Staff at Helensvale Little Gems Child Care

Hi! My name is Kellie and I just wanted to say a big hello, I am the Area Manager for Little Gems and I wanted to share a bit about myself and my family with you all. I am married and have two boys. I have worked in the Early Childhood profession for the past 23 years (now I’m feeling old!) and have loved every minute of it. I started out as a trainee in 2001 and have worked through my diploma and then I completed my Bachelor of Early Childhood in 2014. My passion is building relationships with families, our community, our wonderful educators and of course all your precious little people! Please never hesitate to come and see me at any time you need! I am looking forward to getting to know you all and working in partnership with you to ensure your children feel safe secure and supported in their environment and in their learning.

Hi my name is Nicole and I am so excited to be sharing your child’s early learning journey with you. I have worked in the Early Childhood sector for over 20 years and hold a Diploma of Children’s services. In that time I have worked in various positions including Educator, Lead educator, Educational leader, 2IC roles and am now very excited to be the Centre Director at Little Gems. I have a strong interest in inclusion for all children of all abilities. As a Mum to 3 amazing children, Noah, Paige and Layla. I understand all too well just how important high quality education and care for your special little person is to you. Early childhood education is not just my profession, it is my passion!

Hello to all the Little Gems families. My name is Miss Tahnee and I am a lead educator here at Little Gems. I believe that every child deserves the best possible start to life by growing and learning in a loving, safe and secure environment. I am very much looking forward to getting to know all the children within my care as well as their loved ones and to be a reliable, trustworthy and honest educator whilst providing the best possible care and education to your children. A little about me: I am originally from Victoria but grew up on the Gold Coast. I thoroughly enjoy anything classic such as cars & music. I am quite an artistic and active person and love an adrenaline rush. Outside of work, you will find me either outdoors staying active, enjoying hinterland motorbike rides or doing arts and craft / baking.

Hi! My name is Mariana and I am studying my certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. I am originally from Brazil but I’ve been living in Australia for a while. Since I was a teenager, I knew that I wanted to work with children as I love being able to help them to grow and develop. In my home country I graduated in Nursing. During my career as Nurse I always worked with children. I have loved being in the childcare sector so far and I am super excited to help children to grow up happy and healthy. I look forward to meeting you all.

Hi!! I am Emma, a seasoned and deeply passionate Early Childhood Educator with over 12 years of practical industry experience, and a wealth of current, innovative and holistic knowledge I have gained through consistently pursuing education, professional development and ongoing personal research.

 I am also strongly influenced by the principles of the Montessori theory, and the theories of Malaguzzi and Piaget, celebrating the notion that children are capable autonomous beings, who deserve respect and autonomy as a valued learning community member.

I look forward to meeting you!

Hi my name is Ella! I have just graduated high school and am starting my journey at Little Gems this year! I will also be completing my certificate lll in Early Childhood Education and Care.  I love dancing and hanging out with my friends on the weekend. I am super excited about being at Little Gems as I love children and watching them have fun and laugh and helping them grow.

Hi families! I grew up in a country town called “Tamworth “in NSW, where I completed my school graduating in 2013. I have an older sister,  two beautiful nieces and a brother in-law that live here on the Gold Coast. I moved to the Gold Coast in 2016 where I obtained and started work in childcare completing my Cert III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.  Before this I used to babysit children. Living her on the Gold Coast I have made and created a beautiful life in which I share with my family and friends experiencing and creating a wonderful lifestyle here on the Gold Coast.

Hello. My Name is Tamieka but everyone calls me Mieka. I’m a mother to a beautiful baby girl. I have been working in Early Childhood education and for Little Gems since 2017. I hold my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, I’m also I certified practitioner in 3a (Abecedarian Approach Australia). My favourite activities to do with the children is spending quality one on one time engaging in conversational reading, fun learning games, singing, dancing and messy play. Having the opportunity to watch the children learn and grow is one of the best parts of my job.

Hi! My name is Charmaine, I am Diploma qualified in Early Childhood Education. I am married and have 3 beautiful children who are aged 10, 15 and 20. I love spending time with my family as my family is very important to me. I am really excited about building relationships with all your children and with you as well!! I believe relationships are the basis of all we do in Early childhood. My love of watching children grow and develop lead me to start my study.

Hi! My name is Emme. I am passionate about working with children. Previously I worked with older children in Out of school hours care. I am excited to progress my knowledge and build a carer in early childhood Education. I recently moved from Darwin and look forward to new and exciting adventures here on the Gold Coast.

A big hello to all our families! My name is Hayley and I started my childcare journey whilst I was at school when I completed my Certificate 3 in 2018. Once I graduated school I knew I wanted to continue working in Early Childhood as I am passionate about being able to support children to learn and grow. It is a very special privilege to be able to watch children blossom and to be able to guide them through their early childhood journey. In my spare time I love to spend time at home with my family watching movies!! I look forward to getting to know you and your children!

Hello, My name is Kellie. I have been an Early Childhood Educator since 2003. My career started when my children were young. I wanted to spend as much time as possible with them but also pursue a fulfilling career. Working in Early Childhood, I have come to know that children learn by observing, listening, exploring, experimenting and asking questions. This is why I believe it is important to encourage and support children’s curiosities, problem solving skills, persistence and resilience. Through sensory experiences children develop their language skills, fine and gross motor skills, cognitive growth and social skills. Sensory play also encourages experimentation. Through offering a variety of experiences and scaffolding on children’s interests, children will develop new strengths and interests that will broaden his or her understanding of the world. All of these things make up my practice and I hope to create an environment that all of the children in my care feel is a “Home away from Home.”

Hi I’m Layne. I graduated high school in 2020 with the intention of becoming a lawyer but quickly found that wasn’t my passion. After I Graduated I travelled around Australia until I finally realised I wanted to be a primary school teacher and here I am today studying a bachelor of education and working here with the Little Gems Family!  I look forward to meeting you all.

Hi! I have been in childcare for 8 years, working with all ages. I love what I do and look forward to teaching children new things and watching them grow.

Originally from NSW, moved to the Gold Coast for a new start. I look forward to meeting you all soon!

Hello my name is Chyvana and I have always had a passion working in childcare and will be studying a cart III in early childhood. A little about me: I love going camping, going to the beach going for a walk, going on the boat, watching movies and spending time with my family and two dogs Butter and Lexie. I have always had a passion to be a makeup artist but as I got older, I wasn’t as interested in it anymore. I now have a passion for childcare, I have always grown up with younger cousins and my friends kids and now I am really looking forward to working in childcare.

Hi my name is Tammy. I completed my certificate III in 2014. I worked in childcare for a few years until I had my boys and took some time off work to be a Mum. I have been a parent here at Little Gems for the past 5 years as my boys attended Little Gems since the babies room. I am so excited to help teach and be a part of your child’s learning journey. I look forward to meeting all of you!

Hello. My name is Nikki, I am a Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching qualified Early Childhood Teacher.  My passion is early Childhood Education.  I have worked across all age groups and look forward to sharing your child’s learning journey. I am a Mum to 2 beautiful boys both growing up and living their best life!  My hobbies include reading, coffee but most importantly spending time with my family. I am very lucky to be a part of the Little Gems family and look forward getting to know you and your children.

Hi, my name is Hannah! I am one of the educators at the centre, recently graduating from high school in 2021. I am currently studying my Diploma in Early Childhood. When I turned 12, I started assistant teaching at my Dance Studio. This is where I discovered my passion and love for working with my younger students. I believe that all the children should build a safe, supportive and bubbly relationship with their educators. I am super excited to be part of the Little Gems family and look forward to getting to know all of the wonderful families.

My name is Jenna and I have been working within the childcare and education system since 2016. I hold a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) and I am a mother of two beautiful boys aged 8 and 5. I look forward to creating a safe, secure and inclusive environment for children to learn and thrive. I also look forward to creating supportive and respectful relationships with the parents and children within the Caterpillar room and the Little Gems community. I am excited to become a member of the Little Gems team.

Hi, my name is Jayde, I hold my Certificate III in Early Childhood. I have had a passion for working with children since I started babysitting at 14. I moved from South Africa at the end of year 11 and became a nanny once I left high school. The love I have for children grows everyday. On the weekends that I don’t babysit I am hanging out with my friends and family, going to the beach, Sushi Train or reading fictional books. I am so excited to be a part of the Little Gems family.

Hello everyone. I am so happy to be a part of Little Gems Family. I am so happy to be a part of your little one’s childcare journey!

My name is Kirk, I am currently studying Cert III in Early Childhood education and Care.
I am a licensed professional teacher in the Philippines and have worked in a child care centre since July 2023. Have taught family day care in Philippines too.
I have first aid and CPR training . will also do my Diploma in ECEC after my Certificate. I will apply for a lead educator role when I have finished with college.

Hi, I’m Catherine, I was born and raised in the Philippines. I took Bachelor of Physical Education, School Physical Education in the Philippines and passed the License Examination for Teachers. I was a teacher in the Philippines for 4 years and decided to expand my learnings and took a student visa to Australia. I am now studying Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Diploma in Early Childhood Education. Teaching is my passion and I love to care for kids as well.

I am looking forward to meeting you!