Our Teachers
Amy Callinan - Four-Year-Old Educator (right)
I hold a Graduate Diploma in Primary Education and have worked in both Steiner and mainstream settings in a range of educational roles, such as a kindergarten teacher, playgroup facilitator and kindergarten assistant. My past studies have also included the part-time Ruldolf Steiner teacher training course. With five children of my own I have been involved as a parent in Steiner education for over twenty years, my own daughter attending Yandell Kindergarten in 2013/14. I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful community again but now as an educator, in this passionate and caring teaching team at Yandell Kindergarten.
Heidi Innes - Four-Year-Old Teacher (centre)
I grew up in the Swiss Alps and I began teaching in a bilingual kindergarten in the mid-nineties. Since then I have taught in diverse educational contexts, including Steiner, bush kindergartens and mainstream settings. After a break to raise my own two children, I completed my Graduate Diploma of Education here in Melbourne in 2014 to gain Australian accreditation. I bring with me a deep commitment to the children in my care. I promote a sense of rhythm and belonging, connection to nature and a reverence for life and its wonders. I’m honoured to be your child’s teacher and am excited to share this special year together.
Jo Stevens - Four-Year-Old Educator (left)
I am a Diploma qualified educator who started her working life as a horticulturist and it gives me great joy to share my love of plants, flowers and the natural world with our children at Yandell Kindergarten. There is wonder all around us and I feel that within a Steiner education that element is particularly honoured. It is one of the reasons both my children attend a Steiner school and why I have studied Steiner education. Thank you for entrusting your child’s kindergarten years to us.
I hold a Graduate Diploma in Primary Education and have worked in both Steiner and mainstream settings in a range of educational roles, such as a kindergarten teacher, playgroup facilitator and kindergarten assistant. My past studies have also included the part-time Ruldolf Steiner teacher training course. With five children of my own I have been involved as a parent in Steiner education for over twenty years, my own daughter attending Yandell Kindergarten in 2013/14. I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful community again but now as an educator, in this passionate and caring teaching team at Yandell Kindergarten.
Heidi Innes - Four-Year-Old Teacher (centre)
I grew up in the Swiss Alps and I began teaching in a bilingual kindergarten in the mid-nineties. Since then I have taught in diverse educational contexts, including Steiner, bush kindergartens and mainstream settings. After a break to raise my own two children, I completed my Graduate Diploma of Education here in Melbourne in 2014 to gain Australian accreditation. I bring with me a deep commitment to the children in my care. I promote a sense of rhythm and belonging, connection to nature and a reverence for life and its wonders. I’m honoured to be your child’s teacher and am excited to share this special year together.
Jo Stevens - Four-Year-Old Educator (left)
I am a Diploma qualified educator who started her working life as a horticulturist and it gives me great joy to share my love of plants, flowers and the natural world with our children at Yandell Kindergarten. There is wonder all around us and I feel that within a Steiner education that element is particularly honoured. It is one of the reasons both my children attend a Steiner school and why I have studied Steiner education. Thank you for entrusting your child’s kindergarten years to us.
Melinda Morriss - Three-Year-Old Ring-a-Rosie Educator (right)
My daughter started three year old kinder at Yandell Kindergarten 16 years ago, inspiring me to study Steiner early childhood training for a year. My son was also a Yandell boy and six years ago I became the Fairy Wren Educator. I completed Certificate III in 2012 and attended the Vital Years Steiner Conference in June 2013.
Amanda Douglas - Three-Year-Old Ring-a-Rosie Teacher (left)
I am delighted to be teacher for the Fairy Wren group, alongside Melinda. It is a great privilege to be engaging with the children during this early part of their lifelong learning journey, whilst making meaningful connections with the families of Yandell.
I have had a range of experience teaching in the Early Childhood sector since graduating in 2011 with a Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education, working within several different communities, predominantly focused on play based programs for both 3 and 4 year old groups.
The Steiner philosophy of education is closely aligned with my own values as I firmly believe in a holistic approach to learning. I recognise the connectedness of children's physical, social, emotional and spiritual well-being and view children as capable and competent, acknowledging them as active participants in their own learning.
Within the welcoming and safe environment of the kindergarten, it is my pleasure to foster a positive sense of self in every child, with respect for the uniqueness of each other and the natural world around them.
I live in Diamond Creek with my husband and three young children who keep me wondering with their curious questions and keen observations. I am grateful for their requests to play with them and the endless heart - warming moments that can be found in the everyday.
My daughter started three year old kinder at Yandell Kindergarten 16 years ago, inspiring me to study Steiner early childhood training for a year. My son was also a Yandell boy and six years ago I became the Fairy Wren Educator. I completed Certificate III in 2012 and attended the Vital Years Steiner Conference in June 2013.
Amanda Douglas - Three-Year-Old Ring-a-Rosie Teacher (left)
I am delighted to be teacher for the Fairy Wren group, alongside Melinda. It is a great privilege to be engaging with the children during this early part of their lifelong learning journey, whilst making meaningful connections with the families of Yandell.
I have had a range of experience teaching in the Early Childhood sector since graduating in 2011 with a Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education, working within several different communities, predominantly focused on play based programs for both 3 and 4 year old groups.
The Steiner philosophy of education is closely aligned with my own values as I firmly believe in a holistic approach to learning. I recognise the connectedness of children's physical, social, emotional and spiritual well-being and view children as capable and competent, acknowledging them as active participants in their own learning.
Within the welcoming and safe environment of the kindergarten, it is my pleasure to foster a positive sense of self in every child, with respect for the uniqueness of each other and the natural world around them.
I live in Diamond Creek with my husband and three young children who keep me wondering with their curious questions and keen observations. I am grateful for their requests to play with them and the endless heart - warming moments that can be found in the everyday.
