Our Staff

Our staff work together to create a warm, caring and stimulating environment for the children.

We draw on each staff member’s individual skills to create and deliver a varied experience across our programs.

Susie Alston is the Director and Lead Teacher. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) and has been working in the early childhood sector for over 15 years. Susie is passionate about the importance of outdoor and nature play for children, and the influence of this play on helping children develop a love and care for the environment. Susie is also a practicing yoga instructor and enjoys camping trips with her family.

Claire Perrone is a passionate and nurturing teacher who has been working with children and families for almost 10 years. She builds respectful and supportive relationships with children by getting to know their dispositions and curiosities. Claire loves learning alongside children, working with them to explore their interests and to understand the world around them. Claire knows the affinity children have for nature and the effect this has on children’s wellbeing, so she ensures children have ample opportunity to be active and explore the natural world. An Alphington local, Claire loves paddling on the river and riding around town. An Italian at heart, Claire loves to cook and tend the garden, at home and at the farmers’ market. When she gets the chance, she’s climbing mountains in Tassie or sitting around the fire with friends and family. Claire loves to sew and is learning to crochet.

Amanda Saltmarsh is an educator with a Certificate III in Children’s Services and is working towards completing her Diploma. Amanda also holds a Certificate IV in Vet Nursing and has a strong passion for reading, spending time with her family, listening to music and caring for her many pets at home. Amanda enjoys sharing her love for arts and animals with the children and her fellow teachers.

Yukie Green worked with children of different ages in childcare centres and kindergartens in Japan. In 2015 Yukie joined ANMK as an Additional Assistant and since 2016 has been working as an Educator. Yukie enjoys sharing her culture with the children, including the Japanese language and origami. Yukie likes listening to music, watching movies and musicals, and swimming.

Yuko So-Stavretis joined ANMK in 2022. After migrating from Japan in 2000, Yuko completed her Certificate Ⅲ in Children’s Services and has enjoyed working with children at various early childhood settings ever since. She is currently working towards completing her Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Yuko enjoys cooking and exploring different cuisines, baking bread, botanical painting and going on walks with her family dog. She is also learning to play the ukulele and hoping to enjoy music with the children.

Victoria Kennedy is a Teacher with 12 years experience in various Early Childhood Education settings. She has worked with children from birth to five years and has been teaching in kindergarten programs for the past 4 years. Victoria’s passion lies in building strong relationships with children to support their emerging social skills and emotional regulation. Victoria believes in providing fun, challenging experiences for children to build resilience and support them to manage risks and develop independence. Victoria grew up in the country and loves the outdoors, she brings that love to her teaching and enjoys spending time with children in nature. On the weekends you can find Victoria watching live music around town or riding her mountain bike on the Yarra trails.

Additional staff members such as assistants and specialists join us at various times throughout the year. We also participate in training programs for teaching students.

We ensure the required student to staff ratios and staff qualifications are maintained at all times.