Our Teachers

Using play-based and interactive activities, our program encourages and supports our children to develop to their full potential. We know that learning can happen anywhere and at any time, and our educators are highly trained and attuned to capture incidental and meaningful learning moments and capitalise on these, helping children gain new skills and experiences.

We are extremely proud of our beautiful and newly renovated indoor and outdoor education spaces. They are specifically arranged in a way to encourage our children to engage, build interests, and learn in a supportive and inclusive setting.

4 Year Old (Purple, Yellow & Blue Group)

Teacher Educator: Robyn Withington

I have been teaching at Ashwood Memorial Kindergarten since 2013. As the Nominated Supervisor and Educational Leader I collaboratively lead our team of dedicated and talented Educators and co-educators.

With the support from the Y Ballarat and the committee, I thrive on providing high quality early childhood programs. I am passionate about developing positive relationships with the children and their families to nurture their child's enthusiasm for learning. I love watching each child develop to their full potential as they learn through the many elements of the play-based program.

Co-Educator 4 Year Old: Teresa Horgan

My interest in children began when I was a young teenager. After obtaining my Diploma I began my career working with newborn babies (my passion at the time).

Since then I have had many years experience working with three to eight-year-olds in school and community settings. During this time, I have also been engaged as a Special Needs Educator, which has given me a greater awareness and understanding of the difficulties facing many children. I believe that children become confident learners when they feel comfortable and accepted in their surroundings. Following a curriculum led by children’s interests but enhanced by qualified and supportive educators enables children to reach their potential. Being involved in teaching children about their world is a responsibility that brings great satisfaction and pride. Getting to know the families and the personalities of the group is an important aspect of my time and adds a sense of achievement to my work. All children need to be recognised as individuals and treated with warmth, understanding and respect to enable them to be relaxed and secure about their own abilities. I feel privileged to work with a dedicated and professional team who support and mentor each other and just as importantly share a sense of humour.

Co-Educator 4 Year Old: Toula Moutsopoulos

I have been working in Early Childhood since 2009 and I have worked with both 3 year old and 4 year old groups.

I have a passion for guiding and nurturing children and I look forward to meeting and forming great relationships with our kinder families.

I feel privileged to be working with both Blue and Purple groups and to be a part of the dedicated and professional team at AMK.

Co-Educator 4 Year Old: Myra White

I started working last year in 2020 as Lunch Cover Educator at Ashwood Memorial Kindergarten. I also work at another preschool as a 3 year old Co-Educator. I have been working as an Early Childhood Educator since 2016 and before that as a teachers aide.

I believe it is important to recognise the children's strengths and their willingness to learn in their own way . I see them as unique individuals with their own personalities. I think it is important to let the children strive and see their confidence grow with lots of support and encouragement by Educators .

As an Educator, I value their different backgrounds, curiosity to learn and building positive relationships both with the children and their families.

4 Year Old

Co-Educator 3 Year Old: Tania McClive

I have been an educator for four years now and am so happy to be working with such a wonderfully knowledgeable and caring team at Ashwood Memorial Kinder. 

I believe that all children start out with a growth mindset, and if they are nurtured by respectful, mindful adults and have access to inspiring environments and experiences in their early years, they will grow into bright, resourceful and happy people.

In my experience, children learn best when they take the lead and are responsible for their own learning processes; where everyday life and play is the curriculum and learning happens every moment of every day.

Building positive relationships with families is a very rewarding part of my job and I love sharing my interests with the children. When I’m not at Kinder I fill my days with family, animals, crafts, music and nature. 

3 and 4 Year Old (Green and Purple Group)

Teacher Educator: Meg Egberts

I believe relationships with significant people in a child’s life underpin their development.

Building strong and effective partnerships with families to gain insightful knowledge into the ‘whole child’ is of fundamental importance in your child reaching their full learning potential. I view children as ‘active agents’ – they are strong and capable in leading their own learning. I know when children feel valued and respected for who they are and what they bring to a community, it fosters a sense of belonging and a healthy self-esteem. I believe a child’s early childhood years should be filled with curiosity, imagination, adventure, fun and laughter. My teaching role is much more than nurturing and helping your child learn and develop. I learn as much from the children I have the privilege to teach and their families and the wonderful AMK community as they do from me.

Co-Educator 3 and 4 Year Old: Marita Murray

I have been working in early childhood for the past 16 years. During this time I have seen many changes take place within early childhood education.

This is my eighth year working at AMK and I enjoy the family and community aspect of working here. From staff, committee, families and the Y Ballarat, we work together as a team to make AMK a safe, nurturing, welcoming and friendly environment for all our families. I look forward to meeting new families as they begin their Kindergarten years at AMK.