Claire Vellios
Director & Educational Leader
BECS, B Prim Ed Stud,
Post Grad Dip Ed Stud (Dis+Imp),
M Spec lnc Ed (Melb),
Dip Sus (Swin)
Claire Vellios is the Founder, Director and Educational Leader of Malin Friends. She brings extensive experience across the early childhood and primary education sectors, including kindergarten, long day care, special education and early primary teaching.
Kayla McNeil
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.
Stephanie Lam
Kindergarten Teacher and Educational Leader
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.
Harshitha Vallesetty
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.
Maria Lupino
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.