Judy Wood

judy@auburnsouth.org.au

BA (Early Childhood)

Early Childhood Teacher

Judy joined Auburn South Preschool in 2011 with many years of experience within private school ELC, Childcare and Community Kindergartens. Judy has been an Early Childhood Teacher for both 3 and 4 year old groups over her time with us and acted as our Nominated Supervisor for numerous years. When not working at the preschool, Judy is a qualified tutor working alongside her trained therapy dog, George, to provide dog assisted learning for children in schools and private homes. In her spare time Judy enjoys sports, particularly netball.

Ling Zhao

ling@auburnsouth.org.au

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education & Master of Teaching

Early Childhood Teacher

Ling joined us in 2021 after spending the last 8 years teaching and studying in the Early Childhood Education sector in Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from RMIT, graduating with 1st class honours, and completed her Master of Education from the University of Melbourne (specialising in Bilingual Education in early years).

Before that, Ling taught for 10 years in preschools based in China, so she has many years of experience within early childhood sectors.

Ling believes that respectful, caring bonds with children and their families are the vital foundation for a wonderful kindergarten experience. She feels that children gain the most through play-based learning. When engaged in play, they are provided opportunities to make sense of the world around them through inquiry, exploration, interaction and problem solving. Ling believes that each child has unique strength and preferred learning style. She adopts a differentiated teaching approach to provide enough opportunity and challenge for all children to build on success and develop a positive attitude towards learning. Ling is also the mother of a twenty year-old son.

May Chen

may@auburnsouth.org.au

Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) University of Melbourne

Educator

May joined Auburn South in 2022 and is passionate about the early years and supporting children’s development in the formative years of their lives. May’s teaching philosophy is based upon creating a positive and safe learning environment where all children can explore, play, and learn. Her goal as an educator is to equip children with the skills to become independent and engaged lifelong learners. In her spare time May enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.

Maree Filopoulos

maree@auburnsouth.org.au

Undergraduate Certificate of Early Childhood Education;
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Educator

Maree has been with Auburn South Preschool since 2014.  Maree recently completed her Undergraduate of Early Childhood Education, having previously completed both the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, and a Cert III in Children’s Services.
She returned to the workforce after 8 years as a stay at home mum and has been actively involved in many childcare centres, and is rewarded when she sees the children’s gorgeous little faces when they achieve special goals! Maree enjoys painting, all sorts of craft, has a passion for interior design, visiting art galleries and DIY around the house.

Serine Kua

serine@auburnsouth.org.au

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Educator

Serine comes across to us from a Reggio Emilia-Inspired kindergarten in South Australia, joining us in 2023. Serine has a strong interest in supporting children’s wellbeing, emotions and managing challenging behaviours, using different approaches and strategies which she has learnt through Trauma Aware Practice Training. She enjoys building safe connections and promoting emotional literacy in children. Serine is also a mother to a son and daughter of her own, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Mahnaz Eghbal

mahnaz@auburnsouth.org.au

Diploma of Children’s Services (Early Childhood Education and Care)

Educator

Mahnaz is an experienced educator who joined our team in 2021 following numerous years working with us in the capacity of an Integration Aide through Connections Uniting Care, which has a long history of supporting marginalised and disadvantaged children. She is skilled in working with children with additional needs. Mahnaz is a warm and caring educator who the children enjoy spending time with. She is passionate about working with young children and is always seeking new interests to bring to the groups, including science and maths and she also enjoys sharing her Persian Culture with the children.

Update in progress – welcome Uma Mehta

Nicole Radford

nicole@auburnsouth.org.au

Preschool Manager

Nicole first joined Auburn South Preschool in 2012 as the Preschool’s administration officer and is now the Preschool Manager. Nicole previously worked in the hairdressing industry for 25 years, managing salons and training staff, and has experience working in administration and serving on Preschool committees for a period of 7 years. Nicole is married and has 3 young adult sons. In her spare time Nicole enjoys travelling, reading, museums and theatre.