Coonamble Pre School employees a dedicated, highly experienced and qualified team of Early Childhood Educators to teach and support your child.
Heidi Hodgson is the director at Coonamble Pre School. Heidi studied a Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education at the University of Newcastle and returned to Coonamble to commence her career in early childhood education in 2015. Heidi is passionate about creating access to quality early childhood education, her focus is to instil a love of learning, life skills and self-confidence in the years prior to commencing school. Heidi is an advocate for rural and remote communities and encourages all early childhood educators to consider a position in a country community like Coonamble.
Nicole Cleary is our Coonamble Pre School Administration Officer, she is the friendly face who will greet you as you walk through the doors. Nicole is a long serving employee at Coonamble Pre School, beginning her position here in 2007. Nicole goes above and beyond to ensure that the clerical duties of Coonamble Pre School are completed to the highest standard. She supports families with the enrolment process and is always more than willing to help with the completion of any necessary paperwork required of parents or caregivers. Come and say hello to Nicole in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, she is always happy to help!
Genelle Landers is an Early Childhood Trained Teacher at Coonamble Pre School, and has been with us for 10 years. Genelle has a passion for supporting children with therapy-based programs and is responsible for facilitating our Skills and Movement & Language program at Coonamble Pre School. Genelle works alongside therapists, families and children to create and maintain programs specific to children’s needs. Genelle is always coming up with fun & quirky ways to engage children in therapy activities. Genelle is also a great nature lover, she can be found engaging children in experiences that involve planting and tending to vegetable gardens or caring for our preschool chickens.
Kellie Robinson holds a Diploma in Children’s Services and is committed to ensuring that all children feel a sense of belonging at our service. Over the years Kellie has participated in various professional development experiences, extending her knowledge of early childhood development and evolving her practice as a preschool teacher. In the past, Kellie has also taken on the temporary role of our service director, to which she filled the position wonderfully. You will find Kellie engaging in a lot of spontaneous play experiences with children, her warmth and kindness radiates throughout our preschool.
Ellie O’Connor is one of our Diploma Qualified Educators at Coonamble Preschool. Ellie began her career at Preschool at the beginning of 2023, and is currently working to finish her studies in Early Childhood Teaching. Ellie loves including messy play into our curriculum, and enjoys seeing all the children get creative with their play. Ellie has taken on the role of Inclusion and Support Officer, and works to provide one on one support to children with additional needs at Coonamble Pre School, and working with families and external support agencies to ensure they get the most out of their time at Preschool, and have a smooth transition to school.
Emily Gallen started her Early Childhood Career as a casual educator at Preschool earlier this year. She has since commenced full time employment and is quickly finding her feet as a valuable educator in our team. Emily is currently studying her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. She has already built great relationships with the children, providing a calm and supportive space for them, and is already a great educator. We can’t wait to see what she will do as she progresses through her studies and her career with us at Preschool.
Maxine Galagher is one of our Certificate III Qualified Educators here at Preschool. She began working with us as a Casual Educator, but is now employed Part-time, 2 days a week. Maxine loves getting crafty with the children and they love her hands on group time activities. Maxine is a valuable member of the team here at Preschool, jumping in to help wherever she is needed, and building strong and loving relationships with all our children.
Mandy Buckley is our longest serving employee at Coonamble Pre School, with 18 years of service under her belt. Mandy holds a Diploma in Children’s Services and a special place in many local children’s hearts. At the local supermarket or the coffee shop, you will find Mandy chatting with past children who are now planning their future tertiary studies. Mandy is a fabulous early childhood educator, she truly values the process of creating meaningful relationships with families to better support their child and their experiences at Coonamble Pre School. Mandy is our art and crafts go-to guru, she is always planning the most wonderful creative experiences for children to participate in at preschool.
Teigan Wood began her early childhood career at Coonamble Pre School in 2017 upon commencing her High School Certificate. Teigan holds a Certificate III in Early Childhood Services and is passionate about supporting children’s progress and celebrates their achievements daily. In the past, Teigan has taken on roles that require providing one on one support to children with additional needs at Coonamble Pre School. Teigan is currently on Maternity leave and we can’t wait to see her back at Preschool soon.
Kelsey Shields is a Diploma Qualified Educator. She holds her Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and has recently gone on Maternity Leave. Her role at Coonamble Pre School began at the beginning of 2022, however it feels as though she has been here for years! Kelsey’s energy is infectious and her love for her family, animals, adventure and sport makes her extremely relatable as an early childhood educator. We can’t wait to have her re-join us when she finishes her Maternity Leave.
Photos Courtesy: Kirsty Fisher Photography