Donna Boaden

Donna holds her Bachelor of Education and early childhood and Masters of Counselling . She is a local girl who grew up in Tocumwal and lives with her husband and 6 children in town. Donna is the Director and Nominated Supervisor of Tocumwal’s Little Explorers. Donna has over 20 years experience in early childhood education and is extremely passionate about the rights of the child and their freedom to learn in a safe and encouraging environment.    

 

Lisa Walters

With over 7 years experience in Early Childhood Education. Lisa started out in the kitchen and then enrolled in her cert 3. She has now completed her Diploma and is our Toddler Room Leader. She loves enriching young children’s lives through play-based learning. She is passionate about her work and is committed to continuing her growth in Early Childhood & Education.

 

Jenny Philpot

Jen completed her Cert III in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2015. She lives in Tocumwal with her husband and children.

Jen’s Passion is to see the children grow socially and emotionally throughout their journey at preschool through a play-based curriculum. Jen strives for the children to have a voice and a sense of belonging in a safe and caring environment.

 

Kelly Rodgers

Kelly is an assistant educator in the Nursery. She has completed her Cert III and now is working towards her Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. She grew up in Tocumwal and lives here with her partner and 2 children. Her philosophy is to create a nurturing and supportive environment where children can learn through play, exploration and meaningful interactions.

 

Paige Laker

Paige was born in Deniliquin before growing up in the small NT town of Humpty Doo. In 2024, Paige moved to Tocumwal and has completed her Cert III and has since moved on to her Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Paige is Passionate about supporting Children development through play based learning and enjoys creating nurturing environments where every child can learn and thrive. She has a huge background in exploring that fits well with our Little Explorers title. Paige loves being outdoors and getting the children involved in our community, bringing her enthusiasm and positive energy into everything she does.

 

Abby Wilson

 

Anouchka Bruwer

Anouchka is currently working as an Assistant Educator in all of our rooms. She is currently working towards her Cert III in Early Childhood Education. She lives in Barooga with her partner and two miniature dachshunds. Her philosophy is centered around building strong trusting individual relationships with each child. Through these relationships she aims to create a safe, respectful and nurturing environment where every child feels seen, heard and valued.

 

Jody Crockford

Jody – Educator Jody brings with her more than 25 years of experience in the early years sector. She holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and has previously worked as an Educational Leader in her old service..

 

Eleanor Haynes

Eleanor holds a Diploma in Education Support and has worked in a range of educational settings for 24 years. She is committed to providing learning experiences that are progressive, fun, and engaging. Eleanor values building positive rapport with children and their families, and believes in a holistic approach to supporting families who may require additional assistance.

Victoria Johnson

Victoria is working on Wednesdays as Assistant Director. She has Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary). With a background in Kindergarten teaching she believes play provides a solid foundation for children early childhood learning and development.

Rebecca Ball

 

Sarah Piner

 

Sheila Redhead

Sheila joins the Toddler Room every Friday and is currently undertaking her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education. She is thoroughly enjoying building relationships with the toddlers and supporting their development through play-based learning.

 

Eliza Chique

Kimbly Hollywood

Bree Nye

 

Nicky Peavey

Nicky is our Assistant Director. She holds her Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and has been in the sector for 13 years. Nicky’s philosophy is that children learn through play. She thrives on creating a safe and loving environment to explore, discover and imagine. Nicky has just moved to Tocumwal with her Husband. She loves being on the water or the golf course.

 

Mandy Bale

 

Josh McPhee

Josh holds a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. He’s been teaching for near 10 years now, mixing things between high school, primary school and preschool, teaching all levels from Foundation to Year 12. Josh hasn’t found a sport he doesn’t like, but Basketball and watching the NBA are up there with his favourites. When he’s not watching sport or attending live music, he’s out the river with a fishing rod and his dog, Beckham. Josh’s experience in all school environments gives him the knowledge and expertise to assist and guide the children to being School Ready Students.

 

Carlie McFarlane

Carlie has lived in Tocumwal her whole life and lives with her husband and two children. Her love for early childhood education started back in high school doing a school based traineeship Cert III in years 11 and 12. Recently finishing her cert III and starting her Diploma, she is passionate about children developing their resilience through play based learning. She is committed to grow and extend her knowledge within her career. When she is not with us she is playing/coaching netball or is spending time with her family. She loves watching children bloom and their imagination run wild when playing. She loves coming to work not knowing what the day will bring and that every day is a new and exciting learning opportunity for not only the children but herself too.

 

Lilly Davies

 

Victoria Artivva-Bennett

Victoria has her cert III and has worker at Tocumwal Little Explorers for two years. Victoria has come from a big family which is the reason she wanted to work in Early Childhood Education. Victoria enjoys playing and interacting with children and is enthusiastic about all activities that engage children in meaningful learning, as she believes play based curriculum is where children can thrive.

 

Yvette Van Eyk

Yvette holds her Bachelor of Education and has completed her Cert III in Early Childhood Education and Care. She loves seeing children flourish through creative, imaginative play and seeing their confidence grow. Yvette enjoys scrapbooking, spending time with family and road trips!

 

Azel Santiago

 

Nikki Graham