OUR STAFF
Our highly qualified teaching team are committed to providing a quality educational experience in a caring and inclusive environment for all children.
Fiorella Varrasso
Fiorella is the Director
"After 15 years of teaching in early childhood programs, my main role now as the Director of the kindergarten is to manage operations and support the staff team in their roles. A team-based approach is paramount to creating an optimum learning environment for children, it is my privilege to lead an outstanding, fully committed, highly qualified, skilful team of educators.
I believe children learn best when they feel a sense of belonging in a nurturing and inclusive environment, and when they are provided with a high quality play based program and resources where they can freely and actively explore, engage and learn. My heart is to support and enable teachers to provide a program and learning environment where each child is seen as a highly capable learner, has a positive beginning to their educational journey, and develops a strong love for learning.
I love working in a Christian kindergarten, strongly supported by the Camberwell Baptist Church Management Committee. I love that so many families with various backgrounds, cultures and religions are part of our community. Promoting a strong, inclusive community feel in the kindergarten and collaboratively partnering with families and where every family feels respected and valued is very important to me."
Helen Lewis
Helen is the Educational Leader, Spiritual Wellbeing Facilitator
and also the Educator of the Four Year Old Group
I obtained my Early Childhood qualifications in Western Australia and have worked with young children for over 30 years in a variety of early childhood settings – kindergarten, long day care, primary school, and playgroups, along with being a committee member at my own children’s kindergarten. Being associated with CBCK for the past 6 years, initially as the 4-Year-Old Group Teacher, has been a joy. To be a part of a caring, committed and connected Christian community is an amazing opportunity.
I am a passionate early childhood teacher who sees children as having endless potential, being capable and creative, with a natural curiosity and desire to explore and learn about their world. They are experienced learners who actively contribute to their own learning by building on previous knowledge and experiences. It is my goal to create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment for children where their interest in learning is nurtured, and families and educators’ partner in the lifelong learning journey of their children. I have a strong interest in multicultural education, reconnecting children to nature, sustainability, and incorporating Christian values for everyday living.
In my current role it is a privilege to foster and maintain positive, respectful relationships with our educators, children, and families within the community. As leader of the curriculum, I mentor, nurture, and inspire the educators in their role, motivate our community to collaborate and continuously improve the quality of early childhood education and outcomes for children. This includes presenting Christian values in ways which are relevant to children and the community.
Liz Chow
Liz is the Four Year Old Group Teacher
Since 2018, I have been an educator at CBCK, working with children aged 3-5. I hold a Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching and have a deep connection with CBCK, where my daughter also attended while I was involved with the Parents' Association. The warm, respectful environment created by the caring staff greatly influenced me, shaping my approach to teaching and reinforcing my commitment to always act in the best interests of the children. I feel privileged to be a part of such an inspiring team.
I am passionate about providing high-quality care and support to both children and their families. My teaching is inspired by the Reggio Emilia pedagogy, where children's learning and development can be expressed in multiple ways. I believe that play and hands-on experiences are the most effective ways for children to learn and grow. Working with children is truly rewarding, especially when I witness their growth and skill development.
Outside of my time at CBCK, I enjoy cooking. Experimenting with different ingredients allows me to express my creativity, and I always find it fun and fulfilling.
Amelia Lee
Amelia is the Teacher of the Four Year Old Group
"I started teaching in CBCK in 2019 as a teacher for the 4 year old group Extended Hours program. I then moved into the role of 4 year old Kindergarten Teacher in 2023. I am currenlty on maternity leave and will return in 2026. I have always enjoyed working here because of the support and caring colleagues and community. I hold a Master of Teaching in Early Childhood and have previously worked at various early learning centre before joining CBCK.
I strongly believe that each child is created uniquely by God and I strive to create an enviornment that caters for various learning styles. I particularly enjoy incorporating puppets, songs, movement, and humour in my teaching styles.
During my leisure time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my husband and toddler daugther, who has been keeping us really busy!
Chyn Tan
Chyn is the Teacher of the Three Year Old Group
I embrace a Reggio Emilia approach to education. As an early childhood educator, I see my role as not only supporting the cognitive aspects of learning, but each child’s physical, social and emotional development and the environment as the third teacher. The Koala Group offers a varied and responsive play-based curriculum which enables children to learn, explore and grow.
A positive, inclusive learning environment is central to my teaching philosophy, and I love how CBCK prioritises nurturing relationships with families and the wider community to best support the children in our care.
Natasha Hatzistavros
Natasha is the Educator of the Three Year Old Group
My name is Natasha, and I am very happy to be joining the team at Camberwell Baptist Kindergarten. I have been working in the preschool sector for many years, both in childcare and in sessional kindergarten.
I thoroughly enjoy working in the preschool environment. I find it is so rewarding to see children gain confidence, and make new friendships with their peers. I believe children need unhurried play and learn best when they are given opportunities to investigate, share ideas and be creative.
When I'm not working in kinder, I have an interest in gardening, cooking and walking. I have a Greek backgound and enjoy making tradtional dishes. I love working in a Christian Kindergarten, being in a place were all children feel included and are embraced for their diversity and identity.
Ning Chen
Ning is the Teacher of the Three Year Old Group
I embrace a Reggio Emilia approach to education. As an early childhood educator, I see my role as not only supporting the cognitive aspects of learning, but each child’s physical, social and emotional development and the environment as the third teacher. The Koala Group offers a varied and responsive play-based curriculum which enables children to learn, explore and grow.
A positive, inclusive learning environment is central to my teaching philosophy, and I love how CBCK prioritises nurturing relationships with families and the wider community to best support the children in our care.
Leanne Purcell
Leanne is the Lunch Cover Educator of the Three and Four Year Old Group
I have over 30 years experience in early childhood education working as a teacher with both 3year old and 4year old children.
This is my 4th year at CBCK working now as an educator.
It is a pleasure to work with young children and observe how they mature and develop throughout the year. Children continue to amaze me with their knowledge, enthusiasm and self confidence. I promote and model positive ways for the children to engage and relate to others.
I look forward to another year at CBCK taking on the lunch cover role.
Mayumi Takeya
Mayumi is the Teacher of the Four Year Old Extended Hours Year Old Group
I teach in the Extended Hours program at CBCK in 2025, having first joined CBCK as a student in 2023 and later working as a casual educator in 2024. My background is in primary education. I have been involved in education for nearly 20 years, including teaching Japanese in New Zealand and working in early childhood settings in Australia since moving here in 2012.
I believe every child is unique, capable, and full of potential. I am passionate about supporting their growth by helping them discover and develop their strengths in a nurturing environment.
Outside of work, I enjoy gardening and have a community garden plot where I grow vegetables and flowers, which reminds me of the importance of patience, care, and the right environment for growth—values I bring into my teaching practice.
Madhura Bapat
Madhura is the Educator of the Four Year Old Group Extended Hours Program
I became an Early Childhood Educator because I love educating and caring for children, and how their individual personalities make every day unique and special. I also enjoy learning together with the children; it is very rewarding for me to see the wonder in the children's eyes when they learn or achieve something for the first time.
I have felt welcomed by the children, families, staff and Management of CBCK since the first day I commenced my role at CBCK in 2023! I enjoy working with the team because their dedication, empathy and inclusive practices promote the best outcomes for the children and their families