Ipswich kindergarten Team

Qualifications: Bachelor of Education (Primary), Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Michelle has worked across primary schools, kindergartens, and early childhood centres, bringing a wealth of experience to her role. She is passionate about building strong, meaningful relationships with children and their families, believing that these connections are the foundation for a child's growth and development.

A lifelong learner, Michelle completed Forest and Nature School Practitioner training while living in Canada, which has deepened her appreciation for outdoor, play-based learning.

At home, Michelle keeps busy with her husband and three sons. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring nature, reading, and spending quality time with family.

Qualification: Bachelor of Education E.C

After graduating and teaching at a local Ipswich school for 6 years, Justine took time off to raise her daughters – both of whom attended Ipswich Kindergarten. As a Kindergarten parent, Justine became involved in the behind-the-scenes operation of the Centre, joining the Management Committee and serving as Secretary for 3 years. Justine then joined the teaching staff in 2016, working in a full time capacity before moving to her current position as Teacher of the Water Dragon group and Educational Leader. Justine enjoys travelling, reading and photography and is kept busy as a dance and netball Mum.

Qualification: Bachelor of Education E.C

Donna commenced with Ipswich Kindergarten in February 2023 and for the past 29 years has worked in Community Kindergartens. She is very passionate about working in Early Years Education and advocates strongly for young children and the value of learning through play.

Donna is kept busing caring for her adopted fur babies Zuki and Oscar.

Qualification: Associate Diploma of Education (Child-Care)

While growing up Ann-Maree frequently visited Queens Park and always dreamed she would work at Ipswich Kindy. That dream came true as she started working as a qualified Educator at Ipswich Kindy in 1998. Ann-Maree is married with two teenage sons. They keep her very busy with weekend sport, camping and fishing. Her favourite things to do are scrapbooking, gardening and hiking with friends.

Qualification: Certificate III in Children’s Services

Married with two boys, Kristie commenced with Ipswich Kindergarten in 2009. She has worked in the Early Childhood field for 28 years, 23 of these in community kindergartens. In her spare time she supports her boys in football and quad biking and likes to go fishing and camping.

Qualification: Advanced Diploma inCommunity Services (Childrens Services)

Monika has been working in the industry since 1990 with an Advanced Diploma in Community Services (Childrens Services). She began her career at Ipswich Kindergarten in 2004, where she worked until 2011 before taking a 12 year break to run her own business. In 2022, she returned to the Kindy as an Inclusion Support Educator, a role she finds deeply rewarding.

Beyond her professional career, Monika is a mother to two adult children. She and her partner also run a small Droughtmaster stud which keeps them busy.

Qualifications: Certificate III in Education Support, Diploma of Early Childhood and Care

Melissa joined Ipswich Kindergarten in 2020. Prior to this, she worked as a Teacher Aide in Prep and in ECP at a local school.

In 2009 Melissa stepped into a role of supporting children with additional needs in a Community Kindergarten as an Inclusion Support Educator, a role that she loves and finds very rewarding. Melissa is married with two older teenage daughters and in her spare time she enjoys cooking, gardening, shopping and spending time with family and friends.

Sheryl started her involvement with Ipswich Kindergarten as a parent, as both her daughters attended. As well as being on the Management Committee as Secretary, since January 2005 Sheryl has been employed as the Administration Manager. Sheryl enjoys the gym, spending time with her young adult daughters and hopes to travel more with her husband.