Our People
At Eungai Preschool, our team of Early Childhood Education professionals are at the heart of everything we do. Their genuine enthusiasm, joyful presence, and unwavering commitment to each child’s growth create a nurturing environment where meaningful, lasting experiences unfold every day. Through their thoughtful guidance and deep care, they help lay the foundations for your child to grow not only as a confident learner but as a compassionate and connected member of both the local community and the wider world.
Anna Veres
Director
Anna completed her Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood 0-8 years) at Macquarie University in 1991 and brings a wealth of experience from local and State government Children’s Services, as well as Teaching overseas and at preschools in NSW. Anna has been leading the Preschool in 2010 and has created the SNAP and STEP programmes to assist both our community of children and the broader Australian community of Early Childhood Educators as Eungai Creek Preschool’s pedagogy of play centred learning gain respect throughout the industry.
Anna has ACECQA qualifications as Nominated Supervisor/Responsible Person in an Early Childhood Service and Educational Leader in an Early Childhood Service.
Katrina Bates
Assistant Director
Katrina has a Diploma in Children’s Services and has been an integral part of the Eungai Creek team since 2014
Henrike Parkhouse
Educational Leader
Henrike ‘found’ Eungai Preschool in 2016, when her daughter and son enrolled. She says ‘The teachers’ open-heartedness and skills in empowering children made this a preschool that met all of my family’s needs.’
Henrike soon joined the staff on a casual basis and ran the playgroup for a couple of years. In 2025 she stepped into the role of Educational Leader in addition to leading the Horses group. Henrike holds a Bachelor degree of Industrial Design and a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. She particularly enjoys child-led inquiry projects, the bush-program and learning and thinking together with children. As a teacher, I am passionate about giving children the tools to realise their agency, to become creative, critical thinkers and empathetic, active citizens.
Jess Saunders
Jess wanted to work with children since her schooldays. She worked towards her Cert 3 while studying for her HSC and then started working in the sector while studying and upskilling, gaining a Bachelor of Education specialising in Early Childhood and brings a wealth of experience to our dedicated team. ‘Working with children, embracing their play ideas, imagination and supporting their development gives me joy and pride when they leave for school. My favourite part of Eungai is the Bush Program and I look forward to it each week.’
Tamara Nevin
Tamara obtained a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood) after leaving school and worked locally and in the UK, broadening her knowledge of play based learning and cementing her commitment to a career in Early Childhood. After returning to Australia Tamara completed her Bachelor of Education and taught this subject at TAFE for 27 years. We are lucky to have her wealth of experience and knowledge at Eungai.
‘The dynamic approach to teaching at Eungai has ensure that I have continued to learn and build my knowledge’
Amber Smith
Attunement through the Arts Leader
Amber joined us in 2024 to create space for Artful Attunment – supporting children to feel safe to express themselves, build friendships and know they are truly seen and valued. Amber is passionate about creating environments that uplift children’s wellbeing, curiosity and sense of wonder and believes that children who have an elevated sense of self-esteem will be much better equipped for all that life brings.
Amber’s qualifications include Certificate in Reggio Emilia Approach to Education, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education, Certificates 1, 2 & 3 in Sewing Construction, three years trained in Primary School Diploma.
Duncan Overton
Bush Play Program Leader
Duncan completed a law degree afterleaving school and was working as a conveyancer in a Building Society prior to starting a family. He resigned to become a stay at home Dad for their foundational years and discovered innate joy and satisfaction in spending time with his children. Anna suggested a role at the preschool and Duncan hasn’t looked back! He completed Certificate III in Childhood Education and Certificate IV Allied Health Assistant.
Having been an intrinsic part of the teaching team since 2014 Duncan now focuses on Social Emotional Learning through the ‘We Thinkers’ program and leads the Bush Play Program on Fridays. He cares deeply about the children in his care and is passionate about helping neurodiverse children find their place in the preschool community.
Caitlin Rogers
Caitlin is a Eungai local who attended our preschool in her early years. Both her children have also enthusiastically embraced their time here and Caitlin was president of the Parent Committee before starting work here in 2020. Caitlin has a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, a Certificate 4 in Frontline Management & CPR training.
Caitlin appreciates each child for who they are and their own uniqueness. She finds joy in nurturing and connecting with every child individually.
Kylie Mcintyre
Kylie has been a valued and committed team member since 2022 after extensive experience across a variety of roles in Early Education since gaining her diploma in 2008. Kylie has two active boys and is passionate about nature, camping, surfing and outdoor adventures. She loves the values driven ethos at Eungai.
Maddie Cook
Maddie is a Trainee currently studying for her Certificate 3 in Education & Care under the auspices of the preschool.
Rmee Inart
Rmee is a Trainee currently studying for her Certificate 3 in Education & Care under the auspices of the preschool.
Lizzie Russell
Administration
Lizzie has spent her career working in administration in both public and private sectors. She emigrated from the UK with her family in 2005 and came to work at preschool in 2023. Lizzie loves living and working in the Nambucca Valley.
Lizzie enjoys her role at the preschool, using her extensive skills and knowledge to assist the Director, Educators and families. She relishes the diversity of each day and watching the children play and grow in the magical environment of the preschool.
Nicole Laverack
Bookkeeper