Staff
At Geelong West Kindergarten we have a fabulous team of passionate staff who are driven to providing the highest quality preschool education for children.
Marisa Manganelli
View bioMarisa 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
View bioKaren 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
View bioLynda Mills
Lynda has a Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) and a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) and teaches in our 3 year old program. Lynda is passionate about children becoming independent thinkers and learners while enjoying a predictable routine.
Andrea Dahlstrom
View bioAndrea 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.
Stephanie I'Anson
View bioStephanie I'Anson
Stephanie has a Diploma of Children's Services (Early Childhood Education and Care) and joined Geelong West Kindergarten in 2024. Stephanie comes to us with a broad range of experience in Early Childhood Education. Her own children have attended Geelong West Kindergarten and we are delighted to have her onboard.
Dannielle Ingwersen
View bioDannielle 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.
Lisa Rowe
View bioLisa Rowe
Lisa has a diploma in Early Childhood Education and has worked in the industry for just under 20 years. Lisa believes in child-led learning, asking open-ended questions and supporting children to explore and extend their own unique interests. She follows the Reggio Emilia approach, loves nature-based play and incorporating natural experiences for the children.
Sally Riddle
View bioSally 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
View bioJulie Chiles
Julie has a Bachelor Degree in Education with over ten years experience working with children in primary school and kindergarten settings and teaches the Walert Group. 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
View bioAlicia Caccamo
Alicia has a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and works as a co-educator in the 4 year old kinder program. Alicia loves playing outdoors and all things nature; she loves to get creative and most of all, loves to engage with the children.
Katelyn Viney
View bioKatelyn Viney
Katelyn has a diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and works as a co-educator in our 3 and 4 year old program.Katelyn promotes inclusivity alongside a safe and welcoming space for all children to explore using their creativity and imagination amongst a play based program.
Jessica McKeown
View bioJessica McKeown
Jess joined our team in 2024 as an Educator and is working towards her Graduate Diploma of Teaching here at Geelong West Kindergarten. With a passion for children's emotional wellbeing and a special interest in outdoor play and sustainability, Jess brings a positive and collaborative spirit to the team.
Carissa Miller
View bioCarissa 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.
