daughters and we’ve lived there for 13 years, we moved from the northern suburbs for the girls to attend school. 

I’ve been in early childhood for a very long time and have just recently come back to it.  I am studying by Bachelor of Early Childhood at Box Hill.  I’ve travelled extensively – my favourite destination was Ningaloo reef in WA.  

I love gardening and have an indigenous garden and books, when I have spare time, I do enjoy reading.  

I love little people’s honesty, there is no pretence with them.   

Mel

Hi my name is Melissa but I’m known as Mel and I work with the 3-year-old Joey’s group. I have been working with children for 34 years, predominantly in Long Day Care and am excited by the changes that Kinder will bring to my life.  

I graduated from Box Hill TAFE in 1994 with an Associate Diploma of Social Sciences in Child Care which is equivalent to the Diploma offered today.  

Away from work I am an avid sports fan. I follow the Richmond Tigers with a passion as well as enjoying Cricket and V8 car racing. I also enjoy crafting so can be found frequently with knitting needles in hand or working on my latest craft project.  

Jane

I live near Doncaster with my husband and dog as our two children have recently moved out locally. At home I enjoy exploring my family history, sewing, and taking country drives with my husband. We recently bought e-bikes so I am looking forward to using them on bike rides. 

I have worked in Early childhood for many years in a variety of roles both before and after having children. I recently upgraded my qualifications and have received my Bachelor of Teaching - Early Childhood. This study has deepened my knowledge base and further developed my critical analysis of current theories and practices in the field. 

I look forward to developing and deepening inclusive and reciprocal relationships with the Joey children and their families.