Our Team

Founder & Managing Director of am first steps (preparatory school & toddlers): Miss Stephanie

Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Education, a Master of Arts in Education (Teaching), and a Postgraduate Qualification in Cognitive Psychology in Educational Practice. Both her postgraduate degrees were research-based and consisted of action research, with a particular focus on cognitive psychology in early literacy. Her work explored the impact and success of school readiness programs, especially the role of systematic synthetic phonics in building strong literacy foundations. Research consistently shows that systematic synthetic phonics accelerates reading progress, strengthens decoding and spelling, and lays the foundation for confident, fluent reading. Stephanie’s research and practice highlight the importance of this approach in giving children the best possible start to their learning journey.

With extensive classroom and tertiary teaching experience spanning more than a decade, she is an academic who truly values education and is committed to enhancing student motivation and fostering metacognitive approaches to learning.

She is the Founder of AM First Steps (Preparatory School & Toddlers), where she combines her professional expertise with her perspective as a mother of three. Stephanie continues to engage in regular research, reflect on her teaching practice, and mentor preservice teachers, ensuring that her work remains innovative, evidence based, and impactful.

Head of AM First Steps (Preparatory School): Miss Daniella

Daniella is a passionate primary school teacher who holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary and Early Childhood) from the Australian Catholic University.

Daniella is Head of AM First Steps (Preparatory School) and oversees curriculum and leads classroom practice with dedication and expertise. She brings extensive knowledge in both early childhood and primary education, supported by her experience working across both sectors. Daniella is also the key point of contact for parents seeking feedback on their child’s progress.

Daniella is a hardworking and enthusiastic educator, recognised as a true leader in her field and deeply committed to supporting both students and families. Daniella works closely with Stephanie and regularly engages in professional development and research in making her teaching practice meaningful and effective for young learners.

AM first steps (Preparatory School & toddlers) Classroom Coordinator: Miss Marianne

Marianne is a passionate AM First Steps Teacher who has completed a Diploma in Early Childhood, bringing her developing expertise into the classroom to support early learning.

Marianne is the AM First Steps Pre-Preparatory School & Preparatory School Classroom Coordinator, leading classroom practices under the supervision of qualified NESA teachers. Marianne works closely with Stephanie and Daniella to deliver meaningful and effective teaching across all programs. Known to students and families as Miss Marianne, she is dedicated to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where children can build confidence and thrive.

AM first steps (Preparatory School & toddlers) Classroom Teacher: Miss Emma

Emma is a pre-service teacher completing a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) and works under the guidance of NESA accredited teachers. She is a valued member of AM First Steps (Preparatory School & Toddlers), bringing with her a growing wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for teaching.

Miss Emma has a gentle and caring nature and finds great joy in working with young children. Her supportive approach helps create a calm and encouraging classroom environment where students feel comfortable, confident, and ready to learn.

AM first steps (Preparatory School & toddlers) Classroom Teacher: Miss Nina

Nina is a pre-service teacher completing a Bachelor of Education (Primary and Special Education). She has a strong passion for educating young minds and finds great fulfilment in supporting children throughout their developmental journey.

At AM First Steps (Preparatory School & Toddlers), Nina is a valued classroom teacher delivering programs across AM Toddlers, AM Pre-Preparatory School, and AM Preparatory School. With four years of experience as a classroom teacher at AM Prep School, Nina works under the guidance of NESA qualified teachers, playing an important role in guiding student growth and fostering a positive learning environment.

AM first steps (Preparatory School & toddlers) Classroom Teacher: Miss Georgina

Georgina is one of our friendly Administrative Staff/ Teachers Aids at AM First Steps. Alongside working at AM First Steps, Georgina studies a Bachelor of Business at Macquarie University. Georgina is one of the friendly faces behind our front desk, who is always eager to help with any enquiries.

AM first steps (Preparatory School & toddlers) Classroom Teacher: Miss Jasleen

Jasleen is a pre-service teacher completing a Bachelor of Secondary Education, specialising in Business Studies and Geography. She currently works as a Teacher’s Assistant in schools within the Catholic Diocese, where she is gaining valuable classroom experience that she brings into her role at AM Preparatory School.

Working under the guidance of qualified NESA teachers, Jasleen supports the delivery of engaging programs that foster student growth and confidence. Miss Jasleen is enthusiastic, hardworking, and passionate about making a positive impact on every student’s learning journey.

AM first steps (Preparatory School & toddlers) Classroom Teacher: Miss Alyssa

Alyssa is a pre-service teacher completing a Bachelor of Dance Education, a specialist professional qualification unique in Australia. This degree provides her with the knowledge and skills to become a qualified Dance teacher and PDHPE teacher.

At AM First Steps (Preparatory School & Toddlers), Alyssa works in both AM Toddlers and AM Preparatory School, under the guidance of NESA accredited teachers. Her background in Dance and Physical Education enables her to design and deliver engaging Physical Education lessons that promote movement, coordination, and teamwork. Known to students as Miss Alyssa, she brings creativity, energy, and a passion for active learning to every class.

AM first steps (Preparatory School & toddlers) Classroom Teacher: Miss priscilla

Priscilla is a pre-service teacher completing a Bachelor of Education (Primary and Early Childhood). She has a strong passion for educating young minds and finds great fulfilment in supporting children throughout their developmental journey.

At AM First Steps (Preparatory School & Toddlers), Priscilla is a valued classroom teacher in AM Preparatory School. Priscilla works under the guidance of NESA qualified teachers, playing an important role in guiding student growth and fostering a positive learning environment.

AM first steps (Preparatory School & toddlers) Classroom Teacher: Miss TAYLA

Tayla is a pre-service teacher studying a Bachelor Education (Primary). She is a valued classroom teacher who delivers explicit teaching programs and supports student growth.

Passionate about creating a fun and inclusive environment, Tayla is dedicated to helping students learn, thrive, and succeed. Known to students as Miss Tayla, she works under the guidance of NESA qualified teachers and continues to build her expertise while making a positive impact on every child’s learning journey.