Our Staff

At Ness Reserve we have an experienced, passionate team of Teachers and Educators who believe that children learn best through play and who work to create an amazing educational kinder program.

Learn more about our incredible team at Ness below.

Lisa Kotlarewski

3 and 4 year old Group Teacher

I have been teaching sessional kindergarten for over 20 years and feel very fortunate to be part of the Ness Reserve Pre-School team. It is a privilege to work alongside young children and their families, supporting each child's individual journey as they grow, learn and develop throughout the kinder year.

I am passionate about creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels safe, valued and a strong sense of belonging. I value fostering children's connection to the natural world through nature play and outdoor experiences, and fostering children's connection to Country and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through our outdoor learning.

I am married with two children who are now young adults. We live on a small hobby farm with our dogs and cats, chickens, sheep and cows. In my spare time I enjoy running, hiking, reading and working in the veggie garden. I feel very grateful to be part of the Ness Reserve Pre-School community.

Ally Palmer

3 year old Group Educator

I have a Diploma of Early Education and Care and many years of experience working in the Early Education Sector.

I've worked in kindergartens and childcare, as well as in schools in the Before and After School program, school library, and attending school camps. I am friendly and welcoming; I always have a smile on my face and like to make sure everyone feels happy and comfortable around me. I like to ensure that the children feel safe and happy while they're learning and playing. I enjoy seeing children learn and grow throughout the year and gain confidence. I am dedicated to building relationships with every child and their family.

I enjoy going to the beach with my husband and 3 teenage children.

Amberleigh Allan

3 year old Group Teacher

Having been a sessional kinder teacher for many years I have recently joined the Ness teaching team and am excited to be teaching the three year old group.

I am committed to creating a welcoming and supportinve environment where all children feel secure, respected and that they truely belong. I value building positive, respectful relationships with families and enjoy engaging with child through play based learning, supporting their curiosity friendships and developing independence.

I have two childen of my own who keep me busy outside of kinder life and I am very grateful to be part of the Ness community.

Stacey Dabrowski

4 year old Group Educator

I have worked at Ness since 2015, when I began as relieving staff while studying. I have been a permanent staff member at Ness since the beginning of 2017. I love meeting, talking with, and getting to know all the children, families, siblings, and extended families. I get great enjoyment from seeing the children progress in their development and witnessing the joy on families’ faces as they celebrate their children’s achievements.

If you love your job, it doesn’t feel like work—and that definitely applies to me. Every day is unique, bringing different accomplishments and challenges, but there are always children rushing in to tell you all about what they’ve been doing! I also enjoy having these chats with past and present families when I’m out and about in our community.

I have two beautiful children and love spending time with them. I also enjoy walking our dog, Pippa.

Andrea Tyler

4 year old Group Educator

Thank you to all the staff and families that have welcomed me into the ‘Ness Community’.

I have previously worked in long day care before having my own family of the 3 boys. I then worked at Diamond Creek East Kinder for 8 years as a co-educator (prior to its closing late in 2019).

I am so grateful to be able to continue working with pre-school children. I love that each day is full of wonder, adventure and learning that happens through play.

When at home I have 3 teenage sons who keep me busy on the weekends playing footy, basketball and cricket. In my spare time I enjoy reading, scrapbooking and spending time with friends on camping trips.