Raquel – Director / Early Childhood Teacher
Bachelor of Education / Graduate Certificate of Early Education/ Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Raquel stepped into the Director role in early 2015 after volunteering and assisting in the Senior Kindy program the previous year. She has a passion for play-based learning and believes that play is essential for children of all ages. In 2017 she attended the 2nd National Play and Playwork conference in Melbourne and returned to MELC with a keen interest in the principles of Playwork. In 2019 she stepped in the Early Childhood Teacher role and has been delivering the Kindergarten Program within the Senior Kindy Room. Raquel strives to inspire a fun and engaging program in collaboration with the team, the families and the community and does her best to bring a touch of magic to the centre each and every day.
Renee
Diploma of Early Education and Care
With her experience as a OSHC co-ordinator, Renee has an in-depth understanding of the day-to-day running of a centre. She is focused on supporting educators in both rooms to deliver high-quality programs, as well as offering admin assistance within the office. Renee has a keen interest in delivering play-based learning experiences, making use of loose parts and open-ended materials. She has had a big influence over the sustainable practices implemented at M.E.L.C.
Pauline
Diploma of Early Education and Care
Pauline started at MELC as a student while undertaking placement for her Certificate III. As a student she was given the opportunity to train with all of our educators and learn each individual educator’s approach to early education. In 2020 Pauline was given the opportunity to step into a Lead Role in our Junior Kindy Room, and has been implementing an engaging, play-based program since.
Renata
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Renata is our longest standing educator at MELC with almost 13 years of experience within our centre. Renata has worked with all age groups and has recently returned in a part time role following her maternity leave.
Pema
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Bachelor of Education – Currently Studying
Pema began at MELC as a student in 2018 and stepped into an Educator Role shortly after. She has demonstrated a great ability to facilitate a child-lead program framed by intentional teaching practices. She is currently working towards her Early Childhood Teacher qualification.
Michelle
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Michelle joined the MELC team in 2019, taking on an assistant role across both Junior Kindy and Senior Kindy. Stepping into a relief role within our team has given Michelle the opportunity to form strong relationships with all the children in our care.
Melissa
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Melissa joined our team in 2021 and commenced her Diploma while delivering the Middle Kindy Program. Her background experience as a Teacher Aide in ECDP, has given her great insight into her to support and scaffold learning for all ages. She works closely with families to support each child to develop their independence and self-help skills.
Kahlan
Trainee – Currently Studying Certificate III
Kahlan is the most recent educator to join our team and has commenced her Certificate III, while working alongside our team. As she progresses through her study, Kahlan will be able to apply new skills in her approaches here at MELC, under the guidance of our team.
Dechen
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Dechen is one of the educators in our Junior kindy room. Her ability to adapt across age groups has provided a wonderful and consistent environment for all the children in care.
Barbara
Owner / Approved Provider
Barb has been the approved provider and owner of MELC since 2006. She is a hands on owner, and works closely with Raquel and the team to ensure that the highest quality of care is provided to local families.