Meet our Centre Directors

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Gabrielle Peterson

I am very excited to be working with Bower education and the team at Cranley House, where the focus is on building strong relationships with children and their families.  Our environments are a safe place which nurture children’s curiosity through play so they may reach their full potential.

My journey in early education and care started over 16 years ago. Throughout that time I have been lucky to experience many different roles within the industry working with children, families and educators. It is important to me to provide warm, welcoming environments, which foster children’s love of learning. My aim is to develop spaces which allow children to engage with their peers and explore through their senses.

 

 
 
 
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kirsty lake

I’m so excited to be working with a team of educators that are passionate in supporting your child reach their full potential as they embark on their learning journey full of discovery and wonder.
I have had great opportunities to experience different positions within the sector for over 20 years from educator, assistant director to director. I strive to create a culture within the service that is warm and caring. An environment where you feel and know as parents that your child is safe, secure and listened to.
At Ashgrove House we believe childhood is a time for discovery, exploration, investigation and imagination. Play based educational programs and natural environments that engage your child’s five senses, provoking wonder, curiosity and intellectual engagement.

We look forward to sharing our space with you and embark on a magical learning journey for you and your child. ”

 
 
 
 

ERIN Matthews

I am delighted to embark on the journey as the Centre Director at Wanslea Nursery School and ELC, driven by my passion for nurturing the growth and development of young minds. My journey within the Early Childhood Education Sector has encompassed roles as an educator, room leader, assistant director and director. This has provided me with a profound understanding of the critical role relationships with both children and families play in nurturing young minds.

 My personal pedagogy has been strongly influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach, which I consider to be a powerful and holistic framework for early childhood education. The Reggio Emilia philosophy resonates with my core beliefs such as viewing children as capable and independent learners, with an innate curiosity and desire to explore their world.

Along with the Wanslea team, we are committed to building meaningful relationships with children, families and the wider community. Our mission is to create an enriching and nurturing learning environment that feels like a second home for every child, where they not only feel safe and secure but also are celebrated for their unique capabilities and independence.

We believe that childhood is a time for endless discovery, exploration and wonder, and our programs are thoughtfully designed to be play-based, encouraging children to engage all five of their senses, sparking curiosity, and fostering learning dispositions.

 I look forward to welcoming you at Wanslea and embarking on a shared journey of building strong, nurturing relationships with you and your child.

 

Erin

Teresa

Erin Nogaj

I am thrilled and honoured to introduce myself as the centre Director at Wendy’s Nursery Kensington House. I am deeply passionate about providing nurturing and enriching environments for children to learn and grow.

With over 16 years of experience in early childhood education, I have dedicated myself to ensuring that every child in our care receives the highest quality of education and support. My journey in this field has been incredibly rewarding, and I am excited to bring my expertise to Wendy’s.

At Wendy’s Nursery Kensington House, we believe in fostering a warm and inclusive atmosphere where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to explore the world around them. Our team of dedicated educators is committed to providing engaging and developmentally appropriate experiences that lay the foundation for lifelong learning. I am truly privileged to lead such a passionate team and to work alongside our wonderful families as we embark on this journey together. Together, we will create a nurturing and supportive community where every child can thrive.

 

Teresa Harnett

Welcome back, Teresa! Teresa served as the inaugural Director for Bower Education's Cranley House until her retirement a few years ago. She continues to work with Bower Education part time and will be assisting Erin in a co-director role at Wendy’s. Teresa has over 40 years of experience in the early childhood sector, including time as a lead assessor with the Education Standards Board.


Our Educators

We understand the importance of employing highly trained and experienced educators and recognise the crucial role it plays in ensuring quality educational and care outcomes for children in our environments.

We employ passionate individuals who strive towards developing the bright minds of tomorrow. We work hand-in-hand with you to develop suitable goals for your child. All educators undergo training programs, as well as mentoring and professional development courses so that their skills are always of the highest standard.

Our educators are comprised of a variety of qualifications, ages and cultural backgrounds which assist in diversifying our programs and practices and ensures they are stimulating and engaging. These include:

  • Early childhood teachers

  • Diploma and

  • Certificate III qualified.

Our educators also hold all the following qualifications and are aware of their obligations in ensuring your child’s safety in our care. This includes:

  • first-aid, including CPR

  • emergency asthma management

  • anaphylaxis management

  • responding to abuse and neglect

  • holding a current Working With Children Check (WWCC)

  • understanding their roles and responsibilities in ensuring that all requirements of child protection are being met.