Our Team

Our Lilly Pilly staff team consists of the director, ten educators, a cook, an administration officer, a maintenance worker and a sparkle fairy/cleaner.

Nikki: Director/Nominated Supervisor & Educational Leader

Hi, my name is Nikki and I was naturally drawn to my early childhood career at a young age. When I was 15 years I completed my high school work experience placement at a preschool in Bundaberg. I thoroughly loved my time at this preschool as it showed me the joy of seeing the world through the eyes of children. In 1993 I completed my studies in a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) and have worked in various roles in early childhood education and care ever since. I have been in a Director role, a Vocational Trainer and locally have worked with Ballina/Byron Family Day Care and Spaghetti Circus in Mullumbimby. I have worked in Vanuatu for four years as a Kindergarten and Preschool Teacher/Head of Early Childhood Education Centre at Port Vila International School. I have also travelled to China as an early childhood consultant and was then the Assistant Director at Federal Community Children’s Centre when I returned to Australia in 2017 with my husband and three children.

My spare time is filled with my own children, family and friends. I love to cook and go for beach walks with my dog and I have enjoyed studying some units in a Masters in Child Play Therapy. 

My children were blessed to attend Lilly Pilly Preschool years ago and I was absolutely delighted to join the Lilly Pilly Aunties in 2018. Throughout my career I have always been passionate and advocated for the importance of the early years. Children are our future and I find it a privilege to share each child’s learning and growing journey with their family.

Heather: Educator

My journey as a childcare worker started when I became a mother to three children. I realised the importance of early learning and development, discovering each child was an individual with individual needs.

My love of children and my caring, nurturing happy nature and dedication took me on the early childhood teaching pathway into Lilly Pilly Preschool. I have worked here at Lilly Pilly Preschool for 25 years, first as permanent-partime and now fulltime. I have also  had the opportunity to gain experience as a casual in a number of preschools in our local area, working as a support worker for children with additional needs.

I value the importance of children learning through play, song, dance and discovery of their world. When I am not in my Lilly Pilly role, I enjoy spending time with my  grandchildren, gardening, cooking and being in nature.

Kiera: Early Childhood Teacher

From a young age I knew that I was going to work alongside children.

Their enthusiasm to create and learn is not only inspiring and motivating but is a joy to be around.

I have worked in the childcare industry for many years, and I have had experience teaching in preschools, long day care centres and I have worked as a nanny abroad.

I grew up as a Spaghetti Circus kid, performing and teaching throughout my youth. These rich and colourful experiences have shaped who I am today and form the basis of my philosophy.

In my spare time i love to spend time playing with my own children and being mummy. I love to sing, dance, explore in nature, spend time with my family and friends, and i love to teach.

I am a Degree Trained Early Childhood Educator, and have recently completed a year long course in Steiner Education; The Art of Early Childhood.

Kerryn: Educator

For the past 28 years I have had the joy and privilege of being part of children's play in early childhood education.  It began in the late eighties after completing a Diploma in Teaching. 

I was lucky to become part of a great team in 1989 at Lilly Pilly Preschool, then known as Brunswick Heads Community Preschool.  The team and preschool has since grown alongside my passion and professional growth.  I recently completed a Diploma in Childrens Services at Byron Bay Community College.

For me, working with children gives a beautiful insight into humanity and life and what's important.  I thank children for that, as they have certainly enriched my life.

Along with my love of my family is my love and appreciation and desire to preserve the environment.  Its beauty and wonders can take me walking, sailing, kayaking or horseriding.  My animals (dogs, horse, chooks) are also very dear to my heart.  I do my best to follow a self sufficient path, with a good vegie patch. I also find cooking very fullfilling.

All these beautiful things make me happy!

Rana: Educator

Hi, my name is Rana and I am a permanent partime educator in the Frangipani Flower Friends Playroom here at Lilly Pilly.         

 I have been working here for 4 years and have recently returned after having my beautiful identical twin daughters, Hazel and Lola.

I am a passionate Diploma trained educator and completed my advanced Diploma at Swineburn University in Melbourne in 2017. I absolutely cherish my time with children and love to explore the wonders of their world with them.

Outside of Early Childhood Education I love to spend my time with my family, camping, dancing or training at the gym.

I look forward to meeting you and your little treasures soon.

Mardi: Support Teacher

Hi my name is Mardi. I 'm a mother of one beautiful daughter who came to LillyPilly several years ago. It was a magical experience for her, and I feel so blessed to be able to come back and share in the magic again here at Lilly Pilly.

I have always loved being with children, playing and caring for them, working as a nanny at a young age, and spending time volunteering for preschools in Spain, Morocco and Guatemala.

I have been here as a support worker at Lilly Pilly for the past two years. It is a role that I cherish, and feel blessed to be able to my spend time with here the children, supporting them and watching as they grow, explore, create and play.

I have a Diploma in visual Arts, where I mastered in drawing. I have studied Diploma in early childhood and education as well as permaculture. I have plans to further my studies in early childhood and education to deepen my knowledge and experience in this area.

I love to travel and explore and get to know other countries and cultures. At home I love to garden, draw, create, practice yoga and take time out to surf in our beautiful beaches here in the byron shire.

Anne Favre: Support Teacher

Hello, I'm Anne

I have completed a Certificate 3 in both Early Childhood and Education Support and I am delighted to be working in the beautiful Byron Shire as a Support Worker at Lilly Pilly Little School.

Originally from Switzerland, I've called the Shire home for over twenty three years and I'm happy to say I'm still fluent in five languages including French, Italian, Swiss, German and English and I love to dance Flamenco!

A proud mother of two wonderful adult children, I'm passonate about working with children to help foster their growth, wonder, creativity, curiosity and education through dance, song, art and play.

Having previously worked at Lilly Pilly as a cook for more than two years, I'm familiar with the school's culture and values.

I'm thrilled to be working with such an inspiring and supportive community as Lilly Pilly Little School and I will be in my element in the Frangipani Flower Playroom.

Ingrid Guyler: Early Childhood Teacher

Hello, My name is Ingrid & I am an Early Childhood Teacher. I studied at Macquarie University & graduated in 1992. I started my Lilly Pilly journey as a parent and since, I have taught in numerous local settings as well as tutoring/supervising Early Childhood students at Southern Cross University. I have also participated in workshops/training at Shearwater Steiner School. I look forward to sharing children's magical explorartory learning discoveries through nature and nuturing their sense of wonder for the world. I am passionate about being an advocate for maintaining a high quality caring and nurturing environment for young children as these are their vital years.

Tatsu: Support Worker

Hi, my name is Tatsu. I am originally from Japan but I now live in Ocean Shores with my wife and daughter. In my free time I love surfing and gardening. I have worked as a support teacher in New Zealand for 8 years before moving back to Australia. Alongside that I have been working as an energy healer for which I completed training in Japan in 1999. I am passionate about working with children. I like to share happiness, a sense of humour, excitement and kindness with children and to grow empathy togehter. I am looking forward to meeting you and your child.