Meet Our Team

Haley Cotton is our Educational Leader at Middle Park Kindergarten, teaching the 4 year old kindergarten group.

Haley has been working in the Early Childhood field for more than 20 years and come with much experience. She finished her bachelors degree in Sydney from Macquarie University and can work in school and kindergarten settings.

Since her time at university she has worked at many different educational settings and have seen an array of different teaching styles and philosophies at play. This experience has led Haley to see that "children learn best when provided with a safe and supportive environment that challenges them, inspires them and promotes a self of well-being."

She sees children as competent individuals who come with their own way of learning. An environment that supports their unique way of learning is imperative for success. The teacher is only one element in the teaching process. The physical environment plus the connection the children have with their peers, and the wider community all help build skills in the child and importantly feel a sense of belonging and identity. This sense of belonging and community is vital for children to grow into mindful citizens of the world and for them to continue their journey into learning.

Haley has a passion for inspiring children to be their best self. She believes that through open-ended experiences plus intentional teaching opportunities and project work, children can take mastery over their own learning.

In her spare time she enjoys meeting up with friends and family, loves nice food and getting outdoors in nature. She likes to try and keep fit by walking her dog and doing some exercise. She also enjoys cooking.

Rani has been been working in early childhood since 2018, with most of her experience working at long day care. Rani has a Diploma of Early Childhood and care, and works alongside Haley as the assistant Educator in the 4 year old Whales group.

Rani promotes creating a safe and inclusive environment that is in the best interest of the child. Rani enjoys meeting all the different personalities at kindergarten, and building respectful relationships with the children. She believes in a child centred approach to learning, as children love to explore their interests and build on unique needs, which then leads to learning through play.

Rani has an interest in art, and enjoys painting in her own time. She owns 2 cats and 1 dog and loves spending time with them at home. She also loves travelling when she has the time.

Cass joined the teaching team at Middle Park Kinder in 2019, after a decade long association, with all four of her children having attended the service.

Cass teaches the 3 year old children at Middle Park Kindergarten. She has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Melbourne and lives in Middle Park with her family.

Pam started at Middle Park Kindergarten as a casual relief educator in 2022, before taking a permanent role in 2023.

Pam has been working in the Early Childhood industry for more than 30 years and has a Diploma of Early Childhood.

Pam believes in creating a warm, caring environment for children to develop the skills for school, resilience, respect and a love of learning.

Sarah has had a long association with Middle Park Kinder having had her three children attending the service.

Sarah commenced her role as Office Manager in 2024 and looks after enrolments and administrative queries. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going for long walks and reading.

Kylie is a very experienced and talented musician, with a beautiful voice. She is providing a music program for the Dolphins and Whales groups this year. Kylie visits the kindergarten every fortnight.