Director & Educational Leader

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BECS, B Prim Ed Stud,
Post Grad Dip Ed Stud (Dis+Imp),
M Spec lnc Ed (Melb),
Dip Sus (Swin)

The Malin Friends team is led by Claire Vellios, Director and Educational Leader. Claire has extensive teaching experience in both the early childhood and primary sectors including kindergarten, child care, special education and early primary education 

Centre Coordinator

Kayla has worked in the Early Childhood sector for over a decade working with all ages groups and in administration areas of service delivery.  Kayla focuses on the daily running of the centre, ensuring that all practises are of the highest quality possible. She manages daily staffing, enrolments and compliance tasks.  She is skilled at creating a homely and welcoming environment, where everyone is valued, feels safe and can thrive.

Nursery Team Lead Educator

Harshitha is an experienced educator with Diploma qualifications and she oversees all Nursery programs.  Harshitha provides an experience rich, relaxed, safe and nurturing environments for our youngest children.

Kindergarten Teacher

Stephanie is an experienced Early Childhood Teacher who has degree level psychology and teaching qualifications.  She is skilled in providing developmental appropriate and extending programs for the kindergarten aged children.  Stephanie has worked in a variety of kindergarten settings and has experience in supporting children with additional needs and aligns with an inclusive philosophy to her teaching.

Pre Prep Teacher

Jasmine has both primary level and experienced Early Childhood Teaching qualifications and she teaches our Pre Prep children preparing for school.  She has worked as both a Primary and Kindergarten teacher across Queensland, NSW and Victoria.  She is skilled in providing developmental appropriate, school readiness programs for Pre Prep aged children.  Jasmine provides holistic approaches to education and work closely with all families to achieve this. 

Nutrition Leader

Maria is an experienced Early Childhood educator with Diploma and Advanced Diploma Early Childhood qualifications.  She has Food Supervisor certificates and overseas the kitchen management and nutrition requirements for all children.  Maria is keenly focused on providing meals that are based on raw, locally supplied ingredients and that are plentiful in lean meats/ proteins, grains, fruits and vegetables.  She is skilled at managing all dietary requirements and preferences.  Further, loves cooking with the children and growing vegetables and herbs at our centre.