OUR TEAM
All programs are run by qualified educators. Our lead teachers have Bachelor of Early Childhood qualifications and extensive teaching experience. Each of our co-educators has a Diploma of Children’s Services qualifications.
Our team is passionate about delivering high quality and rewarding learning experiences for your child.
Meet our dedicated team of experienced early childhood educators below.
Kim Busacca
Wattle Group Teacher
I am a highly motivated Early Childhood Professional with 25 years leadership and teaching experience in a range of educational settings and programs within the Cardinia Shire. I am passionate about creating warm and inclusive learning environments for children and families and connecting with our community.
I enjoy working in partnership with children, families, and our amazing team of educators at Gembrook Preschool, to develop programs which reflect the strengths, interests and needs of each individual child.
I believe positive relationships and a sense of belonging are essential to supporting each child to reach their learning potential.
Jacqui Hermon
Banksia Group Teacher
I am excited to be part of the Gembrook Preschool teaching team. I have worked in sessional Kindergarten for the past 6 years, during this time I have been teaching 3- and 4-year-olds. I worked at Nar Nar Goon Kindergarten, for most of my time teaching there I was also the Educational Leader. I started teaching at Gembrook Preschool at the start of 2024 in the Banksia Group.
I have my bachelor’s in early years teaching and I am very passionate about making a difference by helping children love and want to learn every day. I believe in providing children with a nurturing and stimulating environment, children can develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in life.
I have three children; two girls and one boy, 3 dogs, a cat and 4 horses. I love spending time with my family and friends and going away on our wakeboarding boat. I enjoy riding in the bush on our horses and spending time outside.
While working at Gembrook Preschool I am looking forward to developing positive connections with the children and their families and my co educators. By working together, we can provide all children with a great start to their learning journey.
I am passionate about teaching children to recognise their emotions. By implementing the Zones of Regulation into the Gembrook Preschool learning Curriculum, this will allow children to recognise their own emotions as well as others around them.
I look forward to getting to know you all as we learn through play.
Aleesha Heathcote
Wattle Group Co-Educator
I completed my Diploma of Early Childhood in 2014 and have 10 years of experience working in a range of different education and care settings.
The Gembrook community is familiar to me. I grew up in Gembrook and am now raising my two beautiful children here too. I feel privileged to be joining the dedicated and professional teaching team at Gembrook Preschool as co-educator of Wattle group.
I am passionate about children having opportunity to build trusting connections and the positive impact a sense of belonging can bring to a child during the early years of life and beyond. The not for profit, child focused, warm and inviting values of Gembrook Preschool align with my own personal views. I’m looking forward to welcoming both new and previous families to our mixed age program!
Kim Barkley
Wattle and Banksia Group Co-Educator
My journey with Gembrook Preschool started in 1999. Over this time, I feel privileged to be a part of such a wonderful community. I am dedicated, committed and professional, always aiming to do my best. I value and respect the importance of building relationships with children and families. With this in mind, I can’t wait to meet and share our stories with you.
Kierra Wilson
Wattle Group Co-Educator
Christine Doherty
Banksia Group Co-Educator
Simone Plunkett
Banksia Group Co-Educator
I am currently studying my certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education. I enjoy engaging in the wonders of childhood and love watching children achieve a goal. I have three children at home and a never-ending list of animals. I love to share my stories about the animal’s antics with the children, as there is always one to tell!
I am thrilled to be at Gembrook preschool, and look forward to creating strong bonds with the community.
Charley Cestnik
Banksia and Wattle Group Yooralla Support
Ashlee Brown
Banksia Group Co-Educator
Karen Benson
Centre Administrator
With more than 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit as well as the small business sectors in Victoria, I bring a skill set to the kinder that will help it run efficiently and effectively. I enjoy being a practical part of creating an environment where the teachers have the flexibility and support to offer creative and tailored learning experiences to suit each child. As a mum who watched my child flourish and succeed at Gembrook Preschool and in Bush Kinder, I’m excited to be part of this team. I love seeing such an amazing program delivered to our local community.
