Meet the Karinya Team
To be a Karinya Montessori Educator all educators are required to be very passionate Early Educators- they are required to complete Early Education and “In House” Montessori training.
Karinya Montessori management acknowledges this by paying educators above the childcare award rate and sponsors training as required.
All educators complete first aid, child protection, fire safety, workplace health and safety and food safety training.
Kerri Steele– Founded Karinya Montessori Children’s House in 2009. She is the Operational Approved Provider and Educational Leader of the centre. Kerri is also our relief Kindergarten Teacher as required, completes all tours, orientation of new families, as well as staff and parent education. She has a Bachelor of Early Education, Diploma of Montessori, and a Diploma of Counselling. Kerri can be contacted about any aspect of Karinya Montessori on admin@kmch.qld.edu.au
Toni Raafe (CPA)- Accounts manager- managers families accounts, payroll and Xero, compliance with CCS, Kindy Funding and Kindy uplift. Toni has kind caring and respectful manner to support Management, Educator and Families navigate through Early childhood financial systems. Employed since Nov 2025.
Alison Ferney – Assistant Directress and Toddler community Lead Educator, employed since 2010. She has a Diploma of Montessori (St Nicolas- London) and Diploma of Early Education and has worked with children since 1991. Alison is a peaceful and compassionate educator.
Renee Thomson – Dragonfly Early Childhood Teacher, she has a Bachelor of Early Education and Diploma of Montessori. Employed since 2023. Renee is confident and compassionate early childhood teacher, children feel at ease in her presence and within the room.
Alicia Compton – (B.E. Ed NZ) – Possum ECT – Alicia is the Possum Kindergarten Teacher, she has caring and kind way of working with the Kindergarten Children. Employed since March 2025.
Emma Cousins (Diploma of Early Education and completing Bachelor or Early Education)- Afternoon Supervisor – her strengths include setting up beautiful learning environments for children. Employed Since January 2026.
Claudia Forni - Lead Educator, she has Italian Diploma of Montessori, employed since 2020. Claudia enjoys preparing and maintaining Montessori Environments of Excellence, which allows children to learn is self-directed and meaningful ways. Claudia also speaks Italian and introduces this culture and language into our environment.
Angela Follett - Lead Educator, she has a Diploma of Early Education and has completed Montessori in House as well as Bush Kindy training. Employed since 2021. Angela is positive Educator who enjoys nurturing children’s independence.
Lani Holloway– Dragonfly Assistant, Lani has a Diploma of Early Education. Employed since 2023. and skills in music and creative arts. Lani also speaks Korean and where possible she introduces this culture and language into our environment.
Lawson Fuller- Joey Assistant, Lawson started with Karinya as School Based Trainee and has completed a Certificate 3 in Early Education. Employed since 2021. she has a calm caring way with children and is very passionate about early education.
Abbey Rowe - Centre Assistant Trainee, Abbey was one of the first children to attend Karinya Montessori during the foundation years, she has now returned a School Based Trainee. Abbey is also an accomplished singer and brings these skills to our environment. Employed since 2023.
Shelby Campbell - Centre Assistant trainee, Shelby enjoys reading to the children and has wonderful caring ways with the children. Employed since 2023.
Elvy Jefferies (Cert 3) – Joey toddler assistant, she has calm nurturing way with children. Employed since 2024.