Meet the Urraween Team

Ashley

Hi, my name is Ashley! I completed my Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care in 2024 after studying and finishing my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education. The reason I chose early childhood as a career path was because I grew up with lots of cousins and family around, so I’ve always been surrounded by children and have loved spending time with them.

I have lived in Hervey Bay my whole life and currently live with my little sister, my dad and our dogs, Zeus and Bruno. What I like to do on the weekend is spend time with my sister and go on lots of adventures around the Fraser Coast! I enjoy exploring new places and doing this with the people I love.

I’m excited to learn and grow at Bay Explorers and support your children as they complete their early education.

Becky

Hello, I’m Miss Becky! I’ve had the pleasure of working with Bay Explorers since 2020, and I’m a qualified Early Childhood Educator with my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. I’ve previously been a Lead Educator in the Toddler rooms and am currently working with the Nursery.

I absolutely love watching children grow and thrive, and I find so much joy in building connections with both the children and their families. These relationships are incredibly important to me and help me grow as an Educator, ensuring I can always offer the best care and learning experiences.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about sunflowers and music. On the weekends, you’ll often find me enjoying quality time with my family, friends, and my beautiful Cavalier, Lulu.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of each child’s journey and to contribute to their early development in a meaningful way.

Bobbie

Hi, my name is Bobbie, and I have worked in the ECEC profession for 20 years as both Lead and Assistant Educator. I completed my Diploma in 2010 with Honors and Distinctions. I was previously at Bay Explorers’ Urangan for nearly six years and have moved to our sister centre at Urraween, where I’m now in Junior Kindy.

My partner Stephen and I moved to the Bay from Cairns 6 years ago to be closer to family. Stephen has his own business doing Mobile Mechanic work. I have a son named Cameron, who is 28 years old and lives in the Bay, and my partner has two children, Ethan 26, and Bri 24 years old, who live in Sydney.

We love all animals and have a cat. I love being an Educator, teaching, and watching children grow to make their way through their world.

Chelsea

Hi, my name is Chelsea and I have been working towards completing my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care since early 2024 as a school-based trainee. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for me in this fantastic career.

I enjoy working with the variety of age groups across the centre, gaining insight into their learning, creativity, growth and development as they blossom into beautiful young children.

It’s been a privilege to work with the Bay Explorers’ team, and I look forward to meeting you all and being a part of the children’s learning!

Izabelle

Hey, my name is Izabelle. I have moved around a lot my whole life. I have a partner, his name is Luke, and he is an Apprentice Tiler. We have no children but plan to in the future.

I love to be outdoors and go camping, and anything that involves animals. I plan to go to Western Australia and explore there, as it looks so beautiful.

I decided to join the childcare profession in 2025 because I love watching children grow, discover and create in their own ways, and watching how their personalities change and develop. I hope to help create a safe place for all children, and plan on achieving my Diploma.

Jess

Hi, my name is Jess. I am a Lead Educator for our Bay Explorers’ Urraween Service. I have been with Bay Explorers since 2018, having previously been at our Urangan Service until 2022, when I moved over to Urraween.

My Partner and I have been together since we met in high school and have three young children together. I have lived in Hervey Bay my whole life, except for four years where we moved to Gladstone, and then to Bundaberg for work purposes. I have three siblings who all live in Hervey Bay, as well as most of my family, whom we love spending time with. On the weekend we love to be together with our children, sometimes taking our caravan away for weekend adventures!

I have worked in early childhood since 2010 ranging from Outside School Hours Care to being a Lead Educator in the Nursery and many other age groups.

I love being a part of a child’s first five years of life as I believe these years are the most important, as they learn, grow, and adapt to the big world. We are always learning something new, which is what I love about working in this profession.

I am very passionate about each and every child that I care for and believe you need to build a relationship of trust and safety for each child and their families. I look forward to being a part of your child’s learning journey.

Joanne

Hi, I’m Joanne (JoJo) and I am known at Bay Explorers for my bubbly personality which leads me to create fun and engaging learning environments and experiences for children to enjoy!

I was born in England where I began in the early childhood profession in 1994 and completed my Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care in 2015, whilst living in Sydney. I made the move to Hervey Bay with my children in 2018 and joined the Bay Explorers’ team not long after.

I am a married woman after meeting my husband in 2020 and together we have five adult children who create our perfect blended family, along with our dachshund Rusty. When I am not spending time with my family, I enjoy beautiful beach walks, reading and have recently taken an interest in various art forms including painting.

I love getting to know all the families and being a part of their children’s fun learning adventures. Seeing the children’s happy faces each day makes my heart sing and watching how they learn and grow from the beginning of the year through to the end is the absolute best!

Kalisha

Hi, my names Kalisha. From a young age, I have been passionate about working with children. This passion began in third grade when I was asked, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” Without hesitation, I replied, “I want to look after little babies.”

In 2020, I began studying for my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education, which I successfully obtained in 2021. I completed my Diploma in May of 2025. My journey as an Educator officially began in early 2024 when I joined Bay Explorers, where I have had the privilege of working with a dedicated team to create a nurturing and joyful environment for children.

I am committed to continuous learning and growth in this profession and look forward to making a positive impact on the lives of the children I care for.

Kanta

My name is Kanta. I have been in the early childhood profession since 2021. I am an Educator who is passionate about encouraging children to develop socially, emotionally and intellectually.

As Educators, I believe it is our responsibility to create supportive environments that empower each child to recognise and nurture their unique strengths by fostering resilience and confidence. We not only enrich their development but also contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society.

As a bilingual Educator, I specialise in creating engaging educational programs. I love building strong relationships with children and their families.

In my spare time, I enjoy completing my housework, sewing and working in my flower garden.

Kerrie

Hey, I’m Kerrie! I started in early childhood in July 2022 after being a Teacher’s Aide within a school setting. I completed my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and began my career with Bay Explorers in 2024.

On the weekend I like to walk along the beach and enjoy collecting shells and other treasures to bring in to show the children.

My favourite thing about working with children is watching them meet their goals and milestones with my help. The biggest difference between working alongside children from birth to 5 in an early childhood setting and being a teacher aide within a school, is the atmosphere at Bay Explorers is centred around nurturing children in a really loving and gentle way.

Melissa

Hi, I’m Mel! I’ve recently moved to the area with my family and am excited to be part of the Bay Explorers’ community. I hold both a Certificate III and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, and have been working in the childcare profession since early 2023.

Outside of work, I love spending quality time with my children, whether it’s cheering on the sideline at my children’s football games, or heading out on family fishing and camping trips.

I’m passionate about creating a warm and nurturing environment for children, and I look forward to getting to know your little ones here at Bay Explorers.

Rachael

Hi, my name Rachael and I have been in the profession since I was 17 years old. Since 2022 I have gained a lot of experience and knowledge and only hope to learn more along the way. I am extremely passionate about caring for children and their development and growth while in an Early Childhood setting.

I love creating experiences and opportunities which give the children space to explore, learn and play. Since starting at Bay Explorers in 2023, I have been successful in studying my Certificate III and Diploma. My next big goal is to begin working towards a “Bachelor of Primary Education.”

Shannon

Hi, my name is Shonagh and I have been working as an Early Childhood Educator since 2011, completing my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2022. I have experience working with children of all ages in the early years, however I have spent the most recent years as a Lead Educator with the 2.5-4-year-olds. I love the learning and development that can be supported in this age group.

I am new to the Bay Explorers’ team; I have enjoyed building connections with the children and families, and I look forward to watching your children grow and seeing their personalities shine through.

I am the proud mother to my son who is my absolute world! I also have a deep love for animals, having three dogs, five birds, two lizards and a snake to keep me busy!

Tamara

Hi I’m Tamara! I am joining Bay Explorers as an Assistant Educator at Urraween in 2025. I started working in the childcare profession in 2008 and over my time I have fulfilled most roles within a service.

I have grown up here in Hervey Bay and now I’m raising my four children here too. On the weekends we love being outside, boating, fishing, camping or just enjoying our little property.

I believe when working closely with children it is important to have the ability to build and maintain secure and supportive relationships. I pride myself on being able to connect to children and provide them with a sense of belonging within their childcare service. I aim to build consistent, nurturing relationships through conversations and interactions with the children and their families while showing respect, support and understanding to all family backgrounds, situations, and cultures.

Children and families respond positively when they feel valued and respected. This allows opportunities for Educators and families to work closely to provide the best possible care for their child.

Tasha

Hi, my name is Tash and I am currently studying to achieve my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. While I am new to the profession, I am super excited to be part of Bay Explorers and learn and grow alongside an incredibly supportive team!

I love everything sports related and spend my spare time on and around the netball courts! I have a younger brother who is 12 years younger than me and he always keeps me on my toes, pushing me to be the best version of myself and he was ultimately what kick-started my drive and passion for early childhood.

Zoe

Hi, I’m Zoe and I’ve been working in the early childhood profession since 2022. I have loved working with children since I was in Sunday School, and soon found it was a passion in high school as well.

I have recently moved from Cairns to Hervey Bay in April of 2024 and am enjoying the beach days and cool summer breeze of living so close to the water.

I’m a very creative person and I love to write fantasy stories in my spare time. I also love to learn new things and give anything a go! I am so grateful for the support that Bay Explorers has shown me since I’ve started and I can’t wait to see where my journey leads.

Zoi

Hello, my name is Zoi and I’ve just started my career in childcare. I am a qualified Chef by trade and was looking for something completely different.

I was born in one of the biggest racing towns in Australia, Bathurst. My family ran farms, and this is how I spent the first ten years of my life until my parents moved us somewhere warmer and nicer to look at. They moved us to the small coastal town of Forster – Tuncurry where I completed high school and my Certificate III in Commercial Cookery. It’s also where I met my partner, Todd, when we were both still in high school. At the young ages of 22 – 25 we packed up everything and made the move to Hervey Bay. We then had our kids, Noah and Lotti, who definately keep us on our toes.

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason whether good or bad, and everything worth having is worth fighting for. I believe that everything serves its purpose, and things will happen with hard work.

I look forward to working my through this new career path that I have chosen for myself, and making friendships, memories and connections with the people I meet.