Bec Innes

Bec holds a Diploma of Children's Services - Centre Based Care 0-8 years. She is also studying her Bachelor Of Early Childhood Teaching through UNE.

Bec was a previous Director of the Centre over 20 years ago and has a multitude of experience. She has been the Coordinator of a Supported Playgroup for 9 years, Teacher's Aide for the Dept of Ed for 5 years and Room Leader at Carinya Prep for 3 years. She is also adept at working with children with Additional Needs.

Bec considers her passion to be allowing children to explore and lead their play then scaffolding their learning in multiple ways from there. She has boundless energy and enthusiasm! When she does actually relax she enjoys cooking, getting crafty and reading!!

Shell Jeffery

Shell studied at Newcastle University NSW where she graduated with a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education 0-8 years). Shell has been with St Mark's Preschool since September 2002, fulfilling both teaching and Educational Leader roles during this time. Shell is no longer teaching face to face but holds the role of Educational Leader for the Centre three days per week. In this role she is responsible for overseeing the educational program, mentoring staff, researching teaching methods and ensuring the Early Years Learning Framework (our current curriculum) is followed and celebrated. Shell assists Bec in decision-making within the Centre and works hard to maintain positive family interactions within the service. She also loves the time she can spend with the children in the mornings and during lunch cover!! Shell definitely feels blessed to have the 'best of both worlds'!!

When Shell isn't working she is caring for her grandson and spending time at the gym!

Mary-Jane Gavin

Mary-Jane has been with St Marks Preschool since 2012. Mary-Jane acquired her Diploma of Early Childhood and Care at New England Institute of TAFE. Mary-Jane is our Gummibear Room Leader currently working five days per week. She is a ball of energy who injects lots of fun into our Centre frequently spreading jewels through the grass for the children to find or delighting us with bacon and egg rolls and milkshakes!

Mary-Jane works very hard to keep our Gummibears engaged with her ideas and program. She loves to read stories and always has a multitude of activities for us to enjoy!

Penny Woods

Penny has a Diploma of Children’s Services (Early Childhood Education and Care) and has been at St. Mark's since 1998. She is currently working in the Lollipop Room two days per week. Penny is passionate about every child’s development and involves them with a playful open approach - never running  out of new ways to excite, invite, and engage the children. Penny has taken on a variety of roles over the years and has a wealth of knowledge - especially for the 4-5 age group. She can often be seen grooving her way around the Lollipop Room dance floor or mesmerising the children with her story telling prowess!

Angela Murphy

Angela has a Certificate lll in Early Childhood Education and Care. She has been employed at the Centre since 2016. Angela has a lovely, quiet manner and shows a warm rapport with the children and families, ensuring everyone feels welcome and involved. 

Angela has a great talent for sewing and to our delight will at times bring her sewing machine in for the children to use. She supports her Lollipop Room colleagues in numerous ways from assisting in programming to directing group times. 

Juanita Doody

Juanita is currently completing her Certificate lll in Early Childhood Education and Care. She has had a number of years working in OOSH, as well as Nannying, therefore brings lots of experience with her. Juanita currently works three days per week and fulfills the roles of both educator and floater. She has a great knowledge of different cultures therefore assists us in our awareness of mulitcultural events and traditions. We had an amazing experience with a Chinese dragon and props plus had our names written in Chinese, both experiences were organised by Juanita.

She throroughly enjoys playing the guitar for the children, and  singing with them. We are lucky to have her talents on board!

Laura Hamel

Laura has completed her Certificate 111 in Early Childhood Education and Care and is currently studying her Diploma.  She is employed in the Lollipop Room five days per week as both an Educator and an Additional Needs Assistant. Laura is our technology whiz who shows us all how it's done on any device!! From computer layouts to smart board troubleshooting she is our girl!! Laura is always keen to assist the team where she can and loves to immerse herself in activities with the children.