“I am most passionate about early literacy and our ongoing transition to school program that is embedded as part of our educational program”

My qualifications and experience  

I have worked in various areas of the early childhood sector for nearly three decades. I started my professional journey back in 1995 in country Western NSW and Sydney. I hold a Bachelor of Teaching, Early Childhood and Masters in Research – specialising in Educational Law. 

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with all age groups as an Early Childhood Teacher in long day care, early intervention and preschool in NSW Health and service base settings in Australia, as well as abroad in Scotland and England. There, I worked with the National Health Service in the United Kingdom to support children aged 0–12 years across various settings, including running parenting and health programs for young children.

After that, I worked for a not-for-profit crèche for children under 5 in London for two years, before moving to live and work in an early intervention school in Edinburgh, Scotland. Returning to Australia in 2009, I have been at SDN ever since and have spent over a decade here at SDN Milperra.  

What I'm most passionate about in my role  

I am most passionate about early literacy and our ongoing transition to school program that is embedded as part of our educational program. We are fortunate to continue our growing partnership with the local Milperra Public School next door, and make regular outings to the school library for all children within the centre.

It has been a rewarding journey to see our centre flourish with a "nothing is impossible" attitude and a strong philosophy reflective of a 21st Century learning environment. This has enabled my passion for teaching and has allowed the team to embrace creative and innovative ways to educate children, thus shaping our future leaders.  

What I love about working with SDN  

It has been a fantastic journey to be part of a centre from the opening days of operation, and seeing it grow into an established and reputed centre.

I also love the support we get from the wider community. I feel strongly connected to the local community, in addition to my land in the broader country.  

A little bit more about me   

In my spare time, I enjoy photography, sewing, cooking, playing the piano and finding a quiet moment to catch up on some reading.

I grew up on a farm and often return to these tranquil settings with my family and three sons. I also enjoy bushwalks, horse riding and motorbike riding, and have been learning to play the drums with my son.