Hi, my name is Katie, and it’s my privilege to lead our Maryborough centre and its wonderful community. I’ve spent more than 35 years in early childhood education, and I still love it as much as I did on my first day. My career has taken me through many roles including twenty years as a kindergarten teacher, eight years teaching early childhood studies at TAFE, and time working as an early intervention teacher. Every one of these roles has shaped the way I care for and nurture the children in our centre. I hold a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), but honestly, my most valuable lessons have come from the children and families I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside.
I’ll let you in on a secret: teaching wasn’t my original plan. When I left school, I dreamed of becoming a marine biologist. Life had other ideas, and I found my way into education instead, and I have never once looked back. Watching a child grow in confidence and reach their full potential is, to me, the most rewarding thing in the world, and it’s what gets me up each morning.
Maryborough is home. I’ve lived in this community for many years, and I feel genuinely proud of the part our centre plays in it, whether that’s supporting local families through our food and clothes pantry, or heading across the road to Bolton Clarke for our intergenerational playgroup, where our children and their older neighbours share in each other’s company. I also love watching our educators flourish, growing in confidence and stepping into roles they never imagined for themselves.
Something you should know about me: I believe every single child belongs here. Inclusion is at the very heart of how I lead, and I’m committed to making sure all children can access and take part in everything we offer, in a way that’s right for them. I’m also deeply passionate about Indigenous culture, its languages, seasons and bush tucker. I recently walked 50 kilometres across K’gari with 16 fellow educators and our Indigenous guides, learning about the Butchulla people, their customs and the foods nature provides (I’ll confess a real soft spot for the lolly bush fruit).
If you’re considering our centre for your family, please know that your child will be met with warmth, patience and genuine care. My door is always open, and I would love to show you around and answer any questions you have. We can’t wait to welcome you.