Meet Our Team
At Brighton Beach Early Learning Centre (Brighton Beach ELC), we believe our team of Early Childhood educators are one of our most valuable assets and we could not achieve our goals or honour our philosophies without their knowledge, support and hard work. Our team understand the responsibility that comes with the role of an educator and are committed to ensuring that every child not only enjoys their time with us, but has been exposed to every available developmental and learning opportunity.
Cassandra Bulner
Centre Manager
Diploma in Early Childhood Education & Advanced
Diploma in Community Sector Management
Hello, my name is Cassie, I’m the centre manager at Brighton Beach Early Learning Centre and I have had the pleasure of being here for 7 years. I started as a room assistant and throughout the years, worked my way up to management. I love being able to form relationships with children across the centre, families and the community.
I value strong partnerships within the community and recognizing that children are active citizens in our community.
My teaching philosophy is child initiated and I believe the children’s voice is the most important. Children are capable and competent learners and I believe it is important to both teach and learn alongside them.
Rebecca Aiello
Early Childhood Teacher - Kookaburra Room (4 year old Kinder)
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
My name is Rebecca. I’m the 4 year old Early Childhood Teacher at Brighton Beach ELC. I have worked in the early childhood industry for over 16 years. I believe that all children are individual and unique, and I aim to guide and support each child in reaching their highest potential. I value the partnerships that I form with both the children and their families, as they are the foundation of our program. I thoroughly enjoy working in the early childhood industry as I find it very rewarding sharing special moments with the children as they grow, develop and master new skills.
Kirsten Lester
Room Leader - Echidna Room (3 Year old Kinder)
Studying Bachelor of Education
My name is Kirsten and I’ve worked here at Brighton Beach for 8 years. I love watching children grow and helping them to reach their developmental milestones. I absolutely love creating experiences where children have fun whilst learning. I believe that children are individuals and all have different learning styles, this is where I thrive and love helping each child reach their fullest potential here at BBELC.
When I’m not working - I enjoy being at the beach, watching the footy or cooking a delicious meal at home.
Eliza Bell
Assistant Educator - Echidna Room (3 Year old Kinder)
Studying Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Hi everyone, my name is Eliza. I started working in the early learning industry in 2020 while I was completing my diploma. I am very passionate about working in this industry and I am now completing my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. At the end of my course I would love to become a kindergarten teacher. I acknowledge that each child learns in a variety of different ways and to help every child reach their full potential, I believe in providing an inclusive nurturing environment where children have opportunities to extend on their learning and interests.
Melody Zheng
Room Leader - Emu Room
Studying Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education
My name is Melody and I have been at Brighton Beach ELC for more than 8 years. I am always passionate about my work every day, as it is about being part of the child’s development, seeing them grow and learning new things alongside them. I believe in developing a trusting and strong relationship with the children and their families. I personally go for a holistic approach to respect each family’s cultural heritage and focus on diversity to make everyone to feel welcome and included.
Zoe Williams
Assistant Educator - Emu Room
Child Safe Advocate
Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Hello, my name is Zoe and I am the Child Safe Advocate for BBELC. Working with children has always been a big passion of mine! I love being able to provide nurturing care that allows children to excel in their learning and hit all their developmental milestones. Working together with children, families and staff, my main focus above all else in my practice is to create an environment that’s safe, secure & inclusive! I believe all children should feel free to express themselves as individuals & create meaningful relationships with peers and educators.
Gulay Celikdgoen
Room Leader - Wallaby Room
Diploma in Early Childhood Education
My name is Gulay and I'm the Educational Leader for Brighton Beach Early Learning Centre. I believe that all children's rights are valued and I enjoy helping each individual develop and achieve their learning milestones.
I have a strong passion in incorporating culture, diversity and inclusion into our programs and learning environments.
I believe each child's voice is valued and creating environments based on their needs, goals & interests.
Lalani Weerakkody
Assistant Educator - Wallaby Room
Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Hi, my name is Lalani and I am an assistant in the younger rooms. As an educator, my main priority is the children’s safety. I think it is important to get down to the children’s level, so that we can understand their needs, treating each child as unique individuals. I am happy to offer lots of love, as I have a very endearing nature. I try my best to create a happy and safe environment for the children and families.
Jillian D’Rozario
Room Leader - Bilby Room (Nursery)
Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Hello, my name is Jill and I’m a Diploma Qualified Educator. Being a mother myself, I understand what families require from a quality care service. I believe in forming respectful, trusting and meaningful bonds with children and their families. It is my belief that each child should be acknowledged for their own unique needs and interests.
Muna Thapa
Assistant Educator - Bilby Room (Nursery)
Studying Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Hi Everyone, I am Muna Thapa. I am currently studying Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. I am very passionate about learning new things and working as an early childhood educator is providing me with an absolutely amazing opportunity to learn new things each day. Moreover, I am very dedicated towards creating a warm and nurturing environment for children where they feel loved, cared, heard, and belonged.
Bronwyn Wiederstein
Float Educator
Studying Cert 3 in Early Childhood Education
My name is Bronwyn and I recently begun at BBELC as a trainee undertaking my certificate 3. I have already learnt so much during my short time here at BBELC, and have felt extremely welcomed & supported.
I love watching the children engage with their peers and love seeing the relationships they have with the educators.
On the weekends I enjoy playing tennis, going for walks with my adult children & their dogs & going to the movies!
Shona Gibson
Float Educator
Diploma in Early Childhood Education
My name is Shona and I have been here at BBELC for 24 years. Throughout my years I have had the joy of being able to be a special part of the children’s lives. I enjoy watching them grow into their own person and watching them form their personalities. I have worked in many different positions, from Lead Educator to centre float and have enjoyed all of them.
Parika Bansal
Float Educator
Studying Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education
Hi, my name is Parika Bansal and I am studying Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education.
Children form their attitudes & learning styles to education early on in life and it gives me great joy to be able to be a part of their journey. I've always believed that it takes a village to raise a child, so I focus on engaging families and the wider community to be able to achieve their learning outcomes and developmental milestones.
Shana Gendron
Diploma in Early Childhood Education
My name is Shana and I have been part of the Early Learning industry since 2015.
Working with children has always been a passion of mine! Each day I’m rewarded with watching the children learn and grow as they navigate their way through the world.
It is my belief that all children are unique and capable individuals. I strive to provide a holistic approach to learning that is inclusive of all children and recognises them as confident people in our community.
I am proud to be a part of one of the most important times in a child’s life where I can help nurture each and every one of them to reach their full potential.
Marcella Yoesman
Float Educator
Studying Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education
My name is Marcella and I’m originally from Indonesia. I’m currently studying Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I got the opportunity to work at Brighton beach Early Learning Centre and have been loving the experience. I love being a part of the children’s learning and development, and seeing each unique child grow into their own little person.
Tam Nguyen
Assistant Educator
Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education
My name is Tam Nguyen and working with children is my passion. I find happiness and joy when children are around me. I love cooking and gardening, so I always try to encourage the children to get involved in those activities when I have the chance. I’ve been at Brighton Beach Early Learning centre for more than 7 years and it is my second home & family.
Jessica Townsend
Float Educator
Studying Bachelor of Education
My name is Jessica, and I’ve been at Brighton Beach Early Learning Centre for 8 years.
I have a Diploma in Children’s Services and am currently studying the Bachelor of Early Child Education.
Throughout my career and within BBELC I have had many opportunities to extend my knowledge, experience and skills. I value this because I believe learning is a lifelong journey and process, beginning from the time we are born. I value a sustainable future, environmental awareness and have a great respect for the natural world. I believe all children are unique and deserve stimulating, supportive, caring and safe environments in which to holistically learn and grow in.
I love educating children and I believe children are the future. For me, teaching has provided continual learning and growth that I have carried throughout my career and into my personal life with my daughter, Sienna and family.
Paola Bejkolli
Float Educator
Studying Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education
My name is Paola and I am studying Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education.
I see each child as a capable and competent individual and as an early childhood educator it is my job to support children to develop their strengths, interest, skills and abilities.
My personal philosophy states that all children should be treated equally and should be provided with a fun, safe and an engaging environment where they feel that they belong.
Amie Foster
Float Educator
Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Hello I’m Amie and I’m one of the casuals at BBELC. I live locally with my family and am a proud mother of two beautiful children, Isabella and Spencer. Working with children has been a part of my life for over 20 years and I have loved every moment of it. I have always been hands on working with all the age groups in various crèches, kindergartens and childcare centres. I love being a part of your children’s lives, working here at the centre and seeing them learn and grow while always having fun.
Baljinder Kaur
Centre Cook - Kitchen
Diploma in Hospitality & Cert 4 in Commercial cookery
My name is Baljinder, but everyone calls me Reet. I am the centre cook for Brighton Beach Early Learning Centre. I am so glad to be a part of BBELC. I love children, their smiles make my day. I do my best to make healthy and delicious meals, the same exact way I would make for my daughter.
Dena
Float Educator
Diploma of Early Childhood Education
I have been in Early Childhood Education since 2020. I currently hold my Diploma of Early Childhood Education.
The past 3 years, I have worked with various age groups and have previously worked as a room leader.
I find working with children and their families extremely rewarding. I love being able to watch the children grow & develop into strong communicators and going through developmental milestones.e with my daughter, Sienna and family.
Emma
Float Educator
Early Years Care & Education
Hi, I’m Emma and I’m from Ireland. I have my Degree in Early Years Care & Education.
My Early Childhood Education experience expands across all the age groups.
For the past 2 years I have had the pleasure of being a Pre-school Teacher over in Ireland, which was such an amazing experience.
I find such joy in being a positive mentor in a child’s life. As an educator I aim to create a lasting impact on children’s lives, through care, attention, and fun.
Nazia
Float Educator
Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Hi, I’m Nazia and I hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
I currently work as a floater in the Centre, which I absolutely love because I get to form connections and relationships with all the children and families throughout the centre.
I believe it is out responsibility to nurture the children in our care, provide them with a safe environment and create fun & stimulating learning experiences for them.
Savitha
Float Educator
Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Hi, my name is Savitha and I have completed by Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
I have had the pleasure of working in the sector since 2019. I enjoy working with children as I love to watch them grow into unique individuals.
I feel proud to be a part of their of their everyday learnings and development
As a mother of 2 children, I find it easy to find a connection with the children and to form a trusting relationship.
Maryam
Float Educator
Certificate 3 in Early Childhood and Education
Hello, my name is Maryam and I currently hold my Certificate 3 in Early Childhood and Education.
I have a strong passion in working with young children from diverse cultures and beliefs. I firmly believe that language is the key building block in a child’s growth.
The most rewarding and greatest accomplishment in working with children is to observe their journey and milestones.