Meet the Team

  • Melissa Carter

    Kookaburra Teacher

    I have been a preschool teacher for over 20 years and started teaching at Watsonia Preschool in 2019.

    I love working with children and feel lucky to share a role in their early education. Making connections with the families is very important to me. Living in the local area, means I am lucky enough to continue seeing many children and families that I have taught.

    Preschool is such an exciting time for children. I love providing a program that delivers a broad range of experiences and most of all gives the children a really fun and engaging year of kinder.

    I have 4 children off my own who all attended Watsonia Preschool. My children have great memories of their time at kinder and I hope everyone walks away from their kinder year with the same feeling.

  • Sophie Cross

    Koala Teacher

    I have been an Early Childhood Educator for nearly 15 years. After graduating from the University of Melbourne with my Bachelors of Early Childhood Education I began my career working with children with additional needs and then took a leap of faith and moved to London where I lived and worked for nearly 5 years. I taught in some amazing schools and taught both Pre-school and Prep aged children.

    I love being a part of this community and have even extended our program to utilise the local area and what it has to offer. I have enjoyed using such facilities as the local library and school to help enrich the program we run.

    I love watching the children immerse themselves in our Bush Kinder program. Being out in nature seeing the children discover, explore, take wonder in and be part of the world around us is truly why I love what I do. Children just being children in the great outdoors.

  • Natalie King

    Kangaroo Teacher

    I joined Watsonia Preschool in 2022 and absolutely love the supportive and community based environment. I have been working within sessional kindergartens since 2016 and went on to complete a Bachelor of Education in 2023.

    I live locally in Greensborough, and am a Mum to four children between the ages of 9 and 19. It was through my own children’s kinder years that I decided to pursue a career in early education. I was inspired by the amazing environment my children were so fortunate to experience at preschool, an environment full of learning and encouragement, with social connectedness, wonder and plenty of time to explore. This is the environment I aim to provide for your children as we share our year at Watsonia Preschool.

    I believe in the importance of unhurried time for learning and play, with access to our beautiful natural environment. Children are very capable, and when given the opportunity and time to explore, are able to make independent choices to enhance their own learning. Engaging with and supporting children, as they explore and make connections with each other and the wider community is a wonderful privilege.

  • Sherene

    Co-Educator

    After completing my Diploma in Children's Services in 2001, I worked as a Room Leader in childcare settings for nine years, where I developed my skills in supporting young children's growth and development. Following a break to raise my two children, now 19 and 15, I returned to work as a relief Co-educator, which reignited my passion for early childhood education. My current role at Watsonia Preschool allows me to be part of a team that provides a nurturing environment, where children can play, learn, and grow. I take great joy in understanding each child's unique personalities and needs and supporting them in reaching their full potential. Building strong relationships with children, their families, and the broader community is a rewarding aspect of my job which I love.

  • Jennifer Cooper

    Co-Educator

    I began my journey in early childhood several years ago as an integration aide providing inclusion support, as a co-educator I remain passionate about ensuring each and every child experiences their kinder years to the fullest, feeling all the joy and wonder that kinder offers in an environment they feel safe and can call their own.

    I have three children of my own and ever since my youngest attended (what seems like many years ago) I have loved Watsonia Preschool and all it offers. The caring and fun atmosphere is evident, a highlight for my family has always been Bush Kinder; the rich learning opportunities nature provides and the freedom and curiosity the program instills.

    To be a part of the wonderful team at Watsonia and contributing to my local community, connecting with the families and sharing in the care and learning of their children is a privilege I value and love.

  • Sarah Cheers

    Office Manager

    I am a local mum who sent my children (Jack 8 and Ryan 6) to Watsonia Preschool and now have the great pleasure of helping and supporting the fabulous teaching team.

    My role is to work closely with the educating team and the committee to ensure our children get the best of what Watsonia Preschool has to offer.

    I love our community and always enjoy seeing our little people learn and grow through a fabulous program.

    On the weekends I love watching my boys play sport (Basketball and Football). I am a Collingwood supporter and love watching them play at the MCG with my friends and family.

    The beach is my Happy place and try to get down to Jan Juc as often as we can.

  • Libby Walker

    Co-Educator

    I decided to pursue a career in early childhood after working in community health for many years and having three children of my own. These experiences inspired a growing interest in children’s play and how play supports learning, development, health and wellbeing in so many important ways.

    I love having a job where I can bring my own enthusiasm for learning in responding to children’s questions and ideas and seeing their confidence grow in a welcoming, supportive environment.

    My two youngest children attended Watsonia Preschool, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work with such a fantastic team, supporting a program that includes so many varied experiences and connections to the local community.

  • Belinda

    Co-Educator

    I have worked in the Early Learning sector now for over 11 years, joining Watsonia Pre School in 2025. My early career background was in finance before I decided to join Early Learning when my youngest child was at kinder.

    I have and continue to enjoy assisting children grow in confidence in their own abilities and partake in the opportunity to explore learning opportunities in a fun and caring environment.

    I have lived in the local area for my whole life and am fortunate to have had 2 adult children attend school and play multiple sports within the area. Our recent addition of a lovely but maybe crazy puppy is adding a new dimension to the family.

    I love being part of a working community-based environments and thoroughly enjoying the opportunity Watsonia Pre School offers.

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