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.

Lara has been part of the Lilydale North Preschool educational team since 2020 and has recently taken on the teaching role in the 3/4 year old groups, following Mandy Skate’s retirement. Lara has had several years of experience teaching in the 3/4’s, 4/5’s and mixed age groups in local sessional kindergartens.

Lara recognises the need to provide a warm and nurturing environment where children feel confident to engage their curiosity, develop their independence, and explore their surroundings – and in doing so recognise patterns and make connections in their social and physical worlds. Lara appreciates the significant teaching and learning opportunities provided by the beautiful and flexible facilities of Lilydale North Preschool, the strong educational team and the local community.

Lara’s qualifications include Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood), First Aid Level 2, Asthma Management, Allergy, Anaphylaxis and EpiPen Administration.

When Lara is not teaching, she enjoys walking in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, mountain biking in the Yarra Valley, doing puzzles, playing board games and hanging out with her family.

Cindy completed her Diploma in Children's Services and began teaching at Lilydale North Pre-School in 2013. Cindy finds educating and working alongside children very rewarding. Cindy assists with our 4/5 year old program. Cindy has a young family and enjoys spending time bushwalking, exploring and enjoying the Yarra Valley. Cindy is also First Aid Level 2 trained along with Asthma Management, Allergy, Anaphylaxis and Epipen administration trained.

Samantha is new to our Lilydale North Pre-School team and is assisting Dianne in the 4/5 program. She is looking forward to meeting and building relationships with families and the wider community. Samantha has been in the early childhood industry for 17 years and has learnt so much along the way; she 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 2 young children who keeps 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.

Belinda is new to Lilydale North Preschool this year (2024) and is assisting Lara in both three year old classes as well as Dianne in two of the four year old classes as a Diploma educator. Belinda has previously worked in primary schools and sessional kindergartens, as well as long day care and occasional care. Belinda is also FirstAid Level 2 trained along with Asthma Management, Allergy, Anaphylaxis and Epipen administration trained.

Belinda is a mother of two young children who share many of her passions. In her spare time Belinda enjoys tending to her herb and veggie garden, reading and watching her children play their sports. Belinda enjoys yoga and long walks surrounded by nature.

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.