Small Steps Academy Educators

  • Rachael Director - Nominated Supervisor

    Years of Experience: 21 years
    Qualifications & Training: Diploma in Early Childhood Education with comprehensive training in Montessori and Reggio Approaches.
    What I would like children to learn from me:  I will Instil a love of learning in each child by providing a warm, inviting and interesting environment, which promotes creativity, exploration and collaboration. Teaching children to be respectful for one another, their environment, materials and ideas. Expressing themselves by cultivating their creative thinking and communication skills. Teaching children to be curious, asking questions, reflecting, and being active in their learning.
    Why I love working with children:  I have many reasons I love to work with children. 1. Being that children are naturally curious and eager to learn, which makes teaching them a truly rewarding experience. I love to see their eyes light up when they discover something new, or they have completed a challenging task. They have the ability to see the world in a different and imaginative way, which I find refreshing and have a natural way of looking at the world without the limitations of society which can inspire creativity and out-of-the-box-thinking. Making a positive impact on their lives through my guidance I can instil values such as respect, resilience and empathy. I Find working with children is a privilege and a joy. Seeing the world through their eyes, connecting with families and communities. All of this is such a rewarding experience that makes me so grateful for my role here at Small Steps Academy.

  • Jodie Inspirational Leader

    Years of Experience: 30 years
    Qualifications & Training: Diploma, blue card, first aid, certificate 4 in work place assessment and training, certificate 4 in risk assessment, mum of four, grandma of four.
    What I would like children to learn from me:  I want all children to believe in themselves. I want them to know perseverance is what makes us stronger and when we make mistakes it's the way we learn and a closer step to reaching our goals.  NEVER GIVE UP!  Respect our friends/family/teachers.  Treat everyone how you want to be treated.  Also I like to teach honesty is the best policy.  Resilience is one of my favourite words ' you don't always get want you want.  Success comes with hard work.  It's not always about me/you.  We must take responsibility for our actions and learn accountability.  I think an important lesson to teach children is to treat others with empathy and kindness, this will help them to develop healthy and lasting connections.
    Why I love working with children:  I love working with children b because I love playing a key role in shaping their future.  I get to explore the world again with all children and enjoy the creativity of play as I did as a child.  In other words  I never want to grow up.  Children are our future.  And chances are some of the children I have guided in their journey will be looking after me in a nursing home!  I am a firm believer in what goes around comes around.

  • Elaine Assistant Director

    Years of Experience: 40 years
    Qualifications & Training: Diploma in Childcare
    What I would like children to learn from me: How to love, trust and respect others and the environment that we live in.  I would like them to learn how to care for and protect the environment which will potentially be their own children’s future.
    Why I love working with children:  I love that children have no pre conceived ideas of the world and that they learn by living in the moment.  I get so much satisfaction from guiding them on their learning journey and supporting them along the way.

  • Nicole Senior Early Childhood Teacher

    Years of Experience: I have been teaching Kindergarten classes for over 15 years
    Qualifications & Training: I hold a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education
    What I would like children to learn from me: Independence and confidence in themselves, kindness and compassion towards others, and a sense of respect and responsibility towards nature and their environment.
    Why I love working with children: I love the way that children view the world and their natural curiosity about everything around them. Their excitement about discovering new things drives my own passion to facilitate learning and create engaging experiences.

  • Leanne Senior Early Childhood Teacher

    Years of Experience: I have over 19 years experience teaching Kindergarten classes.
    Qualifications & Training:  Diploma of Teaching with an Early Childhood Specialisation, Bachelor of Visual Arts, Certificate in Functional Nutrition
    What I would like children to learn from me:  Kindness, caring, empathy and sense of connectedness with their world. A love of learning and belief in themselves as magical beings that matter.
    Why I love working with children:  Because they are each and every one, unique and fascinating with so much potential. I love creating spaces, places and environments where they can be curious about their world and find joy in learning and connecting.

  • Jeein Early Childhood Teacher

    Years of Experience:  I have over 7 years experience working in the Early Education field.
    Qualifications & Training: I hold a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and I am currently studying to obtain an Early Childhood Bachelor of Education Degree.
    What I would like children to learn from me:  I love being myself, I know what makes me happy. I am comfortable within me. I would like children to learn this from me by loving themselves and finding happiness within. I want children to know they are happy and to figure out how to regulate their own emotions to make themselves comfortable.
    Why I love working with children:  I love working with children because I can see them grow. I am there to witness these beautiful children transform. I can help them to maximise their abilities that's why I love being with children and why I love going through this journey with them.

  • Estelle Educational Leader

    Years of Experience: I have been in the early childhood industry for 18 years as well as 2 years in a school based before and after school care setting
    Qualifications & Training: I hold a certificate III and Diploma in early childhood education and care, I am trained in CPR and First Aid, and I have completed a child’s brain development and behavioral professional development course
    What I would like children to learn from me:  I like to guide and encourage children to learn from me how to be confident and engage learners, to try new things and follow their interests.  To be resilient and keep trying in challenging time. Encouraging them to have a willingness to respect others and the ability to operate in an independent manner and show that knowledge can be gained in all sorts of amazing, fun and creative ways.
    Why I love working with children:  I love working with children because its is rewarding to see each of them grow, learn and make personal achievements at their own pace. Working with children brings me joy each and every day, it has taught me to be a calm and patient person. I enjoy seeing children explore the world around them and engaging in learning opportunities that help them develop life long skills.

  • Stacey Lead Educator

    Years of Experience:  16 Years
    Qualifications & Training: Diploma in Early Childcare Education
    What I would like children to learn from me:  To be confident and inquisitive learners and that there are no limits to their imagination and creativity.
    Why I love working with children: I love that no single day at work is the same.  I enjoy watching people grow and develop into confident, self-sufficient learners in their own way and in their own time.  Children are, by nature, very curious and at times can say and ask some of the funniest things you have ever heard and as much as they are learning from me daily, I am always learning from them.  Seeing children grow from being babies then toddlers and eventually kinder children ready to go to school is incredible.  The look on a child’s face when they achieve something tricky is priceless.

  • Zabrina Lead Educator

    Years of Experience:  11 years
    Qualifications & Training: Certificate 3 in children's Services (2012), Certificate 3 in early childhood education (2013), Diploma in early childhood education (2022)
    What I would like children to learn from me:  Singing and dancing and how to express their creative side. I want to teach them to be independent learners.
    Why I love working with children: Working with children has always been my passion. I enjoy meeting new families and helping support children along on their journey.

  • Monique Lead Educator

    Years of Experience: 3Years
    Qualifications & Training:   Certificate III in childcare and studying Diploma
    What I would like children to learn from me:  I would like to encourage them to be resilient, respectful and ready for school.  Being patient and supportive to them and providing opportunities for them to learn and grow.
    Why I love working with children:  Working with children is my passion because there is nothing more rewarding than seeing them learn and grow, and knowing I’m making a positive impact on their lives.

  • Emily Lead Educator

    Years of Experience: 3 years
    Qualifications & Training: I have completed my Certificate III in Childcare and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
    What I would like children to learn from me: I would like them to learn the importance of kindness and empathy.  I believe that by modelling these qualities, I can encourage them to treat others with respect and compassion.  I want them to understand the power of their words and actions and to use them for good.
    Why I love working with children:  Children can be incredible curious and imaginative, which means every day unique and exciting.  Additionally, being with children can be very rewarding.  You have the opportunity to help shape their minds and influence their future, which is both challenging and fulfilling.

  • Stephanie B Lead Educator

    Years of Experience:  8 Years
    Qualifications & Training: Diploma in Childcare and Education
    What I would like children to learn from me:  To be creative and confident in themselves. I want the children to learn to have fun, get silly and learn through play.
    Why I love working with children: Seeing a child learn and grow. I find it so rewarding to meet families and work together to help the children build their confidence and become their true selves.

  • Stephanie D Lead Educator

    Years of Experience:  3 years
    Qualifications & Training: Diploma of Early childhood Education and Care
    What I would like children to learn from me:  While in my care I hope for each child to learn how to be confident and kind to one another.  Teaching them life skills that they will need throughout their growing years.
    Why I love working with children: Children bring smiles and laughter, they are honest, kind and loving to all.  Helping them learn and grow is such a rewarding experience.

  • Sarah Educator

    Years of Experience:  Mother of two beautiful children, aged 19 and 17.  Have been working at small Steps for 3 months now
    Qualifications & Training: Currently studying Certificate III in Childcare
    What I would like children to learn from me:  important life skills including communication, honesty, manners and to treat others as you wish to be treated.
    Why I love working with children: not only it is fun, it is so rewarding.  Watching them grow through the different stages in their lives and seeing what the future brings.

  • Amy Educator

    Years of Experience: 2 year s
    Qualifications & Training: Studying Certificate III
    What I would like children to learn from me:  I want children to learn important life skills from me like kindness, empathy and problem solving.
    Why I love working with children:  I love working with children because I enjoy making a positive impact on their lives and helping them learn and grow.

  • Hayley Educator

    Years of Experience: 8 months
    Qualifications & Training: Studying Certificate III in Childcare, graduated Year 12
    What I would like children to learn from me:  How to respect each other, have fun and make friends.
    Why I love working with children:  I love to see children come out of their shells, make friends and watch them grow,  I love being apart of children’s growth into the world and helping them discover themselves

  • Joan Educator

    Years of Experience: 3 Years in Childcare, 5 Years as Teachers Aid
    Qualifications & Training: Working towards Bachelor of Education (ECE)
    What I would like children to learn from me:  Empathy, compassion and the understanding that everyone is different and to embrace and recognise their individuality.
    Why I love working with children: I love the way children think, watching them grow, learn and reach milestones. The different ways in which they learn and understand concepts is fascinating.  I like to differentiate the way they are taught.  I love their faces lighting up when they talk about things/people they love and when they achieve a goal.

  • Juanita Educator

    Years of Experience: Teacher Aid 3-4 Years Mother of 4
    Qualifications & Training:  Certificate III Education Support, Currently studying Certificate III in Early Childcare
    What I would like children to learn from me:  I would like them to learn how to use their words and know that they have a voice and a right to be heard.
    Why I love working with children:  I believe there is nothing more important than our next generation and being apart of their journey is a privilege.  My childcare journey is only just beginning, but I'm looking forward to the years to come.

  • Amber Educator

    Years of Experience: Less than 1 year
    Qualifications & Training: Currently Studying Certificate III in Childcare, Year 12 Education
    What I would like children to learn from me:  Children will learn how to be independent and will learn how to do things on their own.
    Why I love working with children:  I love working with children because I love seeing them grow into their own personalities.

  • Shelley Educator

    Years of Experience:  I have been in the childcare industry for 12 years now
    Qualifications & Training: Certificate III in childcare, certificate in child safety and first aid
    What I would like children to learn from me:  I see myself as an emotional supporter.  I’m a caring and nurturing educator, so what I would love the children to learn from me, is how to express their emotions, so they can build safe and secure relationships with others.
    Why I love working with children: I love working with children because it gives me great joy watching them grow and express their individual little personalities.

  • Morgan Educator

    Years of Experience: Just joined the team
    Qualifications & Training:  Studying Certificate III
    What I would like children to learn from me: I would like them to learn new skills and to treat their friends and everyone the way they want to be treated.
    Why I love working with children:  I love seeing them grow and learn.  It feels really rewarding to see them learn new skills or reach a milestone.

  • Mya Educator

    Years of Experience: 9 Months
    Qualifications & Training:  I am currently studying my certificate III in early childhood education and care. I am CPR and first aid qualified
    What I would like children to learn from me: I would like to help children learn how to become their own person, how to speak their mind and how to embrace new things by guiding them and not forcing them. Every child develops at their own pace and I would like to help them learn at their own pace and level.
    Why I love working with children: I love working with children because helping them learn and develop is such a wonderful feeling. Working with children is a privilege as you get to see their first words, first steps and all other achievements.

  • Nomelita Educator

    Years of Experience: 3 months in Child Care, 20 years as a teacher back home
    Qualifications & Training: Studying Certificate III in Child Care and Diploma in ECE and care.
    What I would like children to learn from me:  Things that I would like children to learn from me in life is still be beautiful in spite of some chaos and distractions around.  I would also like them to learn to be kind to make good decisions and to take care od their health and to be happy and grateful as always.
    Why I love working with children: Because of their innocent smiles, their pure happiness upon seeing me, their laughter bring/give me so much and beyond compare joy.

  • Regina Educator

    Years of Experience:  2020 – Current (Daycare) 2018 – 2020 (Schoolies)
    Qualifications & Training: Currently Studying Certificate III
    What I would like children to learn from me:  Positivity, love, confidence, independence and security.
    Why I love working with children: Because they teach me patience.  I’ve had a passion for children since I’ve left school and daycare was my first step to experience working with children of any age group.  To watch and see the children day by day gives me a purpose to wake up knowing I’m teaching and seeing growth in what I love.  Makes me happy when I see the parents pleased that their child feels safe and comfortable with my presence.  Best feeling of security for me personally.

  • Tala Educator

    Years of Experience:  2 years
    Qualifications & Training: Certificate III in Childcare, studying Diploma
    What I would like children to learn from me:  As an educator I believe it is vital and aim to teach children independence and resilience through practical life skills and nurturing their creativity.  Overall to shape them into good people and preparing them for a fulfilling life.
    Why I love working with children: I love working with children as it is my passion.  I love helping them reach their milestones and watching them learn and grow.

  • Sharlee Educator

    Years of Experience:  This is my first year in Childcare
    Qualifications & Training: Certificate III
    What I would like children to learn from me: I would like the children to learn from me to be confident, try different things and play positively and respectfully with their peers.
    Why I love working with children: I am passionate about working in childcare because it gives me the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of the children. I find joy in helping them learn and grow and being able to contribute to their development, it is incredibly rewarding for me. I value the chance to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can explore discover and have fun. It brings me great satisfaction to witness their milestones and see how they develop their unique personalities and skills. My dedication stems from the belief that every child deserves love, care and guidance to reach their potential.

  • Nancy Educator

    Years of Experience: 7 years
    Qualifications & Training: Certificate IV in Education, First Aid and CPR.
    What I would like children to learn from me:  To demonstrate respect and self awareness, and behaving the manner we expect children to behave.
    Why I love working with children: I love working with children because it gives me an opportunity to teach them useful skills, teach them life lessons and most of all important knowledge.

  • Amy K Educator

    Years of Experience: 13 years
    Qualifications & Training:  Certificate III in early childhood education, In safe hands, First Aid and CPR
    What I would like children to learn from me: I believe in the power of building strong friendships, practicing kindness and empathy towards others, and embracing growth and development. I also encourage children to nurture their curiosity and never stop learning and exploring the world around them. By embodying these values, I hope to inspire and guide children towards a fulfilling and meaningful life.
    Why I love working with children:  Working with children is a rewarding experience that brings me immense joy. Watching them grow in their early years, discover and imagine, and embrace their curiosity and playfulness is truly inspiring. Building nurturing relationships with them allows me to guide and support their development, and witnessing their progress and achievements fills my heart with pride and fulfillment.

  • Hayley J Educator

    Years of Experience: 23 Years  
    Qualifications & Training: Certificate III and Diploma in early childhood education, First Aid and CPR, TCI, Health and Healing, In Safe Hands
    What I would like children to learn from me: To embrace their uniqueness for it is through their individuality that the world finds its greatest treasures.
    Why I love working with children:  Because I am a big child myself.

  • Danni Educator

    Years of Experience:
    Qualifications & Training: Currently studying Certificate III in Childcare
    What I would like children to learn from me: The importance of kindness and to be compassionate as well as being creative, curiosity of their mind, how things around them are and to keep trying.
    Why I love working with children:
    I enjoy seeing their curiosity and enthusiasm with things around them, but also helping them learn and grow in their early years.

  • Loi Educator

    Years of Experience: 2 Years  
    Qualifications & Training: Certificate III in Childcare
    What I would like children to learn from me: As an educator I think the most important thing for a child to learn from is to have fun, learn through experiences build connections and relationships with others.
    Why I love working with children:  I love watching the children grow and assisting them into reaching their milestones. Also, simply seeing the children so happy and excited at daycare as well as their warm cuddles they give, bring me joy and make me enjoy my career as an educator.

  • Raquel W Educator

    Years of Experience: 15 Years  
    Qualifications & Training: Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Teacher’s Aid for both primary and secondary education
    What I would like children to learn from me: I believe in the value of fairness and treating others with respect and equality. Additionally, I hope to impart life skills that will help them navigate the world as they grow, such as learning to self-regulate their emotions and make responsible decisions. By teaching these lessons, I aim to empower children to become confident, compassionate individuals who can positively impact the world around them.
    Why I love working with children:  I enjoy seeing them grow and discovering who they are and how the world around them works.

  • Stephanie S Educator

    Years of Experience:  First year in childcare  
    Qualifications & Training: Currently studying Certificate III in Early Childhood Education
    What I would like children to learn from me: To be free spirited and to always see the fun in things.
    Why I love working with children:  The big smiles, cuddles and joy they bring. They bring out the soft and silly side of me and they always seem to match my craziness.

  • Vanessa R Educator

    Years of Experience:  First year in childcare  
    Qualifications & Training: Currently studying Certificate III in Early Childhood Education
    What I would like children to learn from me: To be themselves, to know that they have a voice and have a right to be heard. To always have fun / be happy. I always say dance like no ones watching and sing like no ones listening. Seeing children happy makes me happy. Respect for each other, they can always feel safe around me.
    Why I love working with children: I love watching them grow. Being apart of their early life journey is a privilege. Although I haven’t been in the industry long I am excited to share my own journey. Working with children, learning and growing along side them. If I can make a child happy and smile I know I’m doing my job.

  • Morgan P Educator

    Years of Experience:  3 years  
    Qualifications & Training: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education.
    What I would like children to learn from me: How to have fun and learn at the same time.
    Why I love working with children:  I get to be the biggest kid in the room.

  • Lauren D Educaror

    Years of Experience:   2 years.  
    Qualifications & Training:  Certificate III in early childhood education, In safe hands, First Aid and CPR.
    What I would like children to learn from me: To be kind and loving and put others first.
    Why I love working with children:  Its such a joy to watch them grow and go through all the developmental stages. I love seeing the excitement in their faces as they learn new things. I just love working with children.

  • Louise (Miss Lu Lu) Educator

    Years of Experience: 5 Years  
    Qualifications & Training: Studying Certificate III and Diploma Children's Services
    What I would like children to learn from me: Cultural (First nations traditional) Compassion. Lots of fun outdoor activities like gardening looking for animals and insects. Diversity of cultures and languages, Preparing the children for kindergarten, how to use their manners and have independence.
    Why I love working with children:  I am a mother of 7 children. I love to share my caring, loving, supportive and good vibration with the children in my care.

  • Sue H Educator

    Years of Experience:  3 months at small steps, with 14 years as a teacher aid, working for the last 10 years in prep.  
    Qualifications & Training:  Certificate III in Education Support, certificate 3 in Horticulture.
    What I would like children to learn from me: I hope to instill curiosity and respect of our natural environment. Becoming sustainably aware by reducing waste, recycling and reusing resources.
    Why I love working with children:  Children are open-minded and willing to give everything a go. I enjoy having conversations about their interest and ideas. I feel privileged that I am able to be a part of influencing young people’s future goals and aspirations.

  • Dita Chef

    Years of Experience:  7 years
    Qualifications & Training: Diploma of Hospitality Management, Certificate IV in commercial Cookery, First Aid and CPR
    What I would like children to learn from me:  Healthy eating habits And to explore the world through food.
    Why I love working with children: I get to see children’s development and learning firsthand as children grow and flourish under educator care.

  • Ben Centre Cook

    Years of Experience:  6 years in Kitchen
    Qualifications & Training: Food safety certificate
    What I would like children to learn from me:  I would like children to try new foods and learn to make healthier choices.
    Why I love working with children: Seeing their faces light up when I deliver their foods. Seeing them enjoying eating together.