Meet the Staff
The staff at MPC are all strongly committed and dedicated to the children and families who are part of our centre each year, the philosophy of the centre, to the running of the centre and our local community. Many of our staff have in fact made lasting friendships with past parents and their children. Our commitment to MPC is no evident in our combined total of years of service within our teaching staff alone, which this year totals over 130 years (average of 13 years per teacher)! And our small but dedicated team of administration and support staff have a total of over 36 years service.
Unit One Staff
MONDAY, TUESDAY
FIONA BARTLEY has been teaching here for many years and has previously been involved in both state preschools and private kindergartens. Fiona has a Diploma of Teaching and a Bachelor of Education.
LINDA SCHARF has an Associate Diploma in Education (Child Care) and has been working at our centre since 2002. Linda has worked for many years in child care as an Assistant, Group Leader and Assistant Director.
WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY
KAREN CUSKELLY is a very experienced Early Childhood teacher having previously taught in state preschools, primary schools and kindergartens. Karen has a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood) and a Bachelor of Education.
HAYLEY SWAIN has a Bachelor of Teaching and Grad Dip in Education. Hayley began her connection with this centre six years ago, beginning as the Outside Hours Care Coordinator. She has also relieved for both teachers and assistants while caring for her two young children.
Unit Two Staff
MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY
LOUISE WOOD is Co-Director and has a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Teaching, specialising in Early Childhood. She has many years experience teaching in state preschools, C & K kindergartens and Year 1 in the state education system.
SHEREE WARD joined this centre as an assistant in 2000. Sheree is an enthusiastic and dedicated worker who holds a Certificate III in Children's Services. She was a parent at this centre from 1995 - 2000.
THURSDAY, FRIDAY
LISA SONTER has taught in both state preschools and C & K kindergartens. She has a Diploma of Teaching & a Bachelor of Education and has two daughters. Lisa is undertaking a PHD through UNE. Lisa and Leanne Hunter are also founders of Consultants at Play and advocate for play based curriculum through lectures and workshops with teachers, parents and student groups.
SUE HELSDON has been with us as an assistant teacher for many years. This year she celebrates her 25th year working in the centre. Sue has a Certificate III in Children's Services.
Unit Three Staff
MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY(ALTERNATE)
LEANNE HUNTER is Co-Director at the Mitchelton Pre-Schooling Centre with many years experience teaching three to six year old children in both country and city centres. Leanne works full time and has a Diploma of Teaching and a Bachelor of Education.
KIM YARNTON returns to our centre this year after the birth of her first child in 2010. Kim is currently completing her education degree in Early Childhood and will be working with Leanne in one of her 5 day fortnight groups.
WEDNESDAY(ALTERNATE), THURSDAY, FRIDAY
LEANNE HUNTER is Co-Director at the Mitchelton Pre-Schooling Centre with many years experience teaching three to six year old children in both country and city centres. Leanne works full time and has a Diploma of Teaching and a Bachelor of Education.
ELKE ARNDELL commenced employment with MPC in 2004 and has a Certificate III in Education Support. Elke has previously been involved with our centre for a number of years as a parent of 3 children. Elke is currently completing a Bachelor of Early Childhood.
Outside Kindy Hours Care Staff
MADONNA CORBOY commenced in 2008 working in our O.K. Care program and has a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood). Madonna is the Coordinator of our O.K. Care program and often provides relief support when required.
JACKY BARNES, who has a Certificate III in Education Support, commenced in 2009. Jacky ably works with Madonna in our O.K. Care program as well as supporting children with additional needs.

Additional Needs Staff
Should we have children attending our centre who require additional assistance to support them in the daily routines, we employ suitably qualified staff to meet their needs. We have been fortunate to maintain the same staff each year to fill these roles.
Office Staff
CHRIS NICOLL commenced employment at MPC in 1995 as Administration Assistant. Chris has many years experience in clerical and book keeping work and assists with the administration of the centre. She divides her time between assisting the parents, directors and committee members.
TANIA BARRY was appointed as our Receptionist in July 2008. She opens the office 2 mornings a week and fills a vital role at our centre assisting with current parent enquiries and speaking with prospective families.


