About Us

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.

Ann McDonald Pic

Wiyabu (Hello)

I am the Business Manager. I've been with PMCP since 2014, I started shortly after I moved to Port Macquarie. My youngest son attended the Preschool, he is now a teenager....time has flown! I also have two teenage daughters, who love visiting and helping at the Preschool events.

I have a Bachelor of Economics (Social Sciences) with majors in Management and Government. I love working at PMCP, it is such a varied role; I love making connections with the children and families, seeing them grow and change throughout the years. Another part of the job I enjoy is obtaining grants and funding to ensure that all children have access to quality early childhood education at a low and affordable fee.

When I'm not at work I go camping on country, out to restaurants or I'm at home, on our farm where we have lots of animals to care for.

 

Cara-2017-200x300

Wiyabu, I am the friendly smiling face you see when you walk in at Munster Street.

My role as Office Manager has changed and evolved over the 16 years I have been here at PMCP and all I can say is I LOVE MY WORK.

Each day brings new and exciting adventures. I enjoy seeing the children grow and develop into confident children who are comfortable in their surroundings and ready to take on their next big adventure.

My partner and I have 4 grown children, and 4 grandbabies, I love it when they all come home, our home is filled with fun and laughter and lots and lots of good times.

I am also working towards my Cert III in Early Childhood and am enjoying the study.

When not at work I love to travel it’s a great way to meet people and make friends, I also enjoy cooking and getting my hands dirty in the garden.

 

 

 

Debby Roberts

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!

 

 

Katie

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.

Jenna Lindsay

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!

 

Alyssa Chapman

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). 

Koryn Jacobs Pic

My name is Maggie…

I have a Certificate III and a Diploma in Children's Services. I have worked at PMCP for over 15 years and have seen the role of Educator evolve and change during that time.

After all these years as an Educator, I still  enjoy the trust that builds up with the children in our care. Seeing them learn and develop to become comfortable in their environment and confident in their sense of self. It is also wonderful to support families in their role as parents.

I am married and have one grown-up daughter. My interests outside of work; I love nature, walking, family, travel and anything contributing to make the world a better place! At Port Macquarie Community Preschool, I have been increasing my knowledge of Aboriginal history and of the local Aboriginal community and I continue to enjoy this journey!

Maggie O'Donovan

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.

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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

Debbie B

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.

deb

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!

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Wiyabu hello my name is Lori-Ann

I am a proud descendant of the Birpai and Dunghutti nations.

I'm a mum to four sons all who have attended PMCP so I've been walking through those front doors for several years now.

I have a certificate lll in Early childhood Education and Care where I've been actively engaged in the early childhood industry since 2018. Additionally, I hold a certificate lll in Aboriginal Languages specializing in Gathang language.

My role at Port Macquarie community preschool is the Aboriginal Engagement Educator.

Part of my role is the create a culturally rich environment that promotes and encourages children and Educators to develop their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal cultures, history, issues, and culturally appropriate practices. Throughout the preschool year I spend equal time in each learning environment contributing an Aboriginal perspective and Gathang language to the learning programs. Alongside the outdoor Educators I get to go out on county taking part in the Learning on Barray program.

It's an absolute pleasure to play a small role to support the learning journey of your little ones.

Marrungbu thankyou

Lori-Ann McKinnon

 

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!

 

 

 

Victoria

 

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.

 

 

 

Leanne

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!

Renee

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.

Kylee

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.

Emilia

 

 

 

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.

Sonya Pic

 

 

“Hi there! My name is Amy and I joined the PMCP in Feb 2024 after relocating to Port Macquarie. I've been working in Early Childhood Education for over 7 years now. I've loved every moment of it because no day is every the same, even on the quiet or chaotic days it is always fun, challenging and exciting! I currently hold a Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care but I relocated to Port Macquarie to study a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy so that I can continue to help children and their families as they navigate the lives and the world around them.

A little about me, I've tried almost every sport under the sun but have fallen deep into the world of golf. I absolutely love the beach and any kind of adventurous day outside. When I'm not golfing, working or studying, I'm back home in Newcastle visiting family & friends and most importantly my boxer puppy Billy! I look forward to meeting you all!"

 

amy

 

 

 

My name is Peter and I am in charge of cleaning, maintenance and minding the chickens at PMCP.

I moved to Australia from Ireland over 20 years ago. My hometown castle was used by Mel Gibson when making the movie ‘Braveheart’.

I have lived in Port for 10 years and have been employed in the maintenance and cleaning Industry for over 20 years. My wife, 3 daughters and 2 dogs recently travelled around Australia for 6 months and have also backpacked Europe in the Summer of 2018.

We love soccer, footy, camping, travelling and watersports. My hobbies include photography, videography and history studies.

Previous to gaining my Health Support Services qualifications, I was involved in the retail and commercial furniture industry in Ireland and Australia.

Peter Crinion 20220731_183956~2 (004)

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