Our Educators

Hema Srekrishnan

Director, Educational Leader and 4 Year Old Kindergarten Teacher (Possums)

My name is Hema and I have the privilege of being a part of the amazing Elonera Preschool community. I began my career in the IT sector after completing my degree in Computer Technology, however spending a day at my friend’s place who ran family daycare sparked my curiosity and interest in the early childhood education sector. Eventually, I went on to complete my Diploma and then Bachelors in Early childhood education. For several years, I have engaged in a range of management and teaching roles within the sector, predominantly as an Educational Leader as I have a strong passion for pedagogy. 


I believe that curiosity is the very basis of education and that is also why my philosophy is strongly influenced by the educational principles of Reggio Emilia. Children’s curiosity, their theories, ideas and most of all, their rights are at the heart of my program. They need to be offered the opportunity to explore everything from seed pods to robotics, teachers facilitating and learning with them in the process. 


When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, and my hubby Naveen who is an engineer by profession and hip-hop dancer by nature. I also enjoy dancing and going on nature walks.

• Bachelors of Computer Technology
• Diploma of Early childhood education and care
• Bachelors of Teaching (Early Childhood)

Kate Pearce

4 Year Old Kindergarten Educator (Possums)

I completed a diploma in Social Science (Childcare) in 1994 and worked for the Glen Eira council in a child care centre for several years running the programs for 0-2 and 2-3 year olds. I was offered a nannying job which included a lot of travel and opportunities that were too exciting to turn down. I stayed with that family for 13 years. Leaving not long after my second child was born.

My Elonera experience began when my son attended in 2011 for 4 year old kinder then my daughter a few years later. It was after Hailey finished that I realised I still enjoyed working with kinder age children and my passion for watching them grow and learn was something that I was missing. I did a little bit of relief work at Elonera and when in 2018 a position became available at Elonera I happily applied as I wanted to be part of the wonderful community that is Elonera.

• Bachelor of Social Science (Childcare) (1994)

Silvana Lampert

4 Year Old Kindergarten Educator (Possums)

I am excited to be a part of Elonera Preschool. Over the years, I have worked with varied age groups and enjoy working with preschoolers the most. Before my career in Early Childhood Education, I was a swimming instructor for children aged 6 months to 5 years.

I love working with children, as I get to watch them learn, grow and have fun. I value children developing holistically, including their self esteem. I believe it is important for children to develop a warm, trusting relationship with all children, promoting their wellbeing and sense of security. Children are naturally curious and always keen to explore the world around them. This allows me to create learning experiences that are fun and engaging, as well as targeting specific learning skills.

•  Diploma in Early Childhood Education
•  Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
•  Working towards Diploma in ECE

Jemma Liddle-Mulvaney

4 Year Old Kindergarten Teacher (Koalas)

I have a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) and I have been teaching within the Early Childhood sector for nine years and working as an Early Childhood Teacher for the past six years. Most recently my passion has led me to work in Kinder as a four year old Kindergarten teacher, delivering a funded program since 2018.My practice is influenced by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, as I believe that children are curious individuals and it’s our role to foster children’s inquisitiveness and creativity so that they become lifelong learners.  

On the weekends, I enjoy taking my dog swimming at the pool and the beach, dabbling in a craft project and spending time with my family and friends.

• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) (2015)

Katherine Rowe

4 Year Old Kindergarten Educator (Koalas)

I started working with the 3 year old kangaroos at the beginning of 2020. I love seeing how children grow and develop, and feel it is a great privilege to be part of their learning journey at Elonera! I have a passion for all things creative, and love bringing ideas to each session to expand on children’s interests and skills. It’s great to be here with such a fantastic team of teachers and co-educators.

I have worked in daycare, primary schools in UK and Australia, as a teacher’s aide and I have also been a private nanny, both here and overseas. Early childhood, especially sessional kindergarten is where I want to be and I am excited to have recently expanded on my qualifications in 2022 with my Diploma in Early Childhood Education.

As a mother, I know from experience how hard it can sometimes be to leave your child, sometimes for the first time, so my warm nature and sensitivity for finding out each family’s needs, will help children settle into kinder, and calm any anxious feelings. Let’s have some fun!

•  Diploma in Early Childhood Education
•  Certificate III in Childcare and Education (UK equivalent NVQ3)

Kate Lince

4 Year Old Kindergarten Educator (Koalas)

Hi, my name is Kate, before I became a teaching assistant at Elonera, my first career was as an MCIPS (Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply) certified procurement specialist. Taking the opportunity to raise my two children Oliver and Emilia full-time made me re-evaluate what I really enjoyed doing. Watching them learn and grow sparked a new passion for child development.

So when considering a new career I took the opportunity to retrain and I am currently working towards a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education.  I also have an AVCE in Art and Design specialising in textiles – a skill which I’ve used to be creative with my children and looking forward to sharing at Elonera.

My Elonera journey started when my daughter attended the 4 year old Kinder programme in Possums. Watching her blossom made me realise how important it is that the start of a child’s introduction to a school environment should be positive and exciting.

I believe that exploring life through play-based learning, happiness and nurture plays a key role and I can’t wait to guide children through this exciting start to life. 

Eryn Sullivan

3 Year Old Kindergarten Teacher (Kangaroos)

My name is Eryn, and I am very excited to become a part of the Elonera Preschool
community. I have a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Primary) and have been working in the early childhood sector since 2019. I also have had experience working in a Primary school setting, as an assistant and teacher in charge.

Working in early childhood sparked my interest and curiosity in the sector. I always have really enjoyed working within the pre-school age group and found
myself quite passionate towards play-based and inquiry learning.

My practice is influenced by the educational principles of the Reggio Emilia philosophy, as I believe children are curious learners and need to be provided with a learning environment that is responsive to children’s interests, motivation, and contexts to become lifelong learners. I also have a strong passion for incorporating nature pedagogies into my program and embedding Indigenous perspectives.

When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy spending my time out in nature going for walks, spending time at the beach, being with my family and friends, reading books, and playing netball.

• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)

Jessica Tsai

3 Year Old Kindergarten Teacher (Kangaroos)

Hello, my name is Jessica. I am excited to be a part of the Elonera Preschool community. I have a Bachelor of Education (primary and early childhood) and I have been working as a kinder teacher for 12 years. I am also an ELC Mandarin teacher in school and weekend school for a couple of years. I love working as part of a team to create interesting and developmental programs that children will enjoy and be engaged in. One of my passions is collecting recyclable resources that can be used for arts and crafts.  

I believe that families play an important role for children and educators. The first teachers of children are parents. Parents know their children the best. Therefore communication between families and educators is an essential element in scaffolding the development of your child. The play-based program along with structural programs will support and provide holistic development for children. Structural play-based learning is children being able to be involved with spontaneous play while teachers assist and scaffold children’s play. Children will develop in a fun, positive and secure learning environment.  

• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)

Chantal Mavondo

3 Year Old Kindergarten Educator (Kangaroos)

Hello, I’m Chantal. I’ve been in the Early Childhood sector for over 25 years. I’ve been very fortunate to have worked in a range of early childhood settings, with the majority of the time spent in the 3 year old Sessional Kindergarten. I’m very passionate about incorporating Music, Movements and storytelling throughout the program.

I have two beautiful teenage daughters, who keep me very busy, but during my down time I enjoy making puppets, crafting and shopping for craft. I feel very privileged to be part of your children’s and families’ learning journey.

• Associate Diploma in Social Science

Melodie Naidoo

3 Year Old Kindergarten Educator

Hello, I’m a diploma qualified educator since 2018 and I’ve been working in the Early childhood sector for over 6 years. I have a beautiful 2-year son who keeps me busy during my time off. I have had the opportunity to work in a range of age groups from 6 weeks to 12 years. I feel it is a privilege to be part of a child’s development and learning journey.

I’m very passionate about messy play and working together with families as a team. As an educator, I strongly believe that we need to create a safe and secure environment for the children to explore their creativity and imaginary world. During my spare time, I enjoyed outdoor activities with my family such as walk at the beach, exploring parks. 

Education:
• Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
• Certificate IV in Assessment and Training

 

Raquel (Elly) Kujawski

Educator across the kinder

Hello, my name is Elly! I have worked as an educator since 2018 and am super excited to have had the opportunity to start here at Elonera. Over the last few years I have been lucky enough to be a part of close knit teams across all ages, even having spent some time as the “chef” at one service. During this time I have come to love each room for its own rewarding experiences. I really love being a part of your little ones lives and strive to always create a positive, safe, and comfortable space away from home where the children are excited to come.  I am married to an amazing man who is a trade teacher, together we have a cute bird and one too many fish. I enjoy going on walks, reading a good book, absolutely love tea, cooking, and baking even though I’m not very good at it  I look forward to getting to know you all and being a part of your special community!

Education:
• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care