Story House Early Learning Chirnside Park

I have been lucky enough to have been working in Early Education for around 30 years.

I trained as a mother craft nurse in my early career and worked closely with babies and families while training for my Associate Diploma in child Care. I also completed a Diploma of business specifically related to leadership in the Early childhood sector.

My passion has always been in the long day care sector, and I worked my way up from student to assistant to room leader and have worked in management of Long Day Care for 20 years.

I have always believed that the child is at the Centre of their own learning and that we need to allow them the space to explore, wonder and create independently. It is important to build relationships and to really immerse yourself in your interactions with the children and with each other as educators. I am inspired by the families, children and by educators at our Centre’s. Every day they teach me something and I love that we are on this learning journey together.

I believe the children’s ideas and interests are the basis of a curriculum. It simply would not exist without them, and they are what drives the evolution of experiences. Combined with intentional teaching and our observations, extension and documentation of their ideas and interests assist to continue to develop the curriculum.

The highlight of my career was visiting Italy and Reggio Emilia and their philosophy of learning, and this has really influenced my view of the aesthetics of an environment and my view of children and their rights, abilities and role in their own learning.

I have a passion for mentoring and inspiring other to learn and grow within our organisation; and the team of educators and staff we employ are a vital part of me being able to offer high quality care and education. Together the connections we build with families and children is something I really cherish.

When I’m at home I am usually kept busy by my twins and if I have time, you will find me reading, baking and enjoying our pets and time spent with family and friends.