Tonii believes innovation is key to her success and has a conscientious approach to branding her centres within the community.

Skills and experience:

Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance)
Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood)

Tonii is an Approved Provider, and the Founder and Managing Director of Starfish Early Learning – a group of 5 centres. She oversees the management and leadership of all these centres.

Tonii believes in providing regular professional learning opportunities, and mentors and supports her staff. She coaches Lead Educators on the research and development of early childhood education theories.

Additional knowledge
LaTrobe Business School’s Leadership Professional Development Program
Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead program
Zones of Regulation and Collaborative Proactive Problem Solving
Melbourne co-convenor for Reggio Emilia Education Approach
Represents ACA Victoria at various forums workshops
Co-convenor for the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange
Member of the UNHCR
Committee member of the Springvale Asian Business Association
Knowledge of Assessment and Rating
Science of Learning and Development

Nicole is the Owner and Approved Provider of Kool Kidz Mill Park; a purpose built, 130 place centre which employs 40+ permanent staff.

Nicole has a significant background in human resource management and industrial relations. She has been a member of ACA Victoria since 2018.

Sam is the Approved Provider of Buddies Early Learning Centre, with two locations in Bentleigh and Glenhuntly. He has developed and run multiple services over the years, priding himself on providing top quality service with a difference for the children in his care.

A Chartered Accountant, Sam is also the Director of Childcare Management Systems, a childcare consultancy and Early Childhood Training – an RTO specialising in early childhood qualifications. With his in-depth knowledge of the industry, and an acute understanding of needs within the sector, Sam is a valuable resource to the Committee.

Sally has many years of experience working in the children’s services sector. She is the Executive Director of Meraki Early Learning Centre.

With a Bachelor of Business in Accounting, Sally bridged her skill set and now successfully leads teams across multiple early learning services striving for equality and inclusion for all children.

Brooke and her family own and operate Dandenong Ranges Childcare Centre, with Brooke as Nominated Supervisor and Director.

Brooke has fulfilled a variety of roles within the early childhood education and care sector since 2004, including as an Educator. This has given her a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and challenges facing those working in the sector. To further develop her skills and passion for working with and leading others Brooke is currently studying a Bachelor of Business majoring in People Management.

Jennifer is part owner of four early learning services including two OSHC services located at local primary schools.

She and her husband have been members of ACA Victoria since 2007. Jenny’s background in finance and marketing has been an invaluable asset to ACA Victoria since she joined the committee in 2011.

Paul has a long history in early childhood education and care which started while working in the family business. Over the years, he has built, bought and sold various services and is currently the Approved Provider of Bimbi Day Care in Airport West.

Reflecting his passion for the sector and ensuring the viability of early education and care in Australia, Paul is also President of the ACA national body. He plays a key role in advocating for the interests of members at a federal level.

Nick and his family own and operate two services in Melbourne and Nick is Director of Monash Vale ELC in Clayton. Being part of a family run business, Nick understands the challenges the sector is facing and is enthusiastic about using this opportunity to address some of those challenges and build on the opportunities brought by new growth and a strengthened focus on quality in the sector.

Nick brings robust financial and negotiating skills, a thorough knowledge of the sector and a passion for innovation.

Sarah has more than 20 years’ experience at all levels of early childhood education and care service operations.

Sarah has been Approved Provider of Knox Childcare and Kindergarten in Wantirna South for over 6 years and works full time as Operations Manager for another group of large, privately owned services (up to 159 places each).