Meet our Wonderful Educators.

Smiling woman wearing sunglasses and a white top outside near a brick wall and the window of a building with a caution sign.

Janelle

Hi, my name is Janelle, I have 30 years’ experience working in the childcare sector and I have been the director of Ocean Shores Preschool for the past five years. I work with an amazing team of supportive and highly experienced educators who are dedicated in providing quality care and education to children. I love nature and have a strong commitment to caring for our environment, integrating sustainability and environmental awareness into my teaching. I am also passionate about the transformative power of creative arts, imagination and play in a child’s development.  

My approach to early childhood education is built on the foundation of trusting relationships, fostering collaboration and confidence with families, children and the community to create an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone feels valued. 

A woman smiling, wearing large leaf-shaped earrings and a plaid shirt, with a blurred background of an indoor space.

Becky

Hi, I’m Becky!

I am a certificate 111 qualified educator in Early Childhood Education and care and have been working in the sector since 2015.

I have a kind, gentle, and nurturing approach, focusing on building trusting relationships with children to support their development and wellbeing.

I am passionate about child safety and welfare and strive to create a secure and inclusive environment where every child feels valued. Also, I have an interest I breath work and mediation and working on incorporating mindfulness techniques to help children develop emotional resilience and a sense of calm.

I live in Brunswick Heads with my husband, 2 dogs and 2 cats and enjoy reading, being with family and friends and camping in my spare time.

Smiling woman with brown hair in a braid, wearing a gray shirt and sunglasses on her head, standing outdoors among large green leaves and plants.

Nora

Hi I’m Nora! I hold a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching from the University of Auckland and have been working as an Early childhood Teacher since 2006 in Australia and New Zealand. I hold the role of educational leader and aim to inspire the team to continually improve and reflect upon our high quality pedagogical practices.

With nearly 20 years of experience, I am deeply dedicated to fostering children’s autonomy, curiosity and creativity through play.

From my roots in Switzerland, through my extensive travels and my studies in bicultural New Zealand, I have learned to appreciate the joy cultural diversity can bring into our lives and I strive to share this with the children at preschool.

As a parent of a teenager, I have been though some interesting times myself and I understand the challenges parenting can throw at us. This has deepened my commitment to fostering independent young thinkers and responsible citizens. I empower children to take ownership of their learning, to develop a sense of fairness and social justice, and to approach challenges with confidence.

I celebrate each child’s unique spirit and joyfully explore their potential alongside them to develop a love for learning that will last a lifetime.

A woman with light skin and short hair wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a white top, and a necklace, smiling at the camera.

April

Hi! My names’ April! I hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and bring over 20 years of experience to my work, having had the privilege of working in a wide range of services and roles. Notably, I even operated my own family daycare, which gave me a unique perspective on the diverse needs of children and families. As a true local, I’m a familiar and beloved face within our community, deeply invested in supporting the growth and development of every child I work with.

With a passionate commitment to sustainability, nature, and loose parts play, I create dynamic, hands-on learning experiences that connect children to the natural world around them. Whether it’s exploring the outdoors, engaging in open-ended play, or crafting with found materials, I encourage creativity and problem-solving, all while fostering an appreciation for the environment.

I believe that learning is most impactful when it’s active, playful, and rooted in real-world experiences. I strive to provide a space where children feel free to explore, take risks, and express their ideas—empowering them to develop a lifelong love of learning and a sense of responsibility toward the world they share..

A smiling man with light brown hair wearing a black jacket outdoors on a grassy area with a white bench and a blue chair in the background.

Grant

Hello! My name is Grant, and I’m thrilled to introduce myself as an educator dedicated to nurturing young minds through curiosity, creativity, and play. With over 22 years of experience in Early Childhood education, I have had the privilege of guiding countless children in their learning, fostering environments where they feel safe, valued, and excited to explore the world around them.  

I believe that every child is unique, and my approach to teaching is centered on enabling learning through their interests—honoring their natural curiosity and encouraging discovery through play pedagogy. Whether it’s building, imagining, storytelling, or experimenting, I am passionate about helping children develop essential skills while embracing the joy of learning.  

Currently, I am over halfway through my Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood and Primary, further deepening my knowledge and refining my teaching practices.

Beyond the classroom, you might find me embracing adventure on my motorbike, enjoying the rhythm of music, or out on the golf course. 

I look forward to meeting families and working together to create a supportive and enriching learning environment for every child.  

A woman with red hair and blue eyes smiling outdoors near a wooden fence and plants.

Audrey

My name is Audrey, and I was born and raised in the Byron Shire. 

I have been an early childhood educator for 15 years and have been working at Ocean Shores Preschool since 2013.

I believe children learn best through play, exploration and discovery. 

As a mum of 2 myself I understand the importance of building trusting and nurturing and supporting relationships with the children and their families.

Cooking, science, sewing and being outdoors is what I love, and giving children the opportunity to explore new experiences, make new discoveries and most of all have a laugh.

Close-up of a woman with brown hair and blue eyes, smiling softly indoors with a window behind her.

Kerry

Hello! My name’s Kerry! Hello! I’m currently completing my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, and I bring a unique blend of experience to my role with a background in physiotherapy and extensive work supporting children with disabilities. Originally from the UK, I’ve called Australia home for the past 18 years, and I’m a proud mum to two adventurous boys.

I’m passionate about the outdoors and love camping, mountain biking, hiking, playing water polo, and spending time at the beach. These interests naturally flow into my teaching, as I encourage children to connect with nature, move their bodies, and embrace adventure. I truly believe in the power of play—especially risky play—as a way for children to discover their own capabilities, build resilience, and grow in confidence.

At the heart of my approach is a strong commitment to community and building meaningful relationships with families. I strive to be a positive role model, supporting children in developing emotional regulation and a strong sense of self-belief. With warmth and encouragement, I help them navigate challenges and remind them that they are capable, strong, and can do hard things!

A woman with long, wet, dark hair smiling on a beach with the ocean in the background, wearing a black top and a patterned shawl, with a name tag reading "Paris".

Paris

(currently on maternity leave)