Leading and Representing ACA Victoria

Tonii deeply values belonging, leadership, growth, collaboration, and joy, I strive to develop strong team ethics. She believes that innovation and continuous improvement are the keys to my success, and I take a conscientious approach to branding our centres within the community.

In terms of Tonii’s skills and experience, She holds a Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance) and a Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood). As the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Starfish Early Learning, she oversees the management and leadership of her six centres. Being an Approved Provider, she is dedicated to providing regular professional learning opportunities, mentoring, and supporting her team. She takes great pleasure in the pedagogical coordination of our educational programs and collaborate with various professionals to ensure our centres’ success.

She has also completed additional learning programs such as 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. Tonii represents ACA Victoria at various forums and workshops, and is member of the UNHCR Founding 50 women. Additionally, she is the Vice President of the Springvale Asian Business Association and have knowledge of Assessment and Rating, Science of Learning and Development, and the Victorian Educational Leaders Program.

Brooke Eerden is the Director, Nominated Supervisor and Person with Management and Control (PMC) of a small, single-site early childhood service owned by her family. Her career in early childhood education and care began in 2004 as an Educator working directly with children, before moving into leadership in 2006 and becoming Centre Director in 2010. Still working hands-on in the day-to-day operation of the service, Brooke brings practical experience across quality, compliance, workforce leadership, HR, marketing, communications, governance and service operations. This gives her a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges experienced by single-service providers and those working across the sector. She is due to complete a Bachelor of Business, majoring in People Management with a
Marketing minor in mid-2027, further strengthening her knowledge in leadership, workforce strategy, communication and governance.

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.

Robyn Khoury brings to the Board a strong drive and passion for high-quality early childhood education and positive outcomes for children. A mother of five, she understands the importance of family and how a nurturing environment allows children to thrive. With more than 20 years in the education sector, Robyn has worked across a wide range of settings, including early childhood, primary and secondary schools, and special education. Beginning her early childhood journey as a trainee, she progressed through leadership and management roles and has spent the past six years in an executive position as Managing Director and Approved Provider of an early learning organisation. This breadth of experience allows her to approach challenges creatively and find innovative ways to achieve exceptional outcomes for children. Robyn’s expertise is grounded in pedagogy and the frameworks that guide early childhood practice, complemented by extensive experience in leadership and people management. She has built a strong network across the sector, including pedagogical experts and leaders who deliver professional learning, coaching and support to services. Her leadership has always been built on strong values, with a focus on fostering a love of learning, building collaborative partnerships with families and communities, and nurturing respect as the foundation of children’s social and emotional development. Robyn joined the ACA Vic Board in 2025 and is committed to being a strong, collaborative voice for members as the sector navigates a period of change.

Paul is an experienced early childhood education and care leader with a strong record of sector advocacy, governance and practical service leadership. As a current member of the ACA Victoria Board, Paul has contributed to the organisation’s strategic direction and represented members during a period of significant reform. He brings a detailed understanding of the operational, workforce, and financial pressures facing early learning services, along with a strong commitment to ensuring policy and regulatory decisions are informed by the realities experienced by providers, educators, children, and families. Paul has played an active role in advocating on major issues affecting the Victorian and national ECEC sectors, including child safety reform, workforce development, service viability, funding arrangements, regulatory change and the impact of service oversupply. His experience engaging with governments, regulators and other sector stakeholders enables him to provide a practical and informed perspective at Board level. He also brings valuable skills in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, government relations, governance and policy development. Paul is committed to constructive collaboration and is prepared to raise challenging issues when necessary to protect the interests of ACA Victoria members and support a sustainable, high-quality early learning sector.

Nick and his family own and run two early learning services in Melbourne, and Nick is Director of Monash Vale ELC in Clayton. He has more than ten years of board experience, including time as Vice President of ACAV and as a board member of Thalaseamia and Sickle Cell Australia. Nick has been a VIT-registered teacher for over a decade, so he understands the educational side of early learning as well as the business side. In addition he also holds a Bachelor of Property and Real Estate with a major in Marketing. Working in a family business means Nick sees the pressures on the sector up close, from the day-to-day running of a centre through to the bigger policy questions. He’s keen to help tackle those challenges and to make the most of the opportunities that come with growth in the sector and a stronger focus on quality outcomes for children. As a leader, Nick is known for bringing people together, backing his team and making clear decisions when it counts. He combines this with sharp financial and negotiation skills, a deep understanding of how the sector works, and a genuine interest in finding better ways of doing things.

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. 

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.