About SMOOSH & The Team

Jodie

Nominated Supervisor/Coordinator

I have been the Centre Director at SMOOSH for the past 11years. With 35 years working in Children’s Service’s my commitment to providing quality childcare has been unwavering. It certainly comes with plenty of dedication, laughter, and wonderful memories. I value the importance of open, warm and friendly communication between the children, parents, team and the community. This has provided me with the wonderful opportunity to build trusting relationships within our amazing service – SMOOSH.

My interest includes any type of travel here or overseas and of course my huge passion tennis,tennis,tennis – I love to watch the Australian Open preferably live and sharing time with family and good friends over a delicious meal.

Nominated Supervisor/Coordinator

Roles & Responsibilities

The nominated supervisor is responsible for day-to-day management to ensure that the service policies, practices and procedures are implemented.

The Nominated Supervisor:

• Ensures the service is following the National Laws and Regulations so that service standards and practices are maintained, such as adequate supervision of children, health, hygiene and safe food practices, and the administration of medicine.
• Ensures that the learning programs are based on the My Time, Our Place Framework (MTOP) and are delivered with the educational leader in a way that is consistent with the framework.

Supports and manages staff, their ongoing development and a culture of continuous improvement

Louise

Assistant Coordinator/Educational Leader

As educational leader I have an enjoyment to share and learn from those around me, through a holistic and hands on approach. After 30 years in childcare I still have a true passion for working with children, where my enthusiasm for education and fun is strong. I deeply believe in individuality, inclusion, and the importance of belonging and community. I love sharing my culture through many avenues and have found a new interest in sustainability that I can’t wait to explore on a professional level. Through friendly and warm interactions, I enjoy building relationships with those around me and am always up for a chat. Away from SMOOSH my time is mostly spent with family, I love all things nature and snuggling up with a good book.

Assistant Coordinator/Educational Leader

Roles & Responsibilities

The educational leader is a suitably qualified and experienced person who is responsible for leading the development and implementation of educational programs at the service. They are generally supported by the nominated supervisor.

The Educational Leader:

• Leads the development and implementation of an effective educational program in the service.
• Ensures that children’s learning and development is guided by the MTOP
• Supports educators to go through the cycle of planning for a high-quality learning program.
• Support staff to continue to improve their knowledge and practice.
• Guides staff and families’ understanding of the importance of MTOP and how learning happens at the service.

Elyssa

Educator/First Aid Officer

I’ve proudly been part of the SMOOSH team for 9 years—6 years in a casual role and the past 3 years as a full-time educator. During my time here, I have developed strong rapport with the children over the years and enjoy all our interactions as I get to know them and their families. I look forward to working in conjunction with our parents, children and the community as we build on our relationships!

Educator/First Aid Officer

Roles & Responsibilities

The first aid officer is primarily responsible for ensuring a safe and healthy environment for both the children and the staff.

The First Aid Officer:

• Identifies potential hazards and risks in the physical environment. They then develop and implement strategies to manage these risks, ensuring the safety of everyone in the service.
• Ensures that the childcare service complies with all relevant health and safety laws and regulations.
• Provides education to staff members about health and safety practices. This helps to create a culture of safety within the service.
• Provides first aid should the situation arise (Note: educators trained in first aid are: Jodie, Louise, Elyssa, Blake, Siena, Daniela).
• Implements practices to promote a healthy environment.

Wanda

Educator/Certified Supervisor

I have been an early childhood educator for the past 16 years and have been a team member of SMOOSH for the past 6 years. This is where my passion lies developing meaningful relationships with the children in my care and watching them grow into caring young human beings. I am a volunteer at the Sydney Children’s Hospital and have just finished 27 years’ service. I am trained in nursing and have worked at Barnado homes and Karitane nursing in my earlier years. I am a proud mother of 3 and an even prouder nanny to my beautiful 14 year old grandson.

Educator

Roles & Responsibilities

• Provides consistent care and supervision.
• Ensures children’s safety and wellbeing during before, after school, and vacation care sessions.
• Develops age-appropriate, interest-based activities aligned with the My Time, Our Place learning framework.
• Collaborates with families.
• Acts as a mentor for casual staff.
• Demonstrate positive behaviours, social skills, and conflict resolution strategies, helping children learn by example.
• Advocate for children’s rights and needs, ensuring that all children have access to quality care and education.

Siena

Educator / Casual

Hi I’m Siena, and I’m studying Primary Education with a passion for working with children. I enjoy creating a fun, safe, and supportive environment where children can grow, learn, and build confidence outside of school hours. My goal is to gain hands-on experience while making a positive impact on children’s development and assisting them in becoming the best versions of themselves. I also have a big love for sports and thoroughly enjoy incorporating that into the children’s development, encouraging teamwork, resilience, and positive energy. I enjoy bringing my enthusiasm and care to SMOOSH to make a meaningful difference in the children’s everyday experiences!

Alyssa

Educator / Casual

My name is Alyssa, and I am a qualified speech therapist currently working at SMOOSH. I have several years’ experience working with children of all ages, including previous experience at SMOOSH. I enjoy working with the children and their families and hope to continue this whilst working with our community.

Blake

Educator / Casual

I’m Blake and I am currently studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science/Bachelor of Education (Secondary) at university. My passions include many sports such as surfing, basketball, touch footy, and of course my favourite – rugby league. When I’m not studying at uni, playing sports or camping, I love hanging out with friends and family and having a good time. I decided to become an educator as not only would it help me in preparation for becoming a teacher in the future, but I love being able to hang out with young kids, running around and playing different activities with them to make sure they are enjoying themselves as much as possible. I’m excited to meet all of the wonderful SMOOSH families and make positive connections with the kids.

Casual Educators

Roles & Responsibilities

Siena, Daniela, Alyssa and Blake, our amazing educators, care for your children on a casual basis, and support the full-time educators who care for your children daily (Jodie, Louise, Wanda, Elyssa).

All Educators:

• Work directly with children as part of the child to educator ratio.
• Provide a safe and nurturing environment where children feel secure and supported, addressing both emotional and physical needs.
• Plan and contribute to the learning program to create engaging activities that promote learning through play, creativity, and exploration.
• Support other educators.
• Demonstrate positive behaviours, social skills, and conflict resolution strategies, helping children learn by example.
• Advocate for children’s rights and needs, ensuring that all children have access to quality care and education.