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 14 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 and has a Diploma of Children’s Services.

Sharon Hickey

2IC, Educational Leader, Kinder Room 2023

Diploma In Children's Service. Being an educator is very rewarding and enjoyable career, I have been working with children for over 30 years and still love! I live with my partner Bill and our dog Penny, (plus 3 Fish) ....and 100's of pot plants. When I am home relaxing, I enjoy gardening, sewing, Op Shopping and re-purposing old stuff! Camping, playing with my dog and socialising with friends and family. My next mini break will be visiting my children in Sydney and Wollongong.

Corinne Howard

2IC- Bilby's Room Leader 2023

Corinne is our 2IC and Motivational Leader, she is also a Room leader for the Bilby's room. 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. Corinne has holds a Diploma of Children’s Services and has been a part of the CBW family for 7 years. Short Bio: I enjoy being an educator as I help shape little person's to be who they are going to be. I enjoy doing craft activities that are mainly for the children in the Bilby's Room. I have 3 Children, Skye, Thomas and Annabell and my partner Michael, our next family holiday will be Terrigal relaxing on the beach and hanging out with my family.

Belinda (Belle) Kuschert

4-Year-Old Kindergarten Teacher 2023

Early Childhood Teacher Being a teacher, I enjoy watching children grow and learn new things, the best part of my day is when seeing the excitement when the children see me walk in the room. I live with my husband Luke and have 3 children, Nate, Miley and Archie. In my spare time I enjoy watching my 2 older children play sport and dance, also running around chasing Archie keeps me fit. I love reading a good book. My next holiday will be the Gold Coast.

Rabela (Bela) Punef

3-year-old Kindergarten Teacher 2023

Bachelor of Education 0-5 years I'm a teacher because I enjoy being part of the children's development and watch them grow. To scaffold their learning and their interests and have conversations about their interests. Work with the parents/guardians, support services and work colleagues to make positive differences in children's lives. Also, to inspire children to reach their full potential and master new skills. I live with my husband and 2 children on our farm. When I am home relaxing, I enjoy hiking, travelling, gardening, reading, doing/learning new skills to help promote my professionalism as a teacher. Cooking, I really enjoy mixing and experiment with different spices. I want to travel to Timor-Leste to do assessment of food/local produce to create a cookbook on how to feed young children ages 0 - 6 years.

Sarah Clohessy

3IC Room Leader Joey's Room

I currently enrolling into Bachelor of Education and hold my Diploma in Early Childhood and Education and Care. I'm an educator because I enjoy guiding children in their learning and development and seeing the big smiles on their faces. I live with my parents and brother and my nephew's dog Hendrix. When I am home relaxing, I enjoy spending time with friends and eating at our beautiful local food places. My next holiday will be..... Canada or Japan.

Serene Wyllie

Room Leader Sugar Gliders 2023 / 3IC

I enjoy being an educator as guild children to be confident, independent individuals whilst learning through play. I have a Diploma in Early Childhood and Education and Care; I am now studying for Bachelor of Early Childhood. I live locally with my husband Trevor and 3 children, Dylan, Mikayla and Ruben, in my free time we enjoy Bike riding and long walks, visiting the family farm to enjoy the quiet and outdoors. Our next holiday will be somewhere warm.

Mariah Sutton

Sugar Gliders Educator

Mariah is studying her Bachelor in Early Childhood and Primary School, she started her at CBW in 2021. Short Bio: I enjoy running around with children and watching them grow, develop and learn.

Samantha McCall

Cook

Samantha is our new Cook stating in 2021, holds her Food safety supervisor and Certificate III in Children Service, this is great for a cook as she is able to help out in the rooms when needed. Short Bio: I enjoy cooking and baking delicious food and iI love seeing the faces of the children enjoying their meals.

Erin McGregor

Room Leader Quokkas Room 2023

I currently enrolling into Bachelor of Education and hold my Diploma in Early Childhood and Education and Care. I'm an educator because I enjoy seeing children of all ages learn, discover and grow, also knowing at the end of the day that I have helped children to achieve those special milestones and goals. Yes! I live with my parents and two special fur babies, dog Lucy and flurry fluffy cat Basil. When I am home relaxing, I love playing league for our local club Corowa Cougars, spending time with friends and family. Having myself some "me time" with a great book. My next holiday will be somewhere fun and exciting, where I will be relaxing and stress free.

Jordan Snelling

Room Leader: Joey's Room

I enjoy being an educator, as you watching and helping little children grow and learn. Certificate III in Early Childhood, Education and Care and now studying my Diploma. I live with my partner Zach and son Harvey; we have 2 lab's Archie and Sadie. My spare time I enjoy catching up with friends and spending quality time with my son and partner. My next holiday will be with my family in Queensland, relaxing on the beach.

Nikki Warr

Educator Kinder Room

Nikki has completed her studies her Cert III in Early Childhood Education and Care and is now studying her Diploma. Nikki has been part of CBW since 2019. Short Bio: I work here at CBW because I love relationships I build with the children and really enjoy their milestones.

Bree Mills

Educator in the Bilby's and Emergency management officer 2023

I enjoy being an educator as I get to help children grow and develop skills and watch them achieve their goals, building bonds with children and families make me feel I am doing my job. I am studying my Certificate in Early Childhood, Education and Care and should be finished 2024. I live in Rutherglen with my husband Axl and fur baby Vader. My spare time I enjoy relaxing at home in my PJ's and catching up on TV shows. My next holiday will be travelling down the Centre of Australia with Axel.

Karlee Cranston

Educator and Cook

I enjoy being an educator, as you watch the children grow, learn new skills. Certificate III in Early Childhood, Education and Care. I have a daughter Ivy-Lee and 2 boys Bentley and Oakley. We all live together with my partner Malcom. My spare time I enjoy being with my family and having adventures around our area.

Emily Wright

Educator

I enjoy being an educator, as you watch the children grow, Learn and achieve their milestones. Certificate III in Early Childhood, Education and Care and studying my Diploma. I have a daughter Lacey and a fiancé Jordan, and we also have a cat, Willow. My spare time I enjoy spending quality time with my family and enjoy spending time outside, my next adventure is the Melbourne Zoo and Aquarium.

Tia Plum

Educator

Tia has just completed her Certificate III in Children Services and is one of our junior Educators here at CBW. Studying her Diploma in Early Childhood Education for 2023

Giselle Branella

Educator

Certificate III In Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying her Diploma.

Sinitta Macartney

Educator in the Kinder Room

Sinitta holds Diploma in Childhood Education and Care. Sinitta is a very passionate educator, always reliable and caring, has been part of the CBW family for 5.5 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."

Naomi Thomas

Room Leader Joey's Room

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.

Nikki O'Brien

Educator Joey's Room 2023

Certificate III in Early Childhood, Education and Care. Being an educator, you are watching children reach their milestones, which I enjoy being there to help them achieve them. I live with my Fiancé Brendan and two children William and Isabella. When I am not working, I love taking my family and 2 dogs to the park and play fetch. My next mini break I will be heading off to my parents' home on the farm for my children to ride the tractor and feed the pigs.

Kate Bunt

Educator: Sugargliders

I enjoy being an educator, as each child is different, and we all need to understand their needs and goals. Certificate III in Early Childhood, Education and Care. I live with my 2 Daughter Zara and Macca, and with Zara's partner Rhys. On the weekends I enjoy speedway, watching my daughter race and spending time with family. My next holiday will be Apollo Bay

Christy Cooper

Educator

Certificate III in Early Childhood, Education and Care. I enjoy being an educator, as you see children achieve their milestones and explore different experiences. I have a son Tyler and a husband Daniel, and we live in the local area. My spare time I enjoy being with my family and going camping by the river.

Kim Cannell

Kinder Room and Nursery Educator 2023

I currently have my Certificate III in Early Childhood. I'm an educator because i enjoy children's and thought this would be a great job to be in. Watching children grow and learn is very rewarding. I live with my husband Phil and have a golden Retriever "Sophie" When I am home relaxing, I love being with my Grandchildren, Hunter, Ruby, Meela and Isla, also going shopping with my daughters. My next holiday will be........ Cape York in 12 months.

Samara Robinson

Educator in the Bilby's Room 2023

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. Has been part of CBW since 2018. Short Bio: I love working with the children to help them learn, grow and play and assist them in reaching their full potentials. One day I hope to my Diploma in Children's Services.

Brielle Sterling

Educator

Studying Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Sophie Martin

Educator Bilbies Room 2023

Studying her Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care. started here since 2022.

Skye Howard Sephton

Educator

I enjoy being an educator as the the equipment is amazing and the children all have fun. I am studying my Certificate in Early Childhood, Education and Care and should be finished 2024. I live at home with mum and dad and have 2 younger siblings. Thomas and Annabell My spare time I play video games, editing silly videos and enjoy driving around with friends and family. My next holiday will be a special trip just driving to place I never seen before.

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