All four kindergarten programs are delivered by university qualified Early Childhood Teachers and qualified Assistants who have many years of experience in teaching kindergarten aged children. The teaching staff work with the same group of children each day to provide the children with stability and continuity during the year. The warmth and passion they have for the children is evident in the quality of the learning, the connection they have with the children and the smiles on the children’s faces.
It is the long-term, experienced and caring educators who make a strong foundation for the service, children, families and the wider community. The leadership and management team at Wavell Heights Kindergarten provide a well-established and motivational workplace which promotes a strong organisational culture and encourages continuous professional learning.
Usha Balachandran
Co-Director and Teacher (Three Day KOALA Group)
Usha began her teaching career in 2007 after completing her Bachelor of Education (Teaching 0-8years), with over 16 years of experience teaching in the field of early childhood education and care in New Zealand, Adelaide and Brisbane. Usha has been working at Wavell Heights Kindergarten since 2014.
Karen Fance
Co-Director and Teacher (Three Day POSSUM Group)
Karen has been teaching passionately for over 32 years, working both overseas and in Australia with young children aged from birth to eight years in a variety of settings, including Kindergarten, childcare, and primary school. Karen has been working at Wavell Heights Kindergarten since 2022 however has been a valued relief teacher prior for many years.
Kellie Hahn
Teacher (Two Day ECHIDNA Group)
Kellie began her career in 1993 with an Associate Diploma of Child Care and completed her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education in 2010. Kellie has now completed over 30 years in the field of early childhood education and care. Kellie has been working at Wavell Heights Kindergarten since 2013.
Helen Woodland
Teacher (Two Day KANGAROO Group)
Helen began her career in education after completing a Bachelor of Teaching degree in 1992. Over the past 30 years she has worked with young children in Kindergarten, Prep and Primary School. A passionate learner, in 2017 Helen completed a Master of Education (Early Childhood Teaching).
Nellie Barichello
Assistant (Two Day KANGAROO Group)
Nellie is well qualified with her Associate Diploma of Childcare and Bachelor of Teaching (primary), she has over 25 years of experience of working in the field early childhood education and care, including as a director in a child care centre. Nellie has been working at Wavell Heights Kindergarten since 2008.
Toni Dineen
Assistant (Two Day ECHIDNA Group)
Toni has an Associate Diploma of Education (Child Care), with over 22 years of experience in early childhood. Toni has been working at Wavell Heights Kindergarten since 2013.
Gina Baptiste
Assistant (Three Day POSSUM Group)
Gina has a Certificate 3 in Children’s Services and has over 14 years of working in early childhood. Gina also has a Certificate of proficiency in Dental Nursing and experience in the dental nursing field. Gina has been working at Wavell Heights Kindergarten since 2006.
Kate Wilson
Assistant (Three Day KOALA Group)
Kate has her Certificate III in Children’s Services and a ‘Diploma in High School Teaching.’ Kate has over 10 years of working in early childhood and has been working at Wavell Heights Kindergarten since 2010.
Alex Szymanski
Finance and Administration Officer (each Tuesday and Friday)
Alex started working at Wavell Heights Kindergarten at the start of 2022. Alex has a strong background in Finance and Kindergarten administration. Alex had been a part of the kindy community prior to commencing her role.
Kimilla Dohlad
Public Relations and Administration Officer (alternate Monday, Wednesday, alternate Thursday)
Kimilla started working at Wavell Heights Kindergarten at the start of 2021. Kimilla had been a part of the kindy community 4 years prior as a volunteer and has a background in Aviation.