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Meet our
Educators
There is nothing more important than staff! Most of our staff have been with us for many years. We have very consistent staffing and do not employ agency staff, as we know that the children and their parents like to see the same happy faces every day.
Our Educators are highly qualified and several hold Degrees in Early Childhood Education. They are guided by an Educational Leader to ensure we deliver a quality educational program for your child.
The Educators are fully engaged with the children when they are caring for them. All of our Educators are given sufficient time off the floor for programming and other administrative tasks. When they are with your child, they are 100% focussed on the children, not paperwork.
All Educators attend professional training regularly and are encouraged by the Centre Owner to continuously further their education and learning.
Bonnie Au-Yeung
Owner and Approved Provider
BCom, MA, Cert III Children's Services
BCom, MA, Cert III Children's Services
After many years in the corporate world, I retrained and came back to my first love …… children. I built and started Beecroft Buddies in 2008. I have always been a working mother, so my objective is very simple…. to provide an environment for a child where parents would always know that their child is safe, secure, loved and stimulated. I am proud that over the years, I have been able to do this with the support of a team of very loyal and dedicated Educators. I am also grateful for the relationships I have developed with all my families.
As the Owner of Beecroft Buddies, I only operate one childcare centre, so I am highly committed and involved! You will always see me!
As the Owner of Beecroft Buddies, I only operate one childcare centre, so I am highly committed and involved! You will always see me!
Mariella Stevenson
Nominated Supervisor
Bachelor of Teaching (Birth to 5)
Bachelor of Teaching (Birth to 5)
My name is Mariella, I have worked at Beecroft Buddies since 2008. I started at Buddies as a trainee and then have developed into the Directors role. I completed my Bachelor of Teaching, Birth to Five Years degree at Macquarie University in 2015.
I believe empathy and care are the most important aspects of my philosophy. Children further their learning and development when they have a great connection with their Educators and the environment.
I believe empathy and care are the most important aspects of my philosophy. Children further their learning and development when they have a great connection with their Educators and the environment.
Angella de Beer
Nominated Supervisor
Bachelor of Education (Birth to 5)
Bachelor of Education (Birth to 5)
My name is Angella, I have been working at Beecroft Buddies since 2011. I started at Buddies as a Trainee and I progressed over the years finishing my Bachelor of Education and then took on the director role in 2018.
My philosophy is to ensure all children should feel safe and supported in the environment. I therefore believe it is my job to create an environment that is secure, caring, loving and nurturing. I aim to provide an environment that I would want my own children to explore and develop in.
My philosophy is to ensure all children should feel safe and supported in the environment. I therefore believe it is my job to create an environment that is secure, caring, loving and nurturing. I aim to provide an environment that I would want my own children to explore and develop in.
PRIYANKA SHARMA
Educational Leader
Diploma of Children's Services
Diploma of Children's Services
My name is Priyanka and I have worked as an Early childhood educator for 5 years. I have been working at Beecroft Buddies since 2021.
I am creative and love to stay active and I bring these passions into my early childhood teaching. I come from an Indian background and my interests lie in reading and looking for opportunities to sit down and read with a cup of coffee.
I believe that the early years is an important time to nurture children’s love of learning and to foster their overall wellbeing. I believe that each child is an individual and as an educator, I look for creative ways to develop each child’s strengths, interests, skills, abilities and knowledge, hence fostering their learning.
I believe that the early years is an important time to nurture children’s love of learning and to foster their overall wellbeing. I believe that each child is an individual and as an educator, I look for creative ways to develop each child’s strengths, interests, skills, abilities and knowledge, hence fostering their learning.
CHRISTINA RIMI
Bachelor of Early Childhood
(Birth to 5)
(Birth to 5)
I have always wanted to work with children. I started working at Beecroft Buddies in 2018 and in my spare time, I love to read and spend time with my family. I am very family-orientated and spend a lot of time with my extended family and grandparent. This is why I believe family involvement is so important.
I believe that children learn best in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where children can reach their full potential, build their autonomy, independence and self-esteem.
I believe that children learn best in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where children can reach their full potential, build their autonomy, independence and self-esteem.
ELLA MEAKER
Bachelor of Education
(Birth to 12)
(Birth to 12)
My name is Ella and I graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Primary Education, with a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Early Education (0-12).
I began working at Beecroft Buddies after a uni placement here in 2023, as I not only loved the learning and curriculum, but the nurturing and child-centred atmosphere created by all educators, which made me want to join the Buddies team!
My philosophy and pedagogies regarding early learning places a paramount emphasis on inclusivity and a child-led approach. I firmly believe that every child, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances, should have the opportunity to engage in early learning experiences that cater to their unique needs and interests.
My philosophy and pedagogies regarding early learning places a paramount emphasis on inclusivity and a child-led approach. I firmly believe that every child, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances, should have the opportunity to engage in early learning experiences that cater to their unique needs and interests.
CAOIMHE KRENMAYR
Bachelor of Early Childhood
(Birth to 5)
(Birth to 5)
Being the oldest of four children has influenced my love and desire to work with children. I started at Beecroft Buddies in 2022 when completing my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education placement, where I was offered a position as part of the very welcoming team.
Early childhood education builds a strong foundation for life-long learning. I believe every child is an individual whose uniqueness should be valued and catered for. I aim to provide a safe and inclusive environment where every child feels a sense of belonging as they learn, grow and develop.
Early childhood education builds a strong foundation for life-long learning. I believe every child is an individual whose uniqueness should be valued and catered for. I aim to provide a safe and inclusive environment where every child feels a sense of belonging as they learn, grow and develop.
Kellie Chilvers
Working towards Bachelor of Education
(Birth to 12)
(Birth to 12)
My name is Kellie, I am currently working towards my Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education. I enjoy working with children and have always known that I wanted to be a teacher!
I believe an Early Childhood Educator should value children and care about their wellbeing. I am a big believer in play based learning, where children learn best through hands on experiences, are fully involved and make choices about what they learn.
I believe an Early Childhood Educator should value children and care about their wellbeing. I am a big believer in play based learning, where children learn best through hands on experiences, are fully involved and make choices about what they learn.
TARA WAUGH
Working towards Bachelor of Teaching
(Birth to 5)
I have completed my Diploma and I am now studying at Macquarie
University to become an ECT. I started working as a casual for Buddies in 2022 and love the
welcoming, collaborative environment.
Every child is unique. Each child is worthy of creating a sense of belonging and identity in a positive environment in which they feel safe, secure, and supported. Gaining knowledge of children’s culture and environment influences their play, thinking, decision-making, development, and learning. Children connecting to the environment emphasize the values and meaning of learning by embedding outcomes for physical activity, risk-taking, sustainable practices, and connection with nature.
Every child is unique. Each child is worthy of creating a sense of belonging and identity in a positive environment in which they feel safe, secure, and supported. Gaining knowledge of children’s culture and environment influences their play, thinking, decision-making, development, and learning. Children connecting to the environment emphasize the values and meaning of learning by embedding outcomes for physical activity, risk-taking, sustainable practices, and connection with nature.
SAMI SPROULE
Working towards Bachelor of Education
(Birth to 12)
(Birth to 12)
I have always had a love for coaching and supporting children's mental and physical health, teamwork and gross motor skills.
Being a sports coach lead me to study a Early Childhood and Primary Education degree at Macquarie University.
I started to work for Buddies in 2020.
Children learn best when their learning is child-lead. This includes the acknowledgement of each child’s languages, cultures and family background which need to be respected and honoured. The environment plays a major role in inclusivity and safety.
Children learn best when their learning is child-lead. This includes the acknowledgement of each child’s languages, cultures and family background which need to be respected and honoured. The environment plays a major role in inclusivity and safety.
Jane Yuan
Diploma of Children's Services
Hi, My name is Jane. I originally came from Shanghai, China. I have worked at Beecroft Buddies since 2013. I am a Diploma trained Educator.
My personal philosophy is “Life is like a piano. What you get out of it depends on how you play it. - Albert Einstein”.
My personal philosophy is “Life is like a piano. What you get out of it depends on how you play it. - Albert Einstein”.
Madeline Woodbury
Diploma of Children's Services
Hello my name is Madeline Jonaidi I am married with a daughter. I started at Beecroft Buddies in 2011 when I was on my practical experience for my Diploma in Children’s Services, I was asked to stay and I have never left! My job is so rewarding, and I love it because it gives me the opportunity to observe how children grow and become confident and independent learners.
I believe that children learn through play. I will provide a safe and nurturing environment that gives opportunities for children to explore, discover, create and imagine.
I believe that children learn through play. I will provide a safe and nurturing environment that gives opportunities for children to explore, discover, create and imagine.
Prasanthi Ambepitiya
Diploma of Children's Services
My name is Prasanthi, I was born in Sri Lanka and came to Australia in 2014. Before working at Beecroft Buddies in 2015, I stared my teaching career working in many countries such as Singapore and Qatar. I have completed my Diploma in Children's Services.
I believe that as an Educator, it very important to understand and listen to families, I try to work in partnership with families to further the children’s overall wellbeing.
I believe that as an Educator, it very important to understand and listen to families, I try to work in partnership with families to further the children’s overall wellbeing.
Rashi De Silva
Diploma of Children's Services
Hi I’m Rashi. I’m from Sri Lanka. My native language is Sinhala, i also speak English and alittle Hindi. I migrated to Australia with my husband and daughter in 2017 as permanent residents.
I believe that every child should always feel loved, safe, comfortable, and supported while safely guiding them to be strong and independent.
I believe that every child is unique, and they learn in their own way. Creating a supporting surrounding and providing the children with best learning environment is our responsibility as educators so they can be the best version they can possibly be.
I believe that every child should always feel loved, safe, comfortable, and supported while safely guiding them to be strong and independent.
I believe that every child is unique, and they learn in their own way. Creating a supporting surrounding and providing the children with best learning environment is our responsibility as educators so they can be the best version they can possibly be.
Cathy Tindall
Cert III in Children's Services
Hi my name is Cathy, I have worked here at Beecroft Buddies since we opened in 2008 and have seen many of the children and families grow before my eyes. I balance working 3 days at Buddies with motherhood of two growing daughters. I have a certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
I believe each child is a unique individual that needs to feel a sense of security and belonging for learning to occur. I work to become a part of each child’s village and work together with the child, family and community to provide a safe and enjoyable learning environment. I believe children learn best through play, the program should be fun, developmental appropriate and follow their interests and quest for knowledge.
I believe each child is a unique individual that needs to feel a sense of security and belonging for learning to occur. I work to become a part of each child’s village and work together with the child, family and community to provide a safe and enjoyable learning environment. I believe children learn best through play, the program should be fun, developmental appropriate and follow their interests and quest for knowledge.
Nikki Singh
Cert III in Children's Services
Hi my name is Nikki, I was born in India and came to Australia in 2000. I have a Certificate III in Children Services and over 12 years of experience working with children. I really enjoy gardening and music. I love teaching children through singing.
CHARLOTTE CHEUNG
Cert III in Children's Services
My name is Charlotte, I am from Hong Kong and now reside in Sydney since 2010. I can speak four languages: Cantonese, Mandarin, Hakka, and English.
It’s my belief that love, care and early pre-school education are very important for the positive development of the child. They learn about the world from what they experience and their nteractions with their carers and environments.
It’s my belief that love, care and early pre-school education are very important for the positive development of the child. They learn about the world from what they experience and their nteractions with their carers and environments.
