Raquel – Director / Early Childhood Teacher
Bachelor of Education / Graduate Certificate of Early Education/ Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Raquel stepped into the Director role in early 2015 after volunteering and assisting in the Senior Kindy program the previous year. She has a passion for play-based learning and believes that play is essential for children of all ages. In 2017 she attended the 2nd National Play and Playwork conference in Melbourne and returned to MELC with a keen interest in the principles of Playwork. In 2019 she stepped into the Early Childhood Teacher role and has been delivering the Kindergarten Program within the Senior Kindy Room since. Raquel strives to inspire a fun and engaging program in collaboration with the team, the families and the community and does her best to bring a touch of magic to the centre each and every day.
Renee
Advanced Diploma of Early Education and Care
With her experience as a OSHC co-ordinator, Renee has an in-depth understanding of the day-to-day running of a centre. She is focused on supporting our team to deliver high-quality programs, as well as offering admin assistance within the office. Renee has a keen interest in delivering play-based learning experiences, making use of loose parts and open-ended materials. She has had a big influence over the sustainable practices implemented at M.E.L.C.
Renata
Diploma of Early Education and Care
Renata is our longest standing educator at MELC with over 15yrs experience within our centre. Throughout her career Renata has fostered a great number of connections with local families, bringing a steady sense of calm and nurture within our learning spaces. Having two young children of her own, Renata understands the importance of building a ‘village’ of people who will surround your child with love, safety and support; she values her role at MELC as an opportunity to contribute to that village for each of our families.
Pauline
Diploma of Early Education and Care
Pauline started at MELC as a student while undertaking placement for her Certificate III in 2019. She started her career in Early Childhood within our centre and has become an integral part of our dynamic team. Over the years, Pauline has undertaken Group Leader roles, Admin Support and most recently has supported the delivery of the Kindergarten Program. Pauline strives to bring a fun, consistent and warm approach to our centre, often comparing her connection with the children to that of a Proud Aunty.
Melissa
Diploma of Early Education and Care
Melissa joined our team in 2021 and currently leads the delivery of our Middle Kindy Program. Her background experience as a Teacher Aide in ECDP has given her great insight into how to support and scaffold learning for all ages. She works closely with families to support each child to develop their independence and self-help skills, and delivers a highly engaging, child-led program. Melissa’s spontaneity, flexibility and high-energy approach provides the children with endless opportunities to engage in open-ended play.
Michelle
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Michelle joined the MELC team in 2019, taking on an assistant role across both Junior Kindy and Senior Kindy. She provides consistency for all the children, stepping into different roles across the day to support our team. Michelle is a proud Nanna to three beautiful grandchildren and enjoys spending her time with family, when she is not barracking for her favourite sporting teams.
Becky
Masters of Teaching (Early Childhood)
Becky is another Early Childhood Teacher, supporting the delivery of our highly-regarded Kindergarten Program. She joined our team in 2025, keen to build her understanding of teaching within a Kindergarten environment. She strives to build meaningful connections and provide learning opportunities to support each child’s unique skills and interests. Becky has built connections with our local schooling community to support the children as they transition between MELC and Prep.
Andreia
Currently Studying : Certificate III
Andreia joined our team in 2024, commencing study to pursue her passion in ECEC. Before joining us, Andreia volunteered through the RSPCA to build her connection and knowledge of different animals. Her dream role involves facilitating children and animals to build meaningful connections and understanding with one another; this is reflected in her actions, often bringing her Blue Tongue Lizard, Albany, to the centre for the children to engage in meaningful, hands on learning experiences.
Kahlan
Currently Studying Certificate III
Kahlan has commenced her Certificate 3 while working alongside our team. As she progresses through her study, Kahlan will be able to apply new skills in her approaches here at MELC, under the guidance of our team.
Loraine
Currently Studying: Certificate III
Loriane brings her experience and knowledge of ECEC and teaching from her home country of the Philippines. She is currently enrolled in study, intending to bridge her skills and passion with a related qualification. As a mother herself, she values the nurturing connection that educators have with the children in their care, and provides support to our youngest learners in the Junior Kindy Room.
Barbara
Owner / Approved Provider
Barb has been the approved provider and owner of MELC since 2006. She is a hands on owner, and works closely with Raquel and the team to ensure that the highest quality of care is provided to local families.