Our Team

Hi my name is Teena Beri and I am the Centre Manager at Tarneit West.  I have been working in the childcare industry since 2008. I joined child’s play in 2014 and I believe it was one of the best decisions I took. At Child’s Play, I got to work in an environment that help me to grow, learn and upgrade my skills.

Working with children is my passion and is a rewarding job as you bring a change in little people’s lives. Working in childcare gives you lots of opportunities to learn and grow and each day I learn something new whether it’s from my colleagues or the children I teach.

What is something you love?

I love spending time with my husband, my 5year old daughter and my Dog. One of my favourite things to do in my spare time is calling my family who live overseas, go shopping, cook and listen to music.

How would you describe Child’s Play ELC?

My passion for children and bringing change into their lives has brought me into early childhood education. Child’s Play gave me that opportunity where I grow from Room leader to Centre manager. I love my job and I couldn’t be happier than working at Child’s Play ELC.  Sam and Ian are one of the best bosses one could ever think of. They don’t run a business; they are actually extending their family in the childhood sector. They keep you motivated and are great support all the time.

Hi my name is Cherise O’Keeffe and I am the Assistant Director at Child’s Play ELC Tarneit West. I have been in the childcare industry for over 12 years and at Childs Play for over 6. During this time I have worked in many different roles and with all age groups.

I am a bubbly and cheerful person who enjoys having a chat and a laugh. Outside of work, I prioritise spending time with family and friends. I also make time for my hobbies which include reading books, watching the footy (AFL) and listening to music.

What is something you love?

I love my family and friends and enjoy spending time with these special people in my life. Making memories is something I treasure.

How would you describe Child’s Play ELC?

What more could you ask for in a childcare! Loving, caring owners and beautiful educators. Childs Play is a home away from home for our little friends where we believe “EVERY CHILD MATTERS”. Every Childs Play educator will ensure each child is safe, happy and enjoying their learning journey. My favourite part of working at Child’s Play ELC is building relationships with the children and families. Watching our children grow and learn is what drives my passion to do my best every day. Seeing the children so happily greet me with warm hugs and smiles really shows what impact we have on our little friends.

My name’s Christina, but you can call me Chris if you like.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your experience

I have been living in the Tarneit area for a few years now after moving from a nearby suburb. I enjoy working in the tight knit community of Tarneit, as this large community strives for passion, togetherness and community partnership. I have an older brother and a twin sister (some people say she looks a little too much like me), I have a great relationship with both of them and enjoy spending my spare time with them. I have been working as an Early Childhood Educator for 11 years, and have seen many educational changes over the years. These changes have sparked my passion for educating children and have led me to continue up-skilling. I am currently completing a Bachelor of Education Primary, and enjoy spending most of my weekends dedicating time to up-skilling with the hope to teach future generations. 

How long have you worked at Child’s Play? 

I have been working at Childs Play Tarneit West for 2 years. 

How would other people describe you? 

People describe me as a bubbly, caring and honest person who gives everyone a chance and enjoys a little structure and order to the day. 

What hobbies do you have? 

I really enjoy mind games, puzzles and reading autobiographies. 

Why do you work in early childhood education? 

Working with children ignites my inner passion, and inner role model. Each aspect of each day being surrounded by young children is rewarding in itself. Supporting and engaging children’s curiosity through their own learning journey allows children to be adaptive of their future learning skills. These skills develop with time, but knowing I was there as a key role model igniting each child’s initial spark for their ongoing educational journey. 

How would you describe Child’s Play ELC? 

Child’s Play ELC is each child’s home away from home, an extended family who strive for educational excellence with open arms to each individual child and their family. 

What are you most excited about working at Child’s Play Tarneit West ? 

Community! Providing a supportive and warm environment for everyone who walks through the door, engaging in and with our community to provide an optimal educational facility recognised as each child’s extended family. 

Hi, I’m Leah Shanks and I’m excited to be the Centre Director at Child’s Play Wyndham Vale. People describe me as being always happy and willing to lend a hand. I’ve worked in early childhood education for the past 9 years, 5 of which have been at Child’s Play Torquay. Prior to this I was a live-in nanny in America for 2 years. I’ve worked in many positions within Child’s Play, from a casual educator to my current role as Educational Leader.

What is something you love?

I love to bake! In my free time I’m always baking something to share with my friends and family. When I’m not working, I’m either baking, hanging with friends and family or playing with my dog.

How would you describe Child’s Play ELC? 

Child’s Play is like a second family, everyone knows everyone and we all support each other.

Early childhood education is so rewarding, each day you’re making an impact on a young child’s life and preparing them for the future. I love coming in each day and seeing the children so excited to see you and wanting to engage in all of the play spaces.

What are you most excited about with the opening of the new Wyndham Centre? 

I’m excited to work in a new community and build relationships with new families. We’ll create a loving community for them and their child.

Hi my name is Corrina Giorgi

Tell us a bit about yourself and your experience

I am a mother of 4 beautiful children and have a wonderful supportive partner. Our family have been living in the Wyndham Vale area for over 3 years.I love being creative and have a passion for horses. I have been in a range of industries, most of which I had management positions, however I never found them rewarding that is until I decided 9 years ago to make the switch to childcare where I feel I have found one of the most rewarding jobs.

How long have you worked at Child’s Play?

I began my career with Childs Play June 2016

How would other people describe you?

If we were to see you in the community you would be…
Talkative! I can have a good old chat for hours and become lost in conversation. People are able to open up to me as they find me relatable. I am honest, caring and a good listener.

What hobbies do you have?

When I find time I have a range of hobbies which include making bath bombs, candles,cakes, creating a range of items using resin or anything that is creative really. Recently I’ve really enjoyed refurbishing furniture.

Do you have a favourite food?

Salami

What is your favourite thing to do outside of work?

Spend time with my family, I really love our Friday nights where we are all together either watching a movie or playing board games

Why do you work in early childhood education?

Early education is an extremely rewarding career, creating beautiful bonds with children and their families where we are able to watch children grow, and develop their own individual personalities before our very eyes. I love being able to share children’s experiences with their families

How would you describe Child’s Play ELC?

Family orientated and passionate about children would be the best way to describe Child’s play. As soon as I walked through the doors Sam and Ian have been nothing but accommodating and understanding when it has come to my family.
I’ve found at Childs play every single person across each service believes and instills Child’s play philosophy – Every child matters

How would you describe the Wyndham Vale community and Child’s Play’s involvement?

Wyndham Vale is a beautiful community, I am blessed to be able to be apart of the Wyndham Vale community. Child’s play community will be well supported and accommodating as is with every service.

What are you most excited about with the new Wyndham Vale Centre?

Knowing how amazing Child’s Play services are and what they bring to the community, I am excited to bring this to Wyndham Vale. What we do at Child’s Play is unique and I believe there is no other service that is able to offer what Child’s Play can provide. We believe in our philosophy every child matters. We show this everyday through our passionate and dedicated educators.

Hi, my name is Melanie Wolfenden!

Do you have a nickname? Yes, I often get called Mel

Tell us a bit about yourself and your experience

I have been working in the Childcare industry for 7 years.

I am a bubbly, energetic and an ambitious person.

I enjoy challenging myself and thrive by introducing new ideas and projects in early childhood education, like sustainability and spontaneous play.

I view myself as a role model for younger children, aiming to educate and make a positive impact on their lives.

How long have you worked at Child’s Play? 

I began my career with Child’s Play in April 2018

How would other people describe you? 

My friends would describe me as outgoing and passionate. I always have a smile on my face ready to dive into a conversation.

What hobbies do you have? 

I have a variety of hobbies, including camping, fishing, 4×4 driving, water sports, and seeking out new adventures to explore with my family and friends. During my free time, I also enjoy activities like video gaming, solving puzzles, gardening, and catching up on the latest television series.

Why do you work in early childhood education?

Early childhood is more than just a job, it’s a passionate and fulfilling career. It offers the chance to see the world through a child’s eyes, opening up countless learning possibilities and allowing you to make a meaningful impact on their lives. You build strong connections not only with the children but also with their families. To the children, we are more than role models – we become important figures in their lives, guiding and supporting them along their journey.

How would you describe Child’s Play ELC? 

Child’s Play feels like a family. We’re a community that’s passionate, supportive, and caring, committed to the philosophy of “Every Child Matters.” We’re forward-thinking, constantly exploring new ways to support each child on their unique learning journey.

What are you most excited about working at Child’s Play Tarneit West ? 

I’m thrilled to join the Wyndham Vale Community and contribute to building a solid foundation for every child who becomes a part of our new service.