Staff at Jimboomba Little Gems Early Learning

Hello everyone here at Little Gems. My name is Gemma and I’m so excited to meet you all. I have been in the early years sector for around 20 years now and began as a trainee making my way through all roles from lead educator, educational leader, Assistant Director and most recently Director. I have a passion for all play based learning but find my biggest strengths involve nature play, loose parts play and anything that involves critical thinking and being outdoors. I am a city girl turned country after moving to Jimboomba two and a half years ago and love the laid back atmosphere of my new environment… especially now that I have room for my small (but growing) farm. I have a cheeky but adorable three year old, Teddy who is the light of my life. I can’t wait to meet you all and begin building special connections.

My name is Cass, I began in childcare in 1992 with a dream of nurturing little hearts and souls into believing they are worthy of becoming all they can and more. Throughout these years I nurtured my own little dreamer, Caleb and two more years later, Danny and Yazmine through the discovery of my one true love, Dan. We have our own home in Flagstone with two rescued fur babies – Reginald the Bull Terrier and Agatha the American Bulldog. We enjoy exploring on beach, bush walks, live bands and family catch ups.

Hi, my name is Tiarna, I am so excited to be given the opportunity to start my childcare career studying my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. I have always been passionate in working with children and watching them learn and grow. I continuously put in the effort to build connections and ensure that children are comfortable, safe and happy in a positive and caring environment. I love spending time with my family and friends, going to the beach and am a passionate volleyball athlete, recently playing in a tournament in Hawaii. I love teaching children new skills and seeing them grow, develop and thrive. I am so excited to expand my skills and learn more about childcare and join the Little Gems family.

Hello, my name is Marney. I have been in the Early Childhood Sector for over 9 years, and I have worked in all age groups, however I love the babies. I have completed my Diploma in Early Childhood and enjoy sharing my knowledge and experiences with our Little Gems Team. I believe that providing secure and trusting relationship with children can help to promote all aspects of a children’s development. Children in a safe and caring environment will develop a healthy emotional well-being and in turn have a positive effect on all other areas of their development. I love to have fun and you will always hear me singing songs with the children.  I am looking forward to meeting you and your family,

My name is Teagan, I began studying nursing before making a sudden career switch to childcare because of my love and passion for children. I haven’t worked in childcare before but I have always been around younger kids my whole life which has helped me grow my knowledge of children. I have one fur baby whose name is bear and he is a bundle of joy and has lots of energy. I use to play AFL all through high school but have stopped because of studies but still love to watch the game. I can’t wait to meet you all and grow a strong bond together.

Hello, My name is Leah and I have been working in the Child Care and Education sector since 2001, in both Queensland and New South Wales, within Child Care Centres and as a Private Nanny and hold my Diploma in Children’s Services. When I am not working I enjoy going on Road Trips, Camping, Music – listening to and watching LIVE, Photography, and spending time with friends. In relation to children’s education and care, I believe: That children have the right to learn in a safe, secure, and supportive environment to become independent, resilient, and have the capability to interact positively with others. In the importance of children feeling a sense of belonging within the Centre, that children become aware of, and contribute to, the importance of showing respect for their environment, peers, and educators. In children becoming strong in their social and emotional well-being, and taking responsibility for their own health and well-being. In children learning through curiosity and imaginative play to develop problem solving skills, adapting things from outside the Centre to their play in care, by connecting positively with peers and educators. That children’s verbal and non-verbal communication is important to be acknowledged equally as their form of expressing feelings and ideas. That all children are individual, and such are treated as individuals. Children learn through play, and to help achieve this, I aim to provide a safe and stimulating environment that is age appropriate. Play based learning is developed through child initiated and educator activities, where experiences are extended upon appropriately to further develop the children’s interests and skills. In providing a flexible routine for children to grow, learn, and explore their environment. That supporting families and having continuous communication is important to remain up to date with family affairs, changes to circumstances, and development issues that families wish to address.

Hello! My name is Scarlett. I am so excited to join the little Gems team! I have a Certificate3 in Early Childhood and care, now I am studying my Diploma. I am Originally from China,  I had the privilege of being an English teacher in China and a Chinese Language teacher in Australia, where I honed my skills in effective communication and creating engaging learning experience. As a mother of 3 wonderful children, I understand the significance of early childhood education in shaping a child’s growth and development. As an educator, I feel so lucky to witness the spark of curiosity and the joy of learning in your beautiful little ones. Apart from my educational background, I have a love for art
and drawing. I believe that creativity is a powerful tool for nurturing a child’s imagination and self-expression. One of my other passions is traveling when I have the opportunity. I look forward to meeting you soon.

My name is Nicci. I first worked with Little Gems in 2018 and finished up in 2021 to spend time with my family, but I am very excited to return "home" to where I first started my journey in early childhood education. I have also worked in before and after-school care. I am Diploma qualified and currently studying towards a Bachelor of education (early childhood) I am a mum of 3 beautiful children, 13, 10, and 5 years old, and very excited to be getting married later this year! On weekends you can guarantee that my family will be either camping, riding bikes, or cooking up a good feed on the smoker! Since working in the sector, I have had the privilege of meeting amazing families and forming professional relationships with them. I believe this is an important quality to have with families, that way we can help with any concerns or questions. I am a very outgoing, energetic, and most of all approachable person. So please feel free to come up and introduce yourself and your child if I don't get the chance to get to you first! I look forward to meeting all of you, getting to know your children, and creating magical and fun moments with them.

Hi, my name is Jada, I am currently studying for my certificate III in childcare. A little bit about myself is I love going out shopping with my friends, I also love looking after my little cousins and watching them grow, Although I have never held a position in the child care industry, I am eager to begin this adventure with you all and build strong bonds with all of the families and kids in the course of my career.

Hello, my name is Charlize, but you can call me Charli, I am currently studying my certificate III in childcare. I grew up in a big family, so I have always enjoyed helping with my younger siblings, and I now have a nephew, and two little nieces that I love to babysit, and watch them grow and become their own little person. I am extremely excited to join the team at little gems, and help with the needs of young children, and watch them grow and learn. In my free time I love to read, and to hang out with my family.

My name is Maddi!  I’ve been working in childcare for just over 8 years now, I am currently studying my Batchelor of Early Childcare Teaching and will finish in December 2023 and look forward to implementing everything I have learned over the years! I am a mum to an energetic 18-month-old son, as well as a step mum to a five-year old boy. These two definitely keep me on my toes, but are also the reason I love working with children! I am a firm believer in play-based activities and also encourage children to embrace their creative sides. There is no right or wrong in the creative arts, children have a strong ability for imagination, and I look forward to bringing it to life and as Picasso says “Every Child is an Artist”.

Hi my name is Hayley and I am currently studying my Certificate III in childcare.  I am excited to be working in such a beautiful and caring environment. I am very passionate about working with children! I love the energy they bring and being able to see them grow and develop new skills every day is a great experience. I am so excited to expand my learning with such lovely people.

Hi, my name is Lily, and I am so excited tobe part of the Little gems family. A little about myself, I really enjoy going down to the beach on a sunny day, Shopping is also my next favourite thing to do. When I was a little younger i loved doing cheer. I did this for quite some time and really enjoyed this. I have never worked in the child care sector and I am so excited to start this journey with you all and start forming positive relationships with all the families and children in the service.

Hi, my name is Cassandra! I am thrilled to be a part of the Little Gems Daycare family. While I am new to the child care sector, I bring the invaluable experience of being a loving mother to a 5-year-old and an 8-month-old. I am passionate about creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for children to grow, learn,
and thrive. I am excited to build meaningful connections with the children in our care and contribute to their development. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality moments with my family and our fluffy golden retriever.

Hi, my name is Madi. As a mum of 2 daughters, I have seen first hand how important it is to have loving, fun and committed educators in a child’s early years; my girls wouldn’t be who they are without the educators that have helped raise them. I have decided to take the leap from my career in the property and finance world to becoming a childcare educator so I can build a life that is family oriented with no more late nights in an office. My goal is to make all children feel loved, safe and valued and give them the ability to express their creativity, imagination and most of all, to have fun! I spend my time with my family riding motorbikes, gardening, getting out 4x4ing and camping and watching footy (NRL only of course). I have a side hobby of making kids clothes, baby and kid milestone bits and bobs, Christmas gifts and I love to bake! I look forward to getting to know you and your precious little gems.

My name is Melanie, I go by Mel. I am a mother to three children, Emily (14), Freya (7) and Jack (4).
I have worked in the food industry since 2009 and started in the Early Learning industry 18 months ago as a cook. I started studying my certificate 3 in Early Childcare Education and Care in September 2023 and I am keen to get my qualification and to make some amazing relationships with the children. I am an amateur baker and love to make cupcakes and brownies. I do dabble in birthday cakes as well. I am a huge Disney fan, I especially love the villains in most of the movies. I am also a superhero nerd as my husband calls me. I am also a huge horror fan. My favourite holidays are Halloween and Christmas, I love all things spooky and the magic of Christmas. My music playlist always consists of punk, pop, country and most importantly Disney. I love to have sing-alongs in the car with the kids. My weekends are usually spent cooking and playing with my kids and binge watching Disney musicals. I also collect fairy and dragon figurines and I have a very large collection of candles.

My name is Charlotte, and I’ve been in the early childhood industry since 2023. I love helping kids learn and grow in a safe and loving environment. In my free time, I enjoy reading, talking to my friends and family, and watching my favorite TV shows. On weekends, I like spending time shopping with my family or relaxing at home with music and a good book. I’m a big fan of pop music and love going to concerts whenever I can.

Hello, my name is Phoebe, and I am thrilled to be starting my first year as a childhood educator. I’ve always been passionate about working with children and I find it very rewarding to watch them learn and grow. I am excited to continue to help all the children achieve their goals. I am eager to be working with such a dedicated team. In my free time, I enjoy going out with friends spending time with family, playing sports. I especially enjoy playing touch football and volleyball I find these activities help me stay active.