Ohana North Boambee
Megan Singleton
Centre Manager (on Maternity Leave)
I am a mum of 2 girls and moved back to the Coffs Coast to get away from the busy city life. I have worked in Early Childhood for over 15 years. I have developed skills and knowledge that has led to my desire and passion for all children, and we do this by extending on a child's learning and support their continued development through play.
I have managed Child Care Centres for over seven years. I love to support staff in their journeys as educators. I look forward to starting my journey with the team and families at Ohana.
My door is always open, and I am happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Janice Hoffman
Lead Educator,
Preschool Room
It is my role to be a facilitator and provide opportunities for children to engage in learning experiences that support the development of the whole child. I believe that children learn best when given opportunities to explore, identify, negotiate, take risks and create meaning about the world around them. I look forward to continuing my role as the Eagle Ray teacher and getting to know you and your children.
Wendy Joyce
Early Childhood Teacher,
Toddlers Room
All children regardless of gender, culture, religion, physical and mental ability, or economic background should have the opportunity to develop to their full potential. With nurturing and support it is vital that children develop self-respect, respect for others, respect for property and the values of others. Ideally this will enable them to become successful members of communities, and society, in the years to come.
Ohana Scarba Street
Joanne Franco
Centre Manager,
Early Childhood Teacher
As a passionate early childhood professional for over 15 years, I have found that building strong connections with all our families is the most valuable connection we can have with the child in our care. I am committed to being the voice of the child to maintain their right to play in a safe and secure environment along with providing the best education possible during their first 5 years. I look forward to meeting all our families and introducing new ones to Ohana.
Rebecca Shortt
Lead Educator,
Babies Room
I was born in Coffs Harbour however, my family oringates from Narrabri as part of the Kamilaroi tribe. Being one on the oldest siblings, I have grown up looking after my younger brothers and sisters. These experiences have allowed me to develop skills that I put to use in my role as lead educator of Bubble Cave room. I am nurturing, caring, calm and responsible person, I take my commitment to the children seriously. I support babies in developing a sense of security while providing a safe secure environment for all within our room. I work within a team to create a positive environment for all educators and families. I am currently studying my Diploma to assist me with all aspect of Childcare and further develop my skills in the future.
Laura Bishop
Lead Educator,
Toddlers Room
“Life is best organised as a series of daring adventures from a secure base.” - John Bowlby, father of attachment theory.
As an Educator, I strive to be that secure base for all children to return to for refreshment and comfort between each great adventure. I believe wholeheartedly that forming secure relationships with each individual child is essential for children to grow, learn and flourish.
Together with the other educators in Turtle Cove, I work to facilitate an inclusive, loving and supportive environment for all of our children, parents, carers and educators.
Ohana Emerald Beach
Bree White
Centre Manager,
Emerald Beach
My rewarding career in the Early Childhood Sector has provided me with opportunities to follow my passion, taking on various leadership roles, working with children, their families and community.
I completed my Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) with The University of New England and hold a Diploma of Children Services. I love ongoing learning for myself, enjoy mentoring fellow educators, I have a genuine love of ongoing learning.
I strive for high quality early education and care, aiming for Ohana Emerald Village to be the first choice for families of our local community. My key values are professionalism, respect and kindness. I believe in nurturing relationships and working in partnership with families to provide the best possible start in a child’s early learning journey. Embracing and celebrating diversity of children, supporting children to be curious, confident and collaborative learners, within their early learning environment, a place in which everyone belongs.
I look forward to working with the children, families and educators of Ohana Emerald Village.
Stacey Henderson-Smith
Lead Educator,
Toddler Room
Hi! I have the privilege of being the Room Leader of the Dolphins (Toddler) Room. I am a certified educator and hold my Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care and have almost completed my Diploma of Early Education and Care. I have always had a passion for working with children, supporting each child and their family in providing them with a secure, nurturing and inviting learning environment. I look forward to guiding your child through their early learning journey here at Ohana.
Ohana South Grafton
Brodie Thompson
Centre Manager,
South Grafton
The early years of a child’s life is where the learning is happening - they begin to walk, talk and develop self-help skills. As an educator I strongly believe in supporting the children through these stages, with controlled activities to enable them to make decisions, and to initiate their own learning through age appropriate responsibilities and opportunities.
Amy Monaghan
Asst. Centre Mgr
It is important that as educators we support and value meaningful play experiences. I believe play based learning is the way that children learn to make sense of their world, to explore, socialise, and share equipment and ideas. It’s our duty to plan for further learning experiences and document each child’s learning through their play activities.
Jessica Atkins
Lead Educator,
Preschool Room
Hello Everyone. My name is Jessica Atkins and I have recently started working in the Dingoes room. Last year I graduated university with my Bachelor of Primary Education degree in Brisbane and started working as a classroom teacher. I moved to Grafton about a year ago and started relief teaching in local schools. I have started my Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood. I am really looking forward to getting to know the children and their families while working with the children to help them learn and develop. If you see me around feel free to say hello or ask any questions. I look forward to meeting everyone.
Navpreet Sidhu
Lead Educator,
Nursery
A learning environment should be bright, secure, motivating and fun, so that the children are encouraged to achieve their full potential. It is my role as an educator to assume responsibility for each child’s personal and educational development whilst they are in my care. Accordingly, my planning and daily care must cater for, stimulate and challenge their diverse range of needs, talents, cultures and interests.