Our Team

Our Preschool is made up of a team of high-quality professional educators who are committed to and passionate about early childhood education and care.

We believe that all staff should develop professionally and we encourage this through the advancement of skills, experience and competencies which all contribute to the success of Canowindra Preschool.

We encourage students and trainees to help expand our community of educators.

Jackie Watson

Room Leader - Garra [Garru] Room
Qualification: Diploma in Early Childhood
About me: I started my career in Early Childhood in 2000, I worked in Long Day care in the 0-3 years room for 7 years. Once we started our family, I started my own Family Day care service here in Canowindra. After 13.5 years of providing care from home, I went back to Long day care for a short time before applying for this role at Canowindra Preschool in April 2022.
I love watching the children form friendships with peers and Educators as well as seeing the excitement on their faces when they have achieved something for the very first time.
Hayley Amos

Room Leader -Baryugil Room
Educational Leader
Qualification: Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education
About me: I’ve lived in Cowra all my life, and after completing my Bachelor's degree in Teaching, I’ve been working in Canowindra.
2025 marks my first year at the preschool, and I couldn’t be more excited! It has been an amazing experience so far, and I truly enjoy the process of building relationships with the families, staff, and children. Everyone has been so welcoming, which has made my transition into this role a smooth and joyful one.
I’m looking forward to the years ahead, where I can continue to grow alongside these wonderful communities and contribute to the nurturing environment that supports every child’s learning journey.

Leanne Coady

Early Childhood Educator
Qualification: Certificate III in Children’s Services
About me: I have worked at our wonderful Preschool for the past 8 years. I started my working career in the travel industry working for an airline before the arrival of my 3 amazing children who are all Canowindra Preschool alumni. I loved it so much I came back after working various casual jobs in our community whilst they were in primary school. I love coming to work every day seeing the smiles on the children’s faces and working with some incredible people. I am constantly learning from the children, staff and our amazing families. It is such a joy and privilege to call Canowindra preschool my place of work.
Helen Garratt

Early Childhood Educator
Qualification: Certificate III in Children’s Services
About me: I grew up in Melbourne and after attending university in America on a tennis scholarship and playing professional tennis in America and Europe I moved to Cowra in 1996 to start a tennis coaching business
I currently work at the Canowindra pre school on Tuesdays. Although my full time job is a tennis coach I look forward to Tuesdays and teaching all the wonderful children tennis skills. I love seeing the children improve and grow in confidence each week.
Katie Kelly

Early Childhood Educator
Qualifications: Certificate III Early Childhood Education and care. I have also recently completed Certificate III in commercial cookery
About me: As a child I attended Canowindra preschool, my two children attended Canowindra preschool and now I am in my eleventh year of working here! I treasure all of the beautiful connections that I have made at preschool.

Clare Gorton

School Based Trainee
I'm currently a year 12 student at Red Bend Catholic College in Forbes and studying a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care as a trainee at Canowindra Preschool. I'm lucky enough to work every Wednesday.
I enjoy working and joining in with the children in their activities and games. I hope to make the children's days the best they can be.
I am eager to learn new skills from the wonderful teachers and educators at the preschool.
Kelly Breen

Administrative Assistant
Qualification: Diploma in Children’s Services
About me: I started working in Early Childhood in 2004. I worked in OSHC and Long Day Care for a few years then decided to have a career change just before starting a family. I worked for the Australian Tax Office for 7 years in Western Sydney before moving to Canowindra. Soon after we settled in Canowindra I started working for the Canowindra Phoenix working in accounts. When a position came available here at Canowindra Preschool in 2020, I was very fortunate to join the Preschool community.
I thoroughly enjoy coming to work each day, having chats with the children when I arrive and on and off during the day is very uplifting and brings me happiness. I love that they like to share with you what they may be doing or things they are interested in. I’m also so lucky to be able to work with a great team of staff who are all friendly and work well together.
Camille McKenzie

Early Childhood Educator
Qualification: Certificate III in Children’s Services
About Me: When I was a child I attended this wonderful preschool and completed my certificate lll in early childhood education and care as a trainee, here. I loved the experience of being able to learn from the wonderful and talented Educators here.
I’m now at the Preschool on a part time basis, and love my days here with these beautiful children. Getting to experience and help the children grow and learn through their time at the preschool is very special.

Annette Johnston

Early Childhood Educator
Qualification: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
I began working in childcare in 2016 after having worked in banking and retail.
I have spent the last eight years employed in long day care and have worked with all age groups from babies to preschoolers.
My special interests are sensory exploration experiences and learning more about Indigenous culture, diversity and the environment.
I have a daughter and am nan to her five children.
I enjoy reading and cooking and love to travel.
I have recently joined the staff at Canowindra Preschool and have been warmly welcomed by the staff, children and families.
I look forward to getting to know everyone and helping to prepare your children for their transition to school.
Vicki Irlam

Early Childhood Educator
Qualifications: Certificate III in Early Childhood Services & Certificate III in Education Support.
About me: I live in Cowra and I have 2 wonderful sons and 7 beautiful grandchildren.
I have been working in Early Childhood for 14 years predominantly at Cudal Community Children’s Centre and Orange Anglican Grammar School.
I feel extremely blessed to be working at Canowindra Preschool with such a wonderful team of enthusiastic educators. I love coming to work and being greeted so warmly by the children who I feel very privileged to be able to help nurture and grow into the best forms of themselves.
Tracy Holmes

Early Childhood Educator
Qualification: Certificate III in Early childhood Education and Care
About me- I was born and raised in Canowindra and attended Canowindra Pre school as a child. I returned in 2021 to complete my Certificate III in early childhood education and care with the guidance and support of the wonderful children and staff.
In 2022 I became a register family day care provider and work at home four days a week and work Fridays here at the preschool where I am lucky enough to help teach and guide the wonderful children that attend.
There are so many things I enjoy about working here, like helping and watching the children learn new things and build relationships with others, the wonderful staff, but the story telling is hands down the best. Children have the best imagination and I am very lucky to be apart of their life and experience their stories.