Leigh
I am passionate about early childhood and believe that learning takes place when children feel emotionally and socially secure, when they are actively engaged, interested and challenged by experiences and their learning environments!
Leigh has three children whom she loves to spend time with
I have been in Early childhood education for over 25 years, I returned to Riverside in August 2018, to take on the role of Director after previously teaching here from 2004 -2016. I am looking forward to leading the team into the future.
Kathy
Kathy is a passionate Early Childhood Teacher with 25 years of experience in early learning. She is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and confident to learn.
As the teacher in the 3-day Zephyr Room, Kathy focuses on building strong, meaningful relationships with children and their families. She believes children learn best through secure and respectful connections, which help them grow into capable and confident learners.
As a mother of a four-year-old boy, Kathy brings both professional knowledge and personal understanding to her role. She values working closely with families to support each child’s individual strengths, interests, and development.
Kathy also loves incorporating music and movement into the daily program, creating joyful, active opportunities for children to express themselves and learn through play."
Cindy
Cindy has been an early childhood educator for over ten years. In 2023 she happily joined the Riverside Preschool family and felt very lucky to become part of the team
Cindy believes that each child comes to the early childhood setting with different set of experiences, knowledge and interests. The children bring their own deverse ways of living, being and knowing from their individual families and communities to the early childhood setting. They experience belonging, being and becoming in different ways, therefore it is important to acknowledge, value and respect the histories, cultures, languages, traditions, child rearing practices and lifestyle choices of families.
Cindy has twin girls who are six years old. She enjoys that she is a 24-hour early childhood educator.
Chris
Chris has been an educator at Riverside since it opened in 2002. During this time, she has connected with many children and families within the preschool community.
She is very passionate about nature, the environment and sustainability and she enjoys educating the children about the world around us.
Antonella
Antonella commenced at Riverside Preschool in 2024, prior to an affiliation of attending various professional development trainings offered at the preschool. Antonella has been an early childhood teacher for twenty-five years. She has primarily spent this time face to face in preschool classrooms, as well as undertaking other roles such as an Inclusion Support and intermittent requisite roles in leadership. Antonella believes that by understanding each child's communication style and building genuine relationships, it can provide the fundamental grounds roots that informs a wholesome curriculum and provide a foundation for each child to thrive. Antonella has an appreciation for children's literature, languages, cultures, music and dancing. Antonella has been building her knowledge in inclusion support and learning how to deconstruct barriers by providing equitable facilitators for all children.
Elnaz
Elnaz has worked in the Early Childhood Education and Care industry for over 15 years.
For me, education is a responsive and intentional journey. Guided by empathy and professional knowledge. I create spaces where children feel seen, capable and inspired to belong. Music is inseparable from childhood. Through the joyful rhythm of the ukelele, I nurture connection, confidence and a love of learning
Jacqui
Jacqui has had a long relationship with Riverside, firstly as a parent and, since 2012, as an educator. Jacqui has her Master of Teaching (Early Childhood). Currently Jacqui is the 3-day teacher in our Sirocco Room.
With a background in mathematics and science, Jacqui loves sharing this interest with the children.
Bonita
Bonita joined Riverside Preschool team in 2023 and spends her day in the office.
Lisa
Lisa is the Team Leader of the 2 day Zephyr Room, and is Educational leader for Riverside Preschool. Lisa joined the preschool in 2008. She has a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and has worked in preschools and long day care centres for over 20 years.
Lisa has two children of her own and, in her spare time, loves to holiday with her family.
Manori
Manori has been at Riverside Preschool since 2013 and is an educator who works five days a week, sharing her time between both rooms. She is an enthusiastic individual with a caring, nurturing personality, perfect for working with children in their early years.
Manori has two sons and loves spending time with her family.
Michelle
Michelle has been an educator at Riverside for 20 years.
Michelle recognises that everything is a potential learning experience and that learning can be part of every moment of the day. She especially loves promoting and encouraging children’s imaginations and creativity through shared experiences.
Michelle has three adult children and loves spending time with them.
Sam
Sam is currently an educator in our Sirocco Room on Mondays and Tuesdays, the rest of the week she joins us as an inclusion support educator across both rooms. Sam enjoys her varied role and she loves to see the progress of the children she works with and sees them flourish with the extra support.
Sam has two daughters who keep her extremely busy with their adventures.
Silvana
Silvana has been working at Riverside since 2012, firstly as a casual staff member and, since 2015, as a permanent educator. In the past, she has been an Authorised Supervisor and has been involved with the preparation of accreditations in preschools and long day care centres.
She has a strong belief in the importance of giving children the best start to life through interactive, stimulating education that develops their own self-worth and self-esteem.
Silvana is the mother of two teenage girls.