Meet Our Educators

Hello, my name is Sue Collinson and I am an early childhood teacher and director of MHCPS. I have been teaching at this wonderful preschool for almost forty years, so long in fact I now teach the grandchildren of the first families I met and I taught some of our parents. I have seen successive management committees work tirelessly to raise money resulting in the provision of excellent resources and the community owning the building and land we occupy.

Proudly not-for-profit and community based makes a huge difference- our focus has always been providing high quality experience and learning for our children. While working with many gifted teachers and educators I have learnt so much and have great respect for the involvement of families in our programs. I enjoy the challenge of helping children learn, creating a nurturing environment and especially value the very special and close relationships I have with children. I absolutely love having a wink returned to me from a child who has connected with us! We have fun at preschool.  

Sue Collinson (Mrs Collinson)

Director

Diploma Early Childhood Education and Care

Alanna Smith (Miss Alanna)

Educator

Diploma Early Childhood Education and Care

Hello, my name is Alanna. I have been working with children for almost twenty years. Children have a wonderful way of brightening your day. I am passionate about messy play and love watching children’s curiosity and wonder grow as they learn. I am excited to be part of the MHCPS team and can’t wait to help your children learn and grow.

Toni McGilvray (Miss Toni)

Educator

Certificate III in Children’s Services

Hi, I’m Toni. I have just returned to MHCPS as an Educator/Administration Officer this year after 17 years. I previously worked at MHCPS as an Educator for Seven and a half years and it just feels like home again. I am passionate about providing a safe and nurturing environment where children can explore and learn through play, I feel so grateful to work with children and their families to help create a bright and resilient future for all.  I love surrounding myself with family and friends as this is what brings the most love, happiness and fun to my life.

Lilly Avery (Miss Lilly)

Educator

Certificate III in Children’s Services

Hello, my name is Lilly. I have my certificate III in . I am a passionate educator, who brings creativity and care to every interaction. I have a natural ability to connect and build rapport with children. Creating a fun, safe environment where children can learn, grow and build confidence through play is what I strive for every day.

Kelly Harmes (Miss Kelly)

Educational Leader

Diploma Early Childhood Education and Care

I have been working as an educator for 27 years. I feel privileged to work with children and share the natural joy they experience. I am the proud mother of a wonderful son and a lovely daughter-in-law who I enjoy spending my spare time with. 

Morgan Gerrick (Miss Morgan)

Educator

Diploma Early Childhood Education and Care

Hello, I’m Morgan. I am one of the educators at MHCPS. I completed my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2021. Before that I was an OSHC Coordinator at a primary school for three years. Last year I completed my Certificate II and III in Australian sign language (Auslan) and have been working with the children to incorporate this into our centre.

Lauren Holbert (Miss Lauren)

Early Childhood Teacher

Bachelor of Teaching/Early Childhood

I've been working at MHCPS for just over four years. I am passionate about developing supportive relationships with all children and their families. I believe this is the key to unlock every child's potential which keeps me motivated. I also feel strongly about embedding Indigenous perspectives into my daily practice. I have a young family who keep me busy. We love to spend our weekends at the beach, playing soccer and bike riding. 

Laura Keating (Miss Laura)

Educator

Diploma Early Childhood Education and Care

Hi, my name is Laura and I have my Diploma in… and have been working in the industry for 21 years. I am proud to work at MHCPS as I believe the centre philosophy aligns well with my own. I have a husband and a little girl, and I also work for our family plumbing and excavations business. I love watching children learn and grow and embedding indigenous practices into the daily program.

Kaitlyn (Miss Kaitlyn)

Educator

Certificate III in Children’s Services

Hello, my name is Kaitlyn. I have my certificate III in. I am passionate about supporting children’s growth and development. I enjoy fostering children’s curiosity and love of learning, especially through outdoor experiences that inspire exploration and a connection to nature.