Our team

Director

Rhian, along with Johnny is the centre Director. Rhian has 3 years experience as a Director and 15 years experience in Childcare. Rhian has a Certificate Three and Diploma of Children’s Services, which she completed whilst working in the industry for optimum experience. Rhian has two young children.

Rhian enjoys reading, sport, going to the beach and spending time with her family. Rhian is passionate about getting to know each child for who they are and catering to their specific needs. She has an interest with children who “think outside the square”. She believes that children learn best when they are comfortable and happy within themselves, and that this starts with positive relationships with educators and then peers.

Assistant Director

Sam has been working in the Early Childhood Education Industry since she commenced her degree twenty five years ago. In between having three children Sam has worked in the Inner West, Western Suburbs and on the Northern Beaches in a range of Long Day Care and Pre-school settings. Sam also worked as a Manager of Before and After School Care settings but missed working directly with the children and so is very happy to be part of the Belrose Kindergarten team.

Through Sam's experience with her own children she has learnt how anxiety and depression affects our children’s learning along with ADHD, Dyslexia and speech delays. She believes that the journey children take their parents on is a steep learning curve, which has helped shape her as an educator who supports not just the children but also the parents. Sam believes in providing children with an environment which ignites their passion whilst introducing all learning and developmental areas. She believes that children’s sense of being, belonging and becoming is essential for them to grow into a confident, happy and healthy child.

Preschool Room Leader - 3 to 4 years

Mel commenced her profession in the field of Early Childhood in 1999 when she was just 18 years of age. She has completed a Diploma of Children's Services and in 2009 attained her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education in order to become an Early Childhood Teacher (ECT). Mel has many years of experience working in Early Childhood in a range of Long Day Care and Preschool settings, as well as extensive training through various professional development courses and in services.

Through her various roles over the years Mel has gained experience in centre management and daily operations, and having children of her own (both boys) has strengthened her position and allows her to offer the perspective of both educator and parent.

Mel has always had a great love of children and a passion for their education. She enjoys having the opportunity to work with them on a daily basis and the things that children say and do never cease to amaze her, even when they are being brutally honest! Mel feels privileged to be part of the lives of every child in her care and is rewarded whenever they learn something new, and with each smile that comes her way.

Guppies group leader (2 -3 years room)

Ayumi works full time and with our Guppies who are aged two and three years, and has been part of the Belrose Kindy team since 2019. Holding a certificate 3 in childcare, she is currently also studying for a diploma in childcare.

Born and raised in Tokyo (where her family still lives), Ayumi loves to share her diverse cultural experiences with the children. She has a particular interest in Spanish culture, having finished her University studies in the language and culture of that country.  A lover of the ocean, Aymun is a member of the Manly Malibu Club (surf long board club), and has previously volunteered as a life saver in Narrabeen and worked as a surf coach. She is also a qualified yoga teacher.

Ayumi loves working with the Guppies as they journey towards greater autonomy, providing them with lots of encouragement and support as they make new discoveries and become more confident in their abilities.

Preschool Room Leader - 3 to 4 years

Siobhan is the Early Childhood Teacher on Wednesday and Friday in the Seahorse group. She has been working at Belrose Kindergarten since 2021 on a permanent basis, and casually for a few years prior.  Siobhan loves what she does and has been teaching children since 1994 in a variety of different early childhood settings including a prep school, pre school, long daycare and family care day. She goes to work everyday thinking how blessed she is!!   Siobhan is committed to, and privileged by the opportunity to assist children to realise their talents, abilities and potential. Children are her teacher as well her beng theirs. She is amazed at how children think, learn and develop.

Siobhan is married with three children, two adult daughters and a teenage son. She is delighted to also be a grandmother to a gorgeous two year old boy who lives in Brisbane. Shiobhan loves spending time with him and developing a special connection. She has two dogs, and enjoys jazzercise, exercising and art.  Siobhan volunteers each week at church to provide food 'love boxes' to families in need.

If you would like to talk to Siobhan, please don’t hesitate to make contact. You can see her at the gate for a quick catch up (Wednesdays and Friday’s) or arrange a time to talk on the phone.

Turtles group leader (newborn-2 years room)

Matt is a true Belrose local having been born and raised in the area, attending both Belrose Public and Davidson High Schools.

About to commence his Diploma in childcare studies, Matt currently holds a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care which he earned through an internship program while working part time at Belrose Kindy. Matt has been a valued part of our team since 2018. Outside work hours, Matt’s interests include reading (mainly the genres of fantasy and magic), gaming and science.

Matt is our Turtles group leader caring for babies aged from 6 weeks through to toddlers. He likes to encourage the curiosity and exploration that comes with this age group, and through his interactions ensures each baby feels loved and secure. Matt encourages open communication with parents so he can meet the needs, routines and interests of each child for whom he cares.

Yasmin does relief work at Belrose Kindergarten while she completes her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.  Yas has been part of the Belrose Kindy family for many years, as both her daughters attended the Centre during their pre-school years.  She joined our team in 2013.