Our Staff
Our Kindergarten Director is Liz Ryan.
Four year old staff are:
- Liz Ryan (Teacher) Mon, Tues, Wed
- Jaclyn Farrugia (Teacher) Thurs
- Farah Sawardy (Diploma Educator) Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs
- Anita May (Cert 111 Educator) Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs
Three year old staff are:
- Jaclyn Farrugia (Teacher)
- Anita May (Cert 111 Educator) Morning group
- Monika Dhanda (Cert 111 Educator) Afternoon group
- Farah Sarwardy – Diploma Educator profile text TBC
Teachers are employed by Early Childhood Management Services.
Liz Ryan – Centre Director and Kindergarten Teacher
In my 17 years at Somers Parade Kindergarten, I have been fortunate to develop lasting bonds and witness families grow. I now have children returning to do work experience with us!
I have really enjoyed working in the early childhood field for the past 40 fun-filled years. I am passionate about early childhood education and advocating for children and their families. I just absolutely love working with children and with our talented and dedicated team.
My career working with children and their families began in 1970 as a Mothercraft Nurse, followed by three years in the maternity ward at Werribee Hospital before taking time out to raise my own children, Jennifer and Paul.
I obtained my Diploma Certificate and worked in a Child Care Centre for several years before completing my Bachelor of Education – Early Childhood and moving to become a kindergarten teacher.
My qualifications
Bachelor of Education – Early Childhood at Victoria University
Diploma in Early Childhood – Victoria University
Mothercraft Nurse – Presbyterian Babies Home
My hobbies
China painting, mosaic, gardening, walking, travelling, playing ukulele
Jaclyn Farrugia – Kindergarten Teacher
My name is Jaclyn Farrugia (known as Jackie). I have a degree in both Early Childhood and Primary school education. I have been teaching children since 2004 in a variety of kindergarten settings and primary schools. I have been working at Somers Parade Kindergarten since 2013. I have two primary school aged sons who keep my husband and me busy. I have a high interest in developing children’s literacy skills through experiences such as storytelling and music. I also enjoy being outdoors with my family and discovering new places and opportunities for children to learn about the world we live in.
Farah Sarwardy – Diploma Educator
Anita May – Certificate III Educator
I am originally from Jakarta, Indonesia. I speak Indonesian and a little German from some time spent living in Germany. I have one grown-up daughter and a fur baby a love very much.
I have been working in kindergartens for 12 years, with 10 of these years spent at Somers Parade Kindergarten. I also have a background in scouting and was a scout leader for 10 years. I really enjoy the outdoor environment and spending time in nature.
I believe that every child is special in their own way and I like to support their individual needs so they reach their full potential.