4 YEAR OLD TEACHERS AND EDUCATORS

At Winston Hills Preschool we have established, a experienced and consistent team of teachers and educators who are passionate about early childhood education whom are able to deliver a high quality play-based program and curriculum. Our team is led by University Degree qualified Early Childhood Teachers with support staff holding either a Diploma or Certificate Three in Early Childhood Education.

Meet The Teachers & Educators

Kylie Baker

4 Year Old Teacher
(Red robin Group)

Kylie graduated from University of Melbourne (Bachelor Early Childhood Studies) in 2002. Kylie is a passionate teacher with over 15 years experience in early childhood education, who has held a variety of teaching roles in Australia, Japan and UK, including as an Early Childhood Mentor for educators in Victoria.

Nicola Cairns-Cowan

4 Year old Teacher (billy buttons group)

Nic graduated with a Bachelor of Education and Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood in 1997 and has spent her career immersed in early childhood in a variety of roles across New Zealand, England and now Australia.

She is fascinated in the development of children and believes that respectful and responsive relationships provide an important foundation on which children can grow, explore and learn.

Nic is passionate about research on brain development and the social and emotional development of children, so supporting children to feel safe and secure in their surroundings is a priority. Nic also enjoys connecting children with nature and the responsibilities of caring for our world.

“By creating a warm and inviting environment where children can be free to explore and experiment with ideas, we help children to develop lifelong skills of curiosity, confidence, persistence and resilience.” – Nic

In 2011 Nic moved from New Zealand to Melbourne and lives locally with her husband and two daughters.

Mia Cao

4 Year old Teacher (violet blossom Group)

Mia has been our Purple Group teacher since 2023.

Mia holds a Graduate Diploma in Education and is an experienced Early Childhood Teacher &​ Early Childhood Language Program teacher.

Mia enjoys listening to children's words, trying new things with them, laughing and making fun together. ​

In her spare time, she loves to work out, exploring different playgrounds with her children, reading and cooking. ​


 
 

Yumei Yang

4 Year Old Educator
(Red robin Group)

I hold a Master of Teaching (Primary & Early Childhood) and strongly believe in the Image of the Child as capable and competent. I value close partnerships with families and enjoy contributing to the community through volunteering and children’s literacy activities.

Before moving into early childhood education, I worked in leadership and training roles, designing professional learning programs and supporting teacher development. This experience strengthens my reflective practice and commitment to high-quality education.

As a parent of two children who attended Winston Hills Preschool and had wonderful experiences, I’m delighted to now help create the same positive and meaningful environment for your children.

Thu Tran

4 Year Old TEACHER
(billy buttons group)

“I believe a passion for learning is imbedded in a child’s passion to play… So let’s go play!”

Thu joined Winston Hills in 2024 as a 4-year-old provisional teacher for Yellow Group in 2024. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching and a Bachelors Degree in Nursing, but her proudest achievement is being a mum to her three children (who all attended Winston Hills).

Thu enjoys making connections with children and valuing each individual as they learn, develop and grow. Working with children keeps her young at heart too.

Jodie Hall

4 YEAR OLD Educator
(Purple Group)

Jodie Hall is our Purple Group educator. Jodie has 20 years working experience in early childhood education. She loves sharing stories and songs with children especially using her hand-made visual props. Jodie also enjoys doing dancing experiences with the children and has an interest in mindfulness. Jodie is currently doing a short online course in teaching mindfulness to children and believes incorporating mindfulness in a child's day helps regulate their emotions and improves cognitive development.