Ohana North Boambee
Heather Walker-Shaw
Lead Educator,
Nursery
I am a mother of two who has been working in the Child Care industry for nearly 10 years. During this time I have taken on different roles including Room Leader for 4 of those years. I recently completed a Bachelors Degree in Education and am currently studying a Graduate Diploma in Education - Early Childhood from which I will become an Early Childhood Teacher. I am passionate about providing the very best quality care for children and providing them with an environment that inspires them.
My goal as a teacher is to ensure that every child has the best start in life possible and help them to maximise their potential. I strongly believe that every child is unique, competent and capable and should be treated as such. I follow a child-focused and play-based approach to learning. I respect parents and families as children's first and most influential teachers and value their expertise, beliefs and contributions. I aim to develop nurturing relationships with children and collaborative partnerships with families through which the children can not only grow and develop, but thrive.
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
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,
Toddler
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.
Laura Bishop
Lead Educator,
Toddlers
“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.
Sarah Jones
Lead Educator,
Nursery
In my 13 years as an Early Childhood Educator, I have strived to help build a better world where the children in my care are self-fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society.
I am passionate about teaching the children to be considerate of the needs of others and develop and use their abilities to the betterment of themselves, their families and the community in which they live.
As a Scout Leader I am resilient, resourceful and respectful of others and these are attributes I love instilling in children and I will enjoy watching them use these skills on their journey at Ohana.
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-Lee Henderson-Smith
Lead Educator,
Toddlers
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.
Michelle Creighton
Lead Educator,
Preschool
I hold my Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care and currently studying to attain my Diploma. I have been an educator with Ohana Early Learning since 2018, working with the Preschool team at Emerald Village for over two years now.
I became an Early Childhood educator for a number of reasons. Firstly, I enjoy supporting children in their individual development and early learning journey. Secondly, forming relationships with the children and families as we work together for the best of the child is personally very rewarding.
Abby Gordon
Lead Educator,
Nursery
Hello, my name is Abby Gordon and I am the room leader for the Turtles Room (Nursery). I have been a member of the Ohana team for over a year now and love working within my local community. I have always had a passion for working with children and supporting them in their early years of learning and development which will encompass completing my Diploma in the near future. I am very passionate about providing children with the highest quality care and education during their time 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
Lead Educator, Nursery
Asst. Centre Mgr
I am the room leader of the Platypus Room (Nursery). I have attained my Diploma of Early Education and Care and have over 20 years experience in the industry. I have always had a passion for working with children and helping children to have the best possible start in life. I look forward to sharing and guiding your child through their early learning journey here at Ohana.
Reshae Grayson
Lead Educator,
Toddlers
I have the privilege of being room leader in the Joeys (toddler) room and have been working at Ohana Grafton since September 2018. I have completed a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching. As an educator, I respect children as individuals and believe the first 5 years of a child’s life is the most important in developing their minds and reaching milestones. I am looking forward to continuing my journey at Ohana working alongside families and their children.
Jessica Atkins
Lead Educator,
Preschool
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.
Rachel Selby
Centre Manager,
Woopi
Hi, my name is Rachel and I am lucky enough to be the Centre Manager at our Woolgoolga Centre.
I have been in childcare for about 11 years and enjoy leading my team to create a warm and welcoming environment for children and families. Not only do I enjoy watching children grow and develop within my care, but I am also passionate about creating a successful environment for my staff and children that attend my centre. I look forward to sharing special moments with your child at Ohana.
Navpreet Sidhu
Lead Educator,
Nursery
Hi! My name is Navpreet Sidhu. I am the room leader of Nursey (Banksia Room). I am a certified educator and hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. I am passionate and caring and strive to provide the highest quality care and education for the children in my care. I look forward to welcoming you to my second home Ohana.
Deb Keam
Lead Educator,
Preschool Room
Hi,my name is Deborah and I have the privilege of being the room leader of the Waratah Room (Preschool). I am a qualified Early Childhood Educator with an Associate Diploma in Child Studies as well as a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood. I have 20 years of teaching experience as well as 3 young children of my own. I am a passionate teacher who strives to provide the highest quality of care for the children at Ohana. I love my job and I take pride in delivering fun, exciting, hands-on, rich learning experiences for the children. I aim to help the children in my care become happy confident learners and I look forward to being a part of your child’s journey here at Ohana.