Left to right: Deb Mann, Kathryn Dodd Farrawell, Samantha Knight, Kowana Welsh, Tania Lever, Izelda Sore and Ronnie O’Keefe.

Deb Mann MEd USyd, BEd (Early Childhood) Macq

Director, SDN Ngara Nanga Mai

Deb joined SDN in 2002 as the Manager of the Supporting Children with Additional Needs (SCAN) program in South East Sydney. She went on to manage the entire SCAN program and SDN’s Aboriginal programs. In 2008 Deb established an award winning early childhood education TAFE course for Aboriginal women. In 2010 she was appointed the Director of SDN Ngara Nanga Mai. Deb has more than 30 years’ experience in early childhood. She has been a teacher in preschools, long day care services and schools, and has lectured at TAFE and university in early childhood and education faculties. In 2007 Deb was honoured with an Early Childhood Australia advocacy award.

Samantha Knight

Aboriginal Projects Coordinator, SDN Ngara Nanga Mai

Samantha Knight is a Gubbi Gubbi woman and mother of three. She has been working at SDN Children’s Services since 1995, starting as a Child Care Worker at SDN Paddington where she was encouraged to get her Associate Diploma in Children’s Services.

Samantha was appointed the Aboriginal Projects Coordinator in 2010. In this role she has gained confidence and skills, enjoying working as part of a team to provide positive early learning opportunities for Aboriginal children and families.

Ronwyn O’Keefe

Administration Coordinator, SDN Ngara Nanga Mai

Ronnie has worked for SDN since 1996, starting as a Child Care Worker. After returning from maternity leave in 2001 she worked part-time as a Special Needs Support Worker. In 2003 she was appointed the Administration Assistant for SDN’s SCAN program. After Ngara Nanga Mai was established, Ronnie became the Administration Coordinator.

Tania Lever

Aboriginal Child Care and Community Support Worker

Tania has worked on a casual basis as a Child Care Worker since 2008 and in 2010 joined SDN Ngara Nanga Mai. She has a Diploma in Children’s Services and a TAFE Statement of Attainment in Community Work. She has completed a certified TAFE course to become an Aboriginal Education Assistant. She is looking forward to working in a position where her job promotes and strengthens Aboriginal families within their community.

Izelda Sore

Aboriginal Child Care and Community Support Worker

Izelda is a Yidinjdi woman who has been working at SDN Redfern as an Early Childhood Educator for three years. She is also an artist and has exhibited her work at Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative. She is passionate about the community that she works in and spends much of her time in the community of Redfern working and volunteering through CityCare. Izelda is committed to Ngara Nanga Mai’s purpose of working with, respecting and empowering Aboriginal peoples.