Pippies People

Pippies staff are qualified, caring and committed to early childhood education. The experiences offered at Pippies support children in having a childhood rich in creativity, joy and a deep sense of belonging.

Melinda - Director/Teacher

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Melinda is an early childhood teacher who is passionate about being responsible for guiding young children on their through the first stages of their learning journey.
Melinda joined the team at Pippies as Director in October 2020 and has many years experience in the early childhood sector. Melinda enjoys yoga, travel, and spending time with her family and friends.

Linda - Admin

Linda has been working as the Administration Officer at Pippies for 21 years!

Linda joined Pippies in 1995 after relocating from Sydney with her husband and daughter (her daughter was also a "Pippies Kid"

Linda enjoys meeting new families when they start at Pippies and enjoys meeting the children when they are older and listening to their memories of their time at Pippies. Linda now job shares as Administration Officer with Leah since 2019.

When she is not working she enjoys travelling, spending time with her family and friends.

Alysia - Educator

Certificate III in early Childhood Education and Care

Alysia started at Pippies in the Infant-Toddler room in 2005 and in 2011 she moved to the Preschool room where she currently works 2 days per week.

Alysia and her husband Jason are originally from New Zealand but have made Australia their home with their two children Jesse and Stacie. On her days off, Alysia works in the office of a building and maintenance business that she runs with her husband.

Alysia loves spending time with her family and friends. Alysia is especially fond of camping. Alysia loves working as an early childhood educator and seeing the children grow and develop.

Nicole - Teacher

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Nicole is an early childhood teacher who is passionate about being responsible for guiding young children on their through the first stages of their learning journey.
1 of Nicole's children currently attends Pippies and 2 have in the past and are now in primary school. Nicole loves music, travel, and spending time with her family.

Leah - Admin

Leah has had a long association with Pippies with both of her daughters having attended the centre. Back in 1995 when Pippies Early Childhood Centre first opened her sister was on the the first team of educators. Leah went on to serve as an executive member of our voluntary management committee before joining the Pippies team in 2019 to share the admin position with Linda.

Gay- Educator

Certificate III in early Childhood Education and Care Gay started working at Pippies in 2000 as a casual cook before moving into a fulltime position in the kitchen. After completing her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, Gay successfully applied for an educator position in the centre. Gay has worked in both the Preschool and the Infant/Toddler rooms.

In her spare time Gay loves spending time with her family, going to the beach to swim and taking long walks, celebrating and travelling to explore the world with friends.

Christine - Educator

Certificate III in early Childhood Education and Care Christine has been working at Pippies since 2004. Christine worked in a job share position in the kitchen for 11 years. During these 11 years Christine, who has a Certificate III in Early Childhood Care and Education, also worked as a casual in the rooms as a relief worker. Since the start of 2016 she now works permanently as an educator on Tuesday and Wednesdays. Christine enjoys her work as an educator and looks forward to interacting with the children on the days that she works.

Outside of Pippies Christine enjoys spending time with her family especially her many grandchildren. Christine enjoys camping and also travelling overseas. Her favourite place to travel is Bali and tries to get there at least once a year. Christine loves living in Cabarita as she enjoys the beach and meeting up with friends at some of the great spots within in the area.

Ness- Cook

Certificate III in early Childhood Education and Care Ness joined Pippies in 2021 as our cook. Ness has a Food Safety and Food Safety Supervisor certificate. Ness also has a Certificate III in Childrens' Services.

Ness has 2 children and enjoys being with family, friends, walking, and the beach.

Jane - Educator

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care Jane has worked in the childcare industry for over 30 years and has been a permanent member of our Pippies team for over 10 years.

Janes favourite thing to do at Pippies is to tell stories using felt and puppets. Jane also likes to read unusual books, such as those written by David Carter and Herve Tullet, that inspire the children's imagination.

Jane has worked in both the infant-toddler room and the preschool room. Jane lives with her partner Ian and has 3 children.

Jane and Ian are members of the Mt. warning Historic Auto Club where Jane drives her 1963 EJ Holden wagon. Jane also has a vintage caravan which Ian is renovating with a Mexican theme.

Karla - Educator

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care Karla has lived in Cabarita all of her life. After completing her Certificate III in Children's Services and working as a casual educator at another service in the local area she joined the Pippies team in 2015. Karla appreciated the opportunity to be able to work in her chosen profession, at a community child care centre, in the town where she grew up.

In her spare time Karla enjoys drawing, painting, and scrapbooking. These activities inspire and influence the art and craft activities that she offers the children each day

Belinda - Educator

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care Belinda has worked at Pippies since 2014. Belinda began her career at Pippies as a trainee where she completed her Certificate III in Children's Services. Belinda has continued on at Pippies as a trainee and is now studying for her Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Outside of Pippies she enjoys going to the beach, surfing, and skateboarding.

Judi - Educator

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Judi is a local who lives within walking distance of the centre. She is married with 3 daughters. The youngest of which attends the local High school.

Judi enjoys reading in her spare time and is passionate about literacy in early childhood. Judi is committed to share her love of reading with children. Judi has been working in the early childhood education field since 2003 and is passionate about providing a loving and nurturing environment for all children in her care.