Caring and experienced teachers, committed to the learning and happiness of every single child
We are fortunate to have a wonderful team of warm and dedicated teachers, each with a wealth of experience and committed to Livingston and the children in their care.
We are proud to have little to no turnover in our staff, and we believe this is a reflection of what a special place we have at Livingston.
“My teacher is special because she is so nice. I like making mosaics with her. She is the best; she smiles all the time.” -Elliott, age 5
“My teachers are really fun. They read us books and sing cool songs and play with us.” -Ethan, age 4
“I like reading books and making cups out of Play Doh with my teacher. I like the stickers that they give you after packing up time.” -Seren, age 4
Meet our teachers
Louise, Director and 4yo kinder teacher
I began working with children 35 years ago and could not imagine doing anything else. A Highett local, I have been at Livingston since 2007, and as Director I know the kinder inside-out, meeting each family. I am passionate about creating an engaging, safe, and stimulating environment for every single child. I personally enrol each one.
At Livingston, we offer a holistic support system for your child that goes beyond basic learning. We believe that to get a good education, a child must feel safe and engaged, and our team is dedicated to supporting each child individually, whatever their needs are.
We are so privileged to have an incredibly talented team of long-term educators at Livingston. Each of them works tirelessly to create experiences for the children to develop a variety of skills and attitudes. We place a strong emphasis on confidence, independence, autonomy, collaboration, respectfulness, fun, and, of course, a love of learning.
Anne
I have worked in the Early Childhood field for nearly 40 years, and I love working at Livingston Kindergarten. I have always been passionate about Early Childhood education, which is such a formative stage of a child’s life. I love the energy that children share with us, their take on life, their honesty, their curiosity! My husband and I have raised three wonderful children, all in their twenties now. In the blink of an eye, they have gone from babies to adults. In my spare time I love walking, bush walking, travel, and riding my bike.
Emma
With over a decade in early childhood education, I’ve been leading both three and four-year-old groups at Livingston since 2014. I have enjoyed implementing a STEM program to create special experiences to build children’s problem-solving skills, and I have a passion for music and movement, which is something I try to incorporate daily within my programs. I was drawn to teaching kindergarten, as I love supporting children to find a love for learning. It is fascinating to discover what style of learner an individual child is and uncover each child’s unique thinking process while observing their play.
Kathleen
I began working at Livingston in 2013, across four-year-old groups and extended care. With special experience working with children with additional needs, I have a sound knowledge of the early childhood frameworks (EYLDF) and quality standards, enhancing my ability to provide the best care for children, extend their learning and social connections, and help them feel safe whilst having fun! I love the funny things children say, the uniqueness of each child, and their honesty, enthusiasm and zest for learning
Kirsty
With a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, I have been teaching at Livingston Kindergarten since 2011. I enjoy working with families and children, to support each child to get the most out of their time at kindergarten. I feel privileged to be part of children’s lives during this significant time in their learning. I have a particular interest in Trauma responsive practice and Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorder. I also organise and coordinate the Bayside and Kingston Teachers Network, alongside our director, Louise. When not working, I love spending time with my family, reading, and gardening.
Shannyn
I have always had a passion for working with children, and I’ve been at Livingston kindergarten since 2018. I have my Diploma in early childhood education and care. I thoroughly enjoy playing an active role in children’s learning and development, and I share the wonder children express during learning. It brings me so much joy to see the progress the children make throughout the year. I spend weekends teaching swimming, and in my spare time I enjoy walking, surfing, and spending time with my family, dogs, and friends.
Tina
I’ve been at Livingston since 2013. Working here has been the most rewarding experience, as I have relished being challenged by the children and my work colleagues in an amazing environment rich in resources and knowledge. A Bayside local since birth, I originally trained as a chef and also love tennis and knitting. I love the relationships we build with the children and their families-- they last long after they’ve finished at Livingston-- and also the amazing work colleagues who have become life-long friends.
Yvonne
Originally from South Africa, I worked as a Kindergarten teacher in Johannesburg for eight years before relocating to Melbourne. I am bachelor-trained and work across three-year-old groups and extended care. I believe in providing an inviting, caring, and nurturing learning environment which creates experiences that allow for the children to safely explore, learn, and imagine. I enjoy spending time with my own two children and my husband travelling, exploring and taking long walks.
Alyson
I have worked in the Early Childhood industry for ten years, with 2021 being my first at Livingston Kindergarten. Livingston has a beautiful outdoor area, full of natural elements and resources for children to explore, which is what drew me to applying for the position. The staff are engaging, friendly and professional. I thoroughly enjoy being an active part of the children’s development and their learning journey. I believe the kinder years are such an important time in a child’s life, with so much development occurring and I feel privileged to be part of it!
During the weekends I enjoy spending time with my young family, getting out into nature and exploring my local Mornington Peninsula and catching up with friends.
Amy
I am a Diploma qualified Educator and have been working in Early childhood for 20 years.
I joined Livingston mid 2021 and enjoy working as part of a friendly, supportive staff group who are very engaged in their roles and with the children.
I love being part of the children's learning journey and helping them to reach their full potential.
When not working, I am spending time with my family, coaching at my children's netball club and enjoying time on the Mornington Peninsula.
“I love my teacher a lot. I remember on my first day she took extra-special care of me, because she knew I was a little worried and I don’t like saying goodbye. She makes me feel good and special and she always plays with me on the floor and reads books”
