Coromandel Valley Kindergarten

Name: Sophie James

Previous experience: I started my career in the UK working in childcare and junior primary before moving to Adelaide in 2016. I worked within Montessori for the first few years, before moving to the Department for Education in 2022. Throughout my career I’ve worked with a range of amazing, talented and inspiring educators and learnt so many different approaches to childcare, which I like to weave into my practice.

Standout career moment: Having our kindy assessed by the Education Standards Board within the first two weeks as a new director.

Favorite activity/hobby away from school: Watching my kids play sports, watching the Adelaide 36ers and beach walks.

What are you most looking forward to this year: Expanding our team and experimenting with different ways of doing things. Looking forward to lots of meaningful reflection and new learning.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026: Ensuring I am present in the moment and not always thinking about the next step.

Likes: Chocolate and laughter.

Dislikes/et Hate: Wet socks and leaving voicemails.

Pennington Children's Centre

Name: Rhianna Woodbury

Previous experience: I have 15 years of experience with the Department for Education. Most of my career has been spent in school-based preschools and children's centres. I am passionate about play pedagogy, children's agency and inclusion.

Standout career moment: Becoming director of Pennington Children's Centre is a standout for me.

Favourite activity/hobby away from school: Hiking, dancing and travelling.

What are you most looking forward to this year: Building strong relationships with the Pennington community and continuing our amazing collaborative work, researching alongside our children and families.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026:  Balancing being a new director and being a new mum – wish me luck!

Likes: Spending time with my daughter and my friends.

Dislikes/pet hate: When ego disrupts the collaboration process.

Lucy Morice Kindergarten

Name: Ainslie Piantedosi

Previous experience: I have worked across a number of school-based preschools in the northern suburbs, developing a strong understanding of diverse communities and the importance of relationships in supporting children’s learning and wellbeing. For the past four years, I have had the privilege of leading the Children’s Centre at Mark Oliphant College, working closely with children, families, educators and community partners.

Standout career moment: Leading a children’s centre where strong relationships, shared purpose, and collaborative practice resulted in positive outcomes for children and families. Supporting educators to feel confident, valued and connected in their work has been a particularly meaningful part of my leadership journey.

Favourite activity/hobby away from school: Travelling with my family and enjoying time together. I love exploring new places and making memories along the way.

What are you most looking forward to this year: Working with a dedicated and skilled team, building strong relationships, and learning the story of Lucy Morice Kindergarten, including its rich history and strong community connections, as we support children’s learning and wellbeing together.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026: Ensuring I have the time and presence to give to every child, family and team member who deserves it, while balancing teaching, leadership and administrative responsibilities.

Likes: Strong relationships, collaborative teams, open communication and seeing children feel a strong sense of belonging.

Dislikes/pet hate: When the importance of early childhood education isn’t recognised, or when the wellbeing of children, families and educators isn’t prioritised.

Highbury Preschool

Name: Naomi Eliades

Previous experience: I started working in early childhood education in 2015 and have been lucky enough to work at many wonderful sites across Adelaide. Prior to working in education I worked for 10 years in legal and while I loved this work, I always knew that early childhood education was where I wanted to be.

Standout career moment: For me Highbury is my community. I grew up in the area and was actually a Highbury Preschool girl myself (many years ago!). I have loved growing our sense of community (something that is very important to me) and watching parents and families connect through community gathering days and plays in the park. It has been very nostalgic teaching children and realising that I went to preschool with their mum or dad.

Favourite activity/hobby away from school: I have two young (and very active!) boys who I love spending time with. They are adrenaline junkies and sports fanatics, so we do love to keep busy. I also love walking through Linear Park, running, pilates, going to the gym and spending time with my wonderful family and friends.

What are you most looking forward to this year: Becoming more confident as I settle into the role, getting to know our new families and children, and working with a new staff team (who are amazing). I am also really looking forward to working alongside some of our amazing local preschools as part of the Re-imagining Childhood Project.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026: Finding a better work-life balance and trying to not put too much pressure on myself. I also struggle to sit down for long periods of time on my office days as I don’t like to miss out on the fun with the kids.

Likes: My job – it fills me with so much joy, and I miss it when I’m not there. Beach days with my two boys, reading (something I don’t do enough of) and spending quality time with my wonderful friends.

Dislikes/pet hate: Negativity, racism and you’ll never find me eating raw onion!

Andrews Farm Community Preschool

Name: Sarah Nhim

Previous experience: I began my career in early childhood in 2009 completing my Diploma, followed by my Early Childhood Teaching Degree. I have now been teaching for 13 years, spending the first nine years teaching in early years classrooms in a northern suburbs school. In 2020, I moved into a preschool leadership role, and in 2024 I commenced my role at Andrews Farm Community Preschool. After a period of maternity leave, I returned part-time in July 2025 and am excited to be working alongside my co-director April Vanderaa, again in 2026 as we continue this work together.

Standout career moment: A standout moment in my career has been transitioning into a leadership role and having the opportunity to shape a preschool community culture that prioritises relational practice, inclusion and wellbeing for children, families and educators. Being trusted to lead change and support others in their practice has been deeply meaningful.

Favourite activity/hobby away from school: Outside of work, I love spending time with my family. I also really value quiet, quality time outdoors with my animals and in the garden. Being outside helps me to slow down, ground myself, and be more present, which supports my wellbeing and balance both personally and professionally.

What are you most looking forward to this year: In 2026, I am most looking forward to continuing to strengthen our preschool community alongside April and our team, deepening our relational practice and supporting children and families to feel safe, connected and confident. I'm also looking forward to growing in my leadership role while finding sustainable ways to balance work and family life, so I can be present and energised in both spaces.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026: My biggest challenge is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. With a young child at home and high expectations of myself, I can sometimes push myself too hard. In 2026, I will be focusing on prioritising tasks so I can manage my workload while being fully present at home.

Likes: I love building strong, collaborative relationships with children and their families and sharing those 'aha' moments and growth milestones together. Seeing children and families feel confident, connected and supported is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.

Dislikes/pet hate: I dislike how early childhood education is often undervalued. We are entrusted with the most precious years of children's lives, and this work is complex, emotional and deeply important. It deserves recognition, respect and investment.

Coorara Preschool Centre

Name: Jaci Lewis

Previous experience: Throughout my career, I have worked across early learning centres, preschools and schools, teaching a range of year levels. Quickly realising my passion for early years teaching, I have spent the past six years in early years classrooms across a variety of schools in the southern suburbs. Last year, I stepped out of classroom teaching to take on the role of director at a local kindergarten, where I’ve found great joy in leading a team and working closely with children, families, and the wider community.

Standout career moment: A highlight of my career was being appointed to a preschool director role with a 10-year tenure.

Favourite activity/hobby away from school: I enjoy hosting a themed dinner party.

What are you most looking forward to this year: I’m looking forward to working with a new staff team to support our children and families at Coorara Preschool. I’m excited about building strong connections with Coorara Primary School and the wider community.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for 2026: Navigating all the different hats a director wears daily and prioritising my never-ending to-do list.

Likes: I enjoy spending intentional time with loved ones, listening to a good audiobook, and going on holidays – especially a cruise.

Dislikes/pet hate: Glitter, the gift that keeps on giving.