Our Staff

Tash Polaroid

Tash Croft (Director)

I am honoured to be the Director of Cooks Hill Preschool since 2013, and I love the opportunity to work
with children, their families and other passionate educators. Throughout my career in Early Childhood
Education I have spent several years working in Long Day Care before running my own Family Day Care
business. During this time I gained my Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) as I wanted to
continue learning through current research. I strongly believe that collaborating with families is an
essential foundation for creating an environment that is inviting, respectful and builds meaningful
connections. I actively promote a message of respect and love, and I find it very rewarding to watch the
children grow, learn and explore throughout their two year preschool period.

Jenny O’Sullivan (Educational Leader)

I have been an educator at Cooks Hill for 10 years. I started as a volunteer and was inspired to study a
Certificate III and then Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE. I enjoy working with an
inspiring team and watching the children’s amazing journeys from 3 to 5 year old. I believe that educators
play a vital role in a child’s development by working collaboratively to foster their learning and
social/emotional well-being. I see children as competent, capable learners and I enjoy being a co-researcher
by exploring science experiments and sourcing information to support inquiry. I relax with yoga and
meditation, and like to share mindfulness techniques and yoga movement with the preschoolers as I believe
these skills help the children to self regulate and promote body awareness.

Nina Graham (Teacher)

My name is Nina Graham and I am an Educator at Cooks Hill Preschool. After deliberating between a Fine Arts
Degree and a Nursing Degree, and growing up in a big extended family, I came to the decision to start
something that almost combines the three. It seemed like a natural progression for me to pursue a career in
Early Childhood Education. In March 2015, I enrolled in TAFE to start a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and
Care. During my course, I picked up a weekly shift at Cooks Hill Preschool, which rapidly developed my
knowledge and experience by working with children, whilst studying. Upon finishing in June 2016, I was lucky
enough to accept an offer of full time work for the upcoming year (2017). Since 2017, I have continued my work
as a full time Educator in Early Childhood, here at Cooks Hill Preschool.

Lucy Flook (Educator)

My name is Lucy Flook, I have just recently completed my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education in 2017 at Elder
Street Early Childcare Centre. One of the core reasons I joined this industry was to have the pleasure of guiding little
minds into the next stage of development with confidence in themselves and an excitement for continued learning.
I believe a safe, fun positive approach in an educational environment is significant as it becomes more meaningful
for the child’s learning. I also believe that a child’s independence and self-confidence is remarkably boosted when they
are given choices, responsibilities and opportunities within their learning. The first thing that comes to my mind
when people ask me why I love my job is the families I meet on the way and the strong relationships that I develop
with them! Please come up and say hi and I can’t wait to get to know you all this year.

Kiara (Educator)

I am currently studying a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education, building on my background as a Registered
Nurse. My passion lies in working with preschool-aged children, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of
this field. My dedication to early childhood education is deeply personal, as I have experienced first-hand the
profound impact of a supportive and caring team at Cooks Hill Preschool, where my three children received
exceptional care and education. This positive experience inspired me to give back to the community and
contribute to the development and well-being of young learners. My transition from nursing to early childhood
education reflects my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children, and I am excited to
be working alongside a team that shares this passion.

Karmen (Educator)

As a Mother of two girls who have both attended Cooks Hill Preschool, I have witnessed first-hand the loving, inclusive
environment where children feel a deep sense of security and pride within themselves and their preschool. Watching
my own children evolve into confident and inspired learners has been a joy to watch, sparking my own interest in
transitioning into an educator.

As an early childhood educator I aim to nurture a child’s sense of belonging, being and becoming by fostering
secure and respectful relationships with themselves, their peers and as global citizens.
I hope to encourage children to use their individual voice, strengthen their sense of agency and
ultimately flourish as they continue on in their schooling careers.

I believe in the importance of providing personalised support and care for any challenges they may encounter at
preschool, to nurture their sense of confidence and resilience while also fostering a love of learning and ultimately
having fun throughout their day! 

JJ (Educator)

I’m Jarunya (JJ). I’m from Thailand and I’ve lived in Newcastle for 10 years. I have completed my Certificate
III in Early Childhood Education and Care. My passion for children and love for being around them
drives me in this field. 

I constantly strive to improve my skills and language abilities to provide the best care and education.  As I
move forward as an educator, I will promote diversity, respect and strive to create an educational
environment where every child feels included and valued.

I aim to create a safe, warm and welcoming environment by connecting with the children and encourage
respect and understanding of cultural diversity as well as ensuring that they feel included in their communities.