Our Teaching Team

Julie Irvine – Hello there, my name is Julie Irvine and I am the teacher of Seahorse group. I am also the Director of Rye Preschool and educational leader too. I am a mother of 6 children from 22 to 31 years old. I have a wonderful husband and we live in Mount Martha. We are not quite empty nesters yet but getting close.

We love the Mornington Peninsula and enjoy the beach and wineries and the many restaurants and activities it has to offer. I have had the pleasure of working at Rye Preschool for 14 years and I must say it feels like home every day. I love it here. Wonderful children. Amazing families and supportive committee and an amazing supportive community vibe can be found at our kindergarten.

I graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Education – early childhood and have done both family leave and teaching for over 36 years. I am passionate about early childhood and the lifelong benefits to all children. At kinder I especially love story times and science experiments and cooking with children. When I am not at kinder, I love to spend time with my three exceptional grandchildren. Plus travelling, cooking, time with family and friends, renovating and occasionally reading. I look forward to growing our connections togethers and enjoying the kinder year together.

Mel Flooks – Hi, I’m Mel and I live in Rye with my family. I have 2 boys, Hamish and Harry as well as a dog, Lenny. I am very thankful to live and work in Rye as it is such a vibrant and friendly community. I enjoy being outdoors, whether it is working in the garden, going to the beach, walking the dog or watching the boys play sport and ride motorbikes. I also love to read and get into a good tv series whenever possible.

I began work at Rye Preschool in 2020 and now work in the Dolphin group. I knew it was a special place from the first time I walked in which was in 2018 to enrol my son. I work with wonderful people who are skilled at their jobs, take pride and have care. I feel free to express my values here and look forward to many years of learning together.

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 Van Rooy – Hello! My name is Emma and I am the 3-year-old Turtle Group teacher. When I’m not with the Turtle Group, you will find me at the beach or exploring in nature with my two beautiful daughters and my husband.

I believe a child’s kinder years are a truly magical and profound time in their life and I’m 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.

I love getting to know the children and families here at Rye Preschool and sharing 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.

Millie – Hello! My name is Millie, and I’m proud to be an educator with the Dolphin group at Rye Preschool. I also support the Seahorse group on Wednesdays and the Turtle group on Fridays. This gives me the opportunity to build strong, meaningful relationships with all the children across our learning community.

I spent my early childhood in England before moving to Point Lonsdale with my family at the age of 10. At the beginning of 2025, I relocated to St Andrews Beach with my partner, Alex, and our much-loved Groodle, Frankie. You’ll often find us enjoying walks or a swim down at Rye front beach.

Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors—whether it’s camping, surfing, doing yoga, or simply being with family. I’m passionate about early childhood development and strongly believe that every child is capable, competent, and full of potential. I strive to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where children can thrive, explore, and grow.

I feel incredibly grateful to be part of such a dedicated team and a welcoming community here at Rye Preschool.

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.