Our Team
Wiyabu (hi), my name is Ann,
I am the Managing Director, Nominated Supervisor and Educational Leader.
I have a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) and have held various roles in teaching and leadership across 20 years in the not-for-profit, early education sector.
I am passionate about play-based learning, child advocacy and partnership with families to maximise child safety, learning and wellbeing outcomes. I am proud to support a skilled and passionate team in the provision of quality early learning and honoured to be part of the Preschool Community- which has a long and valued reputation within Port Macquarie.
Wiyabu (Hello)
I am the Business Manager and I’ve been part of the team since 2015, shortly after moving to Port Macquarie. My youngest son attended the Preschool, he’s now a teenager… time really has flown! I also have two teenage daughters who love visiting and helping out at Preschool events.
I hold a Bachelor of Economics (Social Sciences), majoring in Management and Government. I truly love working at PMCP, it’s such a varied and rewarding role. I value the connections I make with children and families and enjoy watching them grow and change over the years. I’m also passionate about securing grants and funding to ensure that all children have access to high-quality early childhood education at a low and affordable fee.
One grant that is especially close to my heart is the Ninganah Program. Through this initiative, we work closely with Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley to support the revitalisation of the local Aboriginal language. Being part of this important cultural work is a privilege, and I am deeply committed to ensuring our Preschool actively contributes to strengthening children’s understanding of and connection to local Aboriginal culture and language.
After more than 10 years in the industry, I recently completed my Certificate III in Children’s Services. This has given me an even deeper understanding of child development, the Early Years Learning Framework, regulatory requirements, and the day-to-day experiences of educators and children within our Preschool environment. It has strengthened my appreciation of the vital role early childhood education plays in shaping confident, capable learners and has enhanced my ability to support our team in delivering quality programs.
When I’m not at work, I love going camping on Barray (Country), heading out to local restaurants, or spending time at home on our farm with family.
Wiyabu, I’m Debby, the friendly, smiling face you see when you walk in at Port Macquarie Community Preschool on Munster Street.
My role as Office Manager has changed and evolved over 18 years I have been here, and all I can say is — I absolutely love my work.
Each day brings new and exciting adventures and I truly enjoy watching the children grow and develop into confident individuals who feel comfortable in their surroundings and are ready to take on their next big adventure.
I have recently gained my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education, which has further strengthened my passion for supporting children and families. I strongly believe that respectful relationships with families are the foundation of quality early education, and I value open communication and working in genuine partnership with every family.
My partner and I have four grown children and five beautiful grandchildren. I love it when they all come home — our house is filled with even more fun, and laughter, making for lots of special memories.
When I’m not at work, I love to travel — it’s a wonderful way to meet new people and make lasting friendships. As a qualified chef, I enjoy cooking and getting my hands dirty in the garden.
Hi, my name is Katie…
I joined the PMCP family in 2022. I have worked in Early Childhood Education for 16 years now. For as long as I remember, I have known that Early Childhood Education, is my passion and the industry I wanted to work in. I have worked my way through my Diploma in Children’s Services to my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, while continuing to work in the industry and learn through hands on experience.
My husband Matt and I have two boys. On the weekends we are busy with sport, enjoying our beautiful local beaches, camping or catching up with friends and family. I enjoy sharing my interests of sport, dancing, singing and reading with children and love when they share their interests with me. I believe literacy has such an important role in Early Childhood Education and look forward to sharing this passion with many more children and families.
I am looking forward to meeting you soon!
Wiyabu! I’m Jenna, an Early Childhood Teacher with a Bachelor’s degree and 15 years of experience. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—teacher, educational leader, and director—but my true passion lies in working directly with children. My work is deeply influenced by the The Circle of Security framework and a strong commitment to child safety, ensuring that every child feels secure and supported in their environments.This sense of security fosters resilience, promotes healthy risk-taking, and helps children develop the skills they need to navigate the world around them. Through consistent emotional support and clear boundaries, we create an environment where children feel safe to explore, grow, and reach their full potential.
I joined Port Macquarie Community Preschool in 2024 and love the sense of community it offers as a professional and a Mum. Beyond my professional life, I’m a proud mother of three wonderful kids. Balancing family responsibilities with a fulfilling career keeps me on my toes. I’m skilled at dodging balls, a playful talent I’ve refined in recent years as someone always has a ball in their hand or at their feet. Fun fact: If I wasn’t a teacher, I would love to be a florist! I have a deep love for all things flowers, especially native flowers.
Hi, my name is Alyssa
I have been working at Port Macquarie Community Preschool since 2009. I have however worked in the Early Childhood industry since 2001. At Preschool I am privileged to have the role of Outdoor Educator and along with Emilia and Lori-Ann we run the Learning on Barray Program.
My knowledge over the years has grown and I have developed a strong passion for sustainability and passing this knowledge on to children. A great part of this learning involves being connected to indigenous perspectives in learning how to care for country including land, people, plants and animals.
I am an advocate for children’s rights and believe in providing opportunities for them to use their voice, empowering them for future success as active community members and global citizens.
I love to garden, spend time in nature especially spotting birds, bugs and wildlife. I love books and I am passionate about building connections within the community and teaching children about the world around them.
I look forward to meeting you soon!
I am an Early Childhood Teacher with over 17 years experience in the field, including roles in both Australia and abroad.
I have a long-standing connection with PMCP, with each of my four children having attended the Preschool. I am passionate about fostering curiosity, enthusiasm and creative thinking in young learners, and strive to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all.
I am committed to ongoing learning and am currently studying a Masters of Special and Inclusive Education (Early Childhood).
Hi, my name is Kelly.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in History and English literature and a Diploma in Early Education and Care. I was born and bred in Port Macquarie before venturing off to university and then overseas to travel. Upon returning, I moved to Sydney for 16 years where I was a private nanny for a family for 11 years before heading back home for my sea-change. I have one childa son called Jack.
Early childhood education is important to me because I believe if we can reach children at that critical stage of early development then we can play a crucial role in helping them become the best versions of themselves. For some, preschools are a sanctuary away from home and provide opportunities to develop in all key learning areas.
I enjoy the company and conversations I have with children, the optimism, the questions, the brutal, unfiltered truth. I aim to provide a positive, safe and judgement free place for them to grow, learn and play.
I’m Debbie,
I joined the Community Preschool family in 2022. I have lived in Port Macquarie since I was 5 years old, so I consider myself somewhat of a local. My husband David and I have two adult children. Josh who lives in Canberra and Katie who lives here in Port Macquarie.
I love sport, especially Basketball and firmly believe that being active is a vital component in a child’s development. I have been a member of Port Macquarie Basketball Association since I was 12, I am a Life Member of the club , previous Board Member and President and the current Technical Education Officer overseeing the development of the referees and Technical Officials.
I started my Early Childhood journey later in life but consider it the best decision I have ever made. I studied my Cert 3 through Port Macquarie Tafe and consider every day a learning opportunity. Recently I have undertaken my Diploma Studies and am awaiting my certificate of completion. My previous experience was in Administration however I also hold a Diploma in Event Management.
I also love to travel and my husband and I love exploring new places and creating new memories.
I believe that children are our window to the world. The delight and wonderment they show when they discover something new, is an amazing gift to witness every day. I believe I give children a safe and secure environment in which to grow and learn. My goal is to develop strong relationships with families and children alike. I believe that it is a great privilege to be able to nurture the children in my care and play a small part in their life’s journey. I look forward to meeting you all, please come and say hello.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your children’s lives.
Deb
Hello, my name is Deb,
I am so excited to have the opportunity to work at Port Macquarie Community Preschool! I have been in the Early Childhood sector for 18 years, starting my career on the Gold Coast where I gained my Certificate III. I then moved back to Port Macquarie with my family and continued my Early Childhood journey, achieving my Diploma in Children’s Services and my Bachelor of Education, Early Childhood Degree.
I live with my husband and have three grown children. I am a local having grown up in the Hastings area and love our town, especially the beaches where I spend endless hours either volunteering as a Surf Life Saver at Lighthouse beach or training for the next competition. I am a keen competitor and love to win medals.
I cannot wait to meet everyone involved with Port Macquarie Community Preschool and I invite you to come and say hello to me. I am very approachable and have a friendly personality and happy nature.
I believe a key factor to children’s success in my care is building trusting, open and respectful relationships and partnerships with families, which allows children to feel safe and secure in the early childhood setting. I believe supporting children’s wellbeing and sense of success and achievement will foster a confidence for them to become lifelong learners.
Hi my name is Chris,
I am a father and a family man. I have a Diploma in Management and a Certificate III in Children's Services. My work history is 20+ years as a manager in the Resort and Motor Inn Industry and 16 years experience in children's services, having been at Port Macquarie Community Preschool for the past 9 years, this year being my 10th!
What I love most about my job is the bonds and friendships we make with the children, their families, the staff and the wider community. I love our philosophy of learning through play and enjoy making the children's days at preschool fun, exciting and educational!
Wiyabu I'm Kate; I'm the Aboriginal Engagement Educator. I love to take the children out on Barray (Country). We have so much fun at the bush and beach. We see lots of wildlife and animals.
Hi my name is Victoria, but everyone calls me Torie.
I am a busy mum of four, a toddler, with twin daughters and a high school aged son, life is never dull! I have worked in Early Childhood Education for 12 years. I have a keen personal interest in sport and transferring this to the children teaching them Fundamental Movement Skills through the learning program.
I also enjoy cooking with the children at preschool. I find Early Childhood education so rewarding, as I am privileged to watch your children's individuality emerge and grow through play, guiding them to discover the world around them!
Looking forward to meeting you soon!
Hi my name is Leanne,
My role at Port Macquarie Community Preschool is that of Nutrition Educator! I run the Breakfast Program and manage the children’s nutrition throughout the open leaning program.
Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day. Breakfast means “breaking the fast” as it could be up to 10 hours since a child ate their last meal. Did you know that each day at Preschool we run the free breakfast program daily between the hours of 8am - 10.30am, where the children can have cereal, toast and fruit.
I love getting to each and every child as they come to my nutrition area. I am a mum of three grown up daughters and have three grand daughters, so life is never dull.
Hi my name is Renee,
I have a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education. I have been working in the Childcare Industry since 2012.
My husband Paul and I, along with our four boys moved to Port Macquarie five years ago from a small country town looking for a sea change. We have fallen in love with this wonderful community and all that Port has to offer. In our spare time we enjoy exploring the beautiful beaches, parks, and rainforests. Our children love sport so you will find us out and about at football games, athletics, and swimming in the local beaches.
I find providing Early childhood education very rewarding, and I am privileged to watch your children grow in this critical stage of their early development. I enjoy outdoor play, building, constructing, painting, singing, or dancing with the children. To hear the children's laughter is the highlight of my day.
I look forward to meeting you all soon!
Wiyabu, my name is Kylee,
My husband and our two children made the sea change to beautiful Port Macquarie in 2017 from Sydney, where I had worked in the Insurance Industry for 20yrs. After almost 4 years working in local call centres, I embarked on a career change. I joined PMCP as a trainee and completed my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2022.
I enjoy talking to and getting to know all the families and most importantly the children! What they like, helping them strive, learn, grow and of course have fun! I’m very proud to be a part of the PMCP team.
Hello, my name is Emilia.
I hold a Bachelor of Education and have around ten years of experience in Early Childhood Education and care. I am dedicated to creating a positive and engaging learning environment. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring our local area with my six children, participating in activities such as bushwalking, kayaking, fishing, camping, and enjoying the beautiful beaches.
I have a deep passion for the environment and love sharing this enthusiasm with children, guiding them in discovering and respecting our local plants and animals.
I am truly appreciative of the opportunity to work at a preschool where the staff are committed to integrating the voices of children and families into everyday practices.
"My name is Tom. I am an early childhood teacher and I’ve been working in the industry for about 14 years now. One of the things I like best about the job is how we foster children’s creativity, curiosity and independence. I am always impressed by how children notice the little things in the world around them and am always keen to help facilitate further investigations. I am passionate about the natural world and am always excited to incorporate nature and the outdoors into the curriculum. When I am not at work, I am usually exploring some local walking trail or patch of bush, gardening, working on my property or spending time with my wife and daughter."
Hello Everyone, My name is Lucy G
I have been an educator in the EC sector for 13 years. I hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education & Care and I am currently studying a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) via distance. I love being an Educator! I think the best aspects of my job are supporting families, planning innovative learning opportunities and soaking in the wonder and awe that children naturally exude. I have worked in many different EC spaces including Long Day Care Centres, Preschools and Playgroups. I love coming to work at PMQ Community Preschool because of the inspiring team, beautiful environment and smiling faces of the children.
I have three children of my own, aged 18, 8 and 5. When I'm not working or studying or I love to spend time with my family down at the beach or park. We love to go exploring and camping all along the Coast.
Wiyabu, my name is Lucy.
I first joined the PMCP team in 2016 as a newly qualified educator. I took a short break to explore other opportunities before happily returning in 2022 and I haven’t looked back.
I value joining children in their play and sharing in their curious exploration of the world as they make discoveries and express their unique ideas. It is a privilege to watch children grow in confidence and beam with pride as they recognise their own achievements. Supporting the growth of children continually inspires me to grow as an educator and as an individual.
Music has always brought joy to my life (I play the clarinet) and it’s now something I enjoy sharing and exploring with children. I truly believe music is for everyone, regardless of ability and I hope to help children explore it in ways that are joyful, expressive and developmentally beneficial.
Wiyabu, I'm Karen.
I have been an educator for over 22 years. I am blessed and honoured to have the opportunity to work with all Families and their Children. As an Educator my role is to guide and support families and their children the best way I know how. I believe connections and communication take a big part of that.
As an Educator, I am responsible for a professional level of care toward children. I believe that brain development is critically influenced during these early years in order to form a broad spectrum of social, cognitive and motor skills that will last over a lifetime. Each child must be treated with dignity and respect.
My role as an Educator, I am to stimulate the thirst for curiosity and knowledge. Play-based learning is essential because it is through play that a child questions, discovers, pretends, invents and learns by making mistakes and determines who they are. At all times, I remain cognisant of the fact that every child in unique and therefore brings something special to the pre-school environment. Secretly, I have always believed that all individuals come into my life in order to teach me something and therefore my teachers. Likewise, I look at the children who come under my care as “teachers” in their own right because they bring opportunity for my own personal development regarding patience, understanding and for learning how to respond appropriately to their needs.
Every child deserves the best possible care and should be exposed to a variety of rich learning environments.
Hi, I'm Sonya
Back in 2006, I was one of the little faces who attended PMCP, and fast forward 17 years and I got to then do my traineeship here in 2023 where I completed my Certificate 3 in Children's Services and was lucky enough to stay on with the amazing PMCP team once I was qualified the following year.
I have always had a passion for being with young children, whether that be family friends' children or my niece and nephew. I have always been attracted to the joy and brightness children bring each and every day.
In my spare time, you'll find me exploring into the bush to go camping, spending quality time with my niece and nephew or snuggling up on the couch to crochet a new toy.
Hi I’m Kirsty.
My journey with Port Macquarie Community Preschool began back in 2010 as a parent. I am married to Andrew and we have four children. All of our children had their preschool experience here at PMCP. From that very first visit, I hoped that I would one day work here. I have a certificate III in Children’s Services and am working towards the Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. I love connecting with children and their families.
As a family we enjoy going to the beach and travelling around the state competing in orienteering competitions. We enjoy music, most of us play an instrument and we love board games. I also love to spend time in my garden.
I have an interest in child led learning through play, particularly in nature. I love hearing their chatter as they connect, explore, imagine and create. I love their questions and enjoy supporting them as they make requests to deepen their own learning.
I look forward to meeting you and getting to know your children.
Wiyabu! My name is Telaine.
I was originally born in Port Macquarie, but left when I was 6 years old. However, during every Christmas holiday of my childhood, I would visit my family in Port. In 2022, my husband, our three children, and I made the decision to move back from the Tweed Coast! After graduating from high school, I obtained my Certificate III in Children’s Services. With around 15 years of experience in the childcare industry, I balanced work, raised my children, and ran a home cooking business. Currently, I am pursuing further education and aiming to complete my Early Childhood teaching degree in the future.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the wonderful PMCP team. Being able to contribute to children’s development, growth, and overall well-being is truly fulfilling for me.
Wiyabu, my name is Kate and I have recently joined the PMCP team. Having been a parent of children attending the centre I am returning as a trainee! Whilst completing my Certificate III in Early Childhood I am also continuing (very slowly) with my Masters in Early Childhood.
I feel these years spent in early childhood education are vitally important for our children and creating a warm and safe environment is at the core of this. Preschool is the place to foster creativity, curiosity, movement skills, social connections and of course have fun. It is a privilege to be part of this journey for any child.
Outside of preschool, I am passionate about all things environment related and am happy gardening, exercising, cooking and spending time with my family and friends.
Hey Friends!
I am Lexie - I can say I am an old-new employee who has come back to join this wonderful team here at PMCP. I was here 9 years ago, looking after the children, but my career life had a chance to expand and experience becoming a business owner, so I put a hold on working in the childcare industry - but now I am back and cannot wait to meet you!
I am a new Muma to a beautiful and cheeky little girl who keeps me on my toes. We are always busy and love taking our English Bull Terrier, Dino - to the beach!
Children are our future! We have to nurture and support their growing minds and look at each child individually!
I believe that children have the whole world ahead of them and us as educators can help guide them to be whatever they wish to be!
I cannot wait to see all of you wondering our beautiful preschool!
Hi, my name is Maddison! I have been a proud member of the Port Macquarie Community Preschool team for 2 years. Working with children is my passion, and I am excited to continue contributing to their development in such a nurturing environment.
I love working at a place where I can make a positive impact on young minds, helping them grow and thrive every day.
My name is Amanda and I hold a Certificate III in Children’s Services. I have worked in the early childhood industry for 15 years and absolutely love my job!
I am passionate about creating a warm, safe and nurturing environment where children feel secure, supported and excited to learn. I believe that strong, respectful relationships with our families are essential, and I value open communication and working in partnership to support each child’s individual needs and development.
As a mum of two children myself, I understand how important it is to trust the people caring for your little ones. I strive to build genuine connections with each child and family, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and valued within our preschool community.
I look forward to getting to know you and being part of your child’s learning journey.
Wiyabu (Hello), My name is Tia
I have been an Early Childhood Educator for ten years, and I have just joined the PMCP Team in January 2026.
I hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, and I previously was working as a Family Caseworker for the past three years.
I think the best parts of my job are making connections and supporting children and families, watching them learn and grow, explore their interests, feel safe and have fun!
I am truly appreciative of the opportunity to work at Port Macquarie Community Preschool where we are committed to integrating the voices of children and families into everyday practices and learning.
When I’m not at working at preschool, I enjoy spending time with my 5 year old daughter, exploring the coast, beaches and parks and seeing family and friends.
I look forward to getting to know you and being part of your child’s learning journey.
Hi my name is Alex
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