Mary-Ann Rizzo, Director

With over 22 years of experience working as an Early Childhood Teacher within the sector, Mary-Ann brings professionalism, insight and expertise to the role of Director at PLC Sydney Preschools.

Throughout her career, Mary-Ann has worked in a director’s role in both long daycare and preschools. Mary-Ann has also used her expert knowledge as a Trainer Assessor for TAFE NSW where she taught the Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Mary-Ann is passionate about early childhood and enriching children’s sense of curiosity, investigation and inquiry.

Nicola King, Early Childhood Teacher

Nicola has 13 years experience working in the early childhood sector. She recognises that young children are curious and enthusiastic learners and understands the importance of bringing patience and a sense of humour to the classroom to ensure children are kept engaged in the daily activities. Nicola builds strong relationships with colleagues, children and families based on trust, understanding, respect and enthusiasm.

Tanya Mankarios, Early Childhood Teacher

Tanya holds a Bachelor of Education and has worked in both the primary and early childhood sectors. Having experience in both areas gives Tanya a unique understanding about how to best prepare our Preschoolers for ‘big school’. Providing children with an opportunity to learn and grow through play is one of the core tenets of Tanya’s educational philosophy. She believes in a holistic approach where children learn through their interactions with families, teachers, peers and the environment. Tanya is an avid reader and loves reading across a wide range of genres and authors.

Leah Balding, Early Childhood Educator

Leah is one of our co-educators. Leah is one of our co-educators. She comes to the early childhood sector having studied and obtained both her Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Education (Birth -12 years). Leah is passionate about inclusive learning and ensuring that all our children are given the best opportunities to develop and grow. She particularly values building strong relationships with children in order to promote their confidence and learning.

Janny Kim, Early Childhood Educator

Janny is passionate about the Early Childhood sector and the ways in which children learn and discover. Janny has worked with children for 6 years and in that time has completed both her Bachelor of Primary Education and also her Certificate 111 in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Julianna Kerber, Early Childhood Educator

Julianna is an Early Childhood Educator with a wealth of knowledge and experience. She has worked in the Early Childhood sector for over 8 years in a range of schools and Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) environments. Julianna holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Julianna is fluent in English and Portuguese (Brazilian-born), knows a little Spanish and is currently learning German thanks to her husband’s heritage. She was a lawyer in Brazil, however Julianna found her passion for education since moving to Australia, and we're glad she did!

Li Gao, Early Childhood Educator

Li is currently studying a Diploma in Early Childhood Education. Hailing from Northern China, she is fluent in Mandarin and English.

Outside of her academic pursuits, Li enjoys exploring diverse cultures, cuisines and crafting. She relishes the opportunity to expand her knowledge and embrace new challenges.

Li's dedication to nurturing trusting relationships with children underscores her belief in their pivotal role in fostering positive social, emotional, and cognitive development. She recognises the profound impact these early connections have on a child's future learning experiences and overall success, and she is committed to fostering environments conducive to their growth and flourishing.

Yuko Osaki, Early Childhood Educator

Yuko is a Diploma Educator and currently working towards completing her Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching).

Before moving to Australia, Yuko was a teacher in Japan and lived on the Gold Coast for 10 years before moving to Sydney four years ago to further her career in education. Yuko sees early childhood as a crucial period in a child's educational journey as it impacts all aspects of their development, including their disposition for learning, empathy for others, creativity for problem-solving, and general resilience. She believes that the way you establish strong educational foundations is by respecting and empowering children to be who they are and allowing them to explore their curiosity, while surrounding them with warm and responsive relationships, in a nurturing and inspiring environment.

Emma Leech, Early Childhood Educator

Emma brings a decade of experience in the Early Childhood and Education Sector, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) at the University of Wollongong.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Emma enjoys watching the sunrise while going for morning walks and swimming at the beach.

“I am passionate about creating environments that are supportive of an ongoing culture of sustainability, connectedness and inclusion of all children. Embracing each child and encouraging agency in developing a positive sense of self, community and wonder. I love facilitating holistic learning opportunities as children and adults work in partnership, respecting each other's values and beliefs while ensuring all areas are linked to theorists and the learning outcomes", says Emma.