Staff
We have a small team of teaching staff and educators and we are proud of our experienced and caring team, and their record of continuous service.
Pre Prep teaching staff
Nikki Samuel, Director and Pre Prep Teacher
I love being a teacher because I love watching the children grow and develop over the course of the time that I am teaching them and watching their minds explore new ideas and gain confidence within themselves and their abilities
I love being at St Dunstan’s because it feels like a family – I love how there is a real community feel to it and that it encompasses the concept that we are a community based kindergarten
My favourite book is The Seven Sisters series by Lucinda Reily
My favourite place is the beach – It’s my happy place (ask any of my friends where I am during Summer)
My favourite TV show or movie are Bridgeton, Drama Based Series and Conversations based shows
My students make me laugh when they say or do the funniest things and don’t even realise or when I get to be silly with them
Qualification – Bachelor of Early Childhood Education with Distinction
Years of Teaching – 20+ years
Years of Service at St Dunstan’s – 2023 to now
Gail Beech, Pre Prep Educator
I love being an Educator because everyday is a rewarding experience, watching children learn, develop values, kindness and resilience in or warm and enriching environment.
I love being at St Dunstan’s because … well just look around. We have the most beautiful and natural playground where our children can run, play, cook in the sandpit, climb, dig in our mud patch, kick a footy on our stretch of grass and get lost in our fairy garden. All while feeling safe and supported by our dedicated and caring staff. Our community is amazing too.
My favourite book is The Cherry Dress by Elizabeth Honey. I enjoy reading this story to the children as it opens discussions about families, growing older and valuing and recycling our well loved possessions. In my spare time I enjoy reading true crime or getting lost in a good “whodunit”.
My favourite place is – this is an easy one beach – the beach. Whether in Australia, Italy or Croatia, the smell of the sea air, sound of gulls and the feeling of the salty water lapping at my feet is so calming.
My favourite TV show or movie are – for a good laugh I can’t go past old Seinfeld reruns. I also enjoy a good “doco”.
My students make me laugh as they interpret the world and their experiences through their eyes. Their innocence and humour always puts a smile on my face.
Qualification – Certificate III in Children’s Services
Years of Service at St Dunstan’s – 2013 to 2023 and 2026 to now
Ayona Roy, Pre Prep Educator
Three year old group teaching staff
Olenia Costa, Three Year Old Kindergarten Teacher
I love being a teacher because I want to enrich children’s lives with vibrant learning programs that are fun and allow me to watch them grow in confidence.
I love being at St. Dunstan’s because of the wonderful families that create such a beautiful community; the amazing grounds and resources we have at our fingertips and the fantastic staff who are supportive and brilliant to work with.
My favourite book is there are so many I just can’t choose. As an avid reader I like fantasy, historical fiction, murder mystery, gothic thrillers (not horror or psychological thrillers or romance). The list is endless.
My favourite place is Verona, Italy. But if I can’t afford that, any beach will do.
My favourite TV show or movie is anything that I can get completely lost in and forget about all the chores that need doing.
My students make me laugh when they try to tell jokes or play tricks on the staff.
Qualifications
- Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood)
- Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Integration)
Years of Teaching – 20+ years
Years of Service at St Dunstan’s – 2017 to now
Trish Imbastaro, Three year old Educator
I love being an Educator because once my children grew up I really missed the precious early years and the Kindergarten environment. That’s when I decided to retrain as an Educator and… the rest is history.
I love being at St Dunstan’s because the community is the best. It’s a small kinder that focusses on what is best for the child and that’s what I’m all about. I also work with the loveliest people in the world which makes coming to work very enjoyable.
My favourite books are anything by Anita Shreve or a really good crime novel by Lynda LaPlante
My favourite song is
My favourite place is home! That’s where my family is. Or the Greek Islands, life is so simple and pared back, the weather is amazing and you can sit in the ocean or the pool all day long and stay awake all night (I’m a night owl).
My favourite TV show or movie is Bridgerton, Love Story (2026 TV series), all the Bridget Jones movies and Fleabag
My favourite song is Mr Brightside, by The Killers
My students make me laugh when they are themselves. Children have great sense of humours and say some of the funniest things. Love, love, love!
Qualifications
- Certificate III in Children’s Services
- Bachelor of Business
Years of Service at St Dunstan’s – 2017 to now
Aftercare program teaching staff
Kuvindhya Senevirathna and Ayona Roy
Kuvindhya Senevirathna
I love being an educator because I enjoy supporting children as they grow, learn, and discover new things. It makes me happy to see their confidence build and to be part of their early learning journey.
I love being at St Dunstan’s because of the warm, caring environment and strong sense of community. Being part of a place where children, families, and educators feel connected is very special to me.
My favourite book is the St. Clare’s series by Enid Blyton.
My favourite song is La Isla Bonita by Madonna.
My favourite place is the beach — it’s my happy place where I can relax and enjoy nature.
I really love watching Korean TV series and movies in my free time.
My students make me smile when they share their funny ideas, creative thoughts, and when we laugh and learn together during activities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts (Special in Economics);
- Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education
- Currently working towards a Master of Early Childhood (Teaching).
Years of Service at St Dunstan’s – 2025 to now
St Dunstan’s Kindergarten strongly supports and actively encourages opportunities for staff to engage in regular professional and personal development. Our teachers participate in high quality, inspiring and challenging professional and personal development experiences.