The Ballykin 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.
Ballykin Mosman
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
Arri – Centre Director, Educational Leader
Ballykin MosmanI come from the beautiful north of Spain and have always carried a deep appreciation for languages and culture. I speak three languages and strongly value the importance of being multilingual, as I believe it plays a vital role in a child's cognitive and social development. Teaching is something I grew up around, as my mother was a teacher. Observing her empathy, care, and love for her students has inspired me to bring those same qualities to my own teaching practice. I am passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that connect children with their community. At Ballykin, I strive to foster a happy, safe, and inclusive environment while bringing our team together to work collaboratively for the benefit of the children and families we support. Diploma Educator Nominated Supervisor Centre Director since 2023
Elise – Early Childhood Teacher
Ballykin MosmanI have been working in the Early Childhood field for more than 20 years and hold my Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) as well as my Associate Diploma in Social Science. With my years of experience, I feel I have been able to build an established reputation as a dedicated Early Childhood Educator. I bring with me my practical skills, my expertise and my passion as an educator and teacher. I get a lot of joy out of caring and educating children and sharing in the children’s learning journey as they transition to school. In my spare time I like to travel, especially to Hawaii and New York, see musicals and spend time with my family and friends. Early Childhood Teacher Responsible Person Teacher at Ballykin since 2018
Heather – Early Childhood Teacher
Ballykin MosmanOriginally from Scotland, I moved to Yorkshire and kept travelling south until I settled in Australia over twenty years ago. Following a career which involved children was a natural progression for me as I loved being one, and coming from a large family I always loved being around children. I gained a Nursery Nurse Diploma in England and hold an Advanced Diploma in Children’s Services. I then completed by Early Childhood Education degree in 2014. My special interests are social and emotional intelligence, resilience, empathy, social justice, literacy and numeracy, and the creative arts. Early Childhood Teacher Responsible Person Teacher at Ballykin since 2013
Vahid – Certificate 3 Educator
Ballykin MosmanI was born and raised in Tehran/Iran. I used to teach in private Schools in Tehran for five years. I immigrated to Australia in 2018 and started working in different Early Childhood services on the Northern Beaches and then settled at Ballykin in 2019. Sports have always been my passion. I have played soccer for several years. Working at Ballykin has given me a great chance to combine my passions (teaching and sports). At Ballykin I support children to develop and improve their physical skills through a range of different skill based games and sports. Certificate 3 Educator Educator & Sports Coordinator at Ballykin since 2019
Asma – Diploma Educator
Ballykin MosmanOriginally from Bangladesh, I moved to Australia with my husband in 2012 and am a Mum to an 8 year old son. I highly value my lovely family – my Mum and my siblings. I value being a kind, honest and hard working person. I hold a post graduate degree in Geography and as well as my Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I enjoy spending time with my friends from childhood and love being outdoors, appreciating the natural beauty of our local area. Diploma Educator Permanent Full Time Educator at Ballykin since 2019
Maria – Certificate 3 Educator
Ballykin MosmanI am originally from Peru but since 2007 when I arrived in Australia I fell in love with this country and its people. I speak two languages – English and Spanish. I am an Educator who is passionate about interacting with children, fostering and promoting their learning by sharing singing, dancing and storytelling experiences. Educator at Ballykin since 2014 Educator at Ballykin since 2014
Rojina – Diploma Educator
Ballykin MosmanI was born and brought up in the beautiful country Nepal, which is rich in its culture and traditions. I graduated in 2018 from Nursing School however my passion for teaching children drove me to this profession. I migrated to Australia in 2018 with experience working with children from many different backgrounds. I focus on building responsive, positive, nurturing relationships with each child in my care. I completed my Diploma in January 2021 and strive to continue my professional journey through continuous reflection and professional development. Diploma Educator Permanent Full Time Educator at Ballykin since 2020
Paris – Diploma Educator
Ballykin MosmanAs the eldest of six children I have always enjoyed acting as a second Mum to my siblings. I have always had an interest and passion for teaching and have known I wanted to work in Early Childhood Education since I was very young – about the same age as the children I now teach! Paris - Diploma Educator Permanent Full Time Educator at Ballykin since 2022
Audjima – Cook
Ballykin MosmanI have worked in corporate catering for ten years and also ran my own cooking school many years ago before coming to Ballykin four years ago. Cooking is my passion and I love teaching children about cooking and developing healthy eating habits. When I am not working at Ballykin I teach children with disabilities. Cook & Meal Planner Permanent Part Time Cook at Ballykin since 2017
Bandana – Diploma Educator
Ballykin MosmanDiploma Educator Casual/Part Time Educator at Ballykin since 2021
Ballykin Rose Bay
Sara – Centre Director
Ballykin Rose BayI have over 15 years experience working in the Early Childhood Education sector. I studied my Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) at Sydney University and went on to further my studies completing a Certificate IV in Assessment and Training, and also an Executive General Manager Program at Melbourne Business School. I am passionate about creating a strong, supported and informed team who will inspire, co-construct and guide children to be capable, independent and active learners. My personal teaching philosophy is ‘the art of teaching, is the art of assisting the discovery.’ I was born in Croatia and love to explore and experience new cultures. Embedding a culturally rich inclusive program to Ballykin is something I continue to promote. As an active individual growing up near Bondi Beach, I frequently participate in outdoor boot camp, boxing and love hiking around our beautiful beaches and National parks. Combining nature play and outdoor play, by going on local excursions is a huge focus in the program here at Ballykin, as it provides countless opportunities for free play, inquisitive learning, and endless fun. Centre Director Nominated Supervisor Director & Educator at Ballykin since 2014
Piera – Educator & 2IC
Ballykin Rose BayI have been an Early Childhood Educator for thirteen years. Before that I worked in the corporate world. I am Australian born and have Italian heritage. I can speak, read and write fluently in Italian as well. I am dedicated to helping young children learn and grow. I live locally and have worked at Ballykin for 7 years, as I believe in the philosophy, dedication and devotion to our work, which leads to great learning outcomes for the children. I have great communication skills, whether it is with the children, parents or staff. I take pride in my work and always strive for the best result. My interests include educating the children about our Indigenous culture and having a love of creating beautiful environments for the children to extend on their emerging interests. When I am not having fun at Ballykin with the children, I like to travel, watch AFL, go to the beach and spend time with my family. Worked at Ballykin since 2015
Beatriz – Educational Leader
Ballykin Rose BayI am a passionate educator with over 25 years experience. I started my career as a primary and secondary school teacher in Brazil. There I completed my studies (Bachelor’s in Education and Master’s in Arts) and was lucky enough to have a varied and fulfilling range of experiences in the educational field. However, it was in Australia that I discovered the joys of working in Early childhood and never looked back. Since then, I have been sharing my love for nature and learning with children and educators. Educational Leader Responsible Person Educator at Ballykin since 2011
Maria – Certificate III Educator
Ballykin Rose BayHaving started my Early Childhood Education career in 2001, I have been a valued team member at Ballykin since 2013. During this time I have enjoyed the relationships I have formed with the staff, parents and especially the children. An Australian of Italian heritage, I am fluent in Italian language, am creative and love singing and playing games with the children... and I have a sense of humour! I am nurturing, caring and devoted to helping the children achieve their goals by creating an extension of the home environment at Ballykin. Certificate III Educator Responsible Person Educator at Ballykin since 2013
Katie – Diploma Educator
Ballykin Rose BayI was born and raised in the South East of England, where I worked in Health and Fitness. I moved to Sydney in 2004 and began studying for my Diploma in Early childhood Education, and am currently studying for my Bachelor's in Education. I love my role within the preschool room and the incredible program that we have and continue to evolve. I have also introduced a rich woodwork program for our centre, which has many wonderful learning opportunities for our children Diploma Educator Responsible Person Educator at Ballykin since 2016
Millena – Certificate III Educator
Ballykin Rose BayOriginally from Brazil, I have lived in Australia 2017 and have been fortunate enough to be able to further my career in Early Childhood Education since moving here. I get a lot of joy educating children in their early years and nurturing their sense of discovery. Since joining the team at Ballykin my role has included utilising gardening, creativity and imagination play to educate the children. Certificate III Educator Responsible Person Educator at Ballykin since 2019
Ruth – Diploma Educator
Ballykin Rose BayHaving worked in the Early Childhood Learning since 2006, I hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Before joining the team at Ballykin I ran my own Family Day Care Centre (for 10 years) and through this bring with me a wide range of experience, and passion for early childhood education. I love working with children and At Ballykin support their emotional development and learning through free play, arts and crafts and teacher led inquiries. Diploma Educator 15 Years Experience Educator at Ballykin since 2021
Napat – Diploma Educator
Rose BayI was raised and educated in Bangkok, Thailand and moved to Australia in 2007 where I successfully completed a Diploma of Education. I am fully bilingual (Thai and English) and love working with babies and very young children. Through kindness and nurturing I make a positive impact on learning and development of the children in my care. Diploma Educator Responsible Person Educator at Ballykin since 2021
Rohaniza – Chef
Ballykin Rose BayBorn and raised in the Philippines, I moved to Australia with my family in 2016 and completed a Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Services. As a Chef with over 14 years of experience in the hotel and restaurant industry, cooking has always been my passion and I am fortunate to be able to plan and prepare, exciting and nutritious meals for the children at Ballykin. Chef & Meal Planner Permanent Part Time Cook at Ballykin since 2019