Eliza Dynes

Hi!  I’m Eliza Dynes.

I am the teacher for the Sea Star group and the co-ordinator of the pre-school. I began working at Balcombe Preschool in 1998 and became an “exemplary” teacher after validation in 2016.

My favourite activities at pre-school are art and craft and the messy activities, however my specialty is making aromatic play dough;- chocolate scented brown play dough and lemon scented yellow play dough are my favourites!     

My husband and I live in Blairgowrie and are empty nesters as our 2 daughters are in their 20’s and living in Melbourne.

Apart from working with young children, I love travelling, walking, music and cooking (if I hadn’t chosen pre-school teaching, I was going to be a chef!)

Kerri McMillan

Hi! I’m Kerri McMillan.

Formalities out of the way first!  I've pretty much lived on the peninsula all my life. I have an Associate Diploma in Early Childhood (I.E.C.D) Melbourne Uni and I have been at Balcombe since 1997!  (I was a Family Day Care Field Worker prior to that and have worked in Child care in Frankston North and Berry Street in Richmond). I honesty LOVE this work and I really am honoured to be part of your children’s lives.

Now, what can I tell you about me! I have had 2 ferals.  I mean sons! I absolutely adore them and they have given me joy, laughter and a greater understanding of why animals eat their young!

My eldest, sadly, died in 2011 (please don't feel I can't talk about him, I love to! He was the light of my life). My 'baby' moved to live in Melbourne so I have an empty nest (still working out how I feel about that!) 

I am a child of the 70’s and 80’s. Bay City Rollers Rock!! I am absolutely convinced that Hugh Jackman should (and wants to) be with me but his wife is so nice I can’t bring myself to break them up.  So I have decided to marry Elmo when I grow up instead.  Um … I could go on but you may never leave your children with me if you know too much! I work with the Dolphin and Sea Star groups!

Tathra Lamb

Hi! My name is Tathra Lamb!

I joined the wonderful team at Balcombe Pre-School in 2016, after completing my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care at Chisholm Institute of Tafe in 2015.

I have grown up in Mt Martha with my parents and older brother. I attended Mt Martha Kinder, Osbourne Primary School and went on to Mornington Secondary College.

In my free time I enjoy photography, doing crafts, traveling, going to the beach, camping and spending time with my friends and family.

I work with the Dolphin group on Monday’s and the Sea Star group on Thursday’s.

Jessie

Hi my name is Jessie and I have been working with children for the last 18 years and have loved every minute of it! I am currently studying my Bachelor Of Early Childhood and have one more year to go until I am a fully qualified teacher. I have worked at Balcombe on and off for the last 12 years and love all the staff that make the Balcombe Preschool family. I have two teenage girls (both of which were lucky enough to attend Balcombe!). I also have a dog called Tinka and two Bunnies called Smooshie and Joey. We love to go on family adventures either in my husband’s boat or in our caravan camping. We are also known to visit Scotland where my husbands family are from. Bush Kinder and risky play is my favourite thing to do at kinder and play with Lenny!! He is a huge goofball. I work with the Dolphin group on Wednesday’s and the Sea Star group on Tuesday’s. Looking forward to meeting you all 😊

Lisa Maddocks

Hi! My name is Lisa Maddocks!

I work with the 3-year-old Turtle group on Friday’s.

I have a Bachelor of Early Childhood studies, but after travelling Oz for 3 ½ years and having 3 children (all teens now!), I decided to return to the field as an Educator.  I have been working with 3-year-olds for 5 years, as well as working as an Additional Assistant for children with additional needs.

Things I enjoy are walking with my dog Alfie, camping, being in the outdoors, travelling, cooking and going out on our boat.

Linda Duncan

Hi, Im Linda Duncan.

I have come on board with the wonderful team at Balcombe Pre School to provide lunch break cover on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s with the Sea Star group and Wednesday’s with the Dolphin group. I received my Diploma of Children’s Services from Chisholm Institute in 2011 and have worked in early childhood ever since! My hubby and I are high school “sweethearts” with two children (Ella and Kayden) as well as a loveable Labrador named Astro. As a family we love getting away in our caravan, especially to Bright! I am looking forward to a fun filled year along side all your wonderful children.

Abbey Holt

Hi! Im Abbey Holt.

I hold the Diploma of Children’s Services, Social Science in Post Natal/Prenatal family support and ABA therapy. From an early age, I knew I wanted to work with children and make a difference. I have worked in several private schools as a qualified room leader and supported children that are on the autism spectrum and other additional needs. I am married to Julian and have 3 children;- Charlie, Paige and Isla. And yes, I am a busy Mum juggling many priorities and demands, but wouldn’t change it for the world. On the weekends, we spend time together on adventures, walks, beach, gym, with friends and of course, our children’s many sporting commitments! I love to further develop children’s imagination by furthering their skill and thinking in the areas they are interested in and enjoy working on small projects that stem from their ideas. I like to encourage conversation, games, play and adventure. I love a challenge, but most importantly, love knowing that I have made a difference. I cover the lunch breaks on Mondays and look forward to going on my adventures with your children and the journey it takes us on!