Staff

...a strong focus on children's wellbeing and civic participation together with child-centred communities ensures a promising future.

 

Leanne Gibbs

Leanne Gibbs, CEO Children's Services Central

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Gifted and Talented Education), Master in Politics and Public Policy

Leanne’s roles have encompassed teacher and director of long day care and preschool programs, adviser and manager with local state and federal government and the former National Childcare Accreditation Council, teacher and lecturer within early education, management and leadership programs for TAFE and Macquarie University and manager of professional development programs for major providers. Her publications include Action, Advocacy and Activism; Standing up for Children (2003, CCCCNSW) and Policy Development in Early Childhood; from idea to implementation (2008, Pademelon Press). Leanne believes a strong focus on children's well-being and civic participation together with child-centred communities ensures a promising future.
Carolyn McGuinness

 

Carolyn McGuinness, Manager Children's Services Central

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood), Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, Diploma of Children’s Services, Certificate III in Children’s Services

Carolyn has extensive experience in long day care, preschool and OSHC services with over 20 years of teaching, management and advisory experience both in Australia and Canada. She has been a Director and an Area Manager for both the community and private sectors. Carolyn considers currency of knowledge is key to good practice. She believes in creative and innovative approaches to building learning communities where educators, staff, children and families are valued and included.
Kelera Mar

 

Kelera Mar, Senior Project Officer

Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education - NZ), Registered Teacher (NZ), Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment

Kelera has extensive experience as a Teacher, Director and Manager in long day care and preschool education and care services.

Kelera believes that leadership belongs to everyone, effective leadership is imperative and we use the opportunity to develop effective leadership through consistently engaging in reflective practice.
Philippa Yeend

 

Philippa Yeend, Project Officer

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)

Philippa has 18 years’ experience within early childhood, working across a range of roles.  Her experience includes teaching in preschool and long day care, as well as providing management and support to educators in both long day care and OSHC. Philippa has also had experience co-ordinating a range of funded programs, including two telephone information and referral lines, as well as overseeing the fees and administrative management of an OSHC and vacation care service.  Since joining Community Child Care in 2010, Philippa has worked in the Preschool Growth Program and is now a Project Officer with the Children’s Services Central team. 

Alicia Hunt

Alicia Hunt, Project Officer

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood), Diploma in Community Services (Children’s Services)

Alicia has over 10 years’ experience working in the Early Childhood field both here and in London. Her experiences include teaching in a variety of roles in both long day care and OOSH services. Alicia comes to us from her previous position at the National Childcare Accreditation Council as a Validation Co-ordinator. Alicia believes that strong partnerships form the foundation for all children to learn.
Sylvia Sekuloska

Sylvia Sekuloska

Bachelor of Business with a major in Accounting, Associate Diploma in Arts with a major in Communications, Certified Practising Accountant (CPA)

Sylvia has over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance. She spent two years as an auditor, 14 years with Sydney Water in various accounting roles, including five years as Finance Manager for the Retail Division. Sylvia’s qualifications include Bachelor of Business with a major in Accounting, an Associate Diploma in Arts with a major in Communications. Sylvia has been Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) qualified since 1998.
Indra Alagar Raja

 

Indra Alagar Raja, Administration Officer

Master of Arts (Eng Literature), Bachelor of Education, Certificate 111 in Office Skills, Diploma in Business Management (current)

Indra has been with the organisation for over 12 years and her diverse range of skills and knowledge are invaluable for managing the training bookings. Indra is also responsible for training enquiries, invoicing, payments and banking.
Poppy Sari

 

Poppy Sari, Administration Officer

Bachelor of Administration (Indonesia)

Poppy comes to Children’s Services Central with a background in Marketing. She has excellent administration skills and is familiar with reporting frameworks for large corporations. Poppy is responsible for monitoring contractual compliance for our Professional Support Service Providers (PSSPs) and assists with our reporting requirements to our funding bodies. Poppy is learning more about education and care services in her role and is committed to ongoing professional development for educators.
Anne Cochrane


Ann Cochrane, Corporate Services & IT Support Officer

Ann comes to Children’s Services Central with a strong IT background which she uses in her position as Corporate Services and IT Support officer. Ann provides  IT support to the organisation. She has over 25 years experience in IT operations and support with a broad knowledge of software, hardware and databases.

Louisa Cheng

Louisa Cheng, Occupational Therapist

Louisa has over nine years’ experience working as an occupational therapist (OT), childcare worker and community carer. She has provided services to people with disabilities of all ages, in hospital and community settings – both in-home, clinic and centre-based care. She has been consultant to the Specialist Equipment Pool for six years. Louisa is a registered OT and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy.

The above staff are directly employed by Community Child Care Co-operative (NSW) as the lead agency of Children’s Services Central. Further staff are employed by our Consortium members in roles dedicated to Children’s Services Central.