Hello and welcome to Kindy! My name is Linda and I am the Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) here at Sandgate Kids Nash Street. I joined the Nash Street Family in April 2023 and feel blessed to be working alongside passionate and dedicated educators who strive to provide high quality care to all children and their families.

Over the past 20 years, I have worked in a variety of early childhood and primary school settings, caring for, and educating children ranging from small infants to Year 6 students. I was fortunate enough to live, study and work in Switzerland for 8 years, where I completed my Advance Diploma in Childcare. This was a wonderful experience that allowed me to learn a new language, travel, and meet some amazing people along the way. After moving back to Australia in 2008, I went on to complete my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education in 2013.

My philosophy for early childhood development revolves around creating a child-centred, play-based, and holistic learning environment. I believe that play is a child's natural way of learning, and it serves as the foundation for their overall development.

Here at Kindy, we create a rich and stimulating learning environment that encourages children to engage in open-ended activities, collaborate with their peers, and develop problem-solving skills. We recognise that children's development is multi-faceted, encompassing physical, social, emotional, and cognitive aspects. My goal as a teacher is to provide a safe and stimulating learning space that cultivates curiosity and wonder, supports risk-taking, nurtures a sense of belonging, encourages teamwork and fosters skills your child will need for their everyday lives as they transition into Prep, and beyond.

Hello! I’m Nicole

I joined the team at Sandgate Kids, because I wanted to make a difference to children, and to be a part of something meaningful and feel fortunate to have found a place that is child-centred with strong connections to community. I have worked in many roles, in many places, all over this great country and the world, so I bring a blend of life experiences to the Kindergarten classroom.

I am a mother of three great young adults, a practicing artist, and drive a Kombi called Pearl who I adore, almost as much as my children. I love camping, kayaking and the water. I recently moved to Sandgate because I was drawn here by the sense of community and belonging.

Some of my qualifications include a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching (Prep to Year 7), a Bachelor of Fine Art, a Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology, and am currently studying a Certificate III in Early Childhood with the goal of completing a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.

Having taught early years at primary school I understand the foundational skills, developmental milestones, and transition preparation necessary for children’s educational path beyond kindergarten. However I believe that the early years, most especially the time spent in Kindergarten is critical, special, beautiful, irreplaceable and it offers the most joyful opportunities for children to create, learn and grow.

I love teaching, I adore children and 'm so excited to be part of the close-knit community that Sandgate Kids is, and to contribute to its growth.