Karen Szabo: Nominated Supervisor and Early Childhood Teacher
Karen has over 35 years of experience in the Childhood sector and has been the Nominated Supervisor at Canterbury Gardens Kindergarten (previously Canterbury Norwood Baptist Kindergarten) since 1985.
She is passionate about the early years, not just as a precursor for school but for the development of confidence, individuality and the skills appropriate for the age level.
Karen plays the piano and the children enjoy a rich and varied music program that involves songs, instruments and dance.
Karen is the Early Childhood Teacher in the 4 year-old Butterflies Group.
Lily Li: Educator
Lily brings a warmth and positive energy to the Kindergarten. She has been working in early childhood education for over 10 years. Lily’s native language is Mandarin Chinese and she also speaks Japanese.
Lily is an amazing oral storyteller and loves to encourage the children to use their imaginations in developing their own stories.
Lily is the Educator in the 4 year-old Butterfly Group
Lee Mohtaji: Lunchtime and Relieving Educator
Lee has been part of the team for over 8 years. She brings a vibrancy and liveliness to the Kindergarten.
Her many talents include master balloon animal shaper, acrobat extraordinaire and sometime magician. She is fluent in Mandarin and loves bringing joy to the children.
Anne Thiel: Early Childhood Teacher
Anne has 16 years of experience teaching 3 and 4 year-old children in stand alone kindergartens in Boroondara. Anne loves children’s conversations and delights in hearing their stories and take on life. Anne believes children are very capable and able to do things for themselves, and this is reflected in her program which encourages their emerging independence.
Anne is the Early Childhood Teacher in the 3 year-old Caterpillars Group.
Jacqui Lacy: Educator
Jacqui has a Diploma in Early Childhood Education, and previously worked at Playstation occasional care for over 8 years. Jacqui joined the Canterbury Gardens team in 2023.
She is passionate about helping to facilitate children’s development and growth over the year. The warm work environment of the kinder makes her job of looking after and educating the children a privilege.
Jacqui is the Educator in the 3 year-old Caterpillars Group.
Canterbury Gardens Kinder 