Wyndham Vale Child's Play

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 Rachel Flint

Tell us a bit about yourself and your experience

I’m a mum of two children who has been working in the Early Childhood Education sector for 23 years. I started my career as an assistant educator in a small rural centre in NSW and worked my way up to Centre Manager with a variety of other roles including Educational Leader and ECT. I relocated to Wyndham Vale just over 12 months ago.

How long have you worked at Child’s Play?

My journey with Child’s Play has only recently commenced, but I feel like I’ve already settled in and I’m excited about my role as Educational Leader in the new Wyndham Vale service.

How would other people describe you?

Other people would probably describe me as creative, compassionate and loyal.

What hobbies do you have?

I’m a passionate rugby league fan and have been supporting the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs since the age of 7. I also love reading and writing. I’ve published 4 fiction novels and I’m currently working on 2 more.

What is your favourite thing to do outside of work?

In my spare time I love spending time with my family doing things around the house or going out for a nice meal.

Why do you work in early childhood education?

My Early Childhood journey stemmed from my love of working with children and watching them learn new skills and make new discoveries, while forming relationships with them and their families. It’s rewarding to be able to spend time with children and help set the foundations for the beginning of their journey through life. I’m also passionate about mentoring educators and supporting them in any way I can.

How would you describe Child’s Play ELC?

Child’s Play feels like one big family and everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. Their commitment to creating quality education and care is evident in all of their beautiful centres.

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

The Wyndham Vale community is fairly new to me, but I can see that there is a need for quality early childhood education and care and I feel like Child’s Play will fulfil that role well.

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

I’m excited to be able to work with the children and families of Wyndham Vale, but also to work with the Child’s Play educators. I’m grateful to be able to share my knowledge and experience with our team and contribute to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment, where every child matters.