SDN Hurstville Preschool

My qualifications and experience

I hold a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood 0–8 years) from Macquarie University and began with SDN Hurstville as an Early Childhood Teacher in early 2006. Over the past 20 years, I have undertaken a range of leadership roles within the service, including Room Leader, Second in Charge, and Acting Centre Director, before being appointed Centre Director in March 2026.

Prior to joining SDN, I gained valuable experience working across both private and council early childhood settings, supporting children from birth to 6 years. My career reflects a strong commitment to high-quality early childhood education, leadership development, and fostering supportive learning environments for children, families, and educators.

What I'm most passionate about in my role

I am deeply committed to building strong, respectful partnerships with families, educators, and children to create a warm, welcoming, and inspiring preschool environment. I believe that each child is a competent and capable individual with unique strengths, interests, and perspectives. Through collaboration, we foster a connected community where diversity and inclusive practices are valued, individual differences are respected, and every child experiences a genuine sense of belonging. I am dedicated to ensuring that all children feel seen, heard, and valued, and that their voices are reflected in our practices and environments.

As a leader, I take pride in guiding the team at Hurstville and supporting their growth through their individual strengths and passions. I value reflection, shared knowledge, and co-constructed learning, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. I strive to empower educators to deliver high-quality, purposeful, play-based preschool programs that sparks engagement and wonder, inspiring curiosity, exploration, problem solving, creativity, and a love of learning. Through this work, we support children to become confident, capable, and lifelong learners as they transition to school.

What I love about working with SDN

I value the opportunity to work alongside other educators who are dedicated to make a difference in the lives of children, families and the community.  I resonate with and see SDN values in action every day, through a team that embraces diversity, child safety, encourages innovation, and is deeply committed to putting children at the centre of all decision-making. I appreciate the collaborative culture across the organisation and the ongoing support it provides, as well as the opportunity to grow alongside professionals who are focused on improving outcomes for every child.

A little bit more about me

I have two children who fondly remember their time at SDN Hurstville, even now in their teenage and adult years. I highly value connecting with and contributing to my local community through volunteering my time. Over the years, I have been actively involved in my children’s school P&C, including serving as the Uniform Shop Coordinator, and I continue to manage both of my children’s netball teams.

In my personal time, I enjoy spending time with my family, being in nature, and unwinding with a good detective show and appreciating those rare moments of peace.

Get more than school-ready, get life-ready 

Getting school-ready is a journey. It begins with your child’s very first day at our welcoming early education and care centres and continues with our dedicated preschool program.

Developed by university-trained early childhood teachers, our preschool program focuses on the whole child. Children learn to make friends and work together, while gaining the skills and independence they need to thrive through the big transition to school.

Our preschool program follows an evidence-backed, play-based learning approach. Children have fun and follow their curiosity, while we weave in vital skills and learning outcomes.

SDN uses Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework to explore a diverse curriculum from science to social justice. Our days are predictable but flexible, blending structured and spontaneous learning, free play, movement and quiet time.

Our curriculum pillars are:

Our centres have a transition to school program where our teachers and educators work together with local schools to prepare your child for a smooth transition, and support families through the process.

Read more about our educational program here.

SDN's outdoor spaces provide opportunities for children to enjoy themselves and have adventures. They’re safe environments for children to run, jump and yell, make mud cakes, and use their energy. Outdoor spaces provide more than physical benefits. Even though you may think that children only play outside to have fun, they're also improving their thinking, social, and emotional skills. When they’re playing outside, they’re inventing games, learning about the world at their own pace, and figuring out social customs like turn taking.

SDN Hurstville’s garden and play area has been redesigned and landscaped to provide a safe and exciting outdoor space to encourage children’s curiosity, physical skills and social play. It’s a light and airy space, shaded by large sails. It has a purpose-built mud kitchen, a miniature jungle gym, a sandpit on top of a low-incline climbing hill, and a wide double slide, which is good for socialising and sliding!

The traditional owners of the area now known as Hurstville are the Biddegal people of the Eora Nation. 

SDN Hurstville was officially opened on 18 March 1998 by Senator Marise Payne in the presence of guests including SDN’s then patron Mrs Samuels. The previous year, SDN had taken over the operation of a child care centre run by St George Anglican Church and had moved the centre to its current location on 13 October 1997.

The new building was SDN’s first purpose-built centre since the 1970s. It was noted for its light and airy interior which retained portions of the original building – once a local corner shop.

Since its beginnings, SDN Hurstville has undergone many changes, always maintaining and reflecting a strong connection with the families of this vibrant and diverse community.

Read more about SDN Hurstville's history here.

3-5 Preschoolers  

• Spare underwear
• Change of clothes
• Hat – sun safe
• Shoes and Socks
• Warm clothes / Jacket (for outside play)
• Drink Bottle
• Blankets