Meet Our
Teachers

We are a community operated kindergarten that welcomes and encourages family participation and involvement in our program.

Our vision is for all children to experience play-based learning that is engaging and builds success for life. Play is the work of the child (Maria Montessori). Our teachers guide children’s play experiences by carefully designing learning experiences and activities exploring the foundations of the Early Years Learning Development Framework.

Kristen Mazzoletti

EDUCATOR POSSUM 3YO GROUP AND KOALA 4YO GROUP

I have been working with preschool children both in long day care and preschool for over 15 years.  I have always felt an immense satisfaction in being instrumental in a child’s development, as they practice and achieve the skills required for school and indeed for life! 
I think the most important part of my professional role as a preschool Educator is supporting and guiding children to achieve their very best. One of the favourite parts of my day is being greeted every morning with the children’s smiling faces. Who can say they start their workday like that?! I look forward to meeting your child and getting to know your family.
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Robyn MacRedmond

KOALA ACTIVITY GROUP LEADER 4YO

I initially qualified with a Bachelor of Education in Primary school in Tasmania, and worked as a Primary Teacher for many years in Tasmania, London and Dublin. I then returned to Uni to complete a second degree in Early Childhood teaching. I started my journey with Crossway Preschool in 2019 as the Wombat 4 year old teacher.

I am a passionate about the early years and I draw on my extensive experience as a primary teacher to ensure the children attending our kindergarten have the both the emotional and developmental skills to succeed at school from day one. As educators, our job is to provide an environment where children feel supported and safe as they develop a love for learning. I have raised three children of my own and I draw on my own experiences as a mother to guide my teaching and help children to be the best version of themselves.

Martine Spurrier

Teacher Wombat 4YO Group

Fondly known as “Miss Martine” I started working at Crossway Preschool in 2009 as the 3yo and 4yo teacher. Initially trained in primary education, I quickly realised my passion was in early education and now hold a dual degree. After 15+ years of teaching I find the children still teach me something new every day. I am reminded how lucky we are as educators to spend this time with your children nurturing their development.

I am a creative soul and enjoy helping children to find what they love at kindergarten and uncover their unique personalities. As a mum of a teenage boy I am reminded every day how special this time is and how quickly children grow. Our team value the time spent with your children and make every moment count.

Annette Lavati

EDUCATOR WOMBAT 4YO GROUP

I began working at Crossway Preschool in 2018. With 20+ years of Early Childhood experience, there is not a day that goes by that I am not fascinated by a child’s innocent and carefree approach to life and learning. Children remind me of how precious and uncomplicated life can be and I use this to guide their learning.

With a smile I welcome everyone at the door, building important relationships with families as I work in partnership to meet the needs of each child. I believe that building respectful and warm relationships with families creates a sense of belonging. Watching children grow and develop throughout the year provides me with so much joy and a sense of satisfaction as they leave kindergarten as happy and confident little learners.

Michelle Fernandez

TEACHER POSSUM 3YO GROUP

I have a Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education. The journey of becoming a teacher has been such a rewarding experience, and it is an honour to witness children becoming confident and independent learners. I believe each child is wonderfully created, powerful, capable and full of curiosity about the world.

I am passionate about seeing all children reach their full potential as individuals and value what each of them bring to the group. I enjoy getting to know all the children and families as well as the liveliness and colour within the world of preschool.

I’m looking forward to meeting and getting to know all the children and families at Crossway Preschool.

Felicia Tjandra

Educator Possum 3YO Group

I am currently furthering my study and completing a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education at Melbourne University. After a couple of years as a stay-at-home mum, I started to gain interest and valuable insight into early childhood development. When my youngest child started school, I decided to return to work and change direction from the corporate world to early childhood education.

In past years, I have also volunteered in a children’s program, providing support for children with additional needs. This experience has deepened my passion for fostering inclusive learning environments, and I’m excited to make a positive impact on young children’s development.

I believe that every child is uniquely created, with distinct strengths and interests. As an educator, I see it as my role to nurture and celebrate this uniqueness, helping each child to thrive and contribute to the community. I look forward to meeting each of your children and working together with your family.

Ivy Chan 陳慶娟

Activity Group Leader Koala 4YO Group

My name is Ivy. My husband, Paul and I migrated from Hong Kong in 1990. When raising our two daughters in Melbourne, I became interested in children’s learning and development. This led to my study of a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care in 2016. Since then, I have worked in both long day cares and sessional kindergartens. Driven by my curiosity in the topic of ‘play’, I completed my Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Child Play in 2020 and graduated from my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education in mid-2022, both with Deakin University.

I believe that every child is a gift and must be valued and respected. Nurturing their emotional wellbeing, reciprocal relationships, and strengthening their adaptive skills are crucial in supporting the achievement of their unique potential. It is my privilege to be part of your child’s early learning experiences.

At leisure, I enjoy reading, sewing, spending time with family and in nature. I speak Cantonese and Mandarin as well.

Dwi Arsani

Educator Koala 4YO Group

I started my career in 2018 focusing on caring for children. I developed my passion and interest in children’s learning and decided to take a study in Early Childhood Education. I currently in my third year of bachelor’s and very excited to learn more regarding children learning through play and be a part of their development.

Testimonials

“Children see magic because they look for it. This kindergarten helps provide that for them!”
Chelsey Freeman
“They don’t handicap your children by making it easy. They strive to help them for themselves”
Agnes Nowak
“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, contur ading elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore mgna aliqua. Elit ullarper dignissim cras tincidunt lobortis feugiat.”
Larry Martin

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