Greenbank Pre School is located in the purpose-built nursery hall in Greenbank Church under the leadership of Manager Kyra Okoth. Our experienced staff are committed to quality provision for the individual child.
Meet Our Staff
Kyra Okoth – Manager/HeadteacherI knew I wanted to work with children at the age of 16 years when I spent 2 weeks supporting in a reception class as part of a school project.
Over 40 years later I am still in the same profession having worked overseas as an Early Years Consultant and Head Teacher/ Manager in Spain, Kenya and the Middle East. My career developed in London where I worked in Merton for 6 years as a leader in early years.
My passion for the expressive arts, upcycling, global and multicultural projects and creating beautiful spaces for children shines through everything I do. There isn’t a day goes by where I don’t learn something from the children and the work I do with them!
Apart from managing the professional development of all staff at Greenbank, I also lead the ECO/Outdoor areas of the curriculum, Additional Support for Learning, Planning and Policy review, Risk Assessments and Inservice training.
Over 40 years later I am still in the same profession having worked overseas as an Early Years Consultant and Head Teacher/ Manager in Spain, Kenya and the Middle East. My career developed in London where I worked in Merton for 6 years as a leader in early years.
My passion for the expressive arts, upcycling, global and multicultural projects and creating beautiful spaces for children shines through everything I do. There isn’t a day goes by where I don’t learn something from the children and the work I do with them!
Apart from managing the professional development of all staff at Greenbank, I also lead the ECO/Outdoor areas of the curriculum, Additional Support for Learning, Planning and Policy review, Risk Assessments and Inservice training.
Julie French – Deputy ManagerI have worked with children for over 30 years and have been at Greenbank since 2001. I am Deputy Manager and coordinate Numeracy, Admissions, Additional Support Needs, and am a Mentor to staff.
I love to see children blossom in their learning by being inquisitive through discovery and challenge in their play.
They are a constant inspiration to me.
I love to see children blossom in their learning by being inquisitive through discovery and challenge in their play.
They are a constant inspiration to me.
Ahn Um – Early Years PractitionerI am an Early Years Practitioner and I work on Monday and Friday. My area of coordination is STEM.
I love working with children because they are a bunch of creative, imaginative and inspiring little people and they are non-judgemental and can absorb the silly side of me!
I love working with children because they are a bunch of creative, imaginative and inspiring little people and they are non-judgemental and can absorb the silly side of me!
Debi Allan – Early Years Practitioner
I work as an Early Years Practitioner at Greenbank Pre School. I am passionate about the natural world and love sharing my knowledge with the children. I enjoy doing yoga with the children where we have lots of fun 🙏
Krisha Macdonald- Early Years PractitionerHi, I’m an Early Years Practitioner at Greenbank Preschool and this year I will be coordinating P.E (physical education) & Wellbeing.
I have a passion for early years education & love being able to support children & watch them grow and develop in their formative years.
I have two lovely children, I love the outdoors, to travel & to see the world and you might have already guessed I’m from Australia.
I have a passion for early years education & love being able to support children & watch them grow and develop in their formative years.
I have two lovely children, I love the outdoors, to travel & to see the world and you might have already guessed I’m from Australia.
Victoria Melville – Early Years PractitionerI am an EYP and I coordinate the area of ‘loose parts’ play. I am passionate about providing experiences where the children can engage with a sense of wonder and excitement.
Laura Dalgety – Lunch Supervisor and Supply Early Years AssistantHi, my name is Laura and I work as an early years assistant. I have two boys of my own, one
of whom attended Greenbank preschool where he flourished during his time here. I am
delighted to be part of the team as I have very fond memories of this place.
of whom attended Greenbank preschool where he flourished during his time here. I am
delighted to be part of the team as I have very fond memories of this place.
I love working with children and getting to know all their little personalities where I can discover how unique they all can be. I believe it’s important to provide a happy nurturing environment where everyone feels safe, included and respected.
Kirsten McIlwraith – Lunchtime Supervisor and Trainee Early Years PractitionerI work as a lunchtime supervisor and a trainee early years practitioner. I have a great interest in all things creative and enjoy working in all areas of the pre school.
Marion Dickie – Lunchtime SupervisorI am a Lunchtime Supervisor. Along with Kirsten, I co-ordinate all aspects of lunch service in preschool. I am passionate about food and nutrition as it relates to children. ……🤷🏻♀️
Joan Ritchie – Management Committee ChairI am a retired Community Paediatrician, with many years’ experience with children with a range of additional support needs. As an elder of Greenbank Church, I was aware of the work of Greenbank Pre School for many years before I became Chair of the Management Committee in 2013.