Meet Our Team

Our passionate team believe success comes from the combination of play and education, both structured and self discovered. We understand children have a natural sense of curiosity and each one has unique talents, capabilities and aspirations. We nurture these characteristics by providing a stimulating, healthy and caring environment where children can flourish in their development.

Toowoomba City

Toowoomba Range

Springwood

Kathy

Director

view profile

Hi, my name is Kathy

Director

I’m very happy to be the Nominated Supervisor at Charley’s place. I have been working in the Early Years Education sector for 15 years, 11 of those years at the same service. I was a toddler room Lead Educator for 7 years, kindy teacher for a year and this is my fifth year as a centre Director. I’m a mother of 4 amazing grown up children and a grandmother of 8 granddaughters, which includes 4-year-old triplets and 1 grandson.

My philosophy is to treat and respect every child in my care as I would want my children to be treated. I am extremely passionate and dedicated when it comes to my chosen career in working with young children. I have high expectations of myself and staff about ensuring a high standard of care for every child that is in our care as they deserve nothing less. I understand that families will be entrusting us with the most important people in their lives. Therefore, we need to ensure that every child and family feels that they are respected and valued in the learning journey at Charley’s on Margret.

I look forward to building positive respectful relationships with all the children, families, educators and community while working at Charley’s Place.

Renee

Educational Leader & Admin

view profile

Hi, my name is Renee

Educational Leader & Admin

My name is Renee and I have over eight years of experience in the Early Year Learning sector. With this experience, I have worked as an Assistant Educator in a Jnr Toddler room and in the Kindergarten room, as well as the Lead Educator in Jnr Kindy.

My most recent adventure here at Charleys on Margaret I am the Administrator and Educational Leader. I am dedicated to all aspects of my role and am passionate about being apart of the first five years of a Child's life as we work collaboratively to build upon a Child's knowledge, skills and capabilities by providing a nurturing and positive environment for children and families to grow. I look forward to being a part of each family and Child's learning journey while they are at Charleys on Margaret

Stephanie

Kindy Teacher Toowoomba City | All Ages

view profile

Hi my name is Stephanie

Kindy Teacher Toowoomba City | All Ages

I am the Assistant Director and Kindergarten teacher at Charley’s Place on Margret.

Within my kindergarten room I personally provide challenging, worthwhile learning environments that enable strong child-teacher relationships to flourish.

I personally believe in a holistic approach to play based learning, as it offers children an array of opportunities to develop as individuals.

I strongly believe in an ecological approach to child learning and therefore, encourage parent and family involvement to shape each child’s development in the areas of; physical, social, emotional and cognitive domains.

Jay

Centre Director Springwood | All Ages

view profile

Hi, my name is Jay

Centre Director Springwood | All Ages

Jay Gomez is thrilled to be the Director for Charley's Place Springwood. Jay has been an advocate for children for close to two decades and believes wholeheartedly in the importance of providing excellence in quality of education and care to children in the first five years of life. Jay believes in the power of play-based learning and understands how learning through play is the best way for children to build a foundation upon which all future learning will take place. Jay's philosophy embraces critical early childhood education theorists such as Vygotsky and Malaguzzi, while acknowledging the importance of the psychological work of Erikson, Piaget, Bowlby, Maslow and Glasser.

Jay has had a wealth of experience in the early childhood profession and has worked in every position within a centre over the years. Prior to his employment with Charley's Place, Jay ran a successful early learning management company, building leaders across seven different centres across Queensland. Jay also has a background in training and has supported educators throughout Queensland and New South Wales with their professional development needs. His target is always exceeding.

Jay is extremely proud to return to Charley's Place as he started his journey in management and development with the company many years ago.

Jay has studied a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor of Primary Education and is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology. He holds an Advanced Diploma in early childhood studies.

Karen

Administration Springwood | All Ages

view profile

Hi, my name is Karen

Administration Springwood | All Ages

I have had many years experience as a Director who started with Charley’s Place on the 18th March 2019.

I carry a wealth of knowledge and experience for the given role.

I have been instrumental in my past centres with combining children first, building and keeping positive family and community relationships, team and individual development as well as pride in my position at Charley’s Place.

I am so excited to be a part of the company aligned with my passion and drive for the industry.

Shannen

Kindergarten Teacher Springwood | Ages 3-5

view profile

Hi, my name is Shannen

Kindergarten Teacher Springwood | Ages 3-5

I am the new ECT in "Under the Sea"room.

I did my training in New Zealand and have been living and working in QLD for just under a year.

I have 5 years experience in the Early Childhood Industry, with knowledge of the school curriculum as well. I have a passion and strong interest in bridging the gap between early childhood centres and schools.

Outside of work, I enjoy nature, walking, swimming and am a huge animal lover.

I am very excited to join Charley's Place team and build relationships with all of the children and their families.

Jackie

Centre Director | All Ages

view profile

Hi, my name is Jackie

Centre Directer | All Ages

I have worked in the childcare industry for 18 years, 9 of those in the UK. I love working with children and watching as they grow and learn. As a Director, I have the privilege of working with the Educator’s and families at a new level that is both satisfying and rewarding. I look forward to seeing the children and their families each day.

Angie

Administration | All Ages

view profile

Hi, my name is Angie

Administration | All Ages

I work on the front desk and love being the positive and familiar face for our families when they arrive each day. I moved to Toowoomba in 2010 and have not looked back. I have completed my Diploma of Children’s Services, giving me extensive knowledge in early childhood.

Bec

Kindergarten Teacher | Ages 3-5

view profile

Hi, my name is Bec

Kindergarten Teacher | 3-5 Years

I have been working with children since 2006 and have loved every minute of it. When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with friends and watching a movie, having a BBQ or travelling. I have done a bit of travelling over the last few years and while it has been amazing seeing different cultures, it makes me appreciate home a lot more. I have a beautiful five year old black & white Border Collie named Hannah and a 2 month old wheaten and white Border Collie named Henry.

I love to dance and have experience in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Ballroom, Latin and New Vogue. I also love to get involved in musical theatre and spent 10 years on stage and a further 5 years behind the scenes.

Interested in working with us? Apply Now

Book a Tour

Meet the experienced educators who will nurture your child's early learning experience

Book Now Take the Virtual Tour

Meet Our Team