Apiary Fellows 2024

She is the National Pedagody and Training Manager at Genius Childcare and a Lecturer of Education at Melbourne Polytechnic.

She has dedicated her career to the pursuit of kindness in the workplace, pedagogies of love and care, and to developing leaders at all levels of organizations.  

Through her consultancy, Learning to Lead in Early Childhood, Sarah Louise thrives on the challenge of working with highly diverse groups of early childhood professionals across the sector spectrum. With formal qualifications in education, research and leadership, Sarah Louise is a committed advocate for children, social justice, and the early years workforce.

“I see my work across the sector, through multiple roles and contributions, as directly impacting my career purpose to create as much positive impact for children and families as possible.”

Over the last 27 years, she has worked in childcare, preschool, primary School, and high School before finally settling into the role as Kindergarten/Pre-Prep Teacher and Director. She has been serving the Moura community as their Kindergarten teacher and director for the past 10 years. During this time, she has developed relationships in the small community and has advocated for families to obtain the support they require for their children and themselves. These relationships have been built with the local school, childcare, council, businesses, and other local organizations, enabling collaborative efforts to support and grow the community.

She is passionate about sharing the perspectives of those who live in a rural or remote setting with others in the education field. Each fortnight on her rostered day off, she also works at her local high school as a supply teacher.

“My work gives me different perspectives on teaching but also reinforces my ideas around strong foundations for education and relationships with children and their families.”

Shanna is focussed on providing high quality, accessible LDC and OSHC services to families across the state and advocating for the impact that education and care has on the trajectory of young children’s lives.   

Working within schools in rural and remote communities, Joan is committed to ensure that children's transitions to school meets the needs of the child.

As a proud Muruwari woman, Joan believes that First Nations children's voices must be heard as they are the future leaders within their communities.

Joan is currently working for the NSW Department of Education as an Senior Policy Officer within the Early Childhood Outcomes Directorate assisting children, families and communities to access Early Childhood Education services where there has been limited opportunities in the past.   

“I have been involved in the running of a preschool in remote NSW as the Chairperson for 10 years and have seen the impact that early education can have on the life of a child in particular Aboriginal children.”

Rachel comes to the Front Project with more than 10 years’ experience in policy, advocacy and influencing government. With an academic background in law and political science, she has worked to create policy and legislative change with and for rights holders across the family violence and international development and disability sectors.

“I am passionate about creating a system that supports a more equitable and sustainable society and ensuring that all children, especially children who face structural and systemic disadvantage, are given the best start to life.”

Search Light Inc provides early childhood education and family support to young families completing their high school education and young families experiencing adverse life circumstances which put them at risk of statutory intervention.

Sue has qualifications and experience in early childhood, developmental trauma, child protection and family support. Sue is currently studying her Masters in Education at Queensland’s University of Technology.

“I am very passionate about the early childhood sector responding the growing need for trauma informed practice in early childhood and family inclusive practice in early childhood services.”

Her doctoral research delved into designing a professional learning program for educators and teachers, focusing on fostering disaster resilience in early childhood.

With a steadfast commitment to children's holistic development, Sharleen endeavours to bridge sectors, recognising the interconnectedness of education and health in supporting children's well-being. She passionately advocates for robust systems that prioritise social and emotional development. By forging partnerships between the education and health sectors, Sharleen aims to support educators in creating environments that empower children to thrive.

"I see the early childhood sector as a nurturing sanctuary for children and families, forming the foundation for lifelong learning. It's essential to equip educators to provide exceptional early education within a secure, compassionate setting."

Sara Frazer has worked in education for many years, from Primary and Secondary Schooling, Out of School Hours Care, Early Childhood Education and Care and now working within the University sector. She is passionate about education, creating understanding, and opportunities for all and navigating through diverse worlds. While always honouring and respecting those that have come before her in the present and future generations.  

“I believe reconciliation is everyone’s business and there are many ways of living, being and knowing, and that diversity contributes to the richness of an equitable society.”

She began her career in South Australia where she worked as a kindergarten teacher and Director in regional and metropolitan communities. It was during this time that she developed an interest in the environment as the ‘third teacher’ and began her advocacy for children’s right to play.   

Riki sees herself as a learner and has participated in numerous teacher research initiatives, including Learning to Learn, Reconceptualising Reception and The Image of Child Project. In 2015 she received a scholarship to participate in the South Australian Collaborative Childhood Project study group to Reggio Emilia, and in 2016/2017 lead the Preschool Outdoor Learning Area Upgrade Project at Oaklands Estate Kindergarten.   

More recently as an Early Years Network Leader Riki worked with Tasmanian educators to strengthen pedagogy and practice through the implementation of the Refocus Teaching and Learning initiative.  

“Being an active committee member of Early Childhood Educators of Tasmania helps me reflect on my deep belief in close connection to community, and age appropriate pedagogies.”

This led to her becoming a Research Fellow with the REEaCh Centre, and EDGE Study, University of Melbourne. She is a coach for Gowrie Victoria, and shares responsibility for nurturing, understanding, and appreciating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures with emerging leaders, educators, and new generations of children. Rachel coaches alongside Department of Education Leaders, and Early Childhood Professionals to create communities of practice which foster inquiry, connection, and collective growth.

During her career Rachel has built strong and lasting relationships, which have collectively led to new research being embedded in everyday practice. She promotes a strengths-based approach toward growing capacity across the EC profession and holds respect, kindness, and inclusion at the core of this work. She is an experienced EC teacher, centre director, researcher, clinical teaching specialist, policy writer, and lecturer. Her publications and conference presentations promote practical ways to embed theory in practice. Rachel facilitates professional development with early years professionals and pedagogical leaders, believing that trusting relationships, evidence-based knowledge, and communication are foundational to professional growth.

“I value evidence-based inquiry, curiosity and active reflective practice which play a critical role in creating improved outcomes for EC professionals and the provision of equitable inclusion, unity and access to early years programs for all children, their families and communities.”

She believes that education is fundamental in the early years and beyond and is passionate about ensuring children have access to high quality Education and Care. Nikita enjoyed mentoring educators when working as a Room leader and supporting educators to develop the skills and knowledge to provide excellent education and care to our children. This led Nikita to pursue a career in the VET sector as an Early Childhood trainer and assessor.

She worked in this role for 7 years and more recently she became a Regional Manager at Catalyst Education managing a team of 20 trainer and assessors who Nikita believes play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of early childhood educators.

“I believe there are many opportunities for change in the Early Childhood Sector and I would love to have some input into the future of Education and Care for children. I love the idea of collaborating with other professionals and discussing the pain points in the sector from various viewpoints. I am looking forward to taking action for change.”

There, Metta oversees a diverse range of early childhood programs. Her role involves close collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure the delivery of high-quality early childhood education and family support services. 

With over 13 years of experience in the early childhood sector, Metta has held various leadership positions and actively participated in multiple collaborative projects with diverse stakeholders. Throughout her career, Metta is very passionate in mentoring and coaching others - building other's capabilities and motivating the team to feel empowered to drive positive changes in children's lives.

"I believe every child should have access to quality early education and early intervention services. We need to continue to advocate boldly for a system where every child belongs - a system where educators feel supported and equipped to support each child in reaching their full potentials." 

She created a company with a focus on educators and child well-being within the education system to support them to establish communities founded in moments of connection, calm and joy.

With over fifteen years of experience as a teacher, childcare director and pedagogy advisor, Lucy has seen the education system from multiple perspectives. Her passion for children and educators has taken her around the world, bringing her expertise to Brisbane, Sydney and London.

Lucy has worked across the early childhood and school-aged contexts giving her a depth understanding of the systems in which children grow.

“Advocating for children's rights has been the heart of my practice, study and research, as evidenced by being a finalist in the 2022 HESTA Early Childhood Education awards.”

“I am focused on the delivery of programs which aim to improve the outcomes of children and families experiencing significant vulnerability and trauma.”

Keara has been a driving force for establishing Indi Kindi in the Tennant Creek region and focuses on promoting learning, health and wellbeing, as well as bringing language and local traditions into the Indi Kindi learning sessions. Keara’s focus is on building strong partnerships alongside other local services to collaborate on ways to effectively engage with families that have disengaged from services in the hope that they will return to early childhood education and health services. Keara has successfully completed a Certificate Three in Early Childhood Education and Care and is now working towards a Certificate Four in Leadership and Management.

For Keara, completing studies in early childhood education has meant the following:

“I have the ability and knowledge to provide accurate knowledge and learning opportunities for families. Tennant Creek is so remote, children always miss out. So having the knowledge on early childhood care meant that children within our program were receiving the best information and learning opportunities before they go to school”

She served as the Educational Leader for the 0-3 years old program at Doveton College Early Learning Centre, the Light House site (first) Our Place site from 2014 for five years, mentoring a diverse team of educators in a disadvantaged community.

During 2017/18, Julia piloted the first version of Baby College at Doveton College in partnership with Our Place and the Queen Elizabeth Centre (QEC), aiming to improve the educational outcomes for infants from families experiencing disadvantage by engaging and supporting vulnerable families from the prenatal period. In 2019, Julia joined Our Place as their Senior Advisor Early Years, focusing on supporting the implementation of high-quality early education across ten early learning centres.

Julia has over 10 years of experience in collecting child data and undertaking environmental scans within Early Years services, translating research into practice and supporting educators in utilizing data to improve outcomes for children. In 2022/23, in partnership with Monash University Health and Social Care Unit, Julia undertook a 'Voice of Children Project,' capturing 100 children's voices from their sites' Early Learning Service.

“I strongly believe that learning is a lifelong journey that never stops and that you can make a difference to children and families by working with them and supporting them to achieve their aspirations.”

Her extensive background includes strategy, business development, customer experience, employee experience, digital transformation, and marketing.

Humbled to lead the team at Learning Links, Jill is committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative culture. Her people-centric approach, underpinned by robust business acumen and strategic insight, is crucial for navigating the organisation through its next phase of growth.

Throughout her career, Jill has been instrumental in driving organisational effectiveness and transformative strategies. At Learning Links, she leverages her broad expertise to create impactful opportunities for children and is dedicated to collaborating with diverse stakeholders within the sector to drive systemic change. Together with her team and partners, Jill is focused on expanding the organisation’s reach and ensuring that every child has the support and resources necessary to thrive.

“Joining the Apiary Fellowship has provided me with an invaluable opportunity, allowing for the exchange of ideas, strategies, and insights with fellow leaders committed to enhancing Australia’s early learning system.”

Jessica currently works at the Moriarty Foundation as the Early Years Specialist for the Indi Kindi Program. In this work, she provides mentoring, along with curriculum and operational support to two teams based in the remote Northern Territory Communities of Borroloola and Tennant Creek.

Jessica started her career in New Zealand where she qualified as an Early Childhood Teacher and has been working in the Early Childhood sector for the past 20 years. Jessica graduated from the University of New England with a Masters in Education (Honours) and is currently a PhD Candidate at the University of Sydney.

“I value this opportunity to collaborate with other practitioners to bring voice to children in all communities across Australia.”

Before assuming her role at the Caroline Chisholm Society in 2017, Jennifer spent considerable time in Canada with her family, holding senior leadership positions within the government of Alberta. During her tenure, she oversaw crucial public policy initiatives in areas such as early childhood, education, disabilities, and human services. Notably, Jennifer spearheaded key early childhood initiatives in collaboration with the Harvard Centre for the Developing Child’s Frontiers of Innovation, focusing on the First 1000 Days across maternal and child health, education, and family services.

Jennifer's academic achievements include a PhD in Education (Early Childhood), complemented by degrees in Arts from Monash University and postgraduate research qualifications in social sciences and education from the Australian Catholic University.

Internationally, Jennifer has led initiatives in collaboration with hospitals, NGOs, government, and community agencies across Canada, the UK, USA, and NZ, promoting the incorporation of baby boxes into existing programs and services to enhance maternal and child health and wellbeing outcomes, drawing inspiration from the Finland Baby Box experience.

In 2018, Jennifer assumed the role of CEO for the Society, leading a team of professionals in executing a comprehensive strategy aimed at bolstering programs and services to support pregnancy, mothers, and their children through the first 1000 days and early years.

“I find profound inspiration in my family, driving my dedication to improving the social and emotional wellbeing of mothers and their children through my work.”

He is passionate about the importance of all children and families being able to access quality early learning, and the role of good public policy in driving system change.

Jamie is currently a consultant with Nous Group, where he leads Nous' work in early childhood education and care, delivering policy and strategy projects for government and service delivery organisations. He has previously held Head of Strategy and Strategic Advisor roles within national and global service delivery organisations.

“I am deeply passionate about contributing to meaningful systemic ECEC reform, including by forging networks across the sector to build integrated perspectives across policy, operations and practice.”

With a passion for seeing each child as someone new to learn from, Jakki enjoys mentoring teams to achieve true collaboration and partnership within their role.

“Through mentoring and coaching others, I am constantly self-reflecting on my role and where I can direct our attention to make the most impact for the children and the team.”

Jackie Bulst, a dedicated director of a long day care setting in Middlemount, Central Queensland, has resided in the area for 17 years, establishing strong connections within the community.

Having embarked on her journey in the Early Childhood profession in 2013, initially as a trainee after completing school, Jackie later ventured into the role of a governess on a cattle property in Longreach, Queensland, before returning to C&K Middlemount, where she has remained ever since, currently working as a Director.

“I value the opportunity to collaborate with educators from diverse backgrounds, each contributing unique experiences to the field.”

Georgie’s current role includes the oversight of five early learning services where young children are supported through high-quality early education and care, youth programs and events promoting community engagement, and transitional housing and case management services for women and children escaping family and domestic violence.

Georgie, having completed a Bachelor of Education, has worked within the Early Childhood sector for over a decade, previously holding centre-based roles including Early Childhood Teacher, Educational Leader, and Centre Director. Georgie has worked within ACT’s Regulatory Authority (Children’s Education and Care Assurance) and holds extensive experience within the not-for-profit sector.

“I strongly advocate for each child’s right to be heard, to belong to a safe learning community, and to become active participants in their world. I look forward to continuing to support and foster a culture of continuous improvement that informs quality practice and outcomes for children, young people, families and communities.”

Annette is currently the Senior Project Officer for the B4 Early Years Coalition (B4), a Collective Impact initiative focusing on the early years pregnancy to 4 years including the first 1000 days.

Before to moving to Tasmania in 2017, Annette spend over 10 years working in Central Australia and prior to this with the Australian Government in a range of policy and programming areas including early childhood care and development.  
 
In her current role Annette was key to B4’s highly successful Making Marks project which saw children’s art from 0-4 years celebrated and showcased across Tasmania. Annette is a passionate advocate for social justice and the need to get it right in the early years so we get it right now and for life. Annette is also a believer there is creativity in all of us!

“I have dedicated my professional career over many decades to working with communities, families and children towards long term sustainable change in the early years. I am committed to continue in this work disrupting the systems that support the status quo and ensure all Australian children thrive and grow now and into their futures.”

She has worked as a teacher, centre director, research and project officer, and leader and manager in local government. As an advocate for children’s rights to a quality childhood, Angela has a deep understanding that this can only be achieved through a holistic view of children, their families, and the broader community. Her work is driven by strong values of integrity, equity, and social justice.

Angela holds a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education); Master of Education (Early Childhood); and is a PhD Candidate for a Doctor of Philosophy in Education.

She is passionate about systemic change, and has a strong understanding of early childhood policy, and she believe that influencing policy is one of our greatest levers for change in the sector.

Angela is currently Manager Family, Youth and Children’s Services where she oversees a range of quality services for children, young people, and their families.

“It is important that we persist in advocating for evidence-based and high-quality service systems that are underpinned by sustainable and enduring funding models that are in the best interests of children.”

Arriving in Australia 14 years ago, Andrea has worked closely with refugees and asylum seeker communities to improve early childhood education and intervention programs for children and their families.

Andrea has always been a strong advocate for diversity and cultural responsiveness within the ECEC landscape. She believes that the sector's diversity is not just a facet but a defining strength. This belief enriches the educational experience for all and inspires hope for the future.

“I am committed to empowering services, guiding them towards excellence and inclusivity, and creating welcoming, safe, and diverse early childhood environments for all.”

Each position has added depth to Abby’s expertise and contributed to her professional development. Most recently, she had the honour of overseeing a portfolio of more than 30 services spanning Long Day Care (LDC) and Out of School Hours Care (OSHC).

Currently, she holds the position of Executive Officer at Christian Early Learning, a Christian peak body, where she fosters collaborative connections, equips professionals, and elevates individuals to achieve their professional and personal aspirations.

“Through my work, I aim to promote the value of the educator and advocate for policies and practices that support the provision of high-quality Christian early learning services for children, educators and the wider community.”