I’ve worked with children for over 25 years. I live with my husband Ian and two children Ella and Zoe who are late primary school age. I first discovered Bowen Street Community Centre when I sent my own children here. Ali and Yuko cared for them all those years back. I then went on to join the committee of management for several years. I resigned but still volunteer and do the social media and photography. I have my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Development. A few years later I did further study to achieve a graduate certificate in Social Science - Post and Pre-natal family support through Swinburne University and a specialised course in parental education and leadership. I love working with children. I appreciate their imagination, humour and wonder of the world around us. My own interests are art and photography which I can incorporate into my work, so I feel very lucky to work here at Bowen Street Community Centre.

I have worked in early childhood for about 25 years minus the time I stayed at home with my children. I studied at Melbourne University School of Early Childhood for 3 years to achieve my degree. I love working in the industry and in my leisure, love relaxing at the beach.

Before joining Bowen Street, I worked as an educator for 4 years at Hawthorn Community House Occasional Care. I have a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care. In May 2021, I joined Bowen Street Childcare as a casual relief educator and work in the 3 and 5-hour sessional programs. I love interacting with all the children and am inspired by watching them develop and grow in confidence. I enjoy yoga, walking, gardening, and catching up with family and friends.

I’m from Shanghai, China and I’ve worked in Childcare and kinder in Boroondara for 15 years. Apart from loving working with children, I enjoy cooking, walking and entertaining. I’m married with two children, and we have a cute Moodle.

This is my fifth year at BSCC. I have been working in occasional care for the past 27 years and love working in this industry. I have two adult sons and two granddaughters.

Trivia questions: What do you do after your youngest of five children goes to school? Answer: Volunteer in a childcare centre. In 2000 I began as a volunteer and over the years completed the Diploma of Childcare, Advanced Diploma of Childcare and graduated with a Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) in 2015. I am passionate about the importance of early childhood education and, together with all the staff at BSCC, I am committed to creating a warm, inclusive, engaging environment for your children as they take their first steps on an exciting journey of education.

My name is Anita and I am a mum of 3 energetic kids - Edward 9, Mia 7 and Harrison 3. I have a Diploma in early childhood education and development and have been working in the industry for over 20 years. Generally, this has included working in childcare and long-term nanny roles. I love working with children, their endless creativity and inquisitive nature always astounds me. I was first introduced into the Bowen Street Community Centre through my good friend and co-worker Melissa. I am a very energetic person who loves the great outdoors. Cycling, skiing, bushwalking, cooking, and baking are just some of my passions. Bowen Street is such a lovely place with very family-oriented staff. It’s just one big happy family.

My name is Anne. I have been in Childcare for 30 years, working in occasional care settings and family support agencies. This is my first year at Bowen Street. I have a Diploma in Childhood Education from Melbourne University. I have 3 adult children, two daughters and a son. I am passionate in supporting preschool children and their families. As a parent I remember how important occasional care was for in raising our young family. I love supporting children’s sense of belonging, learning and identity. My passions included music, gardening and fitness.

I’m Ally and I have been working at Bowen Street for over 15 years. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work in such a loving and caring environment. Seeing the children grow and creating new memories with them puts a smile on my face and makes me excited to come to work at Bowen Street.

Hi. My name is Ally and I have worked in the field of Early Childhood for nearly thirty years as well as bringing up two children of my own. I have worked with all age groups under many settings. Even after all that time, I am still in awe of being part of the children’s development and love of learning. I thank you for that privilege.

I love working with children. They have taught me the beauty of being present in the moment and finding joy in the simplest of interactions.

As I strive to impart knowledge, the children in turn, teach me valuable lessons about patience, creativity and the art of seeing the world through their eyes.

This is just the beginning of my journey and I look forward to many more beautiful memories with the children.

Hi my name is Gessica and I have been with Bowen Street as a volunteer for nearly 3 years. Prior to this I was a primary school teacher, teaching Italian, Sport, Music, working in Special Education and doing lots of other fun things.

When I’m not at Bowen Street, I enjoy cooking, going for walks with my husband, catching up with family and friends and reading a good book. I’m kept busy looking after my 3 children aged 17, 14, and 12.
I enjoy volunteering at Bowen Street and working with the wonderful staff and spending time with the children.