Our Teaching Team
Our qualified staff have extensive early childhood experience and are committed to providing programs that allow children to learn through play by engaging in experiences that are relevant and challenging for them. We are dedicated to creating a happy, safe and secure environment for every child.
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Kate
Director
My name is Kate, and I am the Director as well as Eucalyptus Group Teacher at Bentleigh West Kindergarten. I completed my Master of Teaching (Early Years) with the University of Melbourne.
I am passionate about teaching in the early years and assisting children to foster a lifelong love of
learning, for children to build a strong sense of self, and develop resilience to life and its challenges.
Jessica
Banksia Group Teacher and Educator Lead
My name is Jessica and I live on beautiful Bunurong Country near the beach with my three children, Sophie, Lewis and Ruby and husband Marty. My passions in the space of Early Childhood include nature, literacy, embedding Indigenous perspectives and inquiry learning. My previous career as a Nurse and a Midwife also comes into my practice as I love to empower children to know about their bodies, how they work and how to keep them healthy. When I’m not teaching, I love to head to the beach, read, go camping and on nature walks and play with my children. I cannot wait to meet you all and be part of your learning, development and play!
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Patricia
Wattle Group Teacher
My name is Patricia, but you can call me Trish! I have completed a Bachelor of Applied Science
(Health Sciences) at Deakin University, with child psychology and family studies a main focus. I then
completed my Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood) at RMIT. I have been in the industry for over eighteen years working with both three and four year old groups. I love building relationships with children and their families, and believe fun and laughter mixed into a play based environment is key in building successful lifelong learners. When I am not teaching, I am kept busy at home chasing my own two boys, Harrison and Ted.
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Miao
Banksia Group Educator
I'm Mia. I graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary) last December. I'm really excited to be joining the Banksia Group, working alongside Jessica! A little about me — I'm an active and easy-going person who loves music, drawing, and having lots of fun with children. I come from China, and I look forward to sharing some multicultural experiences with the group too
Cathy
Banksia / Wattle Group Educator
Hi everyone, my name is Cathy. I completed a Bachelor of Finance in Monash University in
2024, and completed the Master of Teaching in Early Childhood and Primary in University of
Melbourne in 2025.
I believe that every child is unique, capable and full of potential. I am very enthusiastic in starting my teaching journey this year, engaging children and building relationship with children and families.
In my personal life, I love to travel, spending time with my family and friends, and doing some sports. I am excited to embark on this journey of learning and growth at BWK.
Kate
Eucalyptus Group Teacher
My name is Kate, and I am the Director as well as Eucalyptus Group Teacher at Bentleigh West Kindergarten. I completed my Master of Teaching (Early Years) with the University of Melbourne.
I am passionate about teaching in the early years and assisting children to foster a lifelong love of
learning, for children to build a strong sense of self, and develop resilience to life and its challenges.
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Wendy
Eucalyptus Group Educator
I have worked in the early childhood field for many years and one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey is to witness the world through children’s curious and inquiring approach to all that is around them and encourage them to discover more. I am passionate about sharing my love of plants and animals, teaching children about caring for the environment and about First Nations people - their culture and deep connections and knowledge of the environment