Please tell us about yourself!

I’ve been an educator in the early childhood education sector for around 15 years, including working in primary and secondary learning enrichment.

Where are you studying?

I’m enrolled in Swinburne Online Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching.

How did you hear about the Fraser Foundation?

I heard about The Fraser Foundation when I was doing some research into early childhood teaching options and scholarships. I saw information on The Fraser Foundation on the Swinburne Online website.

How did it feel to receive a scholarship? 

Dreams really do come true to those who never give up! I am in my mid 50s and this scholarship is giving me the opportunity to finally be able to further my education and pursue a life long goal of becoming a pre-school teacher. I would not have the means to complete my studies and gain my qualifications if it were not for the support of The Fraser Foundation. For this opportunity, I am ever so grateful.

What inspired you to dedicate your career to working with children?

Having worked in the education sector from early childhood, primary and secondary for over 20 years, mainly in Learning Enrichment and Inclusion support roles, I had seen a rapid increase in children presenting with significant anxiety, trauma and other mental health challenges in schools and early learning centres. As I am passionate about the wellbeing of children, I went on to complete an Arts Therapy Diploma where I learnt skills to assist children to cope with those mental health challenges through engaging in art, yoga, mindfulness, music and physical activity.

I believe that the first years of a child life are crucial for their cognitive, social and emotional development, and I am dedicating myself to a career in early education to be able to educate and equip young children to develop the skills needed to be confident, independent life long learners by the time they reach school.

What does it mean to have an opportunity to study mid-career?

In my life, I have faced more adversity than most people, therefore to be able to have an opportunity to study a little later in life is not only giving me a purpose, fulfilling a life long goal of gaining my teaching qualifications, but also giving me the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of early learners, equipping children with the opportunity to develop social, emotional and cognitive skills needed to be happy, healthy children with a love of learning.

We know you’re passionate about children’s mental health and wellbeing, could you please tell us about the Healthy Habits program you run at your current centre?

As a holistic counsellor and arts therapist, as well as an educator, I facilitate a wellbeing program catered to children from two years of age. I have developed this unique program in such a way to support the holistic development and wellbeing of young children. The program includes all elements of developing a healthy mind and a healthy body, including topics such as food and nutrition, feelings and emotions, personal safety, mindfulness and movement.

What brings you a sense of fulfilment in your career?

There is so much about my career that gives me a sense of fulfilment. Being able to use my knowledge and lived experiences to guide children in their social and emotional development, and to offer reassurance and support to parents whilst walking along side them in their children's educational journey. 

I feel that I am making a really important contribution to the lives of children I work with as I strongly believe that the first five years of a child's life set them up for their future. 

I love it when a child learns how to identify and work through their big emotions. It is really rewarding to me when I see a child that is feeling overwhelmed or anxious in a situation, whether it be at drop off or during a transition, being able to use simple strategies that I’ve taught them such as breathing exercises to self settle. 

When you become an ECT, how do you see your role further looking after children’s wellbeing in a different way to what you’re doing now?

When I am working as an ECT, I really look forward to having a strong focus on the holistic wellbeing of a child. I love the arts, and am also a very creative person. I am excited to help children develop early social, emotional, literacy and numeracy and practical life skills so that when they reach school age they are well and truly ready to thrive.