Our Team

• Haylee, Centre Manager

  

   With over a decade of experience in Early Childhood Education, I have worked with various age groups, from running a three-year-old kindergarten class to caring for infants in the Nursery.

  Since joining Samantha's Childcare and Kindergarten – Glen Iris in 2020, I supported the team as 2IC and Educational Leader and transitioned to the role of Centre Manager in 2023.

  I believe in creating a safe and nurturing environment, building meaningful relationships with children to help them thrive as confident, independent learners. I look forward to being a part of your child's learning journey.

• Sahar, 2IC/ Educational Leader

  

  My passion for working with children has been with me throughout my life.

  I hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and have been part of the Samantha’s team here at Glen Iris since 2023. I have had the pleasure of working within the Early Childhood sector since 2010, in various roles. I have worked as a Pre-Kinder Lead Educator for 8 years and prior to that was Lead Educating in the Kinder 4 room.

  Since discovering Samantha’s Childcare, a local hidden gem in my neighbourhood, I have never felt so at home and ever so welcomed. As the 2IC and Educational Leader I have been given the privilege of extending on my skill set as I stepped in as acting Centre Manager in 2024 as well as ensuring that the centre continuously supports and provides a stimulating, warm and homely environment for all our families and children that attend the centre. 

  I look forward to welcoming your child to our centre as they embark on their early learning journey.  

• Vihagi, Nursery Room Leader

  

  Hi, I’m Vihagi, originally from Sri Lanka, and I have been passionate about early childhood education since 2016.

  I joined Samantha’s in September 2023 and I am the room leader of the Nursery. I hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Education, which I completed in 2021 while overseas. After moving to Australia, I continued expanding my knowledge and am currently pursuing a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education.

  With years of experience nurturing young minds, I strive to create a warm, engaging, and supportive environment where children feel safe to explore, grow, and develop essential skills. I believe in fostering strong relationships with children and families, ensuring each child receives the individual care and encouragement they need to thrive. My approach is play-based, focusing on sensory experiences, social interactions, and foundational learning that support their holistic development. It is a joy to be part of each child’s journey, guiding them through their early years with love and dedication.

• Khushi, Support Educator

  

  My name is Khushi, and I am originally from Nepal.

  I hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and I am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in the same field. In 2023 I joined the early childhood sector, and am dedicated to creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where children feel safe to explore, learn, and grow.

     I am passionate about working with young children and feel truly excited to support them in their early learning journey. Seeing them achieve small milestones—whether it’s taking their first steps, learning new words, or gaining confidence—brings me immense joy and fulfilment. I believe in the power of play-based learning and value strong relationships with families to ensure each child feels valued, supported, and encouraged as they develop.

• Lee, Toddler Room Leader

  

    My name is Leeanne (Lee) and I am a diploma-qualified educator. I have almost thirty years of experience working with children, from my time as an au pair to my years in outside school hours care and the present in early childhood education.

  I have been our Toddler Room leader here at Samantha’s since 2018 and I feel I have found my home. Here I strive to create a calm, creative and engaging environment for children to learn, and develop their resilience and independence. In addition to supporting their developmental goals, such as language and motor skills, I also place importance on developing children’s kindness and compassion.

  I have a love of animals, nature, crafts and books which I share with the children in my care during our daily group times. I’m passionate about providing the children with outdoor learning experiences, through their engagement with natural resources, and hands-on experience in our vegetable gardens. Being outdoors and engaging with nature has been found to promote positive character development and behaviours, and a sense of wellbeing.

  "Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world" - Albert Einstein.

• Angela, Toddler Educator

  

  My name is Angela and I am a Diploma qualified Educator. Since Early 2024, I have had the privilege of working here at Samantha’s.

  I find it incredibly rewarding to engage with the children, whether it is through their play, conversations, or guiding them as they reach new milestones.  I am passionate about creating a welcoming and safe environment where they can express themselves and feel supported.

  Throughout my time here, I have gained invaluable knowledge and experience and I am grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside such a dedicated team.  I look forward to continuing to contribute to the children’s learning journey, helping them feel happy, safe, and excited to explore. 

• Christina, Early Childhood Teacher (ECT)

  

  My name is Christina (Tina), and I am a passionate Early Childhood educator who begun my career in 2012, having recently moved to Melbourne from Auckland, NZ. I hold a Bachelor of Education and am a fully registered teacher.

  Over the years, I’ve learned that the foundation of effective Early Childhood Education lies in the relationships we build with children. I firmly believe in fostering responsive and reciprocal relationships with each child.

  My approach is rooted in creating an environment that is not only safe and nurturing but also one where curiosity is sparked, confidence grows, and children develop a love for learning.

  I joined the team at Samantha’s Glen Iris in 2024, I am excited to continue refining my teaching philosophy, drawing from my experiences and the diverse perspectives I encounter here. I value collaboration and look forward to growing alongside the children, and families.

• Thao, 4 YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN EDUCATOR

  

   My name is Thao. I moved from Vietnam to Australia in 2014 to explore new opportunities.

  After earning a Bachelor's in Biomedical Science, my passion for teaching led me to complete a higher degree in Early Childhood Education. I have worked in this field since 2019, and joining the Samantha's team in early 2023. My teaching philosophy centres on the belief that every child is unique, and deserves respect and a nurturing environment.

  Clear instructions and consistent rules help children understand concepts and build school readiness. I support play-based learning and hands-on experiences to promote emotional expression, holistic development, and cultural diversity.

• Kiara, Educator

  

  My name is Kiara and I am studying my Bachelor in Early Education.  

  I believe that supporting children by making strong relationships and connections offers a foundation to thrive on, while teaching kindness and empathy. By engaging with individuals, I can acknowledge their interests and provide an environment that is tailored to each child, making their experiences and interactions more exciting.

  I believe that treating children with kindness sets an example and shows them how they should be towards their peers. 

• Shruti, Qualified Educator

  

  I came into the childcare sector due to my love for children. Before starting in Early Childhood, I was working in the retail sector. After having my first child, I realised my true passion for children and hence began my journey to become a Diploma qualified early childhood educator.

  After achieving my qualification, my first role was in a casual position. I loved the opportunity to work different hours on different days at various childcare centres. I enjoyed being able to work and connect with children of all ages. Joining Samantha's-Glen Iris in 2017, I have worked in various roles and enjoy working with all age groups.

  I love working at Samantha's-Glen Iris and alongside the educators and the Center Manager who all support each other and make each day a new learning experience. My philosophy in life is to provide every child with an opportunity to grow, learn and develop through various activities, resources and learning environments based on their individual needs. My aim is to provide children fun, safe and positive environments where they are able to express and communicate their feelings confidently. I also believe in working in collaboration with the child's family so as to achieve the best results for every child as input from families is very valuable.

• Hongfang, Support Educator

  

  My name is Hongfang, originally from China. I have a deep passion for traditional natural therapies and a strong interest in early childhood education.

  After receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Nutrition in 2023, I took my interest further by completing a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education in 2024, the same year I joined Samantha’s Childcare Glen Iris. I am grateful to work with you and your children in their learning journeys.

  I believe that it is profoundly important to provide children with a sense of belonging and an inclusive environment by supporting them during their formative years. Every child has innate abilities and potential, making it crucial to prioritise their voices and choices.

  I aim to build a solid foundation for each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. With passion, empathy, dedication, and a deep understanding of each child’s unique strengths and needs, I strive to ensure that every child has a happy, safe and healthy early life.

• Candice, Support Educator

  

  Hi, my name is Candice. I am diploma-qualified with over 10 years of experience in the Early Childhood sector.

  Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience as an assistant educator, working with various age groups, including Nursery, Toddler, and Kinder. My philosophy is to ensure equal education and a safe space for all children, regardless of their age, gender, cultural background, or language proficiency.

  I believe in creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported. I look forward to meeting your children, discovering their interests, and supporting their overall learning and development journey.

   

• Jade, Support Educator

  

  I'm Jade, I started at Samantha's in 2024, bringing 3 years of experience in Early Childhood Education with me.

  I love supporting children in building foundational skills that promote social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. Currently, I am studying Early Childhood and Primary Education, majoring in Science and Inquiry Learning Practices for Early and Primary Years. Throughout the centre, I put my theoretical knowledge to practice and created personalised play-based approaches for the children, focusing on developing foundational school skills needed for your child's first year of prep.

  I understand the importance of early learning experiences in shaping lifelong success, so I enjoy working closely with families to ensure each child's unique needs and potential are fully supported the entire time at Samantha's.

• Lilis, Centre Cook

  

    Since 2017 I have gained years of experience in Childhood Education, I hold a Certificate III in Patisserie, Certificate II in Kitchen Operations, and a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

  Throughout my career, I have worked both as a cook in the kitchen and as an educator in the classroom. As a mother of three, I have always had a passion for working with young children and nurturing their growth in every way possible.

  To me, cooking for the children feels like cooking for my own. I take great care in preparing every meal with love and attention, ensuring it is not only nutritious but also enjoyable. Just like I would for my own children, I want each child to feel safe, nourished, and excited about the food they eat. It’s incredibly rewarding to know I’m helping to lay the foundation for healthy eating habits from an early age.

  I’m always excited to explore new and creative ways to prepare meals that not only meet nutritional needs but also spark curiosity about food. By offering fresh, diverse, and delicious options, I aim to support the children's growth while promoting a lifelong appreciation for healthy eating.