staff
150 years experience
Attracting and maintaining the most committed, talented and qualified educators is at the core of the Habitat premium experience. The correlation between quality and qualification is well established and provides a sound rationale for the extensive recruitment and induction processes implemented to source our educators.
Collectively, our well qualified and dedicated team at Ferny Grove represents extensive experience in the field of early education.
Each educator is qualified to Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma level, or is actively progressing towards the respective qualification. Many of our staff are currently studying towards higher qualifications. Most of our senior team have teaching degrees or postgraduate qualifications.
Please meet the Senior Executive Team:
Liz Mcfarland (liz@habitatlearning.com.au)
As the Operations Manager, Liz is charged with the responsibility of overseeing the daily function of Parkview, Sunshine and Figtree centres.
Management of quality practice is paramount, with great attention given to the consistent implementation of policy and procedure, as well as adherence to the Child Care Act 2002 and the Child Care Quality Assurance (CCQA) system.
This year our services have been undertaking implementation of the Early Years Learning Framework, whilst also diligently preparing for the upcoming transition to the National Quality Framework (NQF) in January 2012. Moving to a nationwide system for licensing and quality assurance is something we at Habitat embrace as a great milestone in the progress towards continually improving outcomes for children.
Much emphasis is also placed on the recruitment and retainment of qualified and experienced educators, who ultimately set the scene for facilitating optimum learning experiences for individuals.
Strategic planning to strengthen and grow Habitat as an educational community is on ongoing commitment for Liz and her team.
Kelly Zeller-Lazzarini (kelly@habitatlearning.com.au)
"Habitat is the place I've been searching for in my 18 years in the child care industry. A place that offers high quality child care; an employer who values and respects your skills and knowledge; a team that supports each other and has children's well-being as their number one priority; an environment that encourages and supports all aspects of a healthy, nurturing and stimulating program. My family is what instilled an interest and respect for working with children. The most important areas that I have recognized throughout my experience are actually part of Habitat's vision."
As Director of our Figtree Centre, Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Kelly holds an Advance Diploma of Children's Services and has extensive experience in the early childhood sector. Kelly draws on her life experience to compliment her formal qualifications and work experience.
Sandy Griffin (sandy@habitatlearning.com.au)
As Executive Assistant, Sandy Griffin provides support to Habitat's strategic management team. Financial administration is an additional component of her role. Sandy brings with her more than 30 years experience in many large professional organisations both locally and and internationally. She is committed to continually refining and improving the systems and communication development at Habitat Early Learning.
Janine Nel (janine@habitatlearning.com.au)
Habitat's Reception Manager, Janine Nel, is committed to delivering outstanding customer service to our children and families. With extensive experience as a paralegal secretary, Janine is more than capable of facilitating an efficient, well organised reception practice.
As a mother of a young child herself, Janine fully appreciates the needs of our families and strives to provide a responsive service at all times.
Anna Sundqvist (anna@habitatlearning.com.au)
My interest for food flavours and technique began at a young age. My career path began as a chef in Scandinavia and on completing my qualifications as a chef; I set off for Europe to experience life and the cuisines of the Mediterranean, before finally arriving in Australia.
During my career I have gained valuable experiences in the hospitality industry, including management positions as well as being owner of a cafe. I also hold extensive experience in training and assessing future chefs in the workplace.
"As a mother myself I understand the importance of good food to build a strong and sound body and feed their souls with love, laughter and joy. I was fortunate to grow up in a family with a strong culture of real food and I am look forward to continue this practice with the children here at Habitat."
