Meet Our Wonderful Team

With over 22 years of experience working with children and families in a variety of roles, I am inspired to develop programs that support children’s sense of self, confidence, and independence. I focus on providing warm relationships and environments that foster healthy and secure attachments.

The development of Rachel’s Place Childcare Centre as a hub for families comes from my understanding that connection to community and support during the early years of parenting and a child’s life are vital to their health and well-being.

I have been working in early education for over 12 years. I believe that play should be fun, exciting, spontaneous, hands-on, stimulating, relaxing, comforting, and challenging.

Every child should have the opportunity to learn from their decisions, including the chance to make their own choices, but always within the confines of a safe environment that ensures the safety and well-being of themselves and others.

As an educator, my role is to help children reflect on their actions and make appropriate choices. I strive to influence children by encouraging them to empathize with others.

I previously worked as a kindergarten teacher at an international school where I implemented curriculum, planned activities and supported children and their families.

I understand that children are competent and so encouraging a child’s sense of agency and vision is imperative in supporting their learning and progress through life.

Each year, I take this passion for learning and culture to work remotely with teenagers in Cape York on traditional Indigenous lands engaging in corroboree, dance and fishing.

With over 16 years of experience working with young children in both early childhood education and the counseling sector, I firmly believe that a strong sense of safety and connection with parents and caregivers creates the optimal conditions for children to learn and thrive.

I am passionate about supporting parents and educators in building positive relationships with children and overcoming challenges. I utilize research-based tools, strategies, and frameworks to achieve this.

Currently, I am in charge of rolling out the parent and professional development training for teachers and educators at Rachel's Place, contributing to our vision of helping other providers of child care and early learning.

You may have already met me at the center or in the Virtual Community, where I have hosted many virtual classrooms and facilitated parenting groups. I am excited to play with the children and support families and staff at Rachel’s Place!

I believe that each child is a unique individual, and as a qualified teacher, I am committed to valuing and developing each child's strengths, interests, skills, abilities, and knowledge to extend their learning.

I love being a part of Rachel's Place because the staff know all the families very well, creating a sense of one big family.

My family ran a family day care business while I was growing up and I started nannying children when I was 12. I love children and am passionate about providing a safe and secure environment for them to learn and grow. Their sense of joy and fun is delightful, and I can't wait to see them each day and discover the happiness that each day brings.

I am currently studying for my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, and I am also pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work Honours at the University of Queensland, with the goal of working in child protection when I finish.

I believe that the relationships between parents, extended family members, and the team at Rachel's Place contribute to creating an emotionally safe space for all our children. If you see me, please come and say hello! I would love to get to know you!

I have been working in child care for over 10 years, and I believe each child has their own potential. I love spending time with children and helping them on their learning adventure.

In my spare time I love reading to increase my knowledge, and listening to music to relax. I try to bring joyful energy to Rachel's Place combined with hard work and enthusiasm.

These guide my approach to fostering the holistic development of each child in my care.

I believe that every child is unique and deserves to be nurtured in an environment that supports their physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth. My role is to provide a warm, responsive, and caring atmosphere where children feel valued and respected. I strive to understand each child's individual needs, interests, and developmental stages, tailoring my interactions and activities to promote their overall well-being.

Forming meaningful connections with families is so important to me as I strongly believe children develop a greater sense of security when they can see a bond being formed between myself and their loved ones. I recognise families as a child's first teacher and respect the integral role they play as members of our care and education community. I believe in open communication and actively seek to involve families in their child's care and learning journey.

I believe that every child is unique and deserves to be nurtured in an environment that supports their physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth. My role is to provide a warm, responsive, and caring atmosphere where children feel valued and respected. I strive to understand each child's individual needs, interests, and developmental stages, tailoring my interactions and activities to promote their overall well-being.

I place high importance on utilising Papatuanuku (mother earth) in daily curriculum as I feel outdoor experiences allow children to explore nature, develop an appreciation for the natural world, and understand their place within it, whilst developing their sense of wonder and responsibility. My goal is to encourage children to become caretakers of their environment and find ways of resourcing their own play using its natural elements.

Play is a fundamental aspect of early childhood development. I believe that by providing safe, inclusive, and stimulating play spaces where children can engage in enjoyable interactions, it will allow for children to become leaders in their own explorations and discoveries. I feel that play environments need to accommodate diverse abilities and interests, whilst promoting creativity, cooperation, and problem-solving skills.

I am so looking forward to getting to know you all as I spend more time becoming a part of the Rachel's Place team.

Originally from Germany and with a Vietnamese background, I’m fluent in English, German, and Vietnamese.

With a fun, bubbly, and kind personality, I am committed to creating a warm and inclusive environment where every child can thrive. I look forward to getting to know each of you and supporting your little ones as they grow and learn!

Play-based learning is my passion! My previous experience includes being an Activities Leader in a play and music school for three years, which is why I really love working with children in the early childhood sector. Moreover, I created projects as a learning designer in creative drama for kids with my friend in Thailand and volunteered for live music sessions in a hospital for healing and entertainment.

I gained experience in the outside school hours care sector as well as in the long day care industry for two years. Now, I am part of an early intervention specialists team that cares for and supports individual programs for children with autism. I work alongside clinical therapists as an assistant to help develop the best skills for children who will attend early years school.

Music is one of my greatest passions—I really enjoy singing and dancing. Nature is also a big part of my life; I love sightseeing, hiking, and backpacking. These are my main approaches, and I believe they enable me to contribute valuable learning experiences to my early year friends.

I have had the opportunity to take on various roles in teaching and early childhood education, each of which has provided me with valuable and joyous experiences.

I am passionate about empowering children to reach their full potential, in collaboration with families and educators. I believe that children develop and learn best when they are supported by people they trust and when they are given opportunities to explore and discover the world around them.

I look forward to building meaningful relationships with every child in our care and fostering positive partnerships with their families and friends.

I am a qualified psychologist with experience in my home country of Ecuador. My professional approach is centered around understanding and addressing the emotional and cognitive needs of children, equipping them with the tools for healthy development. I believe that each child has unique potential, and my goal is to contribute to unlocking and nurturing those abilities from the very beginning.

Currently, I am immersed in the exciting experience of studying English here in Australia, and I am thrilled at the prospect of applying my expertise and dedication to the care and development of your precious children. With the support I am receiving from Rachel's Place Childcare Centre, I am confident that together we can make a positive impact.