Highgate WA Team

Alison: Centre Director

I have over 13 years’ experience within the Early Learning sector, working in various roles and levels of management. I hold an Advanced Diploma of Children's Services and a Diploma of Leadership and Management. As a parent myself, I understand the importance of quality care for children. Each and every day, I endeavour to let the values of excellence and mutual respect guide my practice. It is my desire for all children to be able to reach their full potential to be confident, independent and responsible contributors to society through positive encouragement and guidance, incorporating a sense of community and collaborative partnership with all families. I believe we should view children as active participants in their own learning journey and provide them with experiences and opportunities that allow them to build their social competence and sense of agency. Children are naturally curious about their world and enjoy exploring their surroundings and this should be supported and encouraged.

Danielle: Second in Charge / Educational Leader / Room Leader / Early Childhood Teacher

I believe that children are unique in their own special ways and are very capable of achieving especially when they feel safe and respected in their learning environment. I also believe in the importance of catering to individual needs, abilities, interests and learning styles to make learning more personalised and meaningful. My aim as an educator is to create an inviting and safe space where mutual trust and respect can be developed, whilst providing hands-on learning experiences that are fun, stimulating, challenging and achievable. Ultimately, I aim to shape children’s minds in the way they behave and think so they grow to become individuals who are positive and resilient

Adeji: Room Leader / Diploma Educator

I am diploma qualified educator with over 6 years' experience in childcare industry having worked in a variety of roles from Centre chef to Education Leader. My pedagogy is inspired by Vygotsky, Piaget, Malaguzzi (Reggio) and Erikson. I cherish most meeting the child's needs for learning in collaboration with families and the wider community.

Cassi: Diploma Educator

I believe that when children have a sense of belonging and feel safe, secure and supported they have the confidence to play, explore, make decisions and learn. As an Early Childhood Educator developing nurturing, respectful and reciprocal relationships with children and their feelings creates a responsive and inclusive environment which promotes each individual child's belonging and learning.

Meisee: Room Leader / Diploma Educator

Within my 7 years’ experience in working with children, I always have an ambition to provide a safe & fun environment for the children to learn and play. I believe children should be given opportunities to fully explore their capabilities and talents. Therefore, educators play an important role to support and scaffold children in their learning journey. I value arts, nature, and the uniqueness of the children inspired by Reggio Emilia’s philosophy, you will be expecting some messy plays with happy smiles when you come to pick up your little ones.

Penelope Swinney: Approved Provider

I am a trained teacher and a dedicated mum to three beautiful children. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with families, and work alongside passionate teachers and educators to ensure children receive the best education. I believe all children are unique and capable, with their own interests and passions. As teachers it is our job to explore those interests, nurture those passions and instil a belief in each child that they are capable, resilient and can make a difference in our world.

Pathresia : Early Childhood Educator

I believe children need the assurance of being loved and cared while they are enjoying an educational environment. I believe that each child is unique and as an educator I will value and develop each child's strengths, interests, backgrounds, and developmental stages abilities. I will provided opportunities for children to explore, discover, create and imagine their world. Trust and positive relationships with families and children is key.

Estefania : Early Childhood Educator

I’m convinced that children will contribute to our future in greater ways if we support them positively during their early years. It is important for them to have the opportunity to use their imagination and creativity to wonder, discover and play in a safe and nurturing environment, which us educators work daily to provide them with. During their process of learning, in which both educators and children learn together, it is key to respect each child’s uniqueness, strengths and abilities, which will allow them to boost their confidence and self esteem. It is also essential to highlight the relationships our preschool build with the famiVyglies, acknowledging their diversity into the program. My aim is to create positive lasting memories with children, make them feel safe and encourage them throughout their development.

Amber: Early Childhood Educator

As an educator I believe children are individual leaders and learn at their own pace. I strongly follow Lev Vygotsky theorist as I believe children learn through play. My goal as an educator is to inspire children to be their own individual adolescents and provide a safe and warm environment for all children.

Judiline : Cook

Cooking for my family and community is my true passion! I am truly passionate about teaching healthy eating habits early on in life as it has positive effects on little minds. I love to role model a variety of nutritious meals and explore cultural ingredients for children to enjoy.

Lucy: Early Childhood Educator

I believe that children’s early exploration of the world is vital to their understanding of it later on. For this reason I promote and encourage learning through play and aim to provide many fun opportunities and activities for children to conduct their own exploration under. I also believe that it is important to create a safe environment for children to come to each day where they feel safe and appreciated, for this reason developing healthy, meaningful bonds and relationships with children are of the highest importance to me.

Tegwen: Trainee

I believe that having supportive and encouraging role models in the early years is vital for young children to grow to be the best they can be. I am honoured to have the opportunity to be one such role model for the children attending Leaps and Bounds. I am dedicated to providing an inclusive and engaging environment that fosters compassion, positive communication, and critical thinking in each individual child as well as encouraging teamwork and meaningful relationships between children.