Our team

Wunya! I’m Shahde, the proud Centre Director of Griffin Early Learning. With over 15 years of experience in the early childhood industry, early childhood education is more than just my career, it’s my passion. I believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and celebrated for who they are. My goal is to create a nurturing environment where all children feel confident to explore and learn. I have a deep passion for cultural inclusion and truly value the importance of strong community connections. Creating an environment where every child, family, and educator feels supported, valued, and respected is at the heart of everything I do. I’m so excited about the meaningful connections that will be formed within our community and can’t wait to watch the children grow as they journey through their early years with us at our service.

My name is Kerry, and I am the Assistant Director at our centre. I have been qualified in early childhood education for 11 years, with 7 years of active, hands-on experience working directly with children and families. I am deeply passionate about early learning and believe that strong, secure relationships are the foundation for children to feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. My professional focus is on child safety, positive behaviour guidance, and supporting children’s emotional wellbeing. I am committed to creating environments where children feel heard, respected, and supported to develop self-regulation and positive social skills. I strongly believe that when educators build trusting, responsive relationships, children are empowered to thrive. In my role as Assistant Director, I support the ongoing development of a high-quality service by working closely with educators to promote best practice, reflective teaching, and consistent approaches to care and behaviour guidance. I am passionate about mentoring and supporting staff, maintaining strong partnerships with families, and ensuring our practices align with the National Quality Framework to provide a safe, nurturing, and high-quality learning environment for all children.

Hello! My name is Tiarna and I have been working in the Early Childhood Sector since 2013. With over 13 years of experience, I am dedicated to continuous reflection, lifelong learning and professional growth, staying informed of current research and best practices to ensure that my approach remains responsive to the evolving needs of children. families and the community. I am holistic in my pedagogical approach and deeply passionate about inclusivity and relationships. Connection and relational approaches are foundational to my practice, reflecting my belief that strong relationships are essential for growth, well-being and positive learning environments where children can feel a deep sense of safety, belonging and empowerment at each developmental stage. I am a strong advocate for child-led and inquiry-based approaches where play serves as a fundamental vehicle for learning and discovery, and children are viewed as natural investigators and capable leaders of their own learning. As educators, our role is to walk alongside children and families in partnership, cultivating nurturing connections and creating enriching environments that respond to and guide each child on their unique learning journey.

Hello, my name is Cucu.

I have been working in childcare for the past three years. I am passionate about working in the kitchen and preparing healthy, nutritious meals for children. I also enjoy gardening, as it supports fresh, wholesome food and helps teach children where their food comes from. I am proud of my Indonesian background, which inspires my love for food, flavours, and caring for others. I enjoy creating meals that are safe, balanced, and enjoyable for every child.

Kia Ora! My name is Ashley. I have worked in Early Childhood Education since 2015, beginning my career in Auckland, New Zealand. I completed my degree in 2017. In 2024, relocating to Brisbane with my husband and daughter to be close to family.

I approach my teaching through a holistic perspective. Approaching with patience, a willingness to understand. I have the passion for supporting children to develop their voices, advocate their needs, guiding them in scaffold their social and emotional competencies. I will always strive to build trusting, honest, respectful and meaningful connections with children, families and members of our Griffin Early Learning community.

Wunya everyone! My name is Miss Jade, and I am so excited to be a part of Griffin Early Learning as the Senior Studio Lead Educator! I have been in the childcare industry for 5 years now and have worked in every age group. I am a very passionate Educator who loves to create a calming, welcoming and nurturing environment for our little friends and anyone who walks in our Centre. I cannot wait to meet every one of you and welcome you to our beautiful Centre.

Hi, my name is Victoria! I’m so happy to introduce myself as the junior studio lead educator! I have worked in the childcare industry for coming up to 3 years now, my passion has always been to help children grow into our future generations and to help them be confident within themselves. I’m very passionate about sign language and communicating with children through play and art!

Hi Everyone, my name is Miss Nicola, but most people call me Nic! I’m a caring and dedicated childcare professional with a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying towards my Diploma. With 11 years of hands-on experience across all age groups, I’m passionate about supporting children through play-based learning, where curiosity, creativity, and imagination are encouraged every day. I strive to create a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, confident, and excited to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace.

My name is Kiahane Bella and I am the Lead Educator in the Nursery Two room. I have been working in the early childhood sector for five years and have loved every moment of it. I am passionate about creating a safe, nurturing and welcoming environment where children feel a strong sense of belonging. Building meaningful relationships with children and families is at the heart of my practice, and I feel privileged to support children during these important early years.

I’m Miss Schinara, with five years in early childhood, I hold my Diploma in children’s Services and also have training in infant and toddler pedagogy. I’m passionate about creating calm, whimsical, nurturing, and culturally inclusive spaces and look forward to working closely with families and the team.