Our Educators

Dianne began teaching at Lilydale North Pre-School in 2021 and is the education leader of the 4/5 program. Dianne has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Melbourne and has worked as an early childhood educator for many years.

Dianne brings a wealth of experience gained teaching in Melbourne as well as overseas. Dianne teaches the 4/5 year old groups alongside Cindy, Sam, Belinda and Chenoa.

Dianne thoroughly enjoys the visible social and emotional growth journey experienced by the children throughout the year in this age group, which in turn supports cognitive growth and a positive association to learning.

When Dianne is not teaching she enjoys scrapbooking her memories from traveling and her own children’s early years of growth.

Kellie is joining the Lilydale North team in 2025 as the Three Year Old Kindergarten Teacher and co Teaching the Four Year Old Sea Star group with Dianne. Kellie has a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and has over five years teaching experience in both Sessional Kinder and Long Day Care. Kellie loves building connections with the children and families and is looking forward to been apart of each child's learning journey.

Kellie loves the outdoors, spending time hiking, camping, at the beach or going on a bush walk. Kellie also enjoys pilates, spending time with her family and getting lost in a good book.

Samantha has been in the early childhood industry for 17 years and has learnt so much along the way. Sam assists Dianne in the 4/5 program and enjoys building relationships with the preschool families and the wider community. Samantha loves to share her knowledge and explore new beginnings with peers. She believes that each individual child is so valuable and even as adults we can learn so much from the children.

Samantha loves spending time with her family and friends. She has two young children who keep her very busy with after school activities. When Samantha has free time she enjoys going away in her caravan and spending time at the beach.

Chenoa has worked across community, local government, and the private sector within the early years sector for over 20 years, and completed her Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2018. She has extended her professional development in the areas of Emotional Intelligence and Regulation, Sensory Processing, Neuro-diversity, and Anxiety/Trauma. Though always interested in these areas, having a child with ADHD and anxiety has strengthened her knowledge and understanding. Chenoa also collaborates with occupational therapists to implement strategies and determine how best to support learning and skill development.

Outside of work, Chenoa enjoys spending time at home with her family and animals (dogs, cats, and horses), and diving into a new book, especially on rainy days.

Leah has joined the Lilydale North team in 2025 as the four-year-old assistant for Sea Star group with Dianne. Leah has a Certificate 3 and Diploma in Children’s Services and is currently studying Bachelor in Early Childhood Education. She has over 10 years’ experience in nannying, and before and after school care.

Leah is passionate about fostering the growth and development of young children. She finds immense reward in observing their exploration of the world and nurturing their learning process. Leah thrives on their sense of curiosity and wonder, which she believes is truly infectious.

When Leah isn’t working with children she is spending time walking her two Cavoodles – Ralph and Rupert, exploring new places and catching up with friends and family.