Our Educators

Our teaching team is made up of qualified and experienced teachers and co-educators who work collaboratively to create inclusive and caring learning environments for children. We would like you to meet the people who hold the most important roles within our kindergarten and so asked each of our teaching team to write a short piece introducing themselves.

Alisha Kums

Director and Educational Leader
Master of Early Childhood Education

My favourite memories from childhood are of going to my grandma’s house and spending time with her in her kitchen. Together we would make cakes or scones and she would teach me all the tricks to baking that she had learnt from her mother. These visits always made me feel special and I loved getting to spend that time with her. As I grew older I knew that I could always count on my grandma to support me in achieving my goals and be around when I needed someone to talk to.
I became an Early Childhood Teacher because I believe that every child should have the opportunity to learn in an environment which supports their interests, challenges them and values them for their unique personalities and ways of being. My journey into teaching began by studying Primary teaching at the Australian Catholic University; however after a few years working in that sector I realised my place was in Early Childhood. I feel privileged to work with children every day and am excited to come to work and learn alongside the children, sharing in their excitement and joy each time they discover something new.

Alisha joined HCK in 2018, taking on the role of Director and Educational Leader. She works with educators and families to promote continuous improvement and high quality educational programs.

Andrea Lange

4 yr old Teacher - Wombats
B.Ed Early Childhood Education

Growing up in Germany there are many beautiful memories I have from my childhood. On some evenings my brothers and I were allowed to invite children from the block and we all had a yoghurt together. My mother would also feed me and my brother through the bars of the cot pretending we were lions.
I chose to teach Early Childhood Education because it makes me happy. I love coming to work everyday and sharing in all these wonderful milestones and learning moments with the children.
I admire my mum the most in life because I was hard to handle as a child; she supported me and stood by my side until I could go my own way.
I am really good at bringing people together; I spend a lot of my personal time doing things with groups of friends and other families.
Perfect day?
I love being in nature, with friends and eating good food and so my perfect day would be to walk the Camino from France to Spain with a bunch of people I like.

Andrea joined HCK in 2013, working with the four year old group. Andrea works to create fun and inviting environment which allows children to meaningfully contribute to their learning.

Rosemary Douglas

3 yr old Teacher - Koalas
B.Ed Early Childhood Education

My first time at the movies is my best childhood memory. My Mum took us into the city for lunch and see The Sounds of Music. I couldn’t take me eyes off the screen. It is my favourite movie to this day. It had everything drama, romance, singing and a bit of fun. I still love seeing a great movie on the big screen.
I have always loved being around young children. I love their sense of adventure and wonder at trying new things.
Their sense of fun, watching them absorb experiences, information and making connections with other children and adults. It is also very satisfying establishing relationships with families.
I enjoy being around people who motivate, inspire and make me smile and believe that my strongest personal quality is that I truly am a people person.
Perfect Day?
A perfect day to me would be waking up to sunshine, feeling motivated to do some outdoor exercise, spending some recreational time with family and friends. Achieving a task that I had planned for that day, my motto is to share a laugh and a smile with someone every day.

Rosemary began her teaching role at HCK in 1999, teaching the three year old program. Rosemary works with children and families to develop warm and welcoming relationships to begin their kindergarten journey.

Jessica Jones

4 yr old Teacher - Echidnas
Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)

I can still remember my kindergarten teacher. She had a calm, kind nature and was my absolute idol. My kinder days were full of dress ups, imaginative play, art and singing. This was when my love for learning began to take flight. Since then I have been a voracious reader (once I learned how!) and have been transported to many different worlds through words on a page. In the end, it was the joy I found in teaching dance to preschool children which brought me full circle back to kindergarten, encouraging me to drop my unfulfilling current job for a Masters of Teaching. Melbourne University nurtured my passion further and here I am, an advocate for learning through play, genuine inclusive education and the critical importance of early childhood education.
My mother would have been a wonderful kindergarten teacher, though took a different path in life. She is my inspiration in terms of patience, kindness, fairness and pure happiness. Everyone who meets my mother loves her and she makes friends wherever she goes, including the supermarket. My love for reading, singing and dancing all come from her and I can still remember pretending to be sick once in primary school to stay home and watch Meet Me in St Louis with her.
A perfect day?
A perfect day would have to involve dancing, good music, good food and my friends.

Jess joined the HCK community in 2018, becoming a valued member of our teaching community.

Andrea Jones

4 yr old Co-Educator - Echidnas
Cert III Children’s Services

My most fond childhood memory is staying in an old rickety house on the beach in Chelsea, with my Mum and brothers. The smells from that time always induce fond memories.
Early Childhood Education is where I’m at my cheerful best (and believe me I’ve tried a number of other jobs along the way).
I admire my Mum. She remains cheerful no matter what. And there’s been a lot of “what” which is perhaps why my strongest personal quality is my humour.
A Perfect Day?
A perfect day looks like this; laughter, singing, dancing, good company, learn something and accomplish something. It the sun is shining, well, that’s just a bonus!

Andrea joined HCK in 2003 and has primarily been a member of our four year old teaching team. She brings enthusiasm. humor and creativity to work with ehr each day.

Clare Bishop

3yr old Co-Educator - Koalas
4yr old Co-Educator - Wombat
Diploma of Children's Services

My best childhood memories are from our backyard pool, lots of fun and laughter. I chose early childhood education because I love seeing how much the children learn and grow during their kindergarten years. The person I admire most is my mum. My strongest personal quality would be that I am caring. A perfect day to me would be exploring the mountains and nature with my family.

Clare has been a dedicated member of our community since 1994, working across both the three and four year old programs.

Penny B

Lunch and Relief Cover Co-Educator
Diploma of Children's Services

My three daughters attended HCK. I was always enthusiastic about doing duty and was thrilled to join the team when my youngest went into prep. I find the kindergarten a stimulating and happy environment. I enjoy the opportunity to see children grow and help them learn. They also teach me a lot too. I live locally and always enjoy catching up with families down the street, sometimes long after they have left kindergarten. We are a community kindergarten!

Penny first joined our community in 2001 working with both the three and four year old groups. After living in Russia for 3.5 years, Penny returned to HCK in 2019 . We are delighted to welcome Penny back to our learning community and look forward to working alongside her once again.