Maria Tsaroumis
Service Co-ordinator, Kindergarten Teacher, Education Leader, Nominated Supervisor.
Maria has been with us since 2018 and holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies. Her professional experience includes roles such as an Early Childhood Educator for both 3- and 4-year-old age groups, an Educator Leader, and a certified Supervisor in various kindergartens. Maria is passionate about educating young children, as she believes they are our future. She holds a strong belief that a child’s first teacher is their parent or immediate family. Maria enjoys collaborating with families to achieve the best possible outcomes for each child. She is fluent in Greek and has built a strong rapport with our kindergarten families and community.
Abby Whitham
Kindergarten Teacher
Abby has a Bachelor of Education in Early childhood and Primary. She taught in Primary Schools for many years and has shifted to Early Childhood since having children of her own. Abby is passionate about teaching social skills and emotional awareness. She loves spending time outdoors and believes in the value of incorporating natural materials into children’s play and learning.
Fleur Squires
Kindergarten Teacher
Fleur has been working as a Kindergarten Teacher for 8 years, in both sessional and long day care Kindergarten settings as well as running Bush Playgroups. Fleur’s passion and love for nature inspires her to create enriching learning experiences that connect children to the natural world, fostering curiosity, exploration, and a deep appreciation for the environment in their early years. Professionally she is interested in continuing to learn about sustainability, inclusive education and loose parts play. I have a Masters in Teaching (Early Childhood) and a Bachelor of Nursing (completed many moons ago). On a personal note, I have a husband, two daughters and a dog. Sunshine, tea, a good book and the Darebin Parklands make me happy!
Nikki Wheeler
Co-educator- Nominated Supervisor
Nikki completed her Diploma in Children’s Services in 2016. She is a CoEducator for both 3- and 4-year-old groups. Fluent in Greek, Nikki has built a strong rapport with our kindergarten families and community. She is a dedicated and passionate teacher at our Kindergarten and has been with us since 2013.
Rachelle Robertson
Co-Educator -Nominated supervisor
Rachelle has been with Gower Street Kindergarten since 2017. She holds a Diploma in Children's Services and is the Co-Educator for both the 3- and 4-year-old groups. Fluent in Arabic, Rachelle has built a strong rapport with our kindergarten families and community.
Pina Abriola
Co-Educator, additional Assistant
Pina has been working as an Additional Assistant for seven years. She holds a Diploma in Children's Services. Pina is also a Co-Educator for the three- and four-year-old groups. She loves working with children and thoroughly enjoys being part of their learning experiences. Pina enjoys walks, baking, reading, listening to music, and spending time with her family.
Anna Kikas
Co-Educator, additional Assistant
Anna has been working in Early Childhood for over 20 years. During that time, she has completed a Diploma of Children's Services and a Certificate III in Education Support. She has been working at Gower Street Kindergarten as a regular reliever, KIS, and SRF Assistant.
All staff are:
Trained in Epilepsy Management through the Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria.
Trained in Diabetes Awareness in schools and early childhood settings through Diabetes Australia.
Trained in both CPR and how to provide first aid management of anaphalaxis.
Trained in food handling (food safety practices).
