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.

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.

Ria first started at Middle Park Kindergarten as a casual in 2024, before taking on a permanent role with the Whales group in 2025.

Ria has been working in the Early Childhood industry since 2018 and has attained a Diploma in Early Childhood.

Ria strongly believes in providing a warm, homely environment allowing a child to feel safe and secure, so that they can thrive to the best of their abilities. Ria enjoys creating an environment where a child’s curiosity is captured and they engage their imagination.

Julie began her journey in early childhood education in 2024, bringing her educational foundation from both RMIT University, where she completed her Graduate Diploma, and the University of Melbourne, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology.

Julie believes in a child-centred approach where children's curiosity and unique interests guide their learning journey. She creates nurturing environments that promote discovery through play while building respectful relationships with each child. Her experience in Steiner kindergarten has enhanced her appreciation for holistic development.

Julie speaks both English and Mandarin, bringing a multicultural perspective to her work. In her free time, she enjoys paddle boarding , fishing, and spending time with her two cats.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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.