Our Friendly Staff
Leonie-Director
Qualification: Bachelor of Education.
I began my career with children as a Kindergarten Teacher and spent the following fourteen years as Director at Watsonia North Preschool prior to starting a family of my own .I am now a proud mum of two wonderful children. I commenced working at North Balwyn Playcentre in 2011 and have embraced the community spirit and support received from our families and Parent management committee.I enjoy working within our multi age setting with children in the stages of very early learning through to those who are almost ready to head off to school. With such a broad range of ages and skills, our time spent together is very busy and constantly evolving. The children provide me with daily inspiration and laughter and it is wonderful working in such a happy environment.When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, going to the movies, sewing and cooking for my children.
Olympia - Educator
Qualification: Diploma in Children's Services
I started working as an assistant Child Care worker at the age of 18 years at a Children childcare centre in Malvern. Whilst working there full time I also completed both my Certificate 111in Children’s Servicesandlater my Diploma. I am a mother of 3 young boys aged 12, 10 and seven. Following the birth of my children I worked on a casual basis for a few years in Occassional care and Kindergartens and in 2011, I commenced work at North Balwyn Playcentre. I enjoy working with a group of children with such a diverse range of ages and am happy to work with such a wonderful team. When I am not working I volunteer with the local Scouts group, help out at my school, enjoy baking, photography and reading magazines.
Dan – Educator
Certificate III in Children’s Services
Before moving from my home in China I worked in a Child Care centre and found that I really enjoyed my work with children and found that this was indeed my chosen vocation. After moving to Australia I decided that I would like to return to this occupation so returned to study and completed my Certificate III in children’s services prior to commencing work at North Balwyn Playcentre in 2011. I enjoy working at our centre which is close to home and have formed friendships with many of the families who have attended since I began working here. When I am not working I enjoy meeting up with family and friends, sharing a meal or an outing together. I speak fluent Mandarin.
Sun – Educator
Qualification - Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
I started working with children are I completed my studies in social work in South Korea. I worked for almost ten years as a Social Worker in charge of adoption at an International adoption agency. I found my work with children so enjoyable that I decided to return to study so that I could again work with children after moving to Australia. After completing my Certificate II,I I began working at North Balwyn Playcentre in 2013. I feel privilegedto work with the children at North Balwyn Playcentre and find it very rewarding to know that my work with them is influencing both their learning and overall development. I have been supported by wonderful staffand feel I have developed valuable skills and knowledge from them.I am a mother of two primary aged girls and in my spare time I enjoy playing the piano, sewing and craft activities and spending time with my two daughters.