Our Teaching Team

Mel Flooks – Hi! My name is Mel Flooks and I am the teacher of Dolphin group and director of Rye Preschool. I joined the team in 2020 and greatly enjoyed teaching the Turtle group and later Dolphin group. I knew that I
wanted to work here when I stepped through the door with my youngest son, as we enrolled in 3 year old kindergarten.

I love teaching, learning about children and being part of the community here in Rye. I have 2 boys who attend Rye Primary and Rosebud Secondary. As a family we enjoy the outdoors. We have 2 dogs I enjoy walking with,
as well as spending time in the garden, going to the gym and generally being active. I also like to cook and read.

Life is good in Rye and I am forever grateful to live here!

Kate – Hello! My name is Kate, and I am the Turtle Group Teacher for our three-year-old group. I am delighted to share this special time with children and their families. Welcoming children to kindergarten and supporting
their learning through play is such a privilege.

When I’m not at kinder, I enjoy spending time with our four children, playing and learning alongside them. We love going to the beach, exploring outdoors (especially in the mud kitchen!), reading, drawing, and crafting
together.

I have experience teaching in kindergartens and schools, working in outdoor education, and running nature playgroups. I truly value the warm and welcoming feeling at Rye Preschool—the joy of children learning through play, the beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces for creativity and exploration, and the caring families who make it such a special community.

Laura Rhodes – Hi, my name is Laura Rhodes. I am the co-educator for Seahorse Group. I hold a Diploma in Teaching – Early Childhood, and have been a member of the team at Rye Preschool since 2016. During this time, I have worked with both the 3 and 4-year-old children and have enjoyed watching their individual journeys of growth and development.

I have lived on the Peninsula for 12 years with my husband and two children, who both attended Rye Preschool. I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, reading and exploring this beautiful place we call home.

Mel C – Mel C is an educator with the dolphin group. She moved to the peninsula 15 years ago to raise her children and loves the lifestyle of living by the water. She has three children and two cheeky Jack Russell’s. On her limited time off she loves to go away in the caravan and explore new places.

Mel is passionate about community and making connections, she is involved in the local toy library and facilitates a playgroup too.

Emma – Hello! My name is Emma and I am the Seahorse Group teacher.

I believe a child’s kinder years are a truly magical and profound time in their life and I am passionate about nurturing them through this period, helping them to develop their own understandings of the world through play and being in the moment to delight in them as they uncover learnt discoveries.

When I’m not with the Seahorse Group, you will find me at the beach or exploring in nature with my two beautiful daughters, my husband and my little dog, Pedro.

I love getting to know the children and families here at Rye Preschool and it fills my cup sharing in many smiles with this community.

Rachael – Hi, My name is Rachael, I am an educator in the Seahorse group. My partner Stuart and I grew up in Melbourne but decided on a sea change to the gorgeous town of Rye 10 years. We absolutely love the community, beaches and restaurants.

We now have 2 kids, Charlotte and Jack who are both at Rye Primary School and both attended Rye Preschool for their kinder years. As soon as we began our journey at Rye Preschool, I knew I had to work here. We love the sense of community and the joy it brings to so many children and families. As a family we love caravanning, exploring new places, watching movies, swimming and riding our bikes. I look forward to connecting and supporting your children grow during their fun times at Rye Preschool.

Bruna Generutti – My Name is Bruna Generutti, I have been volunteering at Rye Preschool since 2015. My husband Frank and I did the sea change move in 2014. I have two sons and two grandsons who live in Melbourne.

I was working at Primary school for 16 years in education support assisting children and supporting the teachers at every grade level. My hobbies are cooking, reading and relaxing at the beach. I love it at Rye Preschool. I feel like part of a great family. The staff, parents and children are so lovely and I enjoy being in this community.

Nicole – Hi Rye Preschool families my name is Nicole Rose and I am excited to be joining the turtle group for 2026. I have two of my own beautiful children and we live local with my husband on the Peninsula. In our spare time when we’re not at our children’s local sport, we are exploring all the beautiful places of the Peninsula. I have worked with children for 17 years and I feel it’s such a privilege to be a part of their learning journey. I really enjoy seeing the growth throughout the year of the children’s independence and development and social and emotional skills. I’m looking forward to getting to know all the children and being a part of their three-year-old kinder year.

Hayley – Hi, my name is Hayey Collard. I am a Diploma qualified teacher in the 3 year old Turtle group. I have 15 years experience in early education, working with all ages.

I am a mum to a gorgeous boy Cooper who was lucky to attend Rye Preschool for both 3 and 4 year old Kindergarten. Cooper is starting school in 2026, so with him busy I’m so excited to be spending my time helping other little minds develop and grow.

My partner Dane, Cooper and I moved to Rye 4 years ago to enjoy the beachside community. I have spent many years coming to Rye with Family and when my parents retired here my partner and I thought it was perfect timing to make the change.

I have such a love and passion for early education. I love watching each child grow and learn as they navigate the world around them. 

I am beyond excited to get to know you and your children and build a strong connection where your children feel safe and cared for.