Jess Smith – Manager & Educational Leader
I’m the Manager and Educational Leader at Yarrambat/Plenty Preschool, and I absolutely love being part of this wonderful community. I am passionate about creating a fun, nurturing, and engaging environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.
My role involves overseeing daily operations, guiding and supporting the teaching team to deliver high-quality early childhood education, and maintaining strong relationships with families and the wider community. I am passionate about creating engaging learning experiences and ensuring that every child thrives in a safe, supportive, and enriching environment.
When I’m not at preschool, you’ll find me spending time with my family, going on adventures, or learning more about early childhood education.
If you ever have any questions or just want to say hi, feel free to reach out!
Lynette Tilley – 4 year old group Teacher
Hi My name is Lynette Tilley and I have been fortunate enough to be a teacher at Yarrambat Plenty Preschool since 1990 (yes a very long time) and can honestly say I have enjoyed teaching many children over this time and now are having the privilege of teaching children of children.
During this time I have seen many changes at the Kinder the major one moving from the Community Hall next door to our new building. This was originally a one room centre but due to popularity the council soon realised we needed more space and another room was added.
Throughout my schooling I always wanted to become a teacher and thus completed a Bachelor of Education – Early Childhood. I have worked in this field since graduating. I have lived in the area for many years along with my family and am now the proud grandmother of four beautiful boys who all attended Yarrambat Plenty Preschool.
Caroline Marshall – 4 year old group educator
Hi my name is Caroline Marshall and I have been a part of the team at Yarrambat for 20 odd years. I work alongside Lynette Tilley. I have observed many changes in the Kindergarten environment over the years and have watched lots of growth in children throughout the year.
I hope in some small way I have bought a smile and a difference to the lives of these wonderful little people.
My hobbies include spending time with my family and friends especially my No. 1 grandson. We spend as much time as possible in our little getaway at Eppalock..
Karen Buckland – 4 year old group Teacher
Hi, I’m Karen Buckland, a passionate educator at Yarrambat Pre-School, where I’ve been nurturing young learners since 2002. I hold a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) and a Graduate Diploma in Special Education from the University of Melbourne.
Currently, I am the teacher in the Possum Group alongside Mel Foster, our dedicated Educator. My teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that children learn best through play, exploration, and meaningful interactions. Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), I design experiences that honor each child’s interests, needs, and abilities. Rather than adhering to a rigid program cycle, I embrace a child-led approach, where curiosity sparks learning, and ideas evolve organically.
In my classroom, learning is an adventure—filled with fun, discovery, and opportunities to build resilience. I encourage children to question, explore, and make sense of their world in a nurturing and stimulating environment. As they prepare for school, my goal is to support their social, emotional, and cognitive growth, equipping them with the confidence and skills to
thrive.
Strong partnerships with families are at the heart of a child’s success. I believe in open communication and collaboration, ensuring that every child’s early learning journey is a joyful and enriching experience. I look forward to working together to create a foundation for lifelong learning!
Ebony Abrahams – 3 and 4 year old group Teacher
Hi, my name is Ebony Abrahams. I started at Yarrambat Plenty Preschool in 2014. It is such a wonderful Kindergarten with lovely, dedicated educators and great facilities and resources. I currently job share with Lyn Tilley for the Kookaburra group and am the Teacher for the Wombat 3 year old group.
I have a Bachelor of Education Primary with a specialisation in Early Childhood. I have worked in a childcare centre for seven years, four of those running the Kindergarten. I love being apart of a sessional kindergarten! The parent involvement is great, and I have always been a firm believer in having structure and routine as children need and thrive from this.
Children learn so much from 0-6 years and it is vital to expose them to new experiences and knowledge because learning is in their nature. I love guiding children to become confident socially and emotionally.
Mel Foster – 3 and 4 year old group Educator
Hi, My name is Mel Foster and I am currently employed at Yarrambat Pre-school since 2014. I am the educator with Karen Buckland with the 4 year old Possums group. I completed my Certificate III in Children’s services early 2014 and have recently completed my Diploma.
I have been involved with the kinder for the last 7 years (this being my eighth) as my 3 children were lucky enough to complete both 3 and four year old kinder here.
It is a great kinder to be involved in and watch the children grow and develop into the little people that they are. It is also interesting to watch the friendship groups that form through the year.
I love spending time with the children and hearing about their lives and the people in them. I am lucky to make special friendships with the children and see them grow, as they learn new and interesting things about themselves and their peers.
Lynn Eid – 3 and 4 year old group Educator
Hi, my name is Lynn Eid and I am the educator with Ebony for the 3 year olds and the Kangaroos on a Friday.
In 2001 I obtained my Diploma of children’s services and have mainly worked in Childcare. For a number of years have been a stay at home mum to my two children. During this time I have chosen to volunteer my time both to my children’s kinder and school in committees and in the classroom. So it’s safe to say I never lost my passion for helping and watching children blossom, building their young minds.
I’m excited to be involved with fostering their growth through play and interaction with peers. I love watching them evolve into confident learners. I am looking forward to getting to know all of the children and their families.
Nat Malpas – 4 year old group Educator
I’m an educator in the 4-year-old Kangaroos group, working alongside Lyn Tilley and Caroline Marshall.
I hold a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and have spent several years as a stay at home mum to my three children. During this time, I actively volunteered with community playgroup, my children’s kindergarten, school and dancing, contributing to committees and supporting classroom activities. This experience helped reinforce my passion for nurturing children’s growth and supporting them as they develop their potential.
I’m excited to be part of their journey, fostering their development through play and peer interactions. It’s truly rewarding to watch them evolve into confident learners, and I look forward to connecting with both the children and their families.
Adele Armet – Assistant Educator & Reliever
(photo to come)
My name is Adele Armet, and I’m an Additional Assistant and reliever at Yarrambat Plenty Preschool. I obtained my Diploma in Children’s Services in 2006 and currently work in the Possum room three days a week, while also relieving across the kinder as needed.
I absolutely love my job and find it incredibly rewarding to build relationships with all the families and children.
Priscilla Ranjith – Activity Leader, Extended Care Program
Hi, I’m Priscilla Ranjith, the Activity Leader for the Extended Care program at Yarrambat Plenty Preschool. With a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and over four years of experience, I love sharing my passions for reading, knitting, gardening, and exploring new places with the children.
The Extended Care Program provides a safe and fun space for kids to unwind after their kindergarten sessions, offering activities like storytelling, outdoor play, music, and creative arts. We aim to ensure every child feels comfortable, valued, and supported. I’m excited to get to know everyone and share wonderful experiences together!
Stephanie Winett – Educator, Extended Care Program
Hi, I’m Stephanie Winnett, an educator in the Extended Care program at Yarrambat Plenty Preschool, working alongside Priscilla. I joined the Yarrambat team in early 2024 and have seven years of experience in various roles with children. I love doing craft projects with the kids and watching their creativity come to life, making each moment special and rewarding.
My role is both challenging and fulfilling, and I truly cherish the experiences we share. I’m excited to be part of this wonderful community and look forward to creating more fun memories together!