The Ballykin Cromer Team
At Ballykin we care, with the needs and wellbeing of each child is at the core of everything we do. Our nurturing and highly experienced team delivers educational programmes that help the children become confident, creative and curious thinkers, with an enduring love of learning.
Click on the button below to visit our Cromer Early Learning Centre.
Lucy – Centre Director
Ballykin CromerLucy – Centre Director/Nominated Supervisor - Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) I have over 18 years' experience in Early Childhood Education in both teaching and Directing roles. I come from a family of teachers and grew up surrounded by storytelling, music and imaginative play! I love my role of Director at Ballykin Early Learning Centres because it allows me to develop relationships with each child and family, with a balance of time teaching, working with the team and centre operations. I am passionate about engaging children in the creative arts and fostering each child’s curiosity and love for learning. I’m excited to have the opportunity to work at our beautiful new centre at Cromer developing and sharing our Ballykin philosophy and educational program in this unique bushland setting. I enjoy working with our community of supportive families and forming links within the local area to enrich our educational program. Director at Ballykin since July 2018
Virginia – Centre Administration
Ballykin CromerI have worked in Early Childhood Education for more than 25 years, originally working with 0-2 year old children at a centre in Cremorne and in the past 10 years in Office Administration at a centre in Mosman. I have always been passionate about engaging with children, nurturing their development and helping them to explore the environment around them, but also being there to support families as they navigate their way through their Early Childhood Journey. Since joining the Ballykin team, firstly at Mosman and now at Cromer, I have been lucky to build wonderful relationships with both the educators, families and especially the children. In my free time I love to cook and read but most importantly be mum to my 15 year old son Ayden! Permanent Part Time Office Administration at Ballykin since September 2022
Katanya – Educational Leader
Ballykin CromerI am passionate about all things early childhood especially social justice for young children, families and early childhood educators. I believe wellbeing is critical to our successes as individuals and communities, I believe our natural environments can support our wellbeing. I enjoy immersing myself in our wondrous natural environments in our locality and surroundings. I love that Ballykin reflects this in their philosophy and learning environments. You may see me splattered with paint, clay or other messy/sensory resources when you are visiting the centre – creativity is freedom and opportunity to express yourself. I believe working with families to create a nest of relationships where children and families feel respected, connected and supported to discover, create and imagine. Early Childhood Teacher at Ballykin since September 2022
Kayla – Diploma Educator
Ballykin CromerMy educational philosophy revolves around celebrating the unique individuality of each child, promoting play-based learning, and recognizing the immense value of loose parts play, risky play, and embracing nature's elements. By creating a supportive environment that fosters exploration, creativity, and problem-solving, my ultimate goal is to empower children to become lifelong learners and critical thinkers who embrace challenges with enthusiasm and embrace the world around them with a sense of wonder. Educator at Ballykin since April 2023
Kathryn – Certificate III Educator
Ballykin CromerI have been working with children for the last 13 years or so. I have a Diploma in School Aged Care and spent 10 years of that working with older children in before and after school care. I have really enjoyed coming back and working with the younger age groups as they explore the amazing world around them. Educator at Ballykin since February 2023
Rachael – Certificate III Educator
Ballykin CromerI only recently joined the Early Childcare sector (in 2020) but I have quickly fallen in love with meeting little humans and learning with them as they grow! I joined the industry after my daughter, expressed such excitement and fondness for the care she was providing and I decided it was an experience I wanted to be a part of. After completing my Certificate 3, I felt as though there was more to learn and so I have recently started studying towards my Diploma qualification. I believe in creating environments that present opportunities for individualism as no two children are the same! I am grateful to be part of the Ballykin team and I thank them and the families who have supported and welcomed me. “ Educator at Ballykin since January 2024
Donna – Centre Cook
Ballykin CromerI have over 20 years experience as a Chef. Originally from the United Kingdom, I came to Australia in 2013. I have worked as a Childcare centre Cook for 8 years. I have a daughter and she enjoys being my taste taster for new menu items! I love working and cooking for young children as it allows me to not only provide a wide variety of healthy choices in my menu, but enables me to visit classrooms and chat to the children about the menu and seek their feedback. This supports me in providing a healthy menu with a variety of choices which children love each day. Helping families by sharing my recipes is something I enjoy doing too! Centre Cook since February 2024
Dolma – Working towards Certificate 3 Educator
Ballykin CromerI have six years of experience as a teacher - this includes five years in India teaching English to Tibetan refugees just like me! I am currently working towards my Certificate 3 and everyday I feel like I am living my childhood dream. When I was little my preschool teacher was the first person I wanted to be like - kind, supportive, playful and creative. Now with a year of experience in early education I bring that same warmth and passion into my teaching. I love spending time with the children, seeing the world through their curious eyes and growing alongside them. I strive to create a nurturing and inspiring environment where children feel safe and valued and excited to learn. I also believe in building strong relationships with families, helping them feel confident in their child’s learning journey. Educator at Ballykin since February 2025
Talei – Diploma Educator
Ballykin CromerI have been in the Early Childhood sector for almost 30 years. I am the mother of two boys and live on the Northern Beaches. I have a passion for the Creative Arts - music, dancing and visual arts. I believe each child is an individual and can learn through hands-on experiences; through music, literacy, games and play which I enjoy bringing to our daily educational program at Ballykin Cromer. Educator at Ballykin since January 2025
Masi – Certificate Ill Educator
Ballykin CromerI have been growing and working alongside children for nearly a decade (including 8 years in my home Country of Iran and 2 years in Australia). My interest in connecting with children began in my teenage years. Children are constantly learning, and their energy and curiosity deeply inspire me. I strongly believe that play is one of the best tools for learning, and I am passionate about guiding children’s learning through play to help them grow. My goal is to create an environment where children can develop their social, emotional, and cognitive skills. By providing a safe and supportive space, I help them explore the world around them and take steps in their learning journey. Educator at Ballykin since May 2024
Katrina – Diploma Educator
Ballykin CromerI was born and raised in the Philippines. I am a loving wife and mother of one son. I have been in the Early Childhood sector for three years finishing my Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I moved to Australia in 2018 to study and have been here for six years, loving and embracing the "Australian life" which is vibrant and multicultural! I love how I am able to adapt and learn about different cultures here in Australia while at the same time contributing and introducing my own culture. My passion for children and being a child at heart have brought me to this profession and ever since I have been on a journey of learning, amazement and happiness as I build a wonderful relationship with children. Educator at Ballykin since January 2024
Bella – Certificate 3
Ballykin CromerI started having an interest towards working with children from a very young age and I have always dreamed of pursuing a career in this sector. I completed my Certificate 3 in 2023, and I am currently studying towards my Diploma. Since joining the Ballykin Cromer team, I have had the pleasure of working in the Preschool room and forming wonderful connections with the children. I am passionate about encouraging children to express themselves, explore their interests and take on challenges. In my free time you will find me surfing at the beach or hanging out with my dogs. I look forward to getting to know you and your children. Educator at Ballykin since January 2025
Maddie – Certificate III Educator
Ballykin CromerI have lived on the Northern Beaches my whole life, living just around the corner from Ballykin Cromer now. I feel very lucky to live here with my family. After a few years working as a nurse in Palliative Care, I have completed my Certificate 3 through a Ballykin traineeship and am now studying my Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I have twp beautiful daughters of my own who have made me extremely passionate about my new chapter in life. I look forward to getting to know you and your children! Educator at Ballykin since January 2023