The Team

meet some of our amazing staff members who make every day
at Country buddies wahgunyah a joy to be part of.

Michelle Thomas

Director and Nominated Supervisor

Michelle is one of the first people you will meet when you come into the centre. She is the compassionate and loyal Director at our centre. Michelle is positively involved with our families and has great relationships with both staff and children. Michelle is able to help you with any questions you have regarding your account, extra bookings and enquiring about enrolling you child into CBW. She has been a part of Country Buddies family for 11 years and has worked at Country Buddies Yarrawonga before taking the role of Director in Wahgunyah. Michelle is a member of the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and committee. Michelle has a Diploma of Children’s Services.

Sharon Hickey

2IC, Educational Leader & Astro Room Leader

Sharon is our 2IC at CBW aswell as a room Leader. Sharon has a Diploma of Children’s Services. The children love Sharon's sense of humor and her bubbly personality. She is the Educational Leader and help supports the Educators with up-to-date information on the program in the rooms. Sharon looks after the students that come to CBW for placement. Sharon is also a member of the QIP/ Aboriginal and Torres Strait committee and has been a part of the CBW family for 3 years

Corinne Howard

2IC - Nature Room Leader

Corinne is a Room leader and holds a Certificate III Childhood Education and Care and her Diploma of Children’s Services. She is a really enthusiastic employee who creates a positive environment. Her positive attitude is something that is most valued by the children and their families. You may also see Corrine in the kitchen, cooking for all the children. Corinne has been a part of the CBW family for 4 years

Belinda (Belle) Kuschert

Kindergarten Teacher

Belle is our Kindergarten Teacher in 2020. Belle holds a Diploma of Children’s Services has completed her Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years) with Charles Sturt University.

Sarah Clohessy

Jungle Room Leader

Sarah is a Room leader and holds a Diploma of Children’s Services. She is in her first year of University studying her Bachelor in Early Childhood and Primary Education. She has great generosity and priotizes happiness and well-being of others. She is always open to giving up her time and always shares her positive energy with the children. Sarah is also the Environmental officer and Work Health and Safety officer. She makes sure that all the environments are safe and maintained. Sarah is also member of the QIP/ Aboriginal and Torres Strait committee.gratitude Sarah has been a part of the CBW family for 5 years

Kate Bunt

Astro Room Educator

Kate holds a Certificate III in Childhood Education and Care, she is also the Birthday officer and a member of the QIP/ Aboriginal and Torres Strait committee. She has a heart of gold, the children love Kate's humble nature. Kate has a great bond with our children and their families by building relationships that consist of trust, honesty and integrity. Kate has been part of the CBW family for 11 years.

Sinitta Macartney

Astro Room Educator

Sinitta holds a Certificate III in Childhood Education and Care and currently studying her Diploma. Sinitta is a very passionate educator, always reliable and caring. Sinitta has been part of the CBW family for 2.5 years. "I like coming to work as an early childhood educator, as I enjoy watching the children grow, learn and seeing the children smile every day. Working as a part of a great team of ladies where we can work together as one team."

Erin McGregor

Jungle Room Educator

Erin holds a Certificate III in Childhood Education and Care and currently studying her Diploma in Children Services. Erin loves working in childcare she says that " I love to see the children of all ages learn and grow, then go home at the end of day knowing that I have helped children to achieve their developmental milestones and learning goals!" Erin creates special bonds with the children and has great relationships with their families.

Cassie Mason

Food safety superviser -

Cass has her Cert III in Children services. Cass is a great team player and is able to create a warm and inclusive environment for children. Cass is our main cook. She is a very easy-going educator who continues to develop relationships with other staff and families.

Marissa Thomas

Educator

Marissa is currently studying her Certificate III in Early Childhood service. Marissa is a very passionate and committed educator who has an ardent desire to make each child's learning journey a pleasurable and exciting one.

Jesseana Cartwright

Nature Room Educator

Jess has completed her Cert III in Children services. Jess is an eager educator who positively supervises, interacts and engages with all children and families, building meaningful relationships.

Samara Robinson

Nature Room Educator

Samara holds a Certificate III in Childhood Education and Care. Samara is a positive and inspiring educator. She builds a program that is play-based and provides children with opportunities to discover, learn and grow.

Naomi Thomas

Nature Room Educator

Naomi is always actively involved in experiences with children throughout the day. She provides engaging programs for the children and has the drive to make Country Buddies the great service. Nae is very caring, empathetic, passionate and respectful.

Kara Widdison

Nature Room Educator

Kara is currently studying her Certificate III in Childhood Education and Care. Kara has been part of the CBW family for 2.5 years. She is our book club officer. "I love what I do here at CBW because I get to help the children learn, I get to watch them grow and develop as well as be a part of it. I enjoy working as country buddies as it’s always a happy, safe environment and everyone is willing to work as a team and are always helping out each other."

Leanda Reeves

Astro Room Educator

Leanda holds a Certificate III in Childhood Education and Care. She has a big heart and the children love her creative abilities. Leanda is very optimstic, always looking through a positive lense. She has been part of the CBW family for 2 years. "I enjoy working at country buddies because we have support from all the amazing staff and director. I enjoy working close to home and knowing families from the area. I enjoy working with children because I love coming to work and being greeted by big happy cute smiling faces. It’s a great feeling knowing you helped mold young minds and seeing them grow up before your eyes."

Tia Augustyn

Ocean Room Educator

Tia is currently studying her Certificate III in Childhood Education and Care. She is a super organiser and has a big heart. The children love Tia's big smile and her enthusiasm. Tia has been part of the CBW family for a Year. "I love how my job helps children learn and experience new things while having fun at the same time. Seeing the children smile and laugh it makes me melt inside. Country buddies has taught me so many new things that I never knew about children. I like the way we help children learn and experience new things without them knowing."

Kate Searby

Kinder RoomEducator

Kate holds a Diploma is Children Services. Kate has been part of the CBW family for 2 years. She is a great team player and always realible. The children love Kate and her positive personality.

Sam Scalora

Jungle Room/ Ocean Room

Sam brings a smile to our centre. She has a strong focus on creating positive, nurturing and open relationships with all our children and ensures that children have a great start in their early year's learning and development. Sam is currently studying her Cert III in Children Services.

Serene Wyllie

Astro Room Educator

Serene is studying her Cert III in Children's Services. Serene can communicate effectively with children, families, staff and other professionals. She works in a cooperative, flexible and professional manner; and has a strong and passionate work ethic within our team at Wahgunyah.

Lauren Ryall

Kinder Room Educator

Lauren has her Certificate III in Children Services and is studying her Certificate IIV in Educator Support. Lauren is a very dedicated worker who displays passion and care towards the children.

Karlee Cranston

All Rooms

Karlee is currently on maternity leave until May 2020. Karlee guides the children to develop their artistic and practical capabilities through a carefully constructed curriculum (identify shapes, numbers or colours) Karlee is great with all age groups and is admired by all the children.

Chloe Thomas

Educator

Chloe is currently studying her Bachelor of Educational Studies (Early Years – Secondary School). She has positive relationships with the children and always bringing her happy spirit to Country Buddies. Chloe has been part of the CBW family for 3 years. "I love being part of this amazing team, being able to share my learning activities from University and putting them in place".

Nikki Howroyd

Breaks

Nikki is studying her Cert III in children services. Nikki spends time in all our rooms and can easily work part of a team to provide the best care and education for the children and families at our service.

Rachael Brent

Ocean Room Educator

Rachael is currently studying her Diploma in children services. Racheal has a positive attitude and is motivated to work as part of a team. Racheal has the ability to foster warm and caring relationships with the children to support their needs.

Jordan Snelling

Jungle Room Educator

Jordan is studying her Cert III in Children Services. Jordan is very motivated and passionate about children's early education. Jordan is eager to learn and has a strong desire to work with children.

Lyn Oliver

Educator

Lyn holds a Certificate III in Childhood Education and Care. Lyn is always ego to work. " I enjoy watching the children learn and grow as they discover different things"

De Brown

Astro Room Educator

De is one of Country Buddies newest educators. She is always organised, passionate and willing to put in hard work. The children love De and her bubbly personality.

Darcy McKenna

Jungle Room Room Leader

Darcy is studying her Diploma of Children services and holds her Certificate III. Darcy has a bubbly personality that the children and staff admire.

Michele Sligar

Educator

Michele is our newest member of Country Buddies. She is studying her Cert III of Children services.

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