Our Team

• Kate, Centre Manager

  

  After advancing my professional career in many different roles in the Early Childhood sector since mid-2000, I joined Samantha’s team in early 2017 and continued to practice my personal philosophy of ‘making each child’s day the best it can possibly be’.

  I pride myself on leading a team to success by empowering them to achieve their own personal and professional goals, which in turn creates an atmosphere where educators are engaged, children have meaningful and respectful relationships and an environment where families have confidence in those caring for and educating their children. I have held many different roles within the early childhood field including Outside School Hours Care, Room Leading, 2IC roles and then moving into the Tertiary sector as a Trainer and Assessor for Early Childhood and Community Sector studies. Missing the families and children I transitioned back into a centre-based role as Centre Manager and then mentor for sister centres in a larger company for over 5 years before beginning my role as Centre Manager at Samantha’s Childcare and Kindergarten-Glen Iris. I hold multiple qualifications in Early Childhood, Counselling and Management and these have been important in guiding my knowledge; I do also believe that early childhood educators learn from those around them including the children and that we never stop learning.

  I look forward to meeting and welcoming you into Samantha’s community, where you and your children will always feel safe, nurtured and ready to embrace the learning opportunities surrounding us.

• Haylee, 2IC/ Educational Leader

  

  I began my career in Early Childhood straight after high school in 2013, in the same year, I completed my Diploma of Early Childhood and have worked with various age groups, from running a three-year-old kinder to working with the babies in the Nursery room. I joined Samantha's Childcare and Kindergarten- Glen Iris at the beginning of 2020 and have been loving every second of it. I believe that the children need to feel safe and secure in their daily environment, because of this I strive to have a positive and meaningful relationship with the children, so they are then able to thrive within their learning environments. As when children are thriving they become strong, independent and confident learners. I look forward to getting to know your family and be a part of your child’s learning journey.

• Shruti, Nursery Room Leader

  

  I came into the childcare sector due to my love for children. Before starting in Early Childhood, I was working in the retail sector. After having my first child, I realised my true passion for children and hence began my journey to become a Diploma qualified early childhood educator.

  After achieving my qualification, my first role was in a casual position. I loved the opportunity to work different hours on different days at various childcare centres. I enjoyed being able to work and connect with children of all ages. Joining Samantha’s-Glen Iris, I moved from a float role to a supportive role in the Kinder room and after learning many new aspects to Early Childhood, I have joined the Toddler room. I love working at Samantha’s-Glen Iris and alongside the educators and the Center Manager who all support each other and make each day a new learning experience. My philosophy in life is to provide every child with an opportunity to grow, learn and develop through various activities, resources and learning environments based on their individual needs. My aim is to provide children fun, safe and positive environments where they are able to express and communicate their feelings confidently. I also believe in working in collaboration with the child’s families so as to achieve the best results for every child as input from families is very valuable.

• Lee, Toddler Room Leader

  

  My name is Leeanne (Lee) and I am a Diploma qualified educator here at Samantha's Childcare and Kindergarten-Glen Iris.  I come from a retail and education background, with experience working as a Nanny and in OSHC (out of school hours care).

  In 2014, I studied my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and have found my home in early education. I believe in providing children with a safe, engaging, fun and creative environment, where they are encouraged to explore nature and the outdoors; also developing kindness and compassion in children, is just as important as language, motor skills, and all other aspects of children's development.

  "Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world" - Albert Einstein.

• Amy, Toddler Educator

  

  I joined Samantha's-Glen Iris in early 2018 and I can confidently say that it is my passion to work with children. I feel so rewarded to see them grow and learn as human beings and be a part of their development.

  I have a Bachelor of Social Welfare which I studied for in my home city in Korea. When I moved to Australia I studied a Diploma of Early Childhood and Care. I live with my husband in Melbourne and I love to spend time with him and catch up with our friends. I love to watch movies a lot and go to the park to walk around as I love nature and walking because it’s so peaceful and relaxing for me. What I enjoy about being a part of Samantha's-Glen Iris is the beautiful environment for both the children and the educators. We become very invested in teaching the children, so our groups of children feel like a small family to us.

  The other educators have made me feel so welcome and a part of this family. Working somewhere I am treated with respect and professionalism and where I can develop, but also space where I can also create new relationships with the people around me.

• Jasmine, Toddler Educator

  

  I have been working at Samantha’s-Glen Iris since 2014. I have had a passion for children since I was a young girl when I babysat a family members' baby daughter on multiple occasions, I was 8 years old. Later in my teen years and in my early 20’s, I volunteered at a church where I could care for the babies and young children. This was something I very much enjoyed and that was when I realised that I should be doing this is a professional career. Therefore, I completed a full-time course in Certificate III Children’s Services and I came across Samantha’s Childcare and Kindergarten here in Glen Iris. I have never looked back since and I am grateful for this amazing career of mine. I am now continuing my studies with the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. My passion for children comes from my happy childhood memories, when life was simple, and my imagination was limitless. It was an adventure to explore the environment, it was inspiring to create pieces of art with my hands, it was magical to use my imagination in play, and it was eye-opening to absorb new and exciting information. I strive to create this kind of excitement and experiences to the children in my care so that they can have the best childhood in their early years as possible.

  I receive a huge amount of love in return each day as I step into the Centre and have the privilege of experiencing life through the children’s eyes. Children are what push me to do better in my professional life as well as my own personal life. I wouldn’t trade this passion of mine for the world.

• Nanako, 3-Year-Old Early Childhood Teacher (ECT)

  

  My name is Nanako and I am from Japan.

  I came to Australia in 2017 to study Masters of Teaching (Primary and Early Childhood Education) as I have always been passionate about teaching and supporting young children’s development and making their future brighter.  My journey at Samantha’s Glen Iris started as a casual educator in the Nursery to 4-Year-Old Kinder room. I enjoyed getting to know all the children in the centre and building a positive relationship with each of them. Moving forward a couple of months and I joined the team as 3-Year-Old Kinder teacher, and since then I have been loving the opportunities to provide the children with a meaningful learning environment and putting a smile on their faces every day. My teaching philosophy is that every child has unique strengths and that everyone learns differently. I am here to provide the support and rich learning experiences for each and every one of them.

• Tanya, 3 Year-Old Kindergarten Educator

  

  I have been an Early Childhood educator at Samantha's Childcare- Glen Iris for over 5 years and I hold my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. My family heritage is Russian and I speak the language fluently. My drive to engage and teach young children stems from my experiences as a single mum to a now teenager.

  I am very passionate about working with children, caring and nurturing them for their social, emotional, physical and educational needs in various age groups. Creating a safe and comfortable learning environment is critical for both families and educators as it allows the best outcomes for children. I enjoy educating and caring for children and shaping young minds to become valuable members of society. I believe that having a dedicated and passionate team is important when working with children and I am very grateful to be part of the team at Samantha’s childcare-Glen Iris.

  "Early Childhood Education is the key to the betterment of Society " - Maria Montessori

• Lucinda, 4-year-old Early Childhood Teacher (ECT)

  

  Hi, my name is Lucinda but everyone calls me Lucy. I hold my Bachelor in Early Childhood Education and I have completed my Masters in Specialised Inclusive Education. I am very passionate about the education of young children and facilitating for their future education and I believe in creating learning environments for all children inclusive of their learning skills and ability. I am always trying to find new and innovative ways to extend on my existing knowledge on children and my teaching practice.

  I am a massive football fan following Collingwood and enjoy attending the games on the weekend. In my spare time I love to cook and be creative in an array of ways, I then bring my creativity into my classroom though encouraging children to learn about cooking and how to make the foods they eat. I am very passionate about the outdoors and believe in utilising the outdoor environment any chance I can, even in the winter when it is raining.

• Danny, Support Educator

  

  My name is Danny and I have recently finished my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. I'm blessed with the opportunity to begin my career at Samantha's Child Care Centre- Glen Iris as a Support Educator.

  After volunteering at Church for three years in the Early Childhood room, I decided to study and work in the Early Childhood sector. Throughout my teen years, I always had fun interacting and establishing great relationships with young children. Every day I come into the Centre, I aim to make children and families feel as welcomed and engaged in the day as I am.

• Kim, Qualified Educator

  

  My name is Kim and I’m working towards my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care.  After more than 20 years in administration and accounts  roles I  am really excited to be starting my new career at Samantha’s Childcare & Kindergarten. I’m a mum of 5 in varying age groups and Nanna of 2 little boys.

  Being a mum and caring for children is where I am my most authentic self and I’m looking  forward to learning and developing new skills within the Early Childhood Education space to make a meaningful difference to the children. After gaining my Certificate III I intend to complete additional qualifications focusing on support for children experiencing developmental delays or challenges. 

• Kara, Qualified Educator

  

  I am a Certificate III Educator and since 2003 I have worked in the Early Childhood sector. I began my career in long day care, I then became a private nanny for a short time before moving back into long day care.

  My personal philosophy states that all children should be treated equally and be provided with a fun, safe and engaging environment where they feel that they belong. This allows children to express themselves, learn and grow and to also create meaningful relationships with each other and their educators.

  Being an Early Childhood educator is one of the most rewarding careers and I am lucky to be able to do this at Samantha’s- Glen Iris.

• Pranav, Support Educator

  

  My name is Pranav and I hold a Diploma in Early childhood education. From my own experiences attending daycare, I can say it creates a wondrous foundation to build on further. But my passion to teach children and support their development began during my placements. I started working as a casual, which gave me an opportunity to visit multiple centres and meet staff and children with different teaching approaches. When I completed a few casual shifts at Samantha’s I knew this is the kind of centre I wanted to be working at as an educator. The staff here is supportive, encouraging, caring and each day here is an uplifting story. I believe a child is like clay and with the right tools an educator can mold them to be the best versions of themselves. By working here as an assistant educator, I have found my place to commence my wonderful journey.

• Lilis, Centre Cook

  

  I have been in Childhood Education for seven years and hold Certificate III in Patisserie, Certificate II in Kitchen operation and a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. I have worked both in the kitchen as a cook and as an educator in a room over my career. At home I have three children of my own and have always had a passion for working with young children.

  Seeing the children having a good balanced meal at an early stage gives me satisfaction and encouraging them in healthy eating as we discuss their meals is always an enjoyable part of my day and I am always looking for new, inspired ways of cooking for the children whilst ensuring the nutritional values are met each day.