Staff
2025 Staff

Debbie Simms
Dip. T. (Early Childhood) Grad Dip T L Senior Teacher Classification
Co-Director and Nominated Supervisor
Debbie has worked at Camp Hill Kindy since 2000, on short-term contracts until accepting a permanent position in 2009. Debbie studied Early Childhood Education and Teacher Librarianship. She has been teaching in both early education, and universities since 1978.
Debbie is passionate about providing a relaxed, nurturing, yet stimulating learning environment for children. She is kind, patient and above all flexible and caring of all children’s many needs.
Debbie consistently demonstrates dedication, and a wealth of knowledge to her group of children, the parents and her fellow educators of Camp Hill Kindy.

Denise Haupt
BEd (Early Childhood)
Co-Director and Educational Leader
Denise’s 20 years of experience supporting children during their early years of growing and learning has developed her passion for planning high quality child centered programs in collaboration with children, families, community and staff. She values children’s individual and unique ways of learning and strives to foster a love of learning within a play-based environment.

Brenda Gilbert
Accountant B.Bus(Accountancy), ACA, MAICD, JP (Qual)
Administration and Finance Manager
Brenda has been involved with Camp Hill Kindy since 1998 when her daughter attended preschool and she was a general committee member. In 1999 Brenda stayed on the committee as a general committee member and C&K forum representative. Brenda was Treasurer in 2000 and 2001 and then took on the role of accountant from November 2001. Brenda assists the committee with matters of business administration and financial management.

Libby Jeffery
Libby, who holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and a Master of Education, began her teaching career in 2011 in Melbourne. She then spent seven years teaching in London before settling in Brisbane in 2022.
Libby’s teaching philosophy emphasises child-led and play-based learning experiences. She aims to create enabling environments that foster children’s ability to resource and extend their own learning, while also building positive relationships to ensure they feel safe and secure.

Sophie Blain
Sophie has lived in the Camp Hill community since 2010 with her husband Matt and their three children. Sophie graduated from the University of Waikato (New Zealand) with a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) in 2008. She has gained teaching experience in various educational settings, both in New Zealand and Australia but is particularly ‘at home’ when teaching in community-based kindergartens. Sophie’s focus on play based and inquiry learning showcases her dedication to nurturing children’s curiosity and strives to create a love of learning from a young age. Her passion for igniting children’s enthusiasm for education reflects a commitment to fostering a positive and engaging learning environment.

Helen Hallahan
Cert. Child Care Practices
Helen has been a dedicated and valued staff member of Camp Hill Kindergarten since 1980.

Claire Berger
Claire has commenced with our centre in 2021 as an assistant educator in with Group 1B and now Group 1A. She has previously been working with our centre doing inclusion support and relief work.

Julie Noble
With a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, and Diploma of Education (Montessori), Julie has worked in early education for most of her career in various settings. Julie provides an environment that is rich in experiences, where children engage and learn through play. Since 2021, Julie is proud to be a part of the exceptional team at Camp Hill Kindy.
When not at Kindy, Julie enjoys spending time with her husband, three adult children, and two dogs, with trips to the beach, camping, and reading by the pool.

Donna Ficca
Donna has been working in early childcare since 1994. She took a break to raise her own family and returned to join the beautiful community of Camp Hill Kindy seven years ago. Donna holds an Advanced Diploma of Child Services and has completed short courses to continue developing her skills, including Basic Sign Language, Autism Awareness, and Dyslexia Awareness.
While Donna has worked with children of all years, she has a passion for the younger years and is also involved with inclusion support within the Kindy. Donna believes that every child has the potential to thrive in their unique way, and it is the educator’s responsibility to help them discover that path and let their talents shine.

Rebecca Unwin
Rebecca is delighted and honoured to be part of the Camp Hill Kindy team, working as the Assistant in Group 2B and Group 2C (three-year-old program). With a calm, caring, and nurturing approach, Rebecca is passionate about inclusion and dedicated to supporting every child in reaching their full potential.
As a local resident and a busy parent to three wonderful children, life is always full of adventure! In Rebecca’s spare time, she loves cooking, boating, and getting lost in a good book—and as a proud Brisbane Lions fan, you’ll often find her cheering them on.