Meet the Urangan Team

Abby

Hi, my name is Abby. I am currently studying my Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care. I have always loved the idea of working with children as I’m always the grown up running around and being silly with them at any event. I love being able to provide a safe space for children to come and communicate anything with me. I also enjoy being someone they can run and play with.

Outside of work, I enjoy going to the beach and kicking the footy with my family. I love spending time with my family, friends, and partner. I also love playing AFL and have been playing for 8 years, I represented wide bay for two years for AFL.

I am so grateful to be able to work at Bay Explorers and can’t wait to see what the future brings me.

Bec

Hi I’m Bec, I have lived in Hervey Bay all my life with my parents and my brother and now with my Husband Kenny and our cute dog “Lenny”. We have recently purchased a 4WD and look forward to spending weekends camping and exploring.

I have been in the Early Childhood sector since 2017 as a certificate 3 qualified Educator. I value the uniqueness of each child and believe it is important to nurture them and encourage them in their development and learning journey.

I also love running, on the weekends you might see me at our local Park Run where I have completed over 300 runs. I have also completed 12 half marathons, one 30km run and several 10km runs. I also keep fit by going to the gym.

Brooke

Hi, my name is Brooke. I hold a Diploma in Early Years Education and Care and have been working with children since 2016. I began my journey in the outside school hours care sector, working with school-aged children. In 2019, I discovered my true passion lies in early childhood education, and I have been dedicated to the early years’ profession ever since.

I’m married and a proud mum of two young children, which has further enriched my understanding and appreciation of early childhood development.

I’m thrilled to be joining the Bay Explorers’ team and am looking forward to building strong, positive relationships with my colleagues, the children in our care, and their families.

Jasmine

My name is Jasmine and I have been working with children since 2018 when I started my early childhood career in Sydney. In 2019, I moved to Hervey Bay and started my journey with Bay Explorers and have loved every minute!

I chose this as my career path as I absolutely love the learning and development that happens in the early years of a child’s life and love to be able to say I have helped in the growth and development of so many children.

A little bit about me … I am a puzzle person and love sitting down at the end of the day to do a puzzle and switch off after caring for children. I am raising my son, Carter, which is so much fun! Watching him grow and learn every single day is a blessing! Together, we love to go to the playground and have fun at home playing outside, kicking the ball, running around and enjoying lots of water play!

Kyella

Hi, my name is Kyella. I am currently studying in my final year of school and working towards my Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care as a school-based trainee.

I enjoy spending my time at the beach and am passionate about Karate. I have always had an interest in Early Childhood as I have looked after my younger twin brothers and younger cousins over the years.

Having completed my work experience at Bay Explorers’ Urangan at the end of 2023, I was so excited to get the opportunity to work as a school-based trainee. After being a part of the Bay Explorers team since 2024, I have loved watching all the children learn and grow throughout this time.

I cannot wait to see what the future holds for my journey and the continuous journey of the children. I feel privileged to be a part of the children’s education while working alongside a supportive and amazing team.

Leah

Hi my name is Leah, I have been in childcare for 29 years and I hold my Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time swimming, eating, and making the most of Hervey Bay, enjoying beach walks. I have 5 children, 4 grandchildren and love spending as much time as possible with them. My favourite colour is pink! Within my role at Bay Explorers, my goal is to create a safe, supportive and engaging environment, where every little human can thrive.

Lisa

Hello, my name is Lisa. I started my early childhood journey in 2021 while studying a Master of Teaching (Birth to 5 years). My previous studies were a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) where I learned about the structure and function of the brain and nervous system, development through the lifespan and mental states. These understandings and my love for learning and teaching, led me to have an interest in teaching children.

Its such a pleasure to introduce new ideas to children and extend on their own understandings, curiosities and imaginations. I am always developing as an educator and teacher and have loved working with Bay Explorers since 2026. The Bay Explorers team and children are so welcoming and fun to interact with, and I enjoy surprising everyone with interesting new books, toys and activities.

On weekends, I exercise, play with my parent’s dog Champ and spend time with family and friends. I look forward to growing together, alongside the children and team at Bay Explorers and what adventures await.

Nadia

Hi, my name is Nadia, and I have been working in childcare for over 20 years. I have been diploma qualified for the past six years and have been with Bay Explorers since February 2026.

Working with children is something I am truly passionate about. I love building meaningful relationships with each child, supporting their individual needs, and creating a warm, safe and nurturing environment where they feel loved, valued and encouraged to be themselves. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is watching children grow, learn new skills, build confidence and reach new milestones each and every day.

Coming from a family of seven and being a mum to three children of my own, I understand how important it is for children to feel a sense of belonging and for families to feel supported and connected. I believe every child is unique and deserves the opportunity to learn, explore and thrive at their own pace.

I feel very fortunate to be part of each child’s learning journey and look forward to making a positive difference in their lives every day.

Pinki

My name is Pinki and I am a passionate and dedicated Early Childhood Educator with a strong academic foundation and over 11 years of experience in the early childhood sector in Australia. My educational journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Sociology and Elective English followed by a Bachelor of Education specialising in teaching English and Social Science and later a Master of Arts in English Literature in India. After beginning my career as a teacher in India, I pursued my passion for early years learning in Australia too and completed my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. I have been working in childcare for the last 11 years, (5 years at Bay Explorers) and throughout this time I have remained committed to nurturing young minds with care, respect, and intentionality.

Six years ago, I moved to Hervey Bay from Melbourne with my husband and daughter, and ever since been proud to call this warm and welcoming coastal community my home. While working with children, I hold a firm belief that every child is unique and learns at their own pace, using their innate abilities. I see myself as a source of support to help them reach their full potential in their early years. I deeply believe in providing children with autonomy and agency — an environment where they are empowered to explore their interests, make choices, and become confident, capable learners.

Outside of work, I find joy in music, yoga and philosophical arts, all of which enrich my creativity as an educator.

Samantha

Hi there, my name is Samantha. I have been in childcare since 2010. I had been working in the events and hospitality industry previously. Seeing people having a good time brings me joy and fulfilment. The switch to childcare was wonderful; I get to contribute to the lives of children and their families, whilst building connections and giving service to our community.

I like that no two days are ever the same and there is plenty of variety in our roles. Creativity is where I thrive, and I enjoy all sorts of art experiences. I believe the first five years of life are so important to foster a sense of self, connection, and a love of learning. When we give children confidence in themselves, they can achieve great things.

I enjoy travelling, reading, and cooking, spending time with family and close friends, and quiet nights in.

Tahlia

Hi, I’m Tahlia and I have been working as an Early Childhood Educator at Bay Explorers since 2024, which makes me relatively new to the team. I currently hold a Certificate III in Children’s Services and am looking forward to furthering my studies in the future to be able to better provide children with the opportunity to flourish.

I love educating children and being part of a fantastic team, like Bay Explorers. I enjoy being able to nurture and care for children and absolutely love watching them develop and grow through play and learning.

I have two children of my own who keep me busy on the weekends, and we are often out and about exploring local parks and playscapes. Having children of my own has given me a better insight into how to approach and create meaningful relationships with children and their families.