
Our Champions of Childhood

Meet the Bay Explorers' Family!
Our Team of passionate, experienced and highly qualified Educators committed to providing a high-quality, play-based curriculum that fosters children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
Urangan Captains

Alicia
Director

Alicia
Director
Hi, I’m Alicia, a dedicated early childhood Educator since 2011. I started my journey as an external student volunteering hours to complete a Certificate 3. This created so much passion in me for the idea of working with children that I extended my knowledge and accomplished a Diploma in Children’s Services in 2012. Since starting with Bay Explorers in 2013, I have had the opportunity of various roles that have led to my personal and professional growth, and in 2024 I became the Director of our Urangan Service.
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the growth of many children and families throughout my time with Bay Explorers. I’m proud of my Australian South Islander heritage and cherish the values of family and community.
I believe in fostering a warm and inclusive environment for all children. I value the cohort of people I call my team and what they each bring to the Service every day.
I thoroughly enjoy the energy of being around young children.

Jayme
Kindergarten Teacher

Jayme
Kindergarten Teacher
Hello, my name is Jayme, and I’m thrilled to be part of the team at Bay Explorers! I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside such dedicated colleagues and to be a part of this vibrant community of families.
I’m married to my wonderful wife, Ellie, and together we’re raising our three children—Casey, Declan, and Abigail—along with our beloved fur baby. Our household is often full of energy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I have just completed my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, which underpins my work with the Kindergarten children. This field is where my heart is, and every day I feel grateful to be learning and growing alongside the children I work with.
As the Kindergarten Teacher at Bay Explorers’ Urangan, my passion for making connections and fostering a love of learning in children is what drives me. I’m excited to build strong, positive relationships with all of our families and be a part of each child’s journey.
We reach into the community ensuring we have strong connections in our Kindy Program and always welcome fresh ideas and opportunities.

Chef Andy
Chef

Chef Andy
Chef
Hi, my name is Andrzej (Andy). I have worked as a Chef since 2010, and I REALLY enjoy it.
I am originally from Poland, I say originally because I was born there (like all my family) and I lived there for almost the first 20 years of my life but, I always knew that I wanted to see the world. After my graduation I went to France and, after a short time had to come back and do my time with the Army.
When I was 22 I went to Ireland and spent 9 years there. During that time, I travelled and saw quite a bit, I also met up with a very good Australian friend who talked me into coming to Australia to see how great the living is and how beautiful the country is. That was in 2020 and I don’t regret it at all. I’ve met great people, the weather is good, and I can engage in sport activities outside almost every day. Australia is so big and there is a lot still for me to see!
When dropping off your children please pass the kitchen and say hello! I love working alongside children, despite being the fussiest customers I’ve ever had; they have an infectious positive energy that makes every day new, fun and exciting!

Chef Alex
Chef

Chef Alex
Chef
Hello. Originally from Italy and now happily living in Australia, my love for cooking started when I was very young, right alongside my beloved nonna (grandma) in the kitchen. I grew up on a family farm, where I learned the importance of fresh ingredients and the joy of preparing food with care and love.
Inspired by my nonna’s delicious home-cooked meals, I followed my passion and became a Chef. Over the years, I’ve worked in many kitchens, learning how to create tasty, healthy meals that bring people together. I also care deeply about health, fitness, and nutrition, and I always bring that same passion into the meals I prepare.
At Bay Explorers, my goal is to make every child feel at home with warm, nourishing meals that are full of flavour and goodness. Whether it’s a cozy soup, a colourful veggie-packed dish, or a fun, kid-friendly snack, everything I cook is made with love, tradition, and a big smile.

Stephanie
Educational Leader

Stephanie
Educational Leader
My name is Steph, and I currently serve as the Educational Leader at Urangan. Although I have only recently joined the Bay Explorers’ team in 2024, I am already deeply appreciative of the strong sense of community that the Service fosters. I have been an Educator since 2014 and will soon complete my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.
I am passionate about supporting children’s development and learning during the early years, particularly through play-based approaches. I am committed to creating a secure and nurturing environment that allows every child to thrive.
Outside of work, I am a proud mother of three energetic boys who keep me on my toes. Our family enjoys spending time camping and watching football together on weekends.
Urraween Captains

Letitia
Acting Director and Kindergarten Teacher

Letitia
Acting Director and Kindergarten Teacher
Hi, I’m Miss Letitia! I began my professional journey in education in 2005 working in a school setting. I quickly came to learn that I thoroughly enjoyed the early years the most (from birth to kindergarten). I have worked and studied hard for many years, stepping through the ranks and qualifications required to become recognised as a Bachelor qualified Early Childhood Teacher in 2016.
I’m very lucky to have a dual role of being not only the Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) but the Assistant Director of Bay Explorers’ Urraween. This role completed my dream career path as I can guide, mentor and support everyone associated with our Bay Explorers’ Community and other people who are associated with or have an interest in early childhood education and care.
I have two daughters and a dachshund, along with a partner who works FIFO. Even though my children are both teenagers, I can still recall how vital it was for me, as a parent, to know that they were given the opportunity to fully participate and feel a sense of belonging and security in their education and care setting so that they could individually thrive.
A few of my favourite things about teaching early learners is being able to share in significant moments with children and families, providing exciting literacy, creative or STEAM experiences, while planning outdoor and nature-oriented adventures. I value open communication with families and strive to create a supportive and engaging learning environment for all.

Stephanie
Educational Leader

Stephanie
Educational Leader
My name is Steph, and I currently serve as the Educational Leader at Urangan. Although I have only recently joined the Bay Explorers’ team in 2024, I am already deeply appreciative of the strong sense of community that the Service fosters. I have been an Educator since 2014 and will soon complete my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.
I am passionate about supporting children’s development and learning during the early years, particularly through play-based approaches. I am committed to creating a secure and nurturing environment that allows every child to thrive.
Outside of work, I am a proud mother of three energetic boys who keep me on my toes. Our family enjoys spending time camping and watching football together on weekends.

Chef Alex
Chef

Chef Alex
Chef
Hello. Originally from Italy and now happily living in Australia, my love for cooking started when I was very young, right alongside my beloved nonna (grandma) in the kitchen. I grew up on a family farm, where I learned the importance of fresh ingredients and the joy of preparing food with care and love.
Inspired by my nonna’s delicious home-cooked meals, I followed my passion and became a Chef. Over the years, I’ve worked in many kitchens, learning how to create tasty, healthy meals that bring people together. I also care deeply about health, fitness, and nutrition, and I always bring that same passion into the meals I prepare.
At Bay Explorers, my goal is to make every child feel at home with warm, nourishing meals that are full of flavour and goodness. Whether it’s a cozy soup, a colourful veggie-packed dish, or a fun, kid-friendly snack, everything I cook is made with love, tradition, and a big smile.

Chef Peter
Chef

Chef Peter
Chef
Hi, I’m Peter, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the Bay Explorers’ team. I have over a dozen years of experience cooking for children in a school setting. I’m passionate about food and cooking, and I’m excited to share my love of food with the children at Bay Explorers.
I have a young daughter and together with my wife, we enjoy spending time with our dog, Lily in our family home. On the weekend we like to swim in the pool, spend time at the beach, and explore local parks.
Cooking for children brings me so much joy and I love seeing their smiling faces while they enjoy the food I’ve prepared.
I currently hold my Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and am open to attaining my certificate IV to further my career.
Deception Bay 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.
Your Purpose Starts Here
Love working with children? Join the Bay Explorers team and make a lasting impact on young minds. We offer a rewarding work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.