Your Children Services Team

Assistant Director & ECT Children's Services - Athira Arun

Athira been in early childhood education for many years, wearing different hats in this field; nevertheless, she states that she has always embraced connecting with my inner child! She is deeply passionate about creating an engaging and nurturing environment where your child can thrive. Athira believes in fostering not just academic growth but also the development of essential life skills and a lifelong love for learning.

Early Childhood Teacher, Educational Leader and Kindergarten Program Leader(NS), Teagan Grigor

Teagan has worked professionally in the early childhood sector for nearly eight years.

A new Mum herself, Teagan married in 2022 and had a beautiful little boy who is her absolute world.

She says her family has made her the person she is today but, most of all, it has impacted the way she looks at things in everyday life, waking up with a smile on her face.

In her younger days, Teagan had no idea what she wanted to do or be. One day in 2009, she looked after her younger cousins, turned to her parents and said, “I know what I want to do, I want to work with children”.

She soon completed a Certificate III, Diploma and Bachelor of Education. She has since worked as a Baby and Toddler Room Assistant, before moving to pre-kinder (3-year-old Kinder) Teacher, then to a role as a 4-year-old Kinder Teacher.

Teagan believes that all children are different and have their own unique way to explore their world and grow and develop in their own time. As educators, she says ‘we are there to guide them through their own unique journey. I am responsible for providing meaningful, play-based experiences that are individualised, that reflect in our program and through children’s learning and development, observations and summative assessments.’

The children in her care drive her to be the best Early Childhood Teacher she can be. When she sees a child reach a milestone, or goal or are proud of something they have achieved, she develops more confidence herself in providing the children the best learning environment they deserve. 

Her belief is that the space around them should enhance the children’s interests in all development areas, achieved most successfully through play stations and play spaces that can be visited, explored, and revisited again and again, and takes into consideration the social skills, communication skills, physical abilities or challenges, and learning styles of the children within the room.

As an Early childhood teacher, Teagan strives to be enthusiastic, patient and caring. She always follows policies, procedures and regulations and if she is ever unsure, will seek out advice and improve her knowledge.

Teagan is focused on creating a loving, caring, safe and welcoming environment that allows families, educators and children to find a sense of belonging, warmth, and confidence within themselves throughout the environment each and every day.

My Personal Philosophy 

“Within my role as an Early Childhood Teacher, I will provide a loving, caring, safe and welcoming environment that allows families, educators but most of all the children to find a sense of belonging, warmth, and confidence within themselves throughout the environment. 

As an Early childhood teacher, I am passionate, patient, caring, and educated. I will always follow policies, procedures and regulations to the best of my ability and if I am ever unsure will seek out advice and further my knowledge. I am always looking for new ways to strengthen my knowledge and gain more confidence through professional development. 

I believe that all children are different and have their own unique way to explore their world and grow and develop in their own time, and we as educators are there to guide them through their own unique journey. As an educator, I am responsible for providing meaningful, play based experiences that are individualised and reflects in our program and through children’s learning and development, observations and summative assessments. 

The environment plays a major role in the success of an early childhood program. It should enhance the children’s interests in all developmental areas. I believe learning in an early childhood environment is done most successfully through play stations and play spaces that can be visited, explored, and revisited again and again. The environment should take into consideration the social skills, communication skills, physical abilities or challenges, and learning styles of the children within the room.”

Kindergarten ECT - Holly Van Order

Holly has worked as a Teacher for over 15 years. She has a Bachelor’s of Teaching with a Graduate Diploma in Special Education. She worked for many years teaching children on the Autism Spectrum a career she was passionate about.

Holly’s interest in how children learn and see the world has led her to work in Early Education and believes that a child’s role is learn through play.

Holly feels that as an Early Childhood Teacher it is her responsibility to guide and provide opportunities for children to explore and learn with wonder.

Holly always strives to be a kind, patient, enthusiastic teacher and a partner for children and their families in their child’s educational journey. Holly also has a 5 year old son and understands the vital importance of quality care and the importance of building relationships in the classroom and community.

Her personal philosophy is to bring creativity into the classroom, nurture children's love of learning and to foster their overall wellbeing. She strives to provide environments that are inviting fun and inspire wonder and learning.

OSH and Vacation Care Program Leader - Najah

Interim Occasional Care Program Leader (NS) - Sriyani

Sriyani is an experienced and caring educator who has a long held desire to provide young children with quality education that sets them on the path to growth, self-development and lifelong learning.

A mother of two boys and a grandmother of a pre-school aged girl, her spark was ignited when her children left home. She began a Family Day Care business caring for children between 1-5 years old, founded on a love of being around children and with experience in childcare overseas.

Family Day Care provided the perfect opportunity to nurture children and support working parents, a career which she enjoyed for over 10 years.

Sriyani worked hard to develop her professional skills, expanding her knowledge and capability in early childhood development and undertaking a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

Progressing from Family Day Care to the Hampton Park Kindergarten gave her an opportunity to be involved in the more formal education of children, preparing them for success on their journey to primary school.

Sriyani believes that children need the assurance of being loved and cared for while they are enjoying an educational environment. Cultivating security and trust in her relationships with every child and their parents has been central to her practice. She also knows that learning happens all the time and is interwoven through all development domains, including physical, social, emotional, cognitive and communication.

She understands that children are optimistic, cheerful and energising and she says she always learns from them as much as they do from her.

Sriyani also loves the opportunity to nurture a safe and constructive learning environment for children and being able to have a positive impact on their lives.

The goal of her work is to make this ongoing learning experience safe, positive and fun, and nurturing of each child, as she guides them to build confidence in themselves and excitement for continued learning.

Sriyani enjoys and takes pride in watching children grow into kind, capable, unique and resilient individuals, and it gives her immense joy and fulfillment to play an important role in their development and shaping their character.

Educator - Stavana Solomon Abnis

Stavana is an Early Childhood Educator who prizes each child in her care as ‘a unique bud, that blooms colourfully in every season of the year.’

This beautiful appreciation of individuality is the cornerstone of her approach and underpins the valuable contribution she makes to our children’s daily lives.

Stavana has a daughter, Seona. She sees the strengths of her professional work as respecting every child for their differences and understanding their unique needs.

She does this by developing an accepting and nurturing environment where each child is encouraged to grow and thrive in their own ways.

Stavana’s talents are generously shared with the children, always mindful of promoting sharing and turn-taking skills.

While respecting their rights as young people, she also regards the HPCH Code of Ethics and her professional responsibilities to be of utmost importance.

This extends to families as she proactively encourages interactions and connection with all of our families and our wider community.

The opportunity to reflect on the growth and development of each child gained from the planned programming is something she also appreciates as it guides her own professional development as well.

At the heart of her work is an understanding that children are flexible and curious.

It’s Stanava’s job to encourage a positive, kind and supported learning environment where every child is best guided to reach their full potential.

Educator - Zohra

Zohra chose to work in Early Childhood Education for one simple reason: she always had a passion for being around young children that, she says, has only grown stronger over time.

Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and eagerness to learn have continued to inspire every day of her professional life.

She finds joy in helping children discover the world around them, fostering their social and cognitive skills, and laying a strong foundation for their future education.

A keen observer, Zohra has witnessed the significant impact that early education can have on a child's development and future success. It brings her immense joy to be a part of their journey, watching them learn, grow, and flourish.

And, the relationships she builds with the children and their families are incredibly rewarding.

“Early Childhood Education continues to fulfill me professionally and personally, and I feel privileged to be entrusted with the responsibility of shaping their early years and I am dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young children,” she says.

Zohra’s professional practice is underlined by her view that children are unique individuals with unlimited potential – they are curious, imaginative, and full of wonder. Children have their own thoughts, feelings, and perspectives, which deserve to be valued and respected. She believes that every child has strengths and talents waiting to be discovered and nurtured and views children as the future, and believes in their ability to shape the world with their unique gifts.

What drives Zohra as an early childhood educator is the profound impact she can make in a child's life.

Motivated by the opportunity to shape their educational journey and help them develop important skills and knowledge, she believes that every child deserves a nurturing and supportive environment to grow, learn and thrive.

Zohra’s goal is to inspire a love for learning, foster their social and emotional development, and help them build essential skills that will benefit them now, as young children, and right throughout their lives.

Early Childhood Educator - Jo C

• Proud mum of two girls, aged 11 and 7.
• Completed a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care in March 2018.
• Has a rich background working in the Aged and Disability industry.
• Passionate about working with both young and old, finding fulfillment in supporting our community's most vulnerable members.

Jo believes that being an educator is a continuous learning journey. She emphasises the importance of understanding and learning from students, colleagues, and parents to tailor learning strategies to each child's unique interests, abilities, and learning styles.

Jo is excited to work with all of us to embrace and celebrate our beautifully diverse community. Let's continue teaching our children the values of respect and inclusivity together.

Educator -Zakerah (Zak)

Zakerah is a dedicated educator and mother of three, with a strong passion for working with children. Originally from Afghanistan, she moved to Australia after completing her schooling in her home country. As a refugee, Zakerah embraced the challenge of learning English and adapting to a new environment, which laid the foundation for her personal and professional growth.

She holds certificates in English, Community Services, and Children’s Services at the Certificate III level. Over the past five years, Zakerah has gained valuable experience working in daycare, an opportunity that has been both rewarding and fulfilling. Her love for working with children is driven by the joy and happiness it brings her, and she is currently pursuing the Diploma of Early Childhood Education to further enhance her skills as an educator.

Zakerah's goal is to contribute to the growth and development of young individuals, focusing on nurturing them both mentally and emotionally as they navigate their early years.

Educator -Summi

Summi Rana is an experienced early childhood educator with a strong passion for nurturing young learners. She began her journey in early childhood education in 2006, completing her Certificate III in Children’s Services, a foundational step that ignited her path of growth and learning. In 2014, Summi achieved her Diploma in Children’s Services, and with over a decade of hands-on experience, she has dedicated herself to guiding the minds and hearts of children during their formative years.

Professional Path
Throughout her career, Summi has embraced every opportunity to connect with children and support their development. Her path has been marked by continuous engagement with innovative teaching methods and a deep understanding of the key developmental milestones that are vital in early education.

Teaching Philosophy
Summi’s teaching philosophy is centered around core principles that she believes are essential for creating a supportive and productive learning environment for young children:

1. Patience and Understanding – Recognizing that each child is unique and learns at their own pace.
2. Encouragement and Positivity – Celebrating every milestone and encouraging children to believe in their abilities.
3. Communication and Listening – Ensuring that every child feels heard and understood.
4. Promoting Independence – Empowering children to explore and learn through self-initiated discovery.
5. Setting Boundaries – Providing a structured environment where children can thrive within clear expectations.

These principles guide Summi's approach to teaching and reflect her commitment to creating a nurturing space where children can grow academically and personally.

As she embarks on this new chapter at Hampton Park Community Centre, Summi is excited to share her passion for early childhood education and collaborate with a team that shares her values.