Staff

×

Marisa Manganelli

Our Educational Leader and Director, Marisa has a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) and teaches one of our 4 year old kinder groups. Marisa has a mission to foster all children's pure eagerness to learn and to do it through the important work of Play! She is also responsible for leading our team to always strive to make Geelong West Kindergarten an enriching and inclusive experience for the entire Geelong West Kinder community.

×

Karen Pritchard

Karen has a Diploma of Teaching - Early Childhood (University of Melbourne) and teaches one of our 4 year old kinder groups. Karen believes strongly in play based learning; ensuring that children can have long periods of uninterrupted play will always be a priority during her Kinder sessions along with a good helping of fun and laughter.

×

Lynda Mills

Lynda has a Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) and a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) and teaches in our Pre-Kinder (3 year old) program. Lynda is passionate about children becoming independent thinkers and learners while enjoying a predictable routine.

×

Andrea Dahlstrom

Andrea has a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) and teaches one of our 4 year old kinder groups. She has a passion for nature play and believes that nature offers children a wealth of genuine learning experiences that inspire awe and wonder about their world, helps support their sense of belonging and develops their ability to confidently challenge themselves and take measured risks.

×

Julie MacGregor

Julie has a Diploma of Children's Services (Early Childhood Education and Care) and has worked as a co-educator in the 4 year old kinder program for many years. She likes to provide a fun-filled learning experience for the children, ensuring they leave our centre with some happy memories.

×

Ornella Di Rocco

Ornella has a Diploma of Children's Services (Early Childhood Education and Care) and works as a co-educator in one of our 4 year old kinder groups. Having attended Geelong West Kindergarten herself, Ornella has a strong history with our centre and is passionate about children immersing themselves in nature play.

×

Dannielle Ingwersen

Dannielle has a Diploma of Children's Services (Early Childhood Education and Care) and works as a co-educator in one of our 4 year old kinder groups. She loves working with kinder children, watching them learn new things every day and celebrates their unique personalities.

×

Linda Mulder

Linda has a Diploma of Children's Services (Early Childhood Education and Care) and works as a co-educator in our 3 year old (Pre-Kinder) program. She loves to use her creative and practical skills to prepare inspiring learning materials and establish a happy, caring and stimulating learning environment.

×

Sally Riddle

Sally has a Diploma of Community Services (Child Care) and works as a co-educator in one of our 4 year old kinder groups. Sally has a background in the performing arts, and is very passionate about nature and caring for the environment and loves to share these interests with the children of Geelong West Kindergarten.

×

Julie Chiles

We welcome Julie to our Teaching team in 2022. She has a Bachelor Degree in Education with over ten years experience working with children in primary school and kindergarten settings and will be teaching the Possums and Friday Groups. Julie is passionate about photography and believes that children learn best through play and exploration, and strives to create meaningful, fun and inclusive learning experiences for all children.

×

Alicia Caccamo

Alicia has a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and works as a co-educator in the 4 year old kinder program. She is the youngest member of our team and we welcome her as she begins her journey in the Early Childhood Sector.

×

Carissa Miller

With a background in science and an interest in sustainability and employing good processes, Carissa's role is to work with staff, Committee and families to keep the Geelong West Kindergarten running as effectively and efficiently as possible.