Our Staff

Rochelle Brown
Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood)
‘Exemplary’ teacher classification under VECTAA

Four Year Old Program Teacher & Pinemont Director

Hi, my name is Rochelle Brown and I joined the Pinemont team in 2012. I am currently the Director and 4 year old teacher of the Joeys group. I graduated from The University of Melbourne School of Early Childhood in 1991 and have also completed my Post Graduated Diploma in Education in 2012 and in 2018 gained an ''exemplary'' teacher classification under VECTAA. I have a genuine love for Early Childhood Education and young children. My great passion is to encourage tomorrow’s leaders to discover learning with excitement and wonder. It is through caring engagement, child led and play based learning opportunities that this can be fostered. My aim is to empower, inspire and equip our learners with the skills and the curiosity to be independent lifelong learners. Outside of kinder my 3 teenage daughters keep my husband and I very busy! We try to get away camping as much as we can, supporting our children with their netball interest and part time jobs make it a busy time for us! I look forward to meeting you and your child when you come to Pinemont

Christine Meagher
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Four Year Old Program Co-Educator and After Kinder Care Leader

Hello, my name is Christine Meagher and I have been part of the Pinemont community since 2007. I am a Co- Educator and since completing my Bachelor of Early Learning and Education in 2022, I also relieve in a teaching capacity throughout the week in all sessions. Having the opportunity to complete my University degree in Teaching continues to inspire my passion for Early Childhood Education. Learning new approaches and curriculum strategies have extended my understanding of children’s unique ways of learning. I am excited to be a part of your child’s learning journey as they develop their skills and knowledge. I believe that the 0 to 5 age is a wonderful time in children’s lives. They are curious, adventurous and love to PLAY. Play is so important and at Pinemont, our Curriculum is based on your child’s play, ideas and interests. This strengthens and supports their existing knowledge. One of my passions is the creative arts and offering experience such as dance, movement, musical instruments and drama within the program. These experiences assist with language, social and emotional development. My family love the natural environment Ringwood North offers. We have 4 adult children and I am also “Nanny Tina” to my 6 year old granddaughter. I look forward to seeing and getting to know you when you come to Pinemont!

Karina Jackson

Certicate III in Early Childhood Education

Three Year Old Program Co-Educator

Hi! My name is Karina and I joined the Pinemont team as co-educator of the Three Year Old Possums and Koalas' groups in 2018. I come from a background of Drama teaching originally, then had a realisation that the age group I most enjoyed working with is the 3-5s. So, in 2010 I completed my certificate III in Early childhood and have loved working in Kindergartens ever since. With a drama background I especially encourage Children in my care to extend their imaginations and immerse themselves fully in their play. I can be heard from time to time puting on character voices whilst playing with the children which they seem to find quite amusing . I think that a Kinder should be a fun learning environment and I think that my warm nature helps them to feel safe and welcome. I am very passionate about my role in helping to educate children. I love Pinemont’s friendly environment and love getting to know your children and their families. Out of kinder I have a husband and four gorgeous teenage children ( 2 boys, 2 girls) all of which keep me very busy with their varied activities and social lives. I love to travel and scrapbooking is my favourite creative outlet. I look forward to meeting you at Pinemont.

Mardi Burgess

Diploma of Community Service (Childcare)

Four Year Old Program Co-Educator

Hi, I’m Mardi. I completed my Diploma of Community Services (Child Care) in 1997. For the next 10 years before having my own children my experience was within the childcare field as a Room Leader, Assistant Director, Director & Area Manager where I over saw the running of 10-15 child care centres. I returned to the work force after I was lucky enough to have time at home with my two boys Paddy & Henry, before they started primary school. Since returning, I have thoroughly enjoyed educating young children again which is my passion, especially in the sessional preschool setting. My aim is to help provide a nourishing environment for all of our Pinemont Preschool children to flourish and be the best little people they can be. Happy & content with the confidence to learn, form friendships with their peers & try new things. I live in Ringwood with my husband Ciaran and two children. When I’m not working, I’m involved in my children’s school activities, the local football & cricket club and socialising with my family and friends. I love our community and feel grateful for all that it offers.

Wendy Shurey

Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies- University of Melbourne  

Certificate in Pastoral Care and Counselling

Three Year Old Program Teacher, Four Year Old Program Co-Educator and After Kinder Care Assistant 

Hi my name is Wendy Shurey and I joined the Pinemont team in 2019 as the 3 year old Teacher. I am also an educator in the Joeys and assist Christine with the Gumnuts after kinder program. I graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1998 and have also completed a certificate in pastoral care and counselling, as well as some subjects towards the Masters of Teaching (Early Childhood). I am deeply passionate about early childhood education, particularly in regards to empowering children to be active and responsible citizens of this world. I am committed to engaging, promoting and implementing sustainability throughout all aspects of the kinder curriculum. I view children as active, competent and capable learners, who learn best in trusting meaningful relationships- with their family, friends, cultural group and community. I seek to provide an environment in which children feel safe, secure and valued as a unique individual. I aim to discover each child’s unique learning style and encourage them to follow their interests and build on their skills. I am married, with an adult daughter, who has now moved out of home. My husband and I are avid gardeners, and so spend much of our spare time out in our garden as well as visiting other gardens, nurseries, and National parks. I also like to go swimming, sew cross stitch and read fantasy and mystery novels. I look forward to meeting you at Pinemont!