MEET OUR TEAM
Gumnut is known for its team of experienced, dedicated and long-standing staff. This allows us to provide a stable environment and the opportunity to build strong relationships with our families and community.
Our staff to child ratio is three staff per class of 20 children, providing above-standard quality and allowing for a higher level of care and quality interactions. Each class group is led by a university-qualified Early Childhood Teacher and two Educators who hold Early Childhood Diploma Qualifications. To support children with high learning needs funding may be available to employ additional staff.
Our staff participate in professional development to enhance their skills and stay informed of current research, knowledge and practices in early childhood education. All staff hold a valid Working with Children Check and all staff working with the children hold current First Aid, Asthma and Anaphylaxis and CPR qualifications.
Our staff to child ratio is three staff per class of 20 children, providing above-standard quality and allowing for a higher level of care and quality interactions. Each class group is led by a university-qualified Early Childhood Teacher and two Educators who hold Early Childhood Diploma Qualifications. To support children with high learning needs funding may be available to employ additional staff.
Our staff participate in professional development to enhance their skills and stay informed of current research, knowledge and practices in early childhood education. All staff hold a valid Working with Children Check and all staff working with the children hold current First Aid, Asthma and Anaphylaxis and CPR qualifications.
Meredith
Director, Nominated Supervisor, Early Childhood Teacher (1988)
Bachelor Of Education (Early Childhood Education)
Bachelor Of Education (Early Childhood Education)
Monday - Friday
Throughout my career, I have enjoyed working in Community based preschools where welcoming environments allow connections and relationships to flourish. As the Nominated Supervisor, I am immensely proud of leading a professional team who work together to constantly reflect on our practices and provide the best outcomes for our children and families.
When working with children I can’t go past the value of high-quality inclusive learning environments where play is the key to everything! I also have a passion for integrating music throughout the day as it supports both emotional and cognitive development. Over the years I have loved seeing our preschoolers grow into confident and capable teenagers and adults who return to Gumnut with their own children. My own four children have great memories and friendships from their time at Gumnut too.
When working with children I can’t go past the value of high-quality inclusive learning environments where play is the key to everything! I also have a passion for integrating music throughout the day as it supports both emotional and cognitive development. Over the years I have loved seeing our preschoolers grow into confident and capable teenagers and adults who return to Gumnut with their own children. My own four children have great memories and friendships from their time at Gumnut too.
Claire
Educational Leader and Early Childhood Teacher (2015)
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
Monday & Tuesday
I have been fortunate to hold the position of early childhood teacher at Gumnut preschool since 2015. I have a great interest in using quality children’s literature in creative ways and I am a strong advocate for promoting children’s rights within our service delivery, ensuring the children’s voices, thoughts and ideas are visible within our learning community. I enjoy setting up the learning environment in new and creative ways and working with a dynamic and professional team of early learning educators.
Rachel
Early Childhood Teacher (2007)
Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood)
Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood)
Wednesday - Friday
I believe in providing children with the time, space and experiences that allow them to learn about themselves and their place in the world.
Sharing my love for high quality children’s literature, and incorporating these into my daily teaching practice, I hope to instil a lifelong love of learning with the children of Gumnut. Supporting each child’s individual learning journey and sharing it with their families is important to me, with the aim of ensuring a smooth transition to school.
Sharing my love for high quality children’s literature, and incorporating these into my daily teaching practice, I hope to instil a lifelong love of learning with the children of Gumnut. Supporting each child’s individual learning journey and sharing it with their families is important to me, with the aim of ensuring a smooth transition to school.
Jacqui
Early Childhood Teacher (2010)
Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood)
Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood)
Wednesday - Friday
I have been teaching in the field for over 30 years in a variety of Early Childhood settings. I feel very honoured to take your child on their preschool journey and am always in awe of how amazing these little humans are. My joy as a teacher is to support children to truly feel comfortable and happy in their setting, building their confidence to explore their interests and learn about the world around them. To create a play-based learning program with my teaching team that meets the needs of each child is a challenge that I thrive on. To support children transitioning smoothly to their school settings is an absolute privilege. I feel very passionate about developing preschoolers’ foundations for lifelong learning.
Jennifer
Educator (1992)
Associate Diploma of Social Science (Child Studies)
Associate Diploma of Social Science (Child Studies)
Wednesday - Friday
I am a mother of three amazing sons, all of whom have delightful memories from their time at Gumnut. As an early childhood educator, I aim to provide a welcoming, caring, safe and inclusive environment where children feel a sense of belonging and can play, explore, socialise and grow in confidence and independence. I enjoy providing a fun play-based program with lots of opportunities for physical activities to develop healthy bodies and minds.
Chantel
Educator (2004)
Diploma of Children’s Services (Early Childhood Education and Care)
Diploma of Children’s Services (Early Childhood Education and Care)
Monday - Friday
After working at Gumnut for close to 20 years, one of my favourite things about my job is the relationships we develop with families. I enjoy working together to ensure each child reaches their full potential, developing connections that can often last beyond the preschool years.
I love working with a supportive, diverse and well- balanced team and one of my main passions is fostering resilience and independence through secure and trusting relationships. I also love taking the time to work with each individual child as they experience success in refining their skills and document their own learning.
I love working with a supportive, diverse and well- balanced team and one of my main passions is fostering resilience and independence through secure and trusting relationships. I also love taking the time to work with each individual child as they experience success in refining their skills and document their own learning.
Paula
Educator (2012)
Diploma of Community Services (Children’s Services)
Diploma of Community Services (Children’s Services)
Monday - Friday
Originally from Colombia in South America, I have been living in Australia for 21 years. I have two teenage boys and love spending mindful time outdoors with family and friends. I value the learning and emotional benefits of spending time in the natural world. I am also passionate about promoting healthy eating, and physical activity.
In my work at Gumnut, I enjoy sharing these passions with the children giving them opportunities to learn and establish positive habits that can continue to adulthood. I also love to share my first language of Spanish with the children.
In my work at Gumnut, I enjoy sharing these passions with the children giving them opportunities to learn and establish positive habits that can continue to adulthood. I also love to share my first language of Spanish with the children.
Nicola
Educator (2013)
Diploma of Children’s Services
Diploma of Children’s Services
Monday & Tuesday
I love working as an early childhood educator and have always had a natural passion for encouraging and helping children to reach their full potential. I always strive to build strong and trusting relationships with children and families at Gumnut. I enjoy creating safe and positive learning environments for our children to play and develop each week, and I strongly believe that play in these environments promotes the holistic development of each child. For me Gumnut is such an enjoyable place to be.
Emily
Early Childhood Teacher (2016)
Bachelor of Education - The Early Years
Bachelor of Education - The Early Years
Monday & Tuesday
Since completing my Bachelor Degree in early childhood education in 2016 it has been my ambition to continually build on my knowledge and experience in supporting children and their families by assessing and delivering educational programs that celebrate each child’s individuality and learning needs. I am passionate, creative and nurturing. I am honoured to be a part of the Gumnut Preschool team and look forward to sharing my skills, knowledge and building caring relationships with all our families and children.
Carmen
Educator (2021)
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Diploma of Textile Design
Diploma of Fine Art
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Diploma of Textile Design
Diploma of Fine Art
Monday - Friday
Gumnut Preschool has a sense of community, collegiality and teamwork. As a recently qualified Educator, it is an opportunity to learn from, and be mentored by more experienced staff who bring a wealth of dedication and expertise to their roles. My career to date has included art and design roles which compliment my position as an Early Childhood Educator. I have taught children’s art lessons and am particularly interested in supporting and extending creativity and agency.
My personal and professional philosophy includes promoting and modelling kindness, resilience and resourcefulness. I encourage incidental learning and embrace teachable moments. The first five years of a child’s life are critically important: a time for peak learning and development. Being a part of this journey in each child’s life is a responsibility and privilege that I embrace.
My personal and professional philosophy includes promoting and modelling kindness, resilience and resourcefulness. I encourage incidental learning and embrace teachable moments. The first five years of a child’s life are critically important: a time for peak learning and development. Being a part of this journey in each child’s life is a responsibility and privilege that I embrace.
Lyndal
Administration Officer (2002)
Diploma of Teaching
Diploma of Teaching
Monday - Wednesday
My role as the administration officer is to provide a range of administration support for our service, our staff and our families. I have been associated with the preschool firstly as a parent, and then as an employee three days a week over many years.
Through this long association, I have enjoyed being a part of the Gumnut community, both past and present.
Through this long association, I have enjoyed being a part of the Gumnut community, both past and present.
Alison
Casual Administration Assistant
Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of International Studies
Diploma of Government
Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of International Studies
Diploma of Government
Monday - Friday (as casual)
I have a long history with Gumnut having been a ‘Gumnut Kid’ with my two sisters and with my Mum working in the office for many years. My three girls were also lucky enough to go to Gumnut and it still has the same friendly feeling when you walk in the door all these years later.
I really enjoyed being involved in the Gumnut Management Committee and was sad when my youngest finished her last year at Gumnut.
As an Administration Assistant I am excited to be able to offer support to Lyndal and Meredith and continue being a part of such a wonderful community centre.
I really enjoyed being involved in the Gumnut Management Committee and was sad when my youngest finished her last year at Gumnut.
As an Administration Assistant I am excited to be able to offer support to Lyndal and Meredith and continue being a part of such a wonderful community centre.
Belinda
Educator
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Monday - Tuesday
I believe children learn best when they feel supported in their emotional wellbeing, enabling them to feel confident, develop resilience, independence and become life-long learners.
I enjoy having conversations with them about their view of the world and developing mutual interest and respect.
I have been an educator for over 30 years and have two adult sons. During my leisure time I enjoy nature, travel as well as craft.
I enjoy having conversations with them about their view of the world and developing mutual interest and respect.
I have been an educator for over 30 years and have two adult sons. During my leisure time I enjoy nature, travel as well as craft.
Melissa
Educator
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Wednesday - Friday
I am very passionate about children’s education having worked as an educator for over 20 years, with the majority of that time being in community-based preschools.
My desire is to nurture and encourage children in all areas of their development, helping them to build strong foundations for life and reach their full potential. I bring a deep commitment to fostering learning environments where every child feels safe, valued and inspired to learn.
I take great pride in my professional approach to my work. I enjoy building strong, positive relationships with my colleagues and the families and children of Gumnut Preschool to create a sense of trust and partnership.
Gumnut Preschool is such a beautiful place to be, and it is a great joy and privilege to be working with such a dedicated, caring and professional team.
My desire is to nurture and encourage children in all areas of their development, helping them to build strong foundations for life and reach their full potential. I bring a deep commitment to fostering learning environments where every child feels safe, valued and inspired to learn.
I take great pride in my professional approach to my work. I enjoy building strong, positive relationships with my colleagues and the families and children of Gumnut Preschool to create a sense of trust and partnership.
Gumnut Preschool is such a beautiful place to be, and it is a great joy and privilege to be working with such a dedicated, caring and professional team.
Anne
Casual Educator
Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care
Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care
Gumnut has such a wonderful team of dedicated professionals exemplifying high quality early education principles that deeply resonate with me.
Everyone is welcomed to Belong, to Be who they are and embrace who they are Becoming. I am so honoured to be here.
With a background as a Health Care Professional, I am passionate about nurturing lifelong wellbeing in the early years. I love to support children through movement, Yogaplay, relaxation, music, and nature experiences grounded in kindness, respect, and shared joy.
I treasure the authentic relationships formed with each child and their family and embrace the responsibility of supporting children throughout these vital early years.
Everyone is welcomed to Belong, to Be who they are and embrace who they are Becoming. I am so honoured to be here.
With a background as a Health Care Professional, I am passionate about nurturing lifelong wellbeing in the early years. I love to support children through movement, Yogaplay, relaxation, music, and nature experiences grounded in kindness, respect, and shared joy.
I treasure the authentic relationships formed with each child and their family and embrace the responsibility of supporting children throughout these vital early years.
Karen
Cleaner
Monday - Friday
I feel a great sense of self-satisfaction through contributing to our preschool childrens’ health and safety. I am proud of keeping the preschool clean, and providing a healthy, hygienic environment.
50 Wingecarribee St, Bowral NSW 2576
P: 02 4861 1342
E: admin@gumnutpreschoolbowral.com.au
Acknowledgement of Country
We would like to acknowledge the Gundungurra People
who are the traditional custodians of the land on where we play and learn.
P: 02 4861 1342
E: admin@gumnutpreschoolbowral.com.au
Acknowledgement of Country
We would like to acknowledge the Gundungurra People
who are the traditional custodians of the land on where we play and learn.