Meet the Team

Say hello to the friendly faces behind the fun!

Our nursery team is made up of a brilliant bunch of early years professionals who are passionate about helping little ones learn, laugh, and grow. Whether it’s leading a messy play session, comforting cuddles after nap time, or sparking curiosity during story corner, our staff are always ready with a smile.

Each team member brings their own flair — from creative crafts and catchy songs to expert knowledge in child development and learning through play. Everyone is fully trained, highly qualified, and, most importantly, genuinely loves what they do.

We pride ourselves on creating a warm, safe, and welcoming space where children feel at home and parents feel supported. We work closely with families to make sure every child’s experience is as unique and joyful as they are.

Scroll down to get to know the team.

My name is Katrina. I became Nursery Manager, DSL, SENCO, and co-owner with Rachel in 2018. I am now the Ops Manager for Deal Nursery and Forest School, along with Pegwell Bay Nursery.

I have loved working with children in a managerial role for the past 25 years. I have experience supporting children with autism, as well as children from disaffected backgrounds who have presented with a wide range of needs and challenges. I began my career at Stone Bay Special School before moving to The Royal Harbour Academy, where I managed the Alternative Curriculum Centre.

I am passionate about helping children, and I love watching them grow and develop into confident individuals. I believe in making a difference, however small, and I will always go the extra mile to support every child to believe in themselves.

I am a kind, caring, and dedicated person who will always strive to do the very best for all children. My ethos is simple: if I can make a difference to one child, then I have done my job.

I am the proud mother of Lois and stepmother to Tom, and I have a beautiful grandchild, Willow.

My qualifications include NVQ Levels 3 & 4 in Caring for Children and Young People.

My name is Rachel and I’m a proud mum of three children. From the very beginning, I knew that if I was going to create a nursery, it had to be the kind of place I’d feel confident and happy sending my own children to.

I began my childcare journey 18 years ago as a childminder, and in 2017 I took over Pegwell Bay Nursery. Over the years, I’ve grown more and more passionate about watching children flourish as they progress from babies through to school age. It’s such a privilege to be part of their early years, helping to give them the very best start in life.

I’ve always dreamed of running a forest school, as I believe outdoor learning and play are incredibly powerful for children’s development. When I discovered Deal Nursery and Forest School, I knew the setting was perfect — the grounds provide the ideal environment for children to explore, learn, and grow.

Hello! I’m Anita, the SENCO at Deal Nursery and Forest School, as well as the Manager and Lead SENCO at Pegwell Bay Nursery.

I began my journey in childcare in 2014, starting as a 1:1 support for a child with special educational needs. That early experience sparked a deep passion for inclusive education and set the foundation for my career. Since then, I’ve worked my way through various roles in early years settings, gaining valuable experience and developing a strong commitment to supporting every child as an individual.

Today, I am proud to lead the SEN provision across both Deal Nursery & Forest School and Pegwell Bay, ensuring that children with additional needs are fully supported and included in all aspects of nursery life. I’m passionate about creating nurturing, inclusive environments where all children feel valued, confident, and empowered to reach their full potential.

I feel incredibly fortunate to do the work I love every day and to be part of such dedicated, caring teams.

Hello, I’m Stacie! I’ve been working in early years for 13 years and have had the opportunity to grow through a variety of roles across different settings. I’m now proud to be the Deal Nursery & Forest Schools Manager, as well as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

I hold a Level 3 qualification in Early Years and am trained in both paediatric and adult first aid, ensuring I can support the wellbeing and safety of all the children and staff in our care.

I’m incredibly passionate about creating a fun, safe, and inspiring environment where every child can thrive. I absolutely love being hands-on and creative with the children—Tuff trays and outdoor adventures are my favourites!

There’s nothing more rewarding than watching little ones grow in confidence and curiosity, and I feel truly privileged to be a part of their early learning journeys.

Hello, I'm Nicola, Office Manager for Deal Nursery and Forest School, as well as our partner nursery, Pegwell Bay.

With over 20 years of administration experience, including 5 years in early years settings. I’m passionate about supporting children’s development behind the scenes.

My commitment is to maintain a welcoming and professional environment where parents are well-informed, supported, and assured of the quality of care provided.

I’ve been working in early years for three years, after making a career change inspired by becoming a dad myself. I am a Level 3 Practitioner.

I’m currently training to be a Forest School Leader, as I love being outdoors and watching children explore, build resilience, and grow in confidence through nature.

Hello, my name is Alice. I am Level 3 qualified and have worked in childcare for over 10 years.

I will be based in the Wrens room and look forward to meeting you all soon!

I enjoy creating fun ways to explore, play and furthering experiences through nursery trips around the local community!

My name is Emma and I am currently completing my Level 3 apprenticeship. I have nine years of experience in childcare, including seven years as a nanny, as well as time spent working in other settings before joining Deal Nursery and Forest School.

Hello, my name is Katie and im a level 3 childcare practitioner.

I have always enjoyed working with children and love arts and craft and being outdoors. I’m really excited to be involved in your child’s nursery experience and provide them with lots of new learning experiences.

Hello, my name is Sophie and I am a level 3 early years pratitioner.

I have always worked with children in various fields, I adore seeing the children develop, progress and grow. I love being a part of their journey through nursery.

I’m a Level 4 practitioner with experience working in early years in Australia for five years, as well as in a primary school in Taiwan.

I love being outside, whether that’s cycling or exploring new places, and at home I’m a big cat lover too!

I worked as a 1:1 in a school for two years and discovered how much I love being part of children’s learning and growth.

I’m now excited to be starting my journey training as an Early Years Practitioner and can’t wait to see where it takes me.

Hello, I’m Gaby and I’m one of the practitioners in the nursery.

I’m originally from Brazil and moved to the UK two years ago. I have a creative background, having spent over 12 years working in the beauty industry, where I loved producing theatre pieces and photo shoots. After becoming a mum last year, I discovered a real passion for Early Years education.

I’m super creative and absolutely love anything colourful, artistic or imaginative. I enjoy planning engaging activities, exploring messy play, and encouraging the children’s individual talents. I can’t wait to be part of your child’s journey at Deal Nursery and to bring lots of joyful learning opportunities to their day.

Hello, I’m Nicola!

I work in the Woodpeckers room as a Level 3 Practitioner and have a real passion for nurturing young minds. I love art activities, tuff trays, outdoor learning, children’s books and baking.

I have a 2.1 degree in English, as well as a PGCE in Lower Primary Education from the University of Leicester. While training for my PGCE, I realised that my heart lies with the early years. I spent 2 years teaching Reception and a further 2 years supply teaching in a range of schools.

I have 2 young children and I love healthy living and fitness.

I am excited to be a part of your child’s nursery experience and provide lots of fun learning opportunities.

My name is Megan, I am level 2 qualified also working towards my level 3. I will be based in the Robins room as their room leader.

I have been working in early years for around 3 years now, across all age groups.

I love being creative with the children and exploring unique and fun ways to promote their learning!

Coming soon

Hi, I’m Michelle. I joined Pegwell Bay and Deal Nursery and Forest School in November 2025 as the new health & Safety officer.

Before joining the nurseries, I spent 26 years working for a charity supporting victims of Modern Slavery in a Safe house setting, where I managed the service and worked closely with vulnerable adults and their children. Supporting people in challenging circumstances has been a huge part of my life, and it’s shaped my passion for compassion, communication, and community.

I’m really looking forward to this new chapter and the chance to work in a positive, creative environment surrounded by children.