Our Staff

Our highly qualified teaching team are committed to providing a quality educational experience in a caring and inclusive environment for all children.

Fiorella Varrasso

Fiorella is the Director

"After 15 years of teaching in early childhood programs, my main role now as the Director of the kindergarten is to manage operations and support the staff team in their roles. A team-based approach is paramount to creating an optimum learning environment for children, it is my privilege to lead an outstanding, fully committed, highly qualified, skilful team of educators.

I believe children learn best when they feel a sense of belonging in a nurturing and inclusive environment, and when they are provided with a high quality play based program and resources where they can freely and actively explore, engage and learn. My heart is to support and enable teachers to provide a program and learning environment where each child is seen as a highly capable learner, has a positive beginning to their educational journey, and develops a strong love for learning.

I love working in a Christian kindergarten, strongly supported by the Camberwell Baptist Church Management Committee. I love that so many families with various backgrounds, cultures and religions are part of our community. Promoting a strong, inclusive community feel in the kindergarten and collaboratively partnering with families and where every family feels respected and valued is very important to me."

Helen Lewis

Helen is the Educational Leader and Spiritual Wellbeing Facilitator

I obtained my Early Childhood qualifications in Western Australia and have worked with young children for over 30 years in a variety of early childhood settings – kindergarten, long day care, primary school, and playgroups, along with being a committee member at my own children’s kindergarten. Being associated with CBCK for the past 6 years, initially as the 4-Year-Old Group Teacher, has been a joy. To be a part of a caring, committed and connected Christian community is an amazing opportunity.

I am a passionate early childhood teacher who sees children as having endless potential, being capable and creative, with a natural curiosity and desire to explore and learn about their world. They are experienced learners who actively contribute to their own learning by building on previous knowledge and experiences. It is my goal to create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment for children where their interest in learning is nurtured, and families and educators’ partner in the lifelong learning journey of their children. I have a strong interest in multicultural education, reconnecting children to nature, sustainability, and incorporating Christian values for everyday living.

In my current role it is a privilege to foster and maintain positive, respectful relationships with our educators, children, and families within the community. As leader of the curriculum, I mentor, nurture, and inspire the educators in their role, motivate our community to collaborate and continuously improve the quality of early childhood education and outcomes for children. This includes presenting Christian values in ways which are relevant to children and the community.

Amelia Lee

Amelia is the Teacher of the Four Year Old Group

"I started teaching in CBCK in 2019 as a teacher for the 4 year old group Extended Hours program. I then moved into the role of 4 year old Kindergarten Teacher in 2023. I have always enjoyed working here because of the support and caring colleagues and community. I hold a Master of Teaching in Early Childhood and have previously worked at various early learning centre before joining CBCK.

I strongly believe that each child is created uniquely by God and I strive to create an enviornment that caters for various learning styles. I particularly enjoy incorporating puppets, songs, movement, and humour in my teaching styles.

During my leisure time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my husband and toddler daugther, who has been keeping us really busy!

Mish Tanner

Mish is the Educator of the Three Year Old Group

My name is Mish Tanner, and I am very happy to be joining the team at Camberwell Baptist Kindergarten. I have been working in the preschool sector for many years, most of which, has been in sessional kindergarten.

I thoroughly enjoy working in the preschool environment. I find it is so rewarding to see children gain confidence, and make new friendships with their peers. I believe children need unhurried play and learn best when they are given opportunities to investigate, share ideas and be creative.

When I'm not working in kinder, I enjoy going for walks with our two dogs, in some of the beautiful parks in Boroondara. I have an interest in growing organic vegetables. We have a variety fruit trees in our home garden. I also enjoy cooking for my family and friends, and sharing time with them.

Liz Chow

Liz is the Four Year Old Group Educator and the Four Year Old Group Extended Hours Leader

"Moving to Australia from overseas with my two young children, I felt the need to know more about early childhood education and care in this country. By the time I gained my diploma in ECE, my little daughter attended CBCK. The caring staff at CBCK always made me feel welcome and respected. Their “working towards children’s best interests” attitude modeled me to be the educator and I wanted to be. I am also currently studying my Bachelor in Early Childhood, I feel privileged to be part of the team.

I am passionate about providing quality care to both children and their families. I believe children learn best through play and hands-on learning experiences. Working with children is rewarding especially when I see the children grow and develop skills in various aspects.

On the days I do not come to CBCK, I enjoy cooking as it is always fun to mess with different ingredients and cooking lets me be creative.”

Leanne Purcell

Leanne is the Lunch Cover Educator of the Three and Four Year Old Group and the Four Year Old Group

I have over 30 years experience in early childhood education working as a teacher with both 3year old and 4year old children.

This is my 4th year at CBCK working now as an educator.

It is a pleasure to work with young children and observe how they mature and develop throughout the year. Children continue to amaze me with their knowledge, enthusiasm and self confidence. I promote and model positive ways for the children to engage and relate to others.

I look forward to another year at CBCK taking on the lunch cover role.

Ning Chen

Ning is the Teacher of the Three Year Old Group

I embrace a Reggio Emilia approach to education. As an early childhood educator, I see my role as not only supporting the cognitive aspects of learning, but each child’s physical, social and emotional development and the environment as the third teacher. The Koala Group offers a varied and responsive play-based curriculum which enables children to learn, explore and grow.

A positive, inclusive learning environment is central to my teaching philosophy, and I love how CBCK prioritises nurturing relationships with families and the wider community to best support the children in our care.

Ning Chen

Ning is the Teacher of the Three Year Old Group

Madhura Bapat

Madhura is the Educator of the Four Year Old Group Extended Hours Program

I became an Early Childhood Educator because I love educating and caring for children, and how their individual personalities make every day unique and special. I also enjoy learning together with the children; it is very rewarding for me to see the wonder in the children's eyes when they learn or achieve something for the first time.

I have felt welcomed by the children, families, staff and Management of CBCK since the first day I commenced my role at CBCK in 2023! I enjoy working with the team because their dedication, empathy and inclusive practices promote the best outcomes for the children and their families