Leanne Gibbs |
Leanne has over 25 years of experience within the early childhood sector and community services. This experience has been supported by qualifications in education and public policy with a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), Post Graduate Diploma (Teaching Gifted and Talented Children) and a Master in Politics and Public Policy. Her roles have encompassed teacher and director of long day care and preschool programs, adviser and manager with local state and federal government and the 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 most recent role has been as Manager of Children's Services Central, the professional Support Co-ordinator in NSW, with Community Child Care Co-operative as the lead agency. Leanne has written a diverse range of resource materials and publications and has authored 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 has a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) and has also completed the Diploma of Children’s Services. Carolyn has extensive experience in long day care, preschool and OOSH services with 17 years of Early Childhood teaching, management and advisory experience both in Australia and Canada. She has been a Centre Director and an Area Manager for both the community and private sectors. She believes currency of knowledge is key to good practice and values creativity and innovation in the early childhood field. Carolyn is committed to team approach in the workplace. |
Marilyn Thorpe |
Marilyn has over 20 years experience working in the not for profit child care sector in Hong Kong. She has served on governing boards in the areas of finance, fund raising and governance; liaised with government in implementing standards for the sector and with the corporate sector on issues of funding and development. Of particular interest has been early childhood development for special needs children. She is currently working on a degree in leadership and management in education. Marilyn provides assistance to our CEO. |
Janelle Casey |
Janelle has worked for both State and Federal Governments. Federally, she held the position as Executive Assistant to the Director of the Australian Trade Commission. At State Government level Janelle worked for the Hon Michael Egan (NSW Treasurer) as part of his Private Staff and The Hon Faye Lo Po (under her portfolio of Minister for Ageing & Disability). Whilst working within both of these departments it was a time of change. Her last position within the State Government was as an Analyst, Internal Affairs for the NSW Police. Janelle hopes that the experience that she has had with both State and Federal Governments can be used in her role as Executive Assistant to CCCC’s CEO. She holds a Certificate in Human Resource Management and has three children. Janelle was a huge supporter of her children’s local preschool and was President of this centre for over four years. |
Treena Cutmore |
Treena is a proud Gamilaroi woman who has been involved in Aboriginal early childhood education for 24 years as an Assistant, a Teacher and a Director. Treena is passionate about children, families and her community and is actively involved in the Aboriginal Community with the families and children. She holds a Diploma in Children’s Services. Treena will share her knowledge and promote interest in Aboriginal issues in her role with Children’s Services Central. |
Kelera Mar |
Kelera has over 10 years of experience as a Teacher and Director in Long Day Care settings. She is a qualified Early Childhood teacher and her professional interests include leadership, adult education and working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse families. Kelera is a passionate educator with a strong grasp of sound educational principles for early childhood education and a commitment to children and families through the strengthening of relationships and professional growth. |
Melissa Woodhouse |
Melissa holds a Diploma in Children’s Services and a degree in Management. With over 20 years experience in Long Day Care settings working with all age groups, she has been a Centre Director for services in both private and government settings. Melissa has also coordinated a diverse Early Childhood program for a local government. She has a particular interest in change management and assisting leaders in growing and developing effective teams. Most of all, Melissa is passionate about inspiring and reminding early childhood professionals to enjoy what they do every day. |
Indra Alagar Raja |
Indra has a B.Ed. and a Masters in English Literature. Indra is responsible for handling all training bookings including payments and banking. |
Poppy Sari |
Poppy comes to Children’s Services Central with a background in Marketing. She has excellent administration skills and is familiar with reporting requirements 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 children’s services in her role and is committed to ongoing professional development for children’s services staff. |
Ann Cochrane |
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. |
Ecelini Mirabella |
Ecelini brings a wide range of skills to the organisation gained while working in the hospitality industry and in her previous traineeship with Community Child Care. Since completing her Certificate III in Business Administration, Ecelini has now progressed to involvement in the full range of accounting tasks carried out across the organisation. Her excellent administrative skills are invaluable to Children’s Services Central. |
Jacqueline Latta |
Jackie has been employed with not-for-profit organisations in the field of Finance, Accounting and Payroll for over 25 years, and has always held a genuine interest in the welfare sector since being a volunteer Treasurer and Board member for Milton-Ulladulla Preschool back in 1997. Having studied Accounting, Economics and Business Communications at tertiary level, and holding Certificates in Fraud Control, Compliance Solutions and Risk Management, amongst others, Jackie contributes a wealth of experience, knowledge and ability to the accounting, administrative and financial operations team at Children’s Services Central. |
