SA’s newest preschool directors profiled 

Newly appointed preschool directors from across South Australia have been featured in a profile piece showcasing the depth of experience and expertise not only in the state but across the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector. 

 

Directors guide and lead a diverse group of ECEC professionals all of whom are passionate about ensuring children have the best possible start in life.

 

Kate McMahon, who has taken the reins at Thorndon Park Kindergarten in Adelaide’s north-east, is stepping into a leadership role for the first time at the age of 37. 

 

“There are a lot of new paths that I haven’t tackled yet in my career, so it’s really nice that people are trusting me to take on this duty. Working with such a passionate team that has been so welcoming, and becoming part of a strong community has been fantastic.”

 

Ms McMahon, who graduated university with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education degree, has taught in both regional and metro areas, including Port Augusta and Blair Athol, as well as in the private school sector.

 

She said she felt privileged to be appointed director at Thorndon Park in the year that the preschool celebrates half a century of teaching the children in its community.

 

“It’s amazing to think that the first generation of children who came through here would be 55 now,” Ms McMahon said.

 

“And it’s nice to imagine what future generations of children will be doing in 50 years time.”

 

Here are some of the state’s new preschool directors in 2025.

 

Peterborough Community Preschool and Rural Care Services

 

50 year old Tess Hancock is taking charge at Peterborough, where she will leverage her 20 years of sector experience to lead a dedicated team. 

 

“I spent more than 12 years at my previous site, building strong connections with the families and local community,” she shared. 

 

“I am a country girl at heart and love small town life. I am looking forward to building strong relationships and connections within the preschool community: my colleagues, families, children, local schools and the wider community.”

 

For Ms Hancock one of the biggest challenges will be coming into an established team, building respectful and collaborative relationships with colleagues, and leading continuous and innovative improvement, while also learning to effectively balance the responsibilities of the role and provide the leadership that the community and team deserve.

 

Barbara Kiker Memorial Kindergarten

 

Michelle Sibbons, 58, has been working with children for more than 30 years in a variety of roles both public and private. Within preschools she has experience as an early childhood worker, playgroup coordinator, preschool support, teacher and short-term director positions.

 

She’s excited to have the opportunity to share her passion for play-based, child-centred learning and to continue to develop her personal leadership capabilities.

 

“There is so much to learn,” she said. 

 

“Ensuring I maintain a healthy work-life balance so that I can bring the calm, clear head and enthusiasm, without overloading myself or others, or letting anything important slip through the net. Bring it on! I love a challenge.”

 

Meadows and Districts Kindergarten

 

Brigitte French, 48, brings international experience to her role, and has enjoyed a diverse career, working in several educational settings, including a special school, in inner London, The Berlin International School, and many other schools in Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills. 

 

For the past 16 years, she has been at Littlehampton Primary School in the junior primary and preschool, and in 2024 took on a 12 month contract position as Director at Meadows and Districts Kindergarten, and is excited to now be in the role for the next five years.

 

“We have been exploring children’s agency and I am looking forward to continuing this in 2025 and having children be more involved in the planning process with staff,” she said.

 

“I enjoy learning with the children, staff and families (and value the opportunity) to have fun and be grateful for all the good things we have here in Australia and in working in kindergartens. A community helps raise children, and when we all work together, we can support our youngest learners to thrive.”

 

Modbury Kindergarten

 

43 year old Francine Schiller has more than 20 years of experience in the sector, including 10 years as an OSHC director before transitioning into kindergarten teaching in 2015. Throughout her career she has worked across a range of sites, from the north-east to the western suburbs, in both relief teaching and contract positions.

 

“I’m excited about the opportunity to strengthen community connections,” Ms Schiller said. 

 

“I look forward to working closely with families, educators, and the broader community to create enriching learning experiences that will support each child’s growth and development.”

 

Modbury North Kindergarten

 

Timsy Jyoti, 36, is also in Modbury, and is using her extensive education experience in India, as well as the experiences she has gained since arriving in Australia in 2014 and undertaking her Master’s in Early Childhood to grow and develop as a professional. 

 

Like Ms French, Ms Jyoti undertook a contract director role in 2024, securing a five year tenure commencing in 2025. 

 

In her role, she is most looking forward to continuing to implement and strengthen the Trauma-Informed Practice framework at the preschool, ensuring it becomes a key part of daily practices and service culture. 

 

“I’m also excited to actively model inclusive education, create a welcoming environment, advocate for cultural diversity, and build strong partnerships with families from diverse backgrounds, treating them as equal partners in their child’s education,” she said.

 

Challenges to overcome this year include finding a balance between work and personal life. 

 

“It’s easy to get caught up in the daily tasks and forget to prioritise my own wellbeing,” she said. 

 

“This year, I will focus on accepting that not everything will be crossed off my to-do list, and instead, concentrate on what truly matters – setting boundaries to allow myself time to recharge.”

 

Newland Park Kindergarten

 

27 year old Maddy Emmett has 10 years of experience of working in the sector, in a variety of settings and roles including as an educator, teacher, educational leader, and co-director. 

 

“These roles have taught me so much, and I’ve been lucky to learn from some amazing educators. I’m really excited to join the Newland Park Kindergarten team as director this year and be part of our fantastic community,” she said.

 

“I absolutely love working in the early childhood sector—every day is a new adventure. I also enjoy being in nature, as it offers endless opportunities for exploration and learning, both for me and the children.”

 

Trott Park Kindergarten

 

Rachel Maslen, 29, has experience in both primary and the early years, stepping up into a leadership role in 2023 before going on parental leave with her first child. 

 

She is most looking forward to returning to a director’s position after a year of maternity leave, where she hopes to create an inclusive and engaging environment for the children, families and educators.

 

“Directors wear many hats,” she said. 

 

“I think my biggest challenge will be ensuring smooth operation of the preschool, managing budgets, overseeing curriculum development, and handling compliance with regulations, all while fostering a positive, nurturing environment.” 

 

“I want to create an environment where educators feel challenged and excited to grow professionally, collaborate creatively, and feel inspired. I also want educators to maintain a healthy work/life balance.”

 

Elliston Children’s Centre

 

47 year old Kirsty Docking has spent the past five years teaching three and four-year-old Aboriginal children at Port Lincoln Children’s Centre. 

 

Prior to that role she worked in various contracts and as a relief teacher, with students from preschool up to Year 7. She has worked at School of the Air, which involved travelling to stations to visit families and has also worked at other regional and rural communities including Andamooka, Woomera, Port Augusta, Stirling North, Port Lincoln, Cummins and Wangary.

 

After being an acting director on occasion over the past two years, she is looking forward to her new role, to working with new educators and sharing the learning with the children and their families. 

 

“I am also looking forward to spending time at the beach and getting to know the Elliston community,” she said.