Our Educators

	Lu-Ann, our Kindergarten Teacher and Educational Leader, holds a Master’s degree in Education and has a diverse background in early childhood education, primary schools, and university teaching as a casual academic. She draws on this experience to provide a well-balanced educational program focused on each child’s unique learning journey. Lu-Ann leads a dynamic, Reggio Emilia-inspired program that nurtures children’s natural curiosity while recognising them as strong, capable learners. She understands that true school readiness goes beyond knowing ABCs and 1,2,3s—it is about fostering independence, social adaptability, and the ability to communicate effectively. By supporting children to express their needs, share their knowledge, and engage with their curiosity, she helps them build the confidence and skills essential for lifelong learning.
	Mia, our Nature Kindergarten Teacher, holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies and has trained in Outdoor Learning Programs. She has experience in early childhood and primary education, including sessional and nature kindergartens, as well as nursery and primary school teaching in the UK. Mia is passionate about integrating the natural world and First Nations perspectives into her teaching practice. She partners with families, children, educators, and the community to ensure each child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. She has witnessed the positive impact of nature play on children’s holistic development, well-being, and connection to Country.
	Miranda, working as one of our Cert III Educators, spent many years teaching Italian and art in the primary sector, which naturally drew her to the Reggio Emilia approach. She has a strong passion for sustainability and environmental education, embedding these values into her teaching practice. Before joining our educational team, Miranda was an active member of our committee as a parent, deepening her connection to our community. In addition to her role with us, she works as a teacher’s aide at a local primary school, keeping her engaged with current school practices and learning environments.
	Bec, one of our Cert III Educators, has a background in Parks, Recreation, and Heritage, later obtaining a teaching qualification to follow her passion for environmental education. She has worked in diverse environmental education settings and has been a sessional teacher at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne for 19 years. Through her work at the gardens, Bec has deepened her understanding of First Nations cultures by collaborating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues, embedding this knowledge into our program to enrich children’s connection to Country. She is currently studying a Certificate III, further supporting her pathway to becoming an early childhood teacher.
	Justine, our Diploma qualified Educator, has 38 years of experience in early childhood education, beginning her career in family daycare in Western Australia before moving into long daycare settings in South Australia and Victoria. Last year, she expanded her practice into kindergarten. Justine is passionate about fostering children’s natural curiosity in nature and nurturing their imagination through storytelling. She values play-based learning and the Reggio Emilia approach, believing that children are capable, creative learners who thrive when given opportunities to explore and express themselves in meaningful ways.
	Stephanie, working as one of our Cert III educators has two decades of experience working with young children in diverse settings as both an Early Childhood Teacher and co-educator. She has also contributed to local not-for-profit early childhood services as a volunteer parent. The Reggio Emilia approach is a natural fit for Stephanie, as she enjoys research, learning, and open-ended creativity in both her personal and professional practice. Nurturing self-esteem, positive, respectful relationships, and a sense of ongoing wonder is important to her practice.
	Carly, our lunch cover and casual relief teacher, graduated with a Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary) in 2024 while gaining hands-on experience as a casual relief educator in kindergartens across The Hills, including Kallista. With nearly 15 years of experience as a children’s entertainer, she has always been captivated by their sense of wonder as they explore the world through play. Carly is excited to bring this passion into early childhood education, fostering child-led learning through exploration, creativity, and meaningful connections. The Reggio Emilia influence at Kallista Kindergarten provides the perfect environment for her to continue growing on this journey.
	Aislinn, our Nature Playgroup Facilitator, is a qualified Early Childhood Teacher with experience in local early childhood settings since 2023. A long-time Upwey resident and mother of two, she has a deep passion for nature play, having established a local bush playgroup in 2013. Aislinn values the way outdoor learning fosters resilience, confidence, and creativity in children, supporting them as they take risks, solve problems, and collaborate. She looks forward to guiding children and families in meaningful nature-based experiences.