Meet Our Team

Karen

Director

Karen has been a valued part of the Elermore Vale Community Preschool & Early Learning family for almost four years, bringing with her over 30 years of experience in early childhood education. In a lovely full-circle moment, Karen actually completed her university training placement right here at EVCPELC.

A proud Novocastrian from a big local family (if you know a Bergquist, chances are Karen's related to them!), she brings warmth, dedication, and deep community roots to her role as Director.

Outside of work, Karen kicks off her mornings with a coffee and vegemite toast, and dreams of holidays filled with water, sunshine, great food, and plenty of history. When she's not managing the busy preschool, you'll find her tackling backyard projects at home, watching a good historical drama, or enjoying her favourite colour, green, in the world around her.

Emma

Administration Assistant

Emma works in the office on a 9-day fortnight roster, bringing a well-rounded background in early childhood education to her role. She completed her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care through a traineeship straight out of school, and went on to work as an Educator for six years, followed by two years in administration. After spending the last four years working in the child and youth allied health space, Emma is thrilled to be back in the childcare industry.

Emma recently bought a house near the water in Lake Macquarie with her partner, and the pair are kept on their toes by their cheeky Golden Retriever puppy, Sunni. A self-described city girl at heart, Emma loves that there's always something happening — though her ideal day off is a little more relaxed, starting with an early morning Pilates class, a coffee, and a walk along the lake with Sunni, before settling in to watch the NRL.

Well-travelled from a young age, Emma has visited 10 countries with her family over the years, and Europe is next on her bucket list. A self-confessed English lover (maths, not so much!), Emma is warm, dedicated, and a wonderful addition to the EVCPELC team.

Meg

Educator

Meg is a Diploma-trained Educator working in the Werekata room five days a week. With over 20 years' experience in early childhood education, Meg brings a genuine love for her work to the centre every day.

A proud Novocastrian, Meg has been fortunate enough to live overseas and travel extensively over the years, though family always remains close to her heart — even if her brother is a little further away than she'd like, in Canada! Outside of work, Meg is a proud mum to a sports-loving teenager who keeps her on her toes.

An early bird at heart, Meg's mornings start with a non-negotiable coffee and, when she can fit it in, a gym session. Her ideal weekend involves a beach walk, good coffee, catching up with friends, and cheering on her footy team. A self-confessed foodie, sushi and Mexican are always at the top of her list.

Sinead

Educator

Sinead is Certificate III qualified and works in the Birabaan room on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. She loves working with children, and finds the most rewarding part of her job is being part of their day-to-day journey — celebrating their achievements, big and small, and watching their unique personalities shine. Interestingly, being an artist was Sinead's childhood dream, and you can still see a touch of that creativity in the way she brings imagination and colour into the children's day.

Outside of work, Sinead can usually be found at the beach with her two dogs, Remy and Manchee, spending time with friends, or out for a walk. A self-confessed tea lover, she recently ticked hiking in New Zealand off her list, and counts Italy among her favourite places she's visited.

Bre

Educator

Bre is Diploma qualified and is the Room Leader of the Werekata room, five days a week. She has been part of the EVCPELC family for almost 6 years, and has worked in the early childhood education sector for nearly 12 years. Bre found her passion for early childhood education after starting out at Oporto and then working as an assistant nurse — and she hasn't looked back since.

A proud Novocastrian from a big family, Bre and her husband recently built their dream home together.

Outside of work, Bre loves staying active with high-intensity training and running, and unwinds with the gym, a good TV show, or getting creative with her sewing machine. A lifelong dog lover, her family currently has six dogs and a few horses on their property in Queensland. Egypt is at the top of her travel wish list, with the pyramids and rich history high on her must-see list.

Management Structure

Elermore Vale Community Preschool and Early Learning Centre operates as a community-based, not-for-profit service, structured as an Incorporated Association.

Our organisation is managed by a dedicated Voluntary Parent Management Committee, typically comprising 4-5 office bearing members, including a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Other positions on the Committee are the Staff Liaison Officer and then general members.

Each year, during our Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in March, a new committee is elected, allowing parents the opportunity to re-elect members or choose new representatives.

Membership in the Association is open to all families, who play a vital role by attending the AGM and voting for their preferred committee members.