Staff and Management
Without doubt, our staff are the backbone of Neighborhood House. Educators want to work here because of our excellent reputation and our reputation is because of our Educators. Testament to this is the number of staff members eligible for long service leave, those who are recognised for years of dedicated and committed care and the low staff turnover. We look after our staff so they stick around long enough to educate and care for your children from whatever stage they start until they head off to primary school.
Our staff are qualified over and above minimum requirements. They have knowledge of both emotional and developmental needs of our children. Our Staff/Child ratios exceed Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Regulations. Through in service workshops we continuously extend their skills. You will surely get a sense of their nurturing, sensitive and caring natures when you visit us.
Kate Hall. Director (Commenced May 1983)
Kate has been the Director of Neighborhood House since May 1983. Kate is passionate about the Early Childhood Education Industry and constantly aims to raise the bench mark in delivering outstanding outcomes for young children and Educators under her guidance. In this time Kate has overseen the relocation of the Centre from Bridport St to Carter St and the expansion and renovations in 1995, 2002 and again in 2012.
Kate has two adult children, Sarah and Ben and a young grandson Ollie.
Telstra Business Women’s Award Finalist 2005.
In 2012 Kate was awarded an "Outstanding Educator Award" and an "Advancing Practice Award" from Early Childhood & Education & Care Awards.
Qualifications – Diploma of Applied Science (Children’s Services). Diploma of Business. Occupational Health & Safety Supervisor.
Margaret - Educator -Preschool Room (Commenced June 2015)
Margaret joined our team having gained extensive experience as a nanny for several families in Paris for 15 years. Since coming back to Melbourne in early 2014 with her family, Margaret has completed her Certificate III in Children's Services and has been working in a wide range of Centres as a casual reliever. Margaret is a mature and enthusiastic Educator who is passionate about offering high quality care and education for young children. Margaret is the co-ordinator of our ever popular French Program and ensures that French is a part of the children’s everyday life.
Qualifications - Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Wilbert Romulo - Centre Chef (Commenced June 2017)
Wilbert relocated to Melbourne from New Zealand just prior to commencing at Neighborhood House where he had gained 17 years experience as a chef across a range of different sectors including flight catering, hospital catering and Pre-school catering. Wilbert’s previous role included catering for 140 children each day including those with a range of allergies, food preferences and religious dietary requirements. Wilbert has an impeccable reputation that includes his great work ethic, strong attention to detail and superb ability to prepare nutritious and popular meals for children.
Qualifications - Food Services Course, Module 1, Module 2 and Module 3
Lynette Tah - Educational Leader (Commenced April 2019)
Lynette joined our team as the Educational Leader after 5 years of experience at another Early Years service in Sydney. Lynette is equipped with pedagogical leadership to create commonly accepted values and share vision for the teams in which she works within. Lynette’s greatest strengths are her conscientious, high level of initiative and reliability.
Qualifications: Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
Cassandra Godfrey (Cassie) – Educator – Early Learners Wing (Commenced February 2025)
Cassie joined our team after 8 years of experience in her previous centre and 15 years overall in Early Childhood Education.
Cassie has had extensive experience across all age groups and is delighted to be working in our Early Learners Wing.
Cassie is passionate about children’s learning and providing engaging activities for the children.
We are thrilled to have Cassie as a member of the Neighborhood House Team
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Brooke Hennessey - Teacher in charge of 4 year old Funded Program (Commenced August 2021)
Brooke joined the Neighborhood House family having had extensive experience over a range of different types of schools both throughout Australia and London. Brooke's strengths include strong communication skills, excellent team work and strong commitment to partnerships with families. Brooke has a particular interest in accommodating all children and their individual needs and abilities. Brooke's interests in her own time include travelling (prior to Covid) catching up with friends, watching movies and trail hiking.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Education : Birth - 5 years
Joanna Jiao – In-House Relieving Teacher (Commenced August 2025)
Joanna began at Neighborhood House having had two years experience as an Educator and was ready to transition into an Early Childhood Teacher role. Joanna has had a diverse educational background having completed a Masters Degree in Business before pursuing a career change into Early Childhood Education.
Joanna is passionate about early years education and play based learning, especially creating child centered activities.
Qualifications : Graduate Diploma - Early Childhood Education
Bowen Sun - Teacher in Charge of 4 Year Old Funded Program (Commenced January 2022)
Bowen is a dedicated and empathic Masters of Teaching (Early Childhood & Primary) graduate with a background in Human Psychology. She focuses on social and emotional wellbeing of children, ensuring all children's interests, strengths and learning needs are prioritised and responded to. Bowen incorporates an inquiry-based approach into all aspects of learning ensuring programs are tailored to children's interests while at the same time encouraging critical thinking. Bowen enjoys reading in her spare time.
Qualifications: Masters of Teaching - Early Childhood & Primary
Sunny Sritongyom - Co-Teacher 3 year old Kindergarten Room (Commenced February 2022)
Sunny first came to Neighborhood House during 2021 to complete her professional practical experience and due to Covid her placement spanned over many months. During this time we established that Sunny was an excellent Educator and great cultural fit for Neighborhood House. Sunny is an enthusiastic Educator who shows great initiative and maturity throughout each day and as a result is a valuable member of our team.
Qualifications: Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
Henry Cheng - Teacher 3 year old Kindergarten Room (Commenced October 2022)
Henry completed is final year student placement with us at Neighborhood House and in between placements was employed as a casual Educator. Henry has now completed his teaching qualification and is now employed full time at Neighborhood House. Henry is a very valued member of our team with the ability to be able to work with all age groups and all members of our team.
Henry is professional, enthusiastic and passionate about high quality education and outcomes for young children.
Henry is very child focused and displays a patient, calm and caring disposition.
Qualifications: Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education; Bachelor of Science.
Sita Kharel - In-House Relieving Educator (Commenced September 2023)
Sita joined the Neighborhood House family as a student working towards her Bachelor in Early Education Childhood Teaching Qualification. Sita brings a wealth of maturity and experience and is passionate about high quality Education for Preschool Children. Sita is flexible and is able to teach in all age ranges and as a result works in all our rooms over the week. Sita is a valued member of our team.
Qualifications: Certificate III Children's Services; Diploma in Children's Services; Working towards Bachelor Early Childhood Teaching.
Alice Yang - Teacher -Early Learners Wing (Commenced March 2025)
Joined our team as a new graduate and is passionate about providing high quality education and care for children in their toddler years. Alice is very willing to learn and has a 'I can' attitude.
Alices proactive approach and excellent communication skills are a great asset to our team.
Qualifications : Graduate Diploma - Early Childhood Education
Tierney Hos-Cuthers – 2IC Preschool Room (Commenced June 2025)
Tierney is a provisionally registered teacher, who completed her qualification in New Zealand.
Tierney moved to Melbourne with her partner towards the end of 2024. Tierney has a range of experience across a range of age groups and is a big advocate for the health and wellbeing of the children she works alongside. Tierney strongly focuses on making children feel safe, respected, empowered and nurtured while teaching them about the world around them.
Tierney is a calm and dedicated teacher, who can confidently work within a team environment.
Qualifications : Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
Nicola Stewart - 2IC Teacher Early Learners (Commenced April 2024)
Nicola joined our team with a wide range of experience spanning over 7 years – mainly in New Zealand.
Nicola has specialised in Under 3 year old’s education and care and prioritises building respectful relationships with families, their children and colleagues.
Nicola’s skills include being creative, organised, professional, reliable and collaborative.
Nicola and her husband have moved to Melbourne to be near family and friends.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
Olivia McNab – Teacher in charge of 3 Year Old Kindergarten Room
Commenced : May 2025
Bachelor in Education (Early Childhood)
Originally from New Zealand, Olivia moved to Melbourne twelve months ago. She completed her Bachelor in Education (Early Childhood) and is fully registered with over five years experience in implementing developmentally appropriate curriculums, that support early literacy and numeracy development.
Olivia is an asset to our team and displays huge levels of initiative, communication and enthusiasm.
Cyra Jara - Educator - Early Learners Wing
Commenced: September 2024
Diploma in Children's Services Education & Care
Cyra joined Neighborhood House following two years’ experience as a lead Educator. Cyra’s experience extends to working with children with additional needs including sign language.
Cyra is known for her strong communication skills, her ability to provide informative updates to families, a commendable work ethic and respectful manner.
Cyra’s greatest quality is her child focus which enables her to form strong bonds with all children.
Coco Kou - In-house relieving teacher across all age groups
Commenced: September 2024
Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
Coco has had experience in a wide range of Early Years settings and centres through a relieving role with a Melbourne agency.
Coco has also been in a leadership role in a private centre where she was responsible for curriculum plans, complete documentation, including learning stories while guiding and supporting colleagues.
Coco demonstrates a genuine understanding and empathy for children and communicates well with them, showing a strong commitment to their well-being and development.
Heather Powell – PA to Director
Commenced : December 2024
Heather has a back ground in Office Administration, Customer Service and roles as Executive Assistant to CEO’s.
Heather is a highly skilled and personable professional with a strong ability to connect with people.
Heather’s strengths include a proactive nature, excellent listening skills and strong organisational qualities.Heather works Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.