The Team

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

Sam Jackson

Educator

Studying Certificate III

My Bio

Megan Aitkins

Eduactor

Megan is studying Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care.

My Bio

Emily Wright

Eduactor

Studying Cert III

My Bio

Cassidy

Educator

Studying Cert III

My Bio

Rachel Grompert

Eduactor

Rachel is studying her Diploma in Children Services and is very patinate about children in the early sector. 2021 you will see her in the Sugar Gliders Room.

My Bio

Shanae Johnson

Astro Room Leader

My Bio

Chantelle McKenzie

Eduacator

Chantelle is currently holds her Cetificate III in Early Childhood Eduaction and Care, has been working at CBW for nearly a year and enjoys working with children.

My Bio

Naomi Pfeiffe

Eduactor

Currently studying Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care.

My Bio

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.

My Bio

Sharon Hickey

2IC, Educational Leader & Astro Room Leader

Sharon is our 2IC at CBW a. 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, is also a member of the QIP/ Aboriginal and Torres Strait committee and has been a part of the CBW family for 5 years and has been in the childcare sector for over 30 years. 2021 Sharon will be in the Kindergarten Room were she finds it deeply rewarding working with the older children.

My Bio

Corinne Howard

2IC - Room Leader Nature Room

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

My Bio

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.

My Bio

Rabela Punef

Kindergarten Teacher

My Bio

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.

My Bio

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

My Bio

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."

My Bio

Erin McGregor

Room Leader Ocean Room

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.

My Bio

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.

My Bio

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.

My Bio

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.

My Bio

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.

My Bio

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.

My Bio

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."

My Bio

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."

My Bio

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."

My Bio

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.

My Bio

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.

My Bio

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".

My Bio

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.

My Bio

Jordan Snelling

Jungle Room Educator

Jordan has completed her Cert III in Early Childhood Education and Care and in 2021 is going to start her Diploma. Jordan is very motivated and passionate about children's early education. You will see her in the Joey's Room (nursery).

My Bio

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"

My Bio