Our Staff
Tash Croft (Director)
I am honoured to be the Director of Cooks Hill Preschool since 2013, and I love the opportunity to work with children, their families and other passionate educators. Throughout my career in Early Childhood Education I have spent several years working in Long Day Care before running my own Family Day Care business. During this time I gained my Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) as I wanted to continue learning through current research. I strongly believe that collaborating with families is an essential foundation for creating an environment that is inviting, respectful and builds meaningful connections. I actively promote a message of respect and love, and I find it very rewarding to watch the children grow, learn and explore throughout their two year preschool period.
Jenny O'Sullivan (Educational Leader)
I have been an educator at Cooks Hill for 10 years. I started as a volunteer and was inspired to study a Certificate III and then Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE. I enjoy working with an inspiring team and watching the children's amazing journeys from 3 to 5 year old. I believe that educators play a vital role in a child's development by working collaboratively to foster their learning and social/emotional well-being. I see children as competent, capable learners and I enjoy being a co-researcher by exploring science experiments and sourcing information to support inquiry. I relax with yoga and meditation, and like to share mindfulness techniques and yoga movement with the preschoolers as I believe these skills help the children to self regulate and promote body awareness.
My name is Nina Graham and I am an Educator at Cooks Hill Preschool. After deliberating between a Fine Arts Degree and a Nursing Degree, and growing up in a big extended family, I came to the decision to start something that almost combines the three. It seemed like a natural progression for me to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education. In March 2015, I enrolled in TAFE to start a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. During my course, I picked up a weekly shift at Cooks Hill Preschool, which rapidly developed my knowledge and experience by working with children, whilst studying. Upon finishing in June 2016, I was lucky enough to accept an offer of full time work for the upcoming year (2017). Since 2017, I have continued my work as a full time Educator in Early Childhood, here at Cooks Hill Preschool.
Lucy Flook (Educator)
My name is Lucy Flook, I have just recently completed my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education in 2017 at Elder Street Early Childcare Centre. One of the core reasons I joined this industry was to have the pleasure of guiding little minds into the next stage of development with confidence in themselves and an excitement for continued learning. I believe a safe, fun positive approach in an educational environment is significant as it becomes more meaningful for the child’s learning. I also believe that a child’s independence and self-confidence is remarkably boosted when they are given choices, responsibilities and opportunities within their learning. The first thing that comes to my mind when people ask me why I love my job is the families I meet on the way and the strong relationships that I develop with them! Please come up and say hi and I can’t wait to get to know you all this year.
I am currently studying a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education, building on my background as a Registered Nurse. My passion lies in working with preschool-aged children, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of this field. My dedication to early childhood education is deeply personal, as I have experienced first-hand the profound impact of a supportive and caring team at Cooks Hill Preschool, where my three children received exceptional care and education. This positive experience inspired me to give back to the community and contribute to the development and well-being of young learners. My transition from nursing to early childhood education reflects my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children, and I am excited to be working alongside a team that shares this passion.
As a Mother of two girls who have both attended Cooks Hill Preschool, I have witnessed first-hand the loving, inclusive environment where children feel a deep sense of security and pride within themselves and their preschool. Watching my own children evolve into confident and inspired learners has been a joy to watch, sparking my own interest in transitioning into an educator.
As an early childhood educator I aim to nurture a child's sense of belonging, being and becoming by fostering secure and respectful relationships with themselves, their peers and as global citizens.
I hope to encourage children to use their individual voice, strengthen their sense of agency and ultimately flourish as they continue on in their schooling careers
I believe in the importance of providing personalised support and care for any challenges they may encounter at preschool, to nurture their sense of confidence and resilience while also fostering a love of learning and ultimately having fun throughout their day!
I’m Jarunya (JJ). I’m from Thailand and I’ve lived in Newcastle for 10 years. I have completed my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. My passion for children and love for being around them drives me in this field.
I constantly strive to improve my skills and language abilities to provide the best care and education. As I move forward as an educator, I will promote diversity, respect and strive to create an educational environment where every child feels included and valued.
I aim to create a safe, warm and welcoming environment by connecting with the children and encourage respect and understanding of cultural diversity as well as ensuring that they feel included in their communities.
