
Meet the Deception Bay Team
The Captains

Sarshar
Director

Sarshar
Director
Hi, my name is Sarshar, and I’ve been working in the early childhood education profession for over 17 years. Throughout my career, I’ve remained deeply committed to advocating for the rights of young children to learn, to play, to be heard, and most importantly, to feel safe and supported in every environment they are in.
I believe that early childhood is the foundation of who we become as adults, and having a supportive, nurturing, safe and secure team and environment is key to this. I am passionate about creating spaces where children are free to explore, express themselves, and develop a strong sense of agency and belonging. Supporting their development holistically, socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively is at the heart of everything I do.
My work is guided by strong core values rooted in family, security, and trust. I believe in building genuine, respectful relationships with children and their families, working in partnership to ensure each child feels understood and supported as a unique individual. Being able to advocate and support children and families is valuable to me. It brings me great joy to see children thrive with guidance and support, and that I can be the one to assist on this journey, and at times be the voice for them in advocacy.
As a mother, I also bring a personal perspective to my work. My daughter inspires me every day, and traveling with her each year has deepened my appreciation for culture, connection, and the importance of nurturing children in diverse and meaningful ways. These experiences continue to shape who I am as both an Educator and a parent.
I am proud to be part of a profession that plays such a vital role in shaping young lives, and I remain as passionate today as I was when I first started in the early years sector. I am passionate about supporting, guiding and mentoring educators on their journey through the early years supporting each child and family.

Chloe
Assistant Director

Chloe
Assistant Director
Hi, my name is Chloe, and I believe that each child has their own identity, which as an Educator I will value and support in order to develop their own strengths, interests, skills and knowledge and to extend their learning.
Having completed my Diploma of Early Childhood, I believe that children learn best through hands-on play as it helps improve the cognitive, physical, social and emotional wellbeing of children and young people.
I believe building confidence and resilience is an important part of children growing as it allows them to be more independent and develop a strong sense of identity.

Alexander
Kindergarten Teacher

Alexander
Kindergarten Teacher
Hi, I’m Alexander. With over 8 years of experience in early childhood education, I’m passionate about supporting young children as they grow, explore, and discover the world around them. I believe that every child is a unique individual with the right to learn in ways that suit their interests, strengths, and needs.
My approach is grounded in play-based learning, as I see it as a powerful tool that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and confidence. I hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and am currently furthering my studies through a Graduate Diploma, deepening my knowledge and strengthening my practice.
I strive to create a warm, inclusive, and engaging environment where all children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to be themselves. I also value strong partnerships with families, as I believe collaboration is the key to guiding each child on their own learning journey.

Chef Raju
Chef

Chef Raju
Chef
Hello – I’m Raju! My role as a Chef in an early childhood setting goes beyond just preparing meals; I am active in promoting healthy eating habits, introducing new flavours, and creating a positive relationship with food for children.
By crafting nutritious and delicious meals at Bay Explorers, I not only nourish young bodies but also educate them about the importance of healthy food choices.
I believe that a Chef’s presence adds a touch of creativity and excitement to mealtimes, making the dining experience an enjoyable and enriching part of a child’s day.

Danielle
Educational Leader

Danielle
Educational Leader
My name is Danni, and I am the Educational Leader at Bay Explorers’ Deception Bay. I hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, and I am deeply passionate about staying informed on current theories and best practices in early education. This ongoing professional learning allows me to provide meaningful guidance and support during this crucial stage of each child’s development.
I have over ten years of experience in the Early Childhood profession, working with children from six weeks of age to five years. In addition to my professional experience, raising my own children has given me a deep understanding of child development and the importance of nurturing strong, supportive relationships.
Before transitioning into early education, I worked in Disability Services, supporting children with additional needs. That role was incredibly rewarding and equipped me with valuable skills that I continue to use in my work today.
Our Kid-Loving Crew

Cya

Cya
Hi, my name is Cya, and I’m excited to be starting my journey in the ECEC profession. As a mother of four, I’ve seen firsthand just how important those early years are in shaping a child’s confidence, learning, and overall wellbeing. That experience has given me a deep appreciation for the kind of care and support every child deserves.
I’m passionate about creating a safe, secure, and nurturing environments where children feel loved, respected, and free to explore the world around them. I believe that building strong, trusting relationships with both children and their families is at the heart of meaningful early learning.
Although I’m new to the profession, I bring with me a strong sense of empathy, patience, and a genuine love for helping little ones grow and thrive. I’m looking forward to learning, growing, and making a positive impact in the lives of the children and families I have the privilege to work with.

Daphne

Daphne
Hi! My name is Daphne and I’m so excited to be a part of such an amazing centre! I have been in the ECEC profession since 2015. I chose this career path because I get to make a difference in all the children’s lives. We get to see them thrive and achieve so much.
I love being able to see children grow. It’s so rewarding to see the children achieve all their millstones and more. I love seeing all the children experience a sense of belonging.
I arrived in Australia in 2007, when I met my husband, while working in hospitality together. We then had two beautiful girls and bought our first home together. We as a family love doing everything together.

Jaime

Jaime
Hi, my name is Miss Jaime. I have been working in childcare for the past three years, and I enjoy every day.
Caring for children and babies allows me to embrace my inner child and step away from the fast pace of the world.
Each day brings new opportunities to teach, learn, and discover meaningful experiences, which is a true passion of mine.

Keah

Keah
Hello, my name is Keah, and I’m a childcare professional with considerable knowledge of child development. I have been working in early childhood education since 2022 and am committed to providing a secure and enriching environment where children can flourish.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my partner and two sons. We love outdoor activities such as dirt bike riding, camping, and swimming.
I chose my career in ECEC because it keeps me active and feeling young. Working with young children requires energy and enthusiasm. Each day I get to experience the world through their eyes, their boundless potential, positivity, and zest for life.
I strive to build strong relationships with children and their families and to offer engaging learning opportunities.

Kusum

Kusum
Hi, my name is Kusum. As a dedicated Certificate III Educator, I believe in providing children with endless opportunities to grow, explore, and discover the world around them.
I am passionate about creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where each child feels safe, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. I value play-based learning and believe that every child learns best through hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
I am committed to building strong, trusting relationships with children and families, and I strive to support each child’s individual journey by following their interests and extending their learning in meaningful ways.

Lauren

Lauren
Hi, my name is Miss Lauren. I’ve always had a passion for working with children, and as an Educator, I feel incredibly lucky to play a part of their early learning journey.
I believe that every child is unique and deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported in a way that reflects who they are.
My goal is to create a warm and welcoming environment where children feel safe, valued, and free to be themselves. I love watching their personalities grow as they explore their interests, build friendships, and develop new skills. I’m guided by the principles of Being, Becoming, and Belonging, and I strive to make sure each child feels a strong sense of connection, confidence, and curiosity every day.

Mel

Mel
Hi, I’m Melinda (Mel), and I have been an ECEC Lead Educator since 2000. I chose to pursue childcare as a career after I completed a basic baby-sitting course through YMCA back in 1997. Since then, my career choice changed, and I’ve enjoyed every moment I have shared with the children over the years.
I enjoy creating engaging learning experiences, including sensory play, and I’m passionate about fostering a positive and stimulating environment for children.
In my free time, I enjoy creative pursuits like writing and attending pop culture events in cosplay with my husband and friends. With this, Book Week is an absolute. I get to explore dressing up further and with the children’s input, incorporating the importance of books and reading.
I look forward to getting to know you and your child.

Porntip

Porntip
Hi, I’m Miss Porntip, and I believe it is crucial for children to feel safe, secure, and supported in their learning environment. I am passionate about children’s development and love helping them thrive in all aspects of their learning journey.
I enjoy providing children with a variety of rich and meaningful learning experiences that challenge and support their development —particularly through the power of play.
Originally from Thailand, I have always had a strong passion for working with children. Throughout my life and travels, I’ve been drawn to opportunities where I could connect with local communities and contribute to children’s wellbeing and education. Whether it was volunteering, assisting in community projects, or simply spending time engaging with children from different cultures, these experiences have helped shape my understanding of how important it is to nurture every child’s unique potential.
When I moved to Australia, I knew that early childhood education was where I could truly make a difference. I believe that the early years are a vital foundation for lifelong learning, and I am committed to creating a warm, inclusive, and stimulating environment where every child feels valued and supported.
Being part of a child’s early learning journey is something I find incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to continue growing in this field, while making a positive impact in the lives of the children and families I work with.

Victoria

Victoria
Hi, I’m Victoria, an Early Childhood Educator with a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor in Social Work. I’m passionate about creating engaging learning experiences that spark curiosity and foster development in children. I find joy in witnessing their growth and believe in nurturing their unique learning journeys.
I’m from Chile, I moved to Australia nearly five years ago to study an English course in the Gold Coast. I also lived for two years in beautiful Phillip Island, off Melbourne, where my 3-year-old son was born.
We love spending our weekends at the beach, swimming pools, camping, or basically any activity under the sun.