Our Teachers

Nina McArdle

4 YEAR OLD TEACHER AND EDUCATIONAL LEADER

Nina has been a Kindergarten teacher for 19 years and loves working with new children and families each year. She joined DSCMK in late 2022 and values being part of its community. Passionate about outdoor play and nature-based learning, Nina enjoys excursions that help children explore and discover the wider world. She focuses on building strong, trusting relationships and creating memorable, engaging, and challenging experiences. Some of her favourite things to do at kinder include gardening, cooking, and music and movement. Nina and her husband, Clint, have three beautiful children and a dog, Skye, and love exploring Australia together—especially its beaches!

Sara Nasser

3 YEAR OLD TEACHER

Sara joined the DSCMK community in 2023, bringing many years of experience as both an educator and teacher. As a qualified Early Childhood Teacher, she prioritises building strong, trusting relationships with children and families. As the three-year-old teacher to the Lorikeets group, Sara delivers a nurturing, engaging, play-based program that supports each child’s learning and growth. A mother of three and a lively black cavoodle, Mickey, who keep her very busy. Sara loves exploring new foods and cuisines and looks forward to sharing her passion for cooking and food with the children.

Sharyn Nash

4 YEAR OLD Educator

Sharyn began at Dr. Stanley Cochrane Memorial Kindergarten in 2005, after many years in the childcare sector, and has supported children in our community for over 20 years. She finds her work deeply rewarding and is continually inspired by the growth in children’s confidence, skills and abilities throughout the kinder year. Sharyn is married to Peter and has two adult daughters, Jessica Lee and Laura, and two beautiful granddaughters. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, reading, trying new recipes, and catching up with friends for coffee or dinner.

Priya Pareek

4 YEAR OLD Educator

Priya joined our team in 2026 and is a passionate early-childhood educator living in Mitcham. A mum of two daughters who both attended DSCMK, she feels grateful to contribute to such a welcoming and supportive community.

Priya and her husband enjoy exploring local walks and trails, and she loves visiting the zoo – even more than her kids! At home, “Numberblocks” is a family favourite, and she enjoys cooking and relaxing with TV after a busy day.

Carmen Watts

3 YEAR OLD Educator

Carmen joined our team in January 2026 as a three-year-old educator. She holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and brings over 35 years of experience across long day care, playgroup, and sessional kindergarten. Carmen finds building strong relationships with children and families deeply rewarding and is continually inspired by the remarkable growth and learning that happens between ages three and four. She loves that each day brings new joys and challenges. Outside of work, Carmen enjoys reading, craft, thrifting, and nature. She stays busy with her two adult daughters, two dogs, and two cats and is a proud Mitcham local.

Kellie Stephens

4 YEAR OLD Educator

Kellie is a mum of three children who have all attended DSCMK. She holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and has been part of the DSCMK kinder community for several years as both a parent and educator. Kellie believes every child thrives in a safe, supportive and fun environment, and she looks forward to nurturing each child’s growth and learning throughout their kinder journey. At home, Kellie enjoys family game nights, cooking, travelling, coffee, cheering on her beloved Saints (building resilience!), and she loves watching Bluey – perhaps even more than her kids do!