Our Team
Meet Our Educators
At Acacia, our passionate educators are nurturing professionals who create a safe, welcoming space where every child feels supported to learn, play, and thrive.
Each of our 3-year-old and 4-year-old groups is guided by qualified Early Childhood Teachers who bring expertise, care, and a genuine love of teaching to every day. Our team is committed to building strong relationships with children and families, laying the foundation for a confident and joyful start to learning.
Emma
Three-Year-Old Educator & Administration Officer With Acacia since 2009.
Emma is a calm, creative, and deeply caring presence in our 3-year-old room. With over 15 years of experience at Acacia, she understands just how powerful early learning can be. For Emma, the magic lies in how much a young child can discover in a single day. She finds joy in watching children grow, explore, and surprise her with their ideas and abilities.
Outside of the classroom, Emma enjoys beach walks with her dog, relaxing with her children, and catching up with friends. She’s a lover of stories—especially the twisty, suspenseful kind found in Stephen King novels. Her favourite childhood memories are the simple, sun-soaked days playing in the backyard with her siblings.
Yolande
Educational Leader, Nominated Supervisor & Teacher (3 & 4-Year-Old Groups)
With Acacia since 1997
Yolande is the heart of Acacia’s teaching team—a wise, supportive leader with decades of dedication to early childhood education. Her passion lies in creating a happy, safe space where children can build friendships, confidence, and curiosity. Yolande brings a thoughtful and reflective approach to her role as Educational Leader, guiding the team and nurturing every child’s learning journey.
When she’s not at Acacia, she recharges by spending quiet weekends at her home in Torquay. She loves children’s literature—especially Room on the Broom—and enjoys reading autobiographies during the school holidays. Her favourite memories are of long, laughter-filled holidays with family and friends in Mildura.
Debbie
Co-Educator – Green & Blue Groups
With Acacia since 2020
Debbie is a warm, approachable educator who builds genuine connections with each child she works with. Her favourite part of the job is watching children grow and develop their unique personalities—and being part of the moments that make them smile and laugh.
Debbie is happiest outdoors with her dog, Snow, especially on beach walks or relaxing at the park. She loves sharing stories with children and is inspired by books like The Book Thief. Her childhood was filled with fun: hula-hooping for hours, roller skating, and making memories by the sea.
Lalin
Teacher
With Acacia since 2011
Lalin is a thoughtful, encouraging teacher who supports children as they explore and express themselves. She delights in seeing their confidence grow through simple milestones like writing their names or proudly showing a drawing. With quiet strength, Lalin helps every child find their voice and sense of achievement.
Weekends for Lalin are a mix of neighbourhood walks and enjoying new cuisines around Melbourne. She still holds fond memories of childhood visits to the local milk bar—armed with loose change and a sweet tooth! Her favourites? Cinderella and a cheeky scroll through Facebook.
Vickie
Music Teacher
With Acacia since 1997
Vicki brings rhythm, creativity, and joy to the preschool through her music sessions. Her greatest reward is seeing children respond to music—singing, dancing, laughing—connecting with it in their own unique way. She believes music has the power to build confidence and bring people together.
When she’s not teaching, Vicki’s perfect weekend includes an early chai at a cosy café, long walks with her husband, and time spent with her adult children and friends. She’s a lover of historical fiction, especially Pillars of the Earth, and she fondly remembers her childhood dreams of roller skating adventures.
Sam
Educator
With Acacia since 2022
Sam has a gentle, nurturing nature that makes every child feel safe, seen, and supported. She thrives on building trusting relationships and creating a warm learning environment where children can explore and grow at their own pace.
Weekends are all about quality time for Sam—whether that’s family outings or peaceful walks with her dog, Lulu. Her favourite children’s book is Pig the Pug, and her best childhood memories are of street games with neighbourhood friends, climbing trees and riding bikes from morning until dusk.
Jodie
Support Educator
With Acacia since 2020
Jodie brings joy and calm into the classroom. She’s always ready to celebrate the little moments—the surprise, the silliness, and the sheer wonder of a child discovering something new. Every day is different, and she loves the smiles, stories, and spontaneous laughter that come with working in early childhood.
When she’s not at Acacia, Jodie enjoys shopping and spending time with her family. She has a soft spot for stories with happy endings and treasures memories of Friday night outings with her mum and big family celebrations full of laughter and love.
Vidooshi
Educator
With Acacia since 2024
As one of the newest members of our team, Vidooshi brings energy, kindness, and a love for learning to every child she meets. She is passionate about helping children build skills through play, and is always looking for ways to encourage curiosity and independence.
Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and catching up with friends. Her favourite reads are Danielle Steel novels, and her most treasured childhood memories involve outdoor adventures and building cubby houses in the yard—pure imaginative fun!
Sein
Support Educator
With Acacia since 2024
This is Sein’s second year at Acacia Avenue Preschool. She loves listening to children’s stories and ideas, finding inspiration in their imagination and honesty.
On weekends, Sein enjoys baking and playing board games with her children, as well as reading—some of her favourite books include Sapiens and Prisoners of Geography. One of her happiest childhood memories is her kindergarten days, which she remembers with great fondness.
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Leanne
Educator
With Acacia since 2024
Leanne is part of our Red Group team on Wednesdays and is now in her second year at Acacia Avenue Preschool. She loves how children view the world with such joy and enthusiasm.
In her spare time, Leanne enjoys road trips, hiking, and country pub lunches with her partner. One of her favourite childhood memories is exploring the countryside with her family.
Our programs
3 year old kinder
A warm and playful introduction to early learning. Children explore, socialise, and grow through hands-on, play-based experiences—building confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning.
4 year old kinder
A joyful year of growth and learning through play, connection, and family support. Our program nurtures independence and confidence, preparing children for a smooth and confident transition to school.
Come and see for yourself
A community-led kindergarten for 3 and 4 year olds, where curiosity is encouraged and childhood is celebrated.
