Our Team

Claudia Cabrera-Del Campo  

Claudia is our educational leader and has been at Maribyrnong Kinder since 2013 and is the current 4YO Willy Wag Tails Group teacher. She draws inspiration from children’s sense of wonder and creativity. Claudia finds joy in gardening, travelling, hiking, yoga and meditation, and these hobbies can be often seen in her teaching or in the environment at the kinder. Claudia came to Australia when she was eight and is grateful that she maintained her first language, Spanish.

For any questions regarding the 4YO Willy Wag Tails, please email Claudia at claudia@maribyrnongkinder.com.au

Simone Sciarrone

Sim is the 3YO Joeys teacher. She has experience working with young children as a Learning Support Officer and as a Swimming Teacher. Sim loves running and spending time with her family and friends. Sim has completed her Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and is loving the start to her career in a kindergarten setting. Sim is passionate about encouraging children to explore their wonderings, develop friendships and let their ideas flourish.

For any questions regarding the 3YO Joeys Group, please email Simone at simone@maribyrnongkinder.com.au

Ehlana Bowe

Ehlana joined the Maribyrnong Kindergarten team in 2022 and is currently an Educator in the 4YO Willy Wag Tails Group and 3YO Joeys Bush Kinder session. Ehlana enjoys walking her pet dog, visiting markets and frequenting the library. She has completed her Certificate IV in Children’s Services, a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, and most recently graduated from university with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at the end of 2023. Ehlana is inspired to represent values that combine agency, creativity, and children’s own ideas into play.

Maple Lai

Maple is an educator within our 3YO Joeys Group. Having completed a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Maple, with Mandarin as her first language, modestly embraces proficiency in Cantonese and Bahasa Malayu. Embarking on her kindergarten career, Maple cherishes the opportunity to be a part of our little learners’ learning journeys, aiming to contribute positively. She finds joy in fostering children’s development, creating a welcoming space for exploration and learning. Beyond the classroom, Maple quietly enjoys the simple pleasures of travel, music, and the arts.

Kate Patena

Kate has more than 15 years experience working with children, families and community in the primary, school age care and early childhood and care sectors. Kate completed a Master of Teaching (Primary/Secondary) in 2012 and a Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2022. Kate has a love of nature, my family, my friends and dogs. Kate values curiosity, creativity and kindness. Kate’s love of learning, the arts and nature can be seen in her work with all children. For Kate, the kindergarten setting is one that seeks to develop a child’s capacity to learn, play and to engage with their community locally and further afield.

Hong Nguyen

Hong joined the team in 2022 and is an educator in our 3YO Joeys Group. Hong finds working with children joyful. She is passionate about being a companion with children every day she works. Hong loves fostering children’s development at a pace appropriate to every individual child and where children can explore and initiate their own learning with 3 years of experience working with children in Early Childhood and Primary School. Hong has completed a Certificate IV in Education Support and Diploma of Early Childhood Education. She enjoys music, travelling, natural sounds from birds, waterfalls and nature on road trips with her family.

Administrators

Tania Gulliver
Tania joined the team in 2024 as our Administration and Enrolment Officer supporting the CoM and the teaching staff in the office.  She has 2 children and enjoys cooking, going to the gym, catching up with family and friends and meeting new people. Tania has a thorough understanding of the Kindergarten community, as both her children attended Maribyrnong Kindergarten and she was a former committee member.

For any enrolment enquiries, please email Tania at enrolments@maribyrnongkinder.com.au