Ohana North Boambee
Megan Singleton
Centre Manager,
Babies Room
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.
Brigette Marum
Lead Educator,
Preschool Room
My name is Brigette and I am excited to say that I have taken the ECT position at Ohana Scarba Street. I have devoted my adult life to developing my career in the early childhood sector and proudly say I am a passionate advocate for children and their rights. I believe that my job has a fundamental role in helping children to develop the social and emotional skills in life that will allow them to be successful life-long learners.
I am the mother two beautiful boys aged three and four. Since becoming a mother, I have had the privilege of witnessing first hand how meaningful and respectful relationships allow children to develop a sense of security and agency. These relationships have allowed my boys to become confident in their social environment and flourish. It is my goal to work closely with the families to help all the children within my care reach their full potential.
I am excited to be able to build on the preschool program for our children and looking forward to building strong and meaningful relationships with the children and families within the service as well as making connections within our community. Please feel free to come say hi, discuss what it is you would like to see on our program and in our environments and help set some goals for your children moving forward.
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.
Ohana Emerald Beach
Maree Munro
Centre Manager,
Emerald Beach
When a parent entrusts you with the care of their child, I believe it’s a child’s right, and our duty as professionals, to provide a safe and nurturing environment that creates a sense of security and trust. It takes respectful relationships and open communication between educators, families, and all stakeholders to create an environment which ensures the best outcomes for every child. When children become confident and happy in their surroundings a natural progression of curiosity, discovery, and growth can take place.
Mandeep Rai
Early Childhood Teacher,
Preschool Room
The early years are the most crucial part in a child’s learning journey as this is where the foundations are laid for their future learning and development. I aim to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all children can feel safe and respected.
Navpreet Sidhu
Lead Educator,
Babies Room
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.
Tenielle Stubbs
Lead Educator,
Toddlers Room
I have been working at Ohana since 2016 and became Lead Educator of the Toddlers Room at the Emerald Beach centre in March 2019. Living in a multicultural society with diverse learning abilities, ethnics and methods of learning, it is essential to provide diverse learning opportunities to enable all children to feel a sense of belonging and create equal opportunities for all children to grow and learn as individuals. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Education/Arts in Primary and Early Childhood.
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.
Ashleigh Steele
Lead Educator,
Toddlers Room (on Maternity Leave)
I believe that every child should be viewed as capable in their own abilities, and that they are given the opportunity to have their voice heard and valued. I feel that my role is to support children to feel safe, secure and supported within their environment so that they are able to openly express their thoughts and emotions.
Amy Monaghan
Lead Educator,
Babies Room (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.
Shari Pitkin
Lead Educator,
Toddlers Room (Asst. Centre Mgr)
I come to Ohana with over 8 years experience in the Early Childhood industry. I am so excited to walk along this journey with you and your child/ren. I am always open for conversation and i am happy to answer any questions you may have. I like to work collaboratively alongside families to give your children the best start in the early childhood years. Looking forward to getting to know you and your children.
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.