Our Team

Staff portraits lovingly drawn by our children

  • Child's drawing of Cally Pratt, Director at South West Rocks Preschool

    Cally Pratt

    DIRECTOR

    I feel incredibly privileged to work in early childhood education. Becoming a kindergarten teacher was always my dream, and after graduating from Charles Sturt University, I was able to bring that to life.

    My career has included working in primary schools, TAFE, and early childhood services across the Mid North Coast, and I continue to find it both engaging and rewarding.

    While early childhood education has evolved since my own preschool days, the heart of childhood remains the same — being present, exploring, and finding joy in learning.

    I’m proud to be part of South West Rocks Preschool, a long-standing and welcoming community. We warmly invite families to visit and experience our friendly environment.

  • Child's drawing of Sally Landers, Office Administration at South West Rocks Preschool

    Sally Landers

    OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

    I’ve been part of South West Rocks Preschool for over 20 years as an Assistant Educator and have recently “swum” out of the Dolphins room into office administration.

    My family and I feel very lucky to call South West Rocks home, where children are supported in their sense of belonging, being and becoming as the curious and wonderful individuals they are.

    Together, our preschool aims to be a happy, safe and nurturing place to Love, Live and Learn.

  • Child's drawing of Suzie Williams, Office Administration at South West Rocks Preschool

    Suzie Williams

    OFFICE ADMINISTATION

    How fortunate am I to be selected for the Assistant Administration position into the SWR Pre School.

    Working in COMMUNITY is my happy place, and to be beside this wonderful group of educators and families providing a warm, supportive and educational environment for your children.

    There is nothing better than adding a smile on the face of children and to be given a smile back indeed.

  • Child's drawing of Adele Miller, Educational Leader at South West Rocks Preschool

    Adele Miller

    EDUCATIONAL LEADER

    My family and I moved to South West Rocks in 2024, returning to where my husband grew up and even attended this preschool with Miss Cally as his teacher to raise our three girls close to family and friends.

    I have been working in early childhood education since 2010, after completing my degree, and have always enjoyed working and playing alongside young children.

    I believe the early years are when children do their most important learning, and by providing high quality education and care we can support positive outcomes for every child.

    I’m passionate about creating fun, play-based learning experiences and still find so much joy in seeing children’s eyes light up when they discover something new.

  • Child's drawing of Stacey Mottee, Group Leader at South West Rocks Preschool

    Stacey Mottee

    GROUP LEADER

    For as long as I can remember, caring for and educating children has been a passion of mine. From babysitting as a teenager, to working in early childhood settings, to raising my own four beautiful children, this has always been an important part of my life.

    I believe children learn best through play, and that each child develops in their own unique way.

    I’m passionate about creating a nurturing, social and home-like environment where children feel safe, supported and ready to learn. By working closely with families, the community and the environment, we can provide a truly holistic learning experience for children and their families.

  • Child's drawing of Tessa Gadsden, Group Leader at South West Rocks Preschool

    Tessa Gadsden

    GROUP LEADER

    I’m a mum to three beautiful children Ned, Hazel and Mavis.

    After some time away, I’ve returned to South West Rocks where I grew up and attended South West Rocks Public School. It’s very special to now be working at the preschool I attended as a child.

    I’ve worked in a range of roles, including early childhood settings and pharmacy, before returning to early childhood education and care.

    I’m so excited to be part of the team at South West Rocks Preschool and love bringing joy and connection to the children each day.

  • Child's drawing of Nicky Bailey, Group Leader at South West Rocks Preschool

    Nicky Bailey

    GROUP LEADER

    I’m a mum of two beautiful children and have been lucky to call the Macleay Valley home since I was three years old.

    I was also part of a community-based preschool as a child and still hold fond memories and connections with the incredible educators who supported me in my early years.

    I have been working with children for the past 17 years. I fell into early childhood education and have never looked back supporting young children as they begin their journey through life is incredibly rewarding.

    I’m passionate about children’s sense of being, belonging and becoming, and love seeing them grow in confidence while building strong, trusting relationships with their peers.

    I feel very grateful to work in such a supportive, welcoming and caring environment.

  • Child's drawing of Louise Haywood, Educator at South West Rocks Preschool

    Louise Haywood

    EDUCATOR

    I am passionate about early childhood education and the role that nature plays in children's development. I was fortunate to travel to Scotland and England in 2017, where I experienced their wonderful nature kindergartens firsthand. Our children are truly nature-privileged here in SWR!

    Prior to joining this beautiful setting, I taught at a Tamworth community-based preschool for 13 years. I love watching children grow and thrive, and I am constantly amazed by how incredibly capable they are. Our team of educators are dedicated and never stop reflecting on how we can improve our children's experiences, we are always learning and growing together.

  • Child's drawing of Lee Crowell, Teacher and Allied Health Assistant at South West Rocks Preschool

    Lee Crowell

    TEACHER/ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT

    My name is Lee Crowell and I was a Primary School teacher for over 32 years, with the last 20 plus years being at South West Rocks Primary School. Through this role I’ve been involved with the preschool and its amazing staff.

    It is my greatest joy to be a SWR Pre School staff member now and I consider myself extremely fortunate to see out my working days with such caring and thoughtful people. My roles here are varied and include Allied Health Assistant in Speech and Occupational Therapy and filling in for educators.

    It has been a highlight to catch up with ex-students when they bring their children to the centre.

  • Child's drawing of Maddie Ryder, Assistant Educator at South West Rocks Preschool

    Maddie Ryder

    ASSISTANT EDUCATOR

    I’m a mum of two little people, and we love spending our spare time camping, cooking and swimming in the ocean.

    I feel very privileged to work in such a beautiful community preschool, surrounded by supportive educators and incredible families.

    I’m a Diploma-trained Educator and have always had a passion for child development and early childhood education.

  • Child's drawing of Kirren Forster, Assistant Educator at South West Rocks Preschool

    Kirren Forster

    ASSISTANT EDUCATOR

    I hold a Certificate III in Education and Care and love being part of this wonderful preschool team. Both of my children attended SWR Preschool and had a fantastic experience, which makes being here even more special.

    I live in South West Rocks with my family and enjoy spending time with my children, exploring the beautiful Mid North Coast, visiting the beach, gardening, and dressmaking.

  • Child's drawing of Chelsea Partridge, Assistant Educator at South West Rocks Preschool

    Chelsea Partridge

    ASSISTANT EDUCATOR

    Hi, I'm Chelsea!

    I am fortunate to still have a very close relationship with the wonderful educators who taught me during my own preschool years. They supported and guided me throughout my studies and continue to encourage and inspire me today as do my incredible colleagues at South West Rocks Preschool, who work so hard and are passionate about what they do.

    I look forward to being part of the children's journey, watching them grow and learning alongside them because I know they have just as much to teach me!

  • Child's drawing of Renae Mather, Assistant Educator at South West Rocks Preschool

    Renae Mather

    ASSISTANT EDUCATOR

    My name is Renae Mather. My husband Peter and I moved to South West Rocks in 2023, and we have loved calling it home ever since.

    I worked as a Family Day Care educator for 17 years with children aged from 3 months, and prior to this I was a stay-at-home mum caring for my three, now adult children.

    As an educator, I love watching children's personalities emerge, seeing them reach milestones, form lasting friendships, and grow into confident young individuals. I look forward to getting to know all of the children here and being part of their journey alongside such a dedicated, caring, and nurturing team

  • Child's drawing of Blythe Baker, Assistant Educator at South West Rocks Preschool

    Blythe Baker

    ASSISTANT EDUCATOR

    I have always enjoyed being surrounded by children, but I am genuinely overwhelmed in the best possible way by how much working in early childhood care has lifted my spirits and made me truly love what I do. It is always a pleasure coming to work and being welcomed by the most amazing children and staff every day. No two days are ever the same!

    I believe every child has the potential to bring something unique and special to the world. I am committed to helping children develop to their full potential by believing in them as capable individuals and supporting them in discovering who they are, so they can express themselves freely and confidently.

    Children have taught me to open my mind and heart to the joys, the innocence, and the diversity of the world and because of that, I will never lose my sense of wonder for the new or my appreciation for the old.

  • Child's drawing of Belinda Higgins, Assistant Educator at South West Rocks Preschool

    Belinda Higgins

    ASSISTANT EDUCATOR

    Hi, I'm Bel!

    I love being mum to my three beautiful children Zahn, Aminya and Odessa. We are also a family of animal lovers and have several pets that we consider part of the family too!

    I feel truly blessed to work with children. It is an absolute joy to be part of their early years and to help them learn and grow. It is incredibly rewarding and I am so grateful to spend my days with such amazing children alongside the nurturing and experienced staff at South West Rocks Preschool.

  • Child's drawing of Imee Matikainen, Assistant Educator at South West Rocks Preschool

    Imee Matikainen

    ASSISTANT EDUCATOR

    I am enthusiastic about working here at SWR Preschool. It is a beautiful place for children to explore and flourish. Their families are valued too, a real sense of community. The staff culture is great. The educators are experienced, qualified and professional development is supported. Preschool provides an atmosphere for children to continue their sense of belonging and connectedness with others.

    I have a genuine passion for early childhood education. I am committed to nurture and support the precious children here as they play, learn, explore and grow socially and emotionally. I have a heart of love and care for your children. It is my hope that I have a positive outcome on the lifelong future of each child that attends here.

  • Child's drawing of Kerry Ray, Casual Educator at South West Rocks Preschool

    Kerry Ray

    CASUAL EDUCATOR

    Bio coming soon

  • Child's drawing of Rachel MacDonald, Casual Educator at South West Rocks Preschool

    Rachel MacDonald

    CASUAL EDUCATOR

    Bio coming soon