Tonii values belonging, leadership, growth, collaboration and joy in developing strong team ethics. She believes innovation and continuous improvement 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 Chief Visionary Officer of Starfish Early Learning – a group of 6 centres. She oversees the management and leadership of all these centres.

Tonii believes in providing regular professional learning opportunities and mentors and supports her team. She enjoys the pedagogical coordination of the centres’ educational program and collaborates various professionals.

Additional knowledge
LaTrobe Business School’s Leadership Professional Development Program
Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead program

Dattner Group’s Life Style Inventory Program
Zones of Regulation and Collaborative Proactive Problem Solving
Represents ACA Victoria at various forums workshops
Melbourne Co-convenor for the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange
Member of the UNHCR Founding 50 women
Committee member of the Springvale Asian Business Association
Knowledge of Assessment and Rating
Science of Learning and Development

Brooke Eerden is the Nominated Supervisor and Director of Dandenong Ranges Childcare Centre, which she proudly owns and operates with her family. With a career in early childhood education and care spanning back to 2004, Brooke has held a variety of roles, including as an Educator. This hands-on experience has provided her with a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by professionals working in the sector.

Passionate about leadership and professional growth, Brooke is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business, majoring in People Management, to further enhance her skills in working with and leading others.

Previously practicing as a Chartered Accountant, Sam is the Director of Childcare Management Systems, a childcare consultancy, and Early Childhood Training – an RTO specialising in early childhood qualification training. Over many years, Sam has developed and operated multiple long daycare services, priding himself on offering high quality and distinctive education and care.

Sam has operated 12 services since 1996, either under the Kinder Haven or Buddies ELC brand. He has also headed a consulting service to sector stakeholders and an RTO delivering training for Certificate III and the Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. In addition, he has also sat on boards of sector peak bodies for approximately 15 years.

Sally is the Approved Provider of Meraki Early Learning Centre and brings over 25 years of experience in early childhood education. She is a passionate leader who values early learning as the foundation for lifelong success and is committed to creating inclusive, nurturing environments for children and educators. 

Max is the CEO and Approved Provider of AMIGA Montessori, bringing almost 20 years of experience in early childhood education. She co-founded AMIGA with her family in 2006 and has grown the organisation to 15 centres across Victoria and South Australia.

Max is a values-driven leader with hands-on experience across all aspects of service delivery, from the classroom to executive leadership. She is passionate about quality education, staff wellbeing, and sustainable sector growth, with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing providers today.

Jennifer is a  Managing Director of Kekeco Childcare Pty Ltd. which operates three regional early learning centres across Mitchell Shire.

Since the opening of the first centre in Kilmore in 2007, Jennifer, has been an active member of ACA Victoria.

Kekeco Childcare, the business she founded, joined ACA Victoria that same year.

With a corporate background in finance and marketing, Jennifer has brought her expertise to the ACA Victoria committee since 2011, where her contributions have been invaluable.

Her leadership and strategic approach continue to enhance the growth and development of the organisation and the services she leads.

Nicole is the Owner and Approved Provider of four early learning centres, including Kool Kidz Mill Park, Kool Kidz Rosanna, Kool Kidz Melton South and Kiddie Cove ELC Sunbury.

Nicole has a significant background in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations which has been invaluable to her role in managing more than 160 permanent employees across the four centres.

Nicole’s passion for providing quality outcomes for children and families sees her provide a permanent workforce across all 4 centres, with professional development and the upskilling of future leaders paramount to the success of her centres.

Nicole has been a member of ACA Victoria since 2018.

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.