Sarah Cusack

Sarah is the Director and the Educator in the Gumnuts Rooms. As a Tarragindi local, she has a deep love for our beautiful community and the strong connections that make it so special. She is passionate about nature based, child led learning and strongly value the importance of children’s voices in shaping their own learning journeys. Sarah believes the natural environment provides rich opportunities for curiosity, exploration, creativity and meaningful learning.

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Sarah values building strong relationships with children and their families while helping to provide an inclusive and nurturing space where children feel safe, supported and confident to be themselves. 

May Johnson

May is the Assistant Educator in the Bottlebrush Monday and Friday Rooms. She has been in the education industry since 2016. May holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and joined our teaching team in 2022.

May found a passion for learning and implementing cultural practices within an education setting when she was living and working in a remote community. May values and celebrates diversity and does her utmost to create a safe and caring environment for children of all backgrounds.

May moved from the Gold Coast to Tarragindi in 2022. She lives with her partner and visits her family on the Gold Coast often. In May’s spare time she enjoys watching movies, visiting family or enjoying company at a nice restaurant. 

Kelsey Severns

Kelsey is the Teacher in the Banksia Rooms. She is also the Educational Leader at our service and works to support the knowledge, skills and professionalism of teaching staff. Kelsey holds a Bachelor of Education specialising in Early Childhood and is registered with the QLD College of Teachers. Kelsey has been a part of the industry for the past eight years and strongly believes in the importance of play-based learning for school readiness.

Play has such an incredible influence on children's cognitive, physical and social and emotional development. Through it we are able to find out their interests, strengths and learning needs so that we may continue supporting their journey of discovery. 

Kelsey enjoys an active lifestyle including playing and watching sports, spontaneous day trips, adventures with family and friends and finding new favourite coffee spots.

Vanessa Wainwright

Vanessa is the Teacher in the Bottlebrush Room 

Connie Doyle

Connie is our Banksia Room Assistant Educator on a Monday and Tuesday and our Wattle Room Leader on a Wednesday. She holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Connie has lived in the Tarragindi community for the past 8 years. Connie has worked with children of all ages and cultural backgrounds for the past 4 years and often enjoys sharing her native language with children and staff members. 

Connie regularly donates her free time to volunteer as a costume coordinator with a theatre group that is centered around young adults with disabilities.

Kiarna Kennair

Kiarna grew up in the beautiful Far North Queensland before moving to Brisbane over 10 years ago.

She is currently the Teacher in our Bottlebrush Friday room and Group Leader in the Gumnuts Room while also studying a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood). Kiarna is passionate about early childhood education and the important role she plays in shaping young minds by fostering nurturing environments.

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She strongly believes that children learn best through play, as it encourages exploration, discovery, and the development of critical thinking skills in a fun and meaningful way. Kiarna is dedicated to nurturing children's natural curiosity and igniting their passion for learning, finding great joy in guiding them on their exciting journey of growth and discovery.

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When she’s not at the kindy, Kiarna enjoys spending time with her husband, watching rugby league games, and relaxing at the beach.

Momoko Starkey

Originally from Japan, Momo brings her love of children, culture and learning to her role as an educator. She studied Nutrition at university in Japan and holds qualifications as a nutritionist and Home Economics teacher.

Momo is passionate about supporting children’s wellbeing and enjoys sharing Japanese stories, language and traditions with the children. She values creating a warm and inclusive environment where children feel confident to explore, learn and express themselves.

Momo particularly enjoys following children’s interests and discovering new ways to extend their learning through play.

Amanda Carlyon

Amanda has been involved with Tarragindi Kindy since her two daughters attended the kindy. She then took on the role of Administration/Finance Officer in 2021 and supports the kindy with all kindy administration and financial matters. 

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Amanda works in the Kindy office Monday to Wednesday 9.00am-2.45pm.