Jade Ingleby

Nayomi Rathnayake

Nayomi has been at Choklits Croydon for almost 3 years and holds a Diploma in Early Education. Over to Nayomi... I love working in early education because I get to spend time with children and I can learn, see and support them in their development. When it comes to my career, I've been most proud of growing ability to communicate with children of all ages as well as understand their needs and feelings so I can support them. I've gained and learned many positive things from this industry. When I'm not at Choklits, I enjoy to work in the beauty industry and spending time with my children and husband. The most beautiful thing a child has said to me was when one child expressed how they felt I was so kind.

Awi Pujiastuti

Awi has worked in early learning for over 3 years, works in our nursery at Choklits Croydon and holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Over to Awi... I love working in early education because I love children. Their smile and happiness make me happy too. A happy childhood has a positive impact on children's adult life, therefore I love being part of their journey in building a happy life. When it comes to my career, I'm continually proud of myself each and every time I help a child achieve their goal. When I'm not at Choklits, I enjoy travelling the world, visiting new places, enjoying nature and spending time with my family. The cutest thing a child has said to me was after I'd been working in nursery for a short time, and one of the children was able to say my name, Awi

Mckenzie Tilley

Mckenzie has been at Choklits Croydon for almost a year, holds a Diploma in Early Education as is working towards her Bachelor. Over to Mckenzie... I love working in early education because I love seeing all of the children hit their milestones and flourish in the development. Their smiles light up my day! When it comes to my career, I have been most proud of the connections I have made with the children and their families, and being someone that the families are happy to rely on. When I'm not at Choklits, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing basketball and netball.  I also enjoy baking and spending time with my dog. The most beautiful thing a child has done for me was when they were being dropped off in the morning, and when they saw my face, their face lit up and they ran up to me and gave me the biggest cuddle and a cheeky giggle. I love that!

Amanda Samson-Loxton

Amanda has been working in Early Childhood Education and Care for almost 12 months and currently studying Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Over to Amanda... I love working in Early Childhood Education and Care because I enjoy watching the children learn about the world around them, and giving the children the opportunities to answer the questions they have. I also enjoy showing children how things work and giving them the chance to have a go. Throughout my career, I've been most proud of my ability to build connections with all children especially the children who have struggled with making connections with adults or other children. I am at the start of my career and I'm looking forward to all the moments I will have along the way. When I'm not at Choklits I enjoy roller derby, I am in a roller derby league and train 3 times a week, I'm also a part of Bayswater Scout group as a rover. I also enjoy reading and doing crafts. One of the cutest things a child has said to me was they called me "Meh Meh" because he couldn't...

Bahar Bahari

Bahar has been working in Early Childhood Education and Care for almost 12 months and currently studying Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Over to Bahar... I love working in Early Childhood Education and Care because it is something I truly love—it's amazing how much I learn from them through our interactions. Chatting and playing together reveals their thoughts, ideas, and motivations. Growing alongside them is a wonderful journey. Throughout my career, I've been most proud of Achieving my Graduate Diploma Degree. When I'm not at Choklits I enjoy enjoy Swimming and hiking. One of the cutest things a child has said to me was when it was raining and she said "I have a rainbow on my shirt, I wish I was a rainbow too".

Josie Tao

Josie has been working in Early Childhood Education and Care for over 10 years and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Over to Josie... I love working in Early Childhood Education and Care because I believe that the very first years of early childhood set important foundations for our lives. I would like to be part of early childhood education to bring happiness, well-being, and learning to children, and to witness how they reach and go beyond their potentials. Throughout my career, I've been most proud of working with various age groups of children and seeing how the development and learning happens in so many different ways. When I'm not at Choklits I enjoy watching movies, going for walks and catching up with friends. The best part about my role is the squeezy cuddles and smiles that I received from children almost every day. They make my day, every day!

Atena Hematian Chahardahcheriki

Atena has been working with children for over 5 years as a nurse in the paediatrics department, in a child welfare centre and in Early Childhood Education and Care. She is studying her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education. Over to Atena... I love working in Early Childhood Education and Care because I get to witness the incredible growth and development of children's mind and create a positive impact that lasts a life time. Working with the Choklits team to enhance my skills is an exciting journey for me. Being with children brings me great happiness. Engaging with them through dialogue and play offers profound insights into their minds, showcasing their ideas, thoughts, and motivations. Throughout my career, I've been most proud of the lives I have touched and the lasting impact I had made on children and families. When I'm not at Choklits I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watching my favourite movies, going for walks and shopping. One of the cutest things a child has said to me was "you are beautiful and I love you as much as my mum and I learn everything...

Diba Ehtesham Shahidi

Diba has been working in Early Childhood Education and Care for over 8 years and is currently studying Master of Teaching Early Childhood and Primary Education. Over to Diba... I love working in Early Childhood Education and Care because children are most pure and kind little humans that you can ever spend your whole life with. Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of seeing our children learn new experiences and seeing them grow. When I'm not at Choklits I enjoy studying my masters, sports and spending my time with my family and friends. One of the most beautiful thing a child has ever said to me was when I was playing with one of our children and he was laughing and suddenly he told me that I am so funny and he likes playing with me! That was a moment I felt like I am very lucky to work with children!

Ginna Li

Ginna has been working in Early Childhood Education and Care for over 2 years and holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Over to Ginna... I love working in Early Childhood Education and Care because my passion for education is rooted in engaging with children during their playtime and learning activities, believing that every interaction contributes to their growth and understanding of the world. Throughout my career, I've been most proud of the daily impact I have on the children's development. Each day presents a new opportunity to engage with and inspire the children through playful learning, which not only enhances their growth but also enriches my skills and understanding as an educator. Every day is a memorable journey, marking a series of small but significant milestones that collectively shape the educational experience. When I'm not at Choklits I immerse myself in various hobbies that enrich my life and well-being. I am an avid enthusiast of fine arts, which provide me with creative outlets and relaxation. Additionally, practicing yoga and enjoying culinary delights are essential parts of my routine, helping me maintain balance and energy. One of the cutest things...

Mahya Zare Harofteh

Mahya has been working in Early Childhood Education and Care for over 12 months and holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education. Over to Mahya... I love working in Early Childhood Education and Care because it allows me to foster a nurturing environment where children can thrive emotionally, socially, and intellectually. I believe that every child is unique and deserves individualised attention to support their holistic development. By instilling a love for learning and fostering a sense of curiosity, I aim to empower young minds to explore that world around them and become confident, compassionate individuals. Throughout my career, I've been most proud of the moments when I've witnessed the transformative impact of my work on the children and families I've had the privilege to serve. Whether it's seeing a child overcome a challenge, witnessing a parent's gratitude for the support provided, or celebrating milestones in a child's development, these moments remind me of the profound difference early childhood educators can make in shaping the future generation. Additionally, achieving certifications, attending professional development workshops, and being recognised for contributions to the field have also been significant milestones that I'm proud...

Zoe Dooley

Zoe has worked in early learning for almost 5 years and is an Administration and Communication Assistant at Choklits in Ringwood. She holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and is currently studying an Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management. Over to Zoe... I love working in early education as I feel like you get to relive your favourite parts of your own childhood all over again and have even more fun! I love working with children as no two days are the same and you never know what to quite expect a child to say or do. The excitement and happiness that children bring to ours lives is unmatched and I feel so lucky to work in an environment where I am surrounding by this each day. Within my personal philosophy I believe as an educator we are here to be the biggest support for all children and create strong relationships with all families to ensure trust is established. When it comes to my career, I have been most proud of my career progression over the last five years. I began as a student on work placement...

Kate Callaghan

Kate is one of our Educators at Choklits Ringwood! Over to Kate... I love working in Early Childhood Education because I love to be apart of children's learning and development. It's very rewarding watching them develop their personalities and skills. When I'm not at Choklits I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and partner. I love going camping and visiting my holiday house whenever I get the chance! One of the best things about working at Choklits is making a difference in our families lives. It makes me feel so happy when parents tell me that their child is continuously saying my name around the house.

Ellie Saberi

Ellie has worked in early learning for almost 15 years and is the Director at Choklits Child Care in Surrey Hills. She holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and, a Diploma of Leadership and Management. Over to Ellie... I am passionate about working in early education and care because it allows me to make a positive impact on the lives of young children during their formative years. Witnessing their curiosity, growth, and development brings me immense joy. I believe that fostering a supportive and engaging environment at this stage sets a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning and success. Being a part of their journey is truly fulfilling, and I am dedicated to creating a nurturing space where each child can thrive. I take great pride in my childcare management career, and one of my most significant achievements has been cultivating a collaborative and inclusive team culture, create an environment where each team member feels valued, supported, and empowered. Building a cohesive team is crucial in providing high-quality care for children. Together, we've implemented effective communication strategies, shared best practices, and continuously focused on professional development....

Katy Johnston

Katy has been working in Early Childhood Education and Care for over 5 years and holds a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education. Over to Katy... I love working in Early Childhood Education and Care because I love being around children, watching them play and learn. It’s a privilege to be a part of their world and be involved with all their learning experiences. It’s especially nice to build relationships with families and other staff members. It’s fun to watch them grow and learn and develop their personalities and skills. During my time as an Educator I have been proud that I can settle children who are normally very challenging to settle. I have been told I am very calming when they are feeling overwhelmed. When I'm not at Choklits I enjoy going shopping, watching movies, walking my dog, craft activities, going for drives, visiting beaches & spending time with my Nana. One of the funniest things a child has said to me was once when a little boy asked if he could come home with me so he could make me some spaghetti! He was so cute and we...

Deb Prelorenzo

Deb is the Centre Director at Choklits Croydon and has been working in Early Childhood Education and Care for over 17 years. She holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Advanced Diploma in Children's Services, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Diploma of Nutrition and a Diploma of Personal Training. Over to Deb... I love working in Early Childhood Education and Care because I can drive continuous improvement to the profession. Children are the future and we need to ensure that they are supported and encouraged through all aspects of learning and development. I see children as being competent and capable so I believe in nurturing their social and emotional needs, layering additional learning alongside. I design programs to reflect their needs, interests, goals, strengths and ensure that I am contributing to their education and care. Children have the right to be recognised as subjects of civil, legal, individual and social rights; as both source and constructors of their own experience and thus active participants in the organisation of their identities, abilities and autonomy through relationships and interaction with their peers, with adults, with ideas, with objects and with the...

Jodi McVea

Jodi has been at Choklits Child Care Centre for over 9 years and is Service Director. She holds a Diploma in Children’s Services, is a mother of 4 children, has a warm heart and a fabulous smile which our youngest early learners absolutely love. Over to Jodi... There are so many reasons to love working in early learning! Being with children everyday creating inviting play spaces that the children will engage in and learn new skills from is very exciting. But, what I love the most is being able to make a difference in the families lives and supporting parents when they first enter the world of early learning. It's a big responsibility ensuring families have peace of mind leaving their children with us for the first time and knowing they will be safe and have fun, one both my team and I take very seriously. Throughout my career as an early childhood educator I am most proud of the relationships I have built with the children and their families, many of which have continued after the families have left Choklits. When I not at Choklits I am a taxi driver...

Tanaya Reidy

Tanaya has worked in early learning for over 2 years and holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Over to Tanaya... I love working in early education and care because I have always loved working with children. I feel that it is highly rewarding to be part of children’s lives, creating special connections, watching them grow and supporting them in their learning. My proudest carer moment so far has been finishing my Diploma. When I'm not at Choklits, I enjoy family time and a bit of relaxation. The most beautiful moment I have had with a child is when they told me they started including me in their family drawings. She said "this is mum and this is dad and this T and T is always in with us now".

Brigette Aurnia

Brigette is the Choklits Social Media and Marketing Manager and holds a Bachelor of Media & Communications. Over to Brigette... In my role as a marketing professional in childcare, I have the opportunity to promote and support programs and services that directly benefit children and families. Knowing that my work contributes to the well-being and development of young children is incredibly fulfilling. One of my proudest career moments has been creating engaging content and videos that have reached 1 million+ views on TikTok & Instagram. I have quite a few hobbies I enjoy in my free time when I'm not a Choklits. I enjoy DJ-ing, I'm always on the lookout for new music and love to discover new musical artists. I love playing video games, especially strategy-based games. I also enjoy expressing my creativity through sewing and creating fun outfits and costumes. The cutest, funniest or most beautiful thing a child has ever said to me was "When I grow up, I want cool hair like you (my hair was purple at the time)".

Savannah Prelorenzo

Savannah is the Centre Administrator & Curriculum Leader at Choklits Croydon adn has been working in Early Childhood and Care for over 7 years. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology, an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management, a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Over to Savannah... I consider Early Childhood Education and Care a profession. In the first years of a child's life, their brain development will create the foundations for all learning and development later in life. It is truly amazing to think that I am helping to shape children and fostering their development, establishing their curiosity and wonder of life and learning. I believe that the development of a child's imagination is crucial because as Vygotsky so rightly says it “is an important component of absolutely all aspects of cultural life, enabling artistic, scientific, and technical creation alike.” It is said that through imagination we develop new ideas and this is one of the reasons why I love working in Early Childhood Education, because new ideas do not come from nowhere; they are based on our experience, combined...

Gem Rooney

Gem holds a Certificate 3 in Business Administration and is part of our office team at Choklits Croydon. Over to Gem... I love working in early education and care because I love being around children and watching them learn and grow. I am proud of the knowledge and skills I have gained throughout my career. I started as a young, nervous 18 year old and am so proud of how I have grown in confidence over the last ten years. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, teaching dance, reading, spending time outside, camping and hiking. The most beautiful moment I have had with a child was when children gave me drawings they had done planning my wedding. They had drawn themselves as flower girls and designed my wedding dress. It was such a sweet moment.

Deborah Chellemben

Deborah holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and has worked at Choklits Surrey Hills for over 2 years! Over to Deborah... I developed a passion of caring for children when I was a teenager. It started when babysitting my little cousins where I learned from my elders the basic needs of a newborn. When I grew up, I got the fantastic opportunity to learn the importance of education for children and put my knowledge into practice through my religion. Back in my country, I used to volunteer in orphanages to teach children about moral values. I learned all of these from my spiritual faith, which is very special to me. We believe children have pure hearts and they are like a branch that is fresh and green. From their earliest days and with great education they will most likely develop good character, have good morals and will contribute to their community. I believe educating young children is one of the greatest services of all. Besides the passion and love that I have for children, I'm very proud of my spiritual beliefs and the way they guided me...

Philippa Morris

Philippa holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, is the kindergarten teacher at Choklits Croydon and has been working in early childhood education for over 12 years. Over to Philippa... I love working in early education and care because I love to work in a team. I also love developing and scaffolding the children’s learning as the grow through play and through their communication. I also love getting loads of cuddles, when I walk in the room each morning and throughout the day. Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of following my dreams into teaching. In the past I have had a child learn the phonetic 'ph' sound, so when they went into school they remembered it and the teacher was surprised. Also having a child learn that her name had two(2) meanings, one a stones name and the other her name. When I’m not at Choklits I love crocheting, getting out in the garden and visiting my friends. I also love to read mystery novels and Harry Potter. I also like to do adult relaxation colouring. I have had many cute and funny things said to me over...

Chloe Guo

Chloe is part of our kindergarten team, has been working in early learning for over 3 years and holds a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Over to Chloe... I am passionate about learning and applying myself positively to the lives of young children. Australia is a diverse country with many rich cultures. I enjoy and appreciate the importance of inclusiveness in society, especially in early childhood education. I believe learning through play is one of the most effective ways to help children discover themselves. When combined with a mix of child-lead and teacher-lead structures and opportunities to let children explore freely, be creative, work as a team and develop critical thinking skills we see the most growth and development. I love learning and providing excellent learning environments and experiences for our children to learn too. One of my proudest moments during my career was finishing my master's degree, definitely a highlight for me! When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy many different things. I have always been curious about different cultures, food, and people. Travelling around the world is one of my favourite things to do.

Michelle Jurrjens

Michelle holds a Diploma of Children’s Services and has been working in early childhood education for almost 15 years. Over the Michelle... I love working in early education and care because I believe that as educators we have the chance to help support and develop the child’s own innate ability to learn and also help to foster their own understanding of the world and environment around them. I love being able to come to work and feel that I am making a positive difference in the children’s day and lives, and seeing them absorb and reflect on the positive impact that I can have on them, helping them to grow and develop their own self worth and confidence. Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of being apart of a child’s journey and growth, and having a positive impact on their lives, helping them develop into successful individuals, whilst cherishing their uniqueness. I love being able to help children achieve milestones that are important to them, understanding that each child develops at their own pace and whilst a milestone that to many may seem minor, to the child that has...

Dani Graves

Dani has been working with children for many years, holds a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care, a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and is hoping to complete her Bachelor's degree in the future. Her experience ranges from working with individual families to the early learning centre environment, on top of raising her two (almost adult) children. Over top Dani... I love working in early education and care because I love being around kids and helping to shape their futures. Children are so beautiful and innocent. I love their conversations and the cuddles. Throughout my career, I’ve been most proud of being resilient, adaptable and resourceful. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy running as I am an avid ultra trail runner! I've always been a very active person but only started regularly running about 7 years ago and started doing trail run events about 5 years ago. I've completed 1 x marathon, 5 x 50+km events, 1 x 100km and Oxfam 100km. I like the endurance and the beauty of ultra running! I thoroughly enjoy it when children call my name. It is the sweetest...

Kayla Scotto

Kayla is currently completing her first year at Choklits and holds a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education. Over to Kayla... I love working in early education and care because I am able to help and watch the children grow and learn and form strong connections with them all individually as well as with their families. Throughout my time in early childhood education, I have most loved helping children to take their first steps and encouraging them to have a stronger vocabulary. Often those special moments happen when they are with us at Choklits. While I’m not at Choklits I enjoy playing netball and footy, as well as cooking with friends and family. The cutest thing a child has ever said to me was they came up and sat next to me and said, "Hi Kayla, I love you" and then hugged me. Another lovely moment was when a child asked if I could go home with them to meet her brother and play with them both.

Asten Persons

Profile coming soon...

Paris Ille

Paris has almost completed her Diploma of Early Education and Care and Choklits is her very first job in early learning! Over to Paris... I love working in early education and care to watch children grow, develop and thrive into beautiful young humans. After high school I studied psychology, with the hopes of becoming a child psychologist. After deferring for a couple of years and travelling Europe, I decided to get straight into studying my Diploma of Early Education. One of my most favourite parts about working in early education and care to watch children grow, develop and thrive into beautiful young humans. I’m beyond excited to be working at Choklits, expanding my knowledge and working towards my personal milestones like finishing my Diploma which I'm proud of almost being completed. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy spending time with friends and family, taking my two dogs for runs on the beach. I love going to the gym and keeping active. All the moments I have with children are the cutest, I love being welcomed in the morning with big hugs and smiles. The most beautiful thing a child...

Leanne Lovell

Leanne holds a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care and has been in working in Early Learning for almost a year. Over to Leanne... I love working with children, watching them learn and guiding them through early education. I’m very proud of my previous job working as a nanny for a family for 15 years and now using my experience working as an early childhood educator. When I'm not at Choklits I love spending time with family, playing netball and basketball and catching up with friends. The cutest, funniest or most beautiful thing a child has ever said to me was a child asked me why I was old. My response was "I’m not that old am I?" to which the child replied, "Yes, you’re old because you have cracks around your eyes".

Zac Eyssens

Zac is our Group Compliance and Education System Training Administrator and has been working in Early Childhood & Care for over 7 years. He holds a Bachelor of Health Science, Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Over to Zac... I have always loved working in Early Childhood Education and Care, it has been apart of my life since I can remember. From co-running a Judo club to being a swimming instructor, my passion lies in supporting positive outcomes in children's health, wellbeing and learning. I represented Victoria in Judo and was nominated to go to the junior olympics as well as coach the state Judo camp which opened my eyes to the world of possibilities, especially in Early Learning. I believe working in the Early Childhood Education and Care profession provides an opportunity to make a real difference in the way a child approaches learning for their lives. Being able to encourage, nurture and support the next generation is an honour. I have a passion for leadership and love to see people achieve their goals and extend their learning and growth....

Jenny Hernandez

Jenny has been working in early childhood education for over 5 years, holds her Certificate 3 and diploma in Early Childhood Education and recently completed a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Teaching (early years and primary). Over to Jenny... I love working in early education and care because I strongly believe that children are unique individuals who require a secure, caring and stimulating environment in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. I believe that children are the future of our society; therefore, as a teacher is my desire and responsibility to help students to meet their fullest potential. Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of completing my bachelors degree in early years and primary. In my spare time, you will find me travelling, doing yoga, watching movies or spending time with my loved ones. The funniest and cutest thing a child has ever said to me was “Jenny, will you marry me?”.

Suanda Srivastav

Profile coming soon...

Sue Brewer

Sue is our Centre Director and has been at Choklits Child Care Centre for over 26 years. In March 2022, the Herald Sun crowned Sue Brewer Melbourne's Best Child Care Worker. She has touched many families’ lives and cared for hundreds of children. Sue has a calm approach, takes time to understand everybody’s needs and is always there to help and listen to our family’s needs. Sue believes in true partnerships. A mother to 4 children and a grandmother to 14, Sue holds a Diploma in Children’s Services. If you are lucky enough she may even bake you the most delicious chocolate cake you have ever eaten! This is Sue with Choklits owner Jade celebrating her 25 years at Choklits... Over to Sue… Some of the things I really enjoy about working in Early Childhood Education is seeing children develop, grow from a young age and learn the skills that will help them on their journey through life. I’m very proud of my achievements starting as an untrained assistant all the way through to the Director of Choklits. When I’m not at I love spending time with my family, knitting,...

Boon Lai

Boon holds a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery Hospitality and is our Chef at Choklits Surrey Hills! We call her by her preferred name, Lai. Over to Lai... I have been working in the food industry for almost 30 years. I have worked in a few restaurants but prior to working at Choklits, I was a Chef Manager in the aged care industry for over 10 years. During that time I was nominated for the 2016 National Finalist for the Facility Catering Service award which I'm very proud of. I understand the importance of nutrition from raising 2 children of my own. I am passionate about creating tasty and nutritionally balanced meals for the children. I believe every meal is an opportunity to teach them how important it is to eat healthy. All my food are cooked fresh on the day using the freshest ingredients I can source and in line with the Choklits philosophy. When I'm not at Choklits I love travelling with my family, I also enjoy knitting and reading. The funniest thing a child has ever said to me was "I want to cut my hair really...

Janine Fox

Janine is the Assistant Manager and Educational Leader at Choklits Child Care in Ringwood. She holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and is working towards her Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching. Janine has worked in Early Learning for over 9 years! Over to Janine… I love working in early education and care because I am able to witness the amazing development of the children in my care. The early years are such an important time in a child’s life and these years certainly form the foundation for the future. I feel blessed that I can experience the wonder and joy as children experience so many firsts. My own philosophy aligns so well with the Choklits Philosophy with the phrases “learning is everywhere”, “learning from everyone” and “spark the fire” really resonating with me. Working in this industry enables me to facilitate and ignite a love of learning through the provision of a range of learning experiences and activities which I love researching, creating and then, watching as the children are excited and become absorbed in hands on learning. I am very passionate about providing warm and welcoming environments in...

Elena Ermakova

Elena holds a Bachelor of Education and has been in the education industry for over 8 years. Elena has lots of experience with all age groups, has a passion for music and has taught internationally. Over to Elena… I am passionate about empowering young children, in a safe, nurturing and an inclusive environment, preparing them for what may lay ahead, especially in their school career. I enjoy working in an inspiring environment with children, families and staff from different cultures and faiths. Each one adding their own input into the cultural aspects of the program and teaching me about how diverse our world is. My career started many years ago as a music teacher in Russian school that specialised in providing education to vulnerable children with different life circumstances, including abuse and poverty. I realised then how important it is to build trust with children. Trusting relationships can influence the future of the younger generation, their views of this world and empower them to make good choices in their lives. I am very proud of being a part of these children’s life journey and seeing them flourish. When I moved to...

Leila Bagheri

Leila is an Educator in the Choklits Nursery, holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and a Bachelor of Electronic Engineering and has over 15 years experience in education. Over to Leila... My teaching career started overseas where I worked as a high school teacher for 4 years. I then taught math and physics to year 10 students. Afterwards I decided to gain some experience working with young children, so I started to work as an educator in a kindergarten which lasted for 4 years. After I moved to Australia, I decided to continue working in the same field so I studied my Diploma of Early Education and Care to gain further knowledge about children aged 0 to 5  and how they develop, learn and think. I gained some local experience completing placements in 3 different child care centres including Choklits before officially starting at Choklits in October, 2020. I love working in early education and care because I love learning about children through their eyes. Before verbal communication skills develop you can see children's personalities, their needs and wants all through their expressions. I have always enjoyed...

Tamara Johnstone

Tamara the Pre-Kinder Room Leader at Choklits Surrey Hills and is Diploma Qualified. Over to Tamara... I love working in early education and care because seeing the children’s smiles and giggles as they play and learn new skills and extend their development. Over the years my personal philosophy has changed and adapted to what it is now. Being able to set children up for succes while having the time to preparing them for what might come to them in there bright futures. I believe this starts with the relationship with a child, building a strong base to support them in their interest and goals all while having fun at the same time! I’m most proud of knowing this is the industry I was made for. Being about to continue study and further my professional development to support the children to my highest ability is something I really enjoy. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy focusing on myself and what makes me happy and healthy. This includes, lots and lots of social events and interaction with my friends. Having time for family and loved ones, including my dog Skyee. Fitness...

Tracey Perkins

Tracey has been with Choklits for over 15 years and has played an integral part in the education of many young children’s lives. She has a Diploma in Children’s Services and has 2 adult children she loves spending time with. There is nothing Tracey doesn’t know or love about Choklits! Over to Tracey... I love working in early education and care for the excitement of teaching little minds new tricks! Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of passing 15 and a half years service at Choklits. I have formed some great friendships with both past and present families and have so many fond memories of the Choklits Community. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy caravanning around Australia and family time with my 2 grandsons. Every moment at Choklits is special that’s for sure, but since becoming a grandma myself the children began referring to me as Nanna Tracey which is very special and gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.

Matt Reynolds

Matt (along with his wife, Jade) owns and runs Choklits. Jade and Matt have two young children and are both passionate about learning and strongly believe that all children have the right to be safe, loved and should all be set up for the best chance at success in life. Over to Matt… I began my working life delivering newspapers before settling on a career as a maintenance plumber. After working and studying to become qualified and licensed I started and grew my own high end plumbing company and serviced some of Melbourne’s most expensive and exclusive homes and business locations for luxury brands such as Kay & Burton and Lamborghini. In 2016, Jade and I purchased Choklits Child Care in Ringwood.  Developing people and building teams has always been a passion of mine. A little while back a past team member of our plumbing company called to ask me if I had realised that everyone who came through our apprentice program now works for themselves and runs their own business. I hadn’t at the time, but it’s something I’m pretty proud of. When Jade and I purchased Choklits Child...

Christine Picone

Christine (or "Twigs" as she's better known at Choklits) is an Educator in our Pre-Toddler Room, holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and has been in early education for 4 years. Over to Twigs... I love working in early education and care because children light up my world and I love being able to light up theirs. I love guiding them through their early years to become the best versions of themselves. I love the Choklits community and our love of learning, our philosophy is very cohesive. Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of completing my Certificate III and my Diploma. I’ve loved having the opportunity to work with all age groups at Choklits, forming wonderful relationships with the children along the way. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy listening to music every chance I get and going to heavy metal concerts. I love driving, especially through the mountains and if I’m not at Bathurst to watch the V8’s, I’m watching it on tv. I also enjoy playing pool.

Ereney Hanna

Ereney is an Educator in our Toddler Room, holds a Diploma in Children Services and has been working in early education for over 10 years! Over to Ereny... I love working in early education because I believe building relationships with children helps them feel secure and supported in their learning journey from babies to young people. Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of seeing the children I've care for grow and go on to start their school journey. Some of the children that I've looked after attend the same school as my son and I find it very rewarding when they remember who I am and run over for a big hug. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy spending time with family, I have three children of my own. I also like knitting gifts to give to my children and listening to music. The cutest thing a child has ever said to me occurred one day when I was picking up my son from school. The child, who I'd previously cared for, innocently questioned me “Oh, what are you doing here Ereney?”; he looked so confused and said...

Cassandra Godfrey

Cassie (as she's know around Choklits) holds a Certificate III in Children Services, has been working in early learning since 2010 and is our Pre-Kindergarten Room Leader. Over to Cassie... Over the years I’ve become even more passionate about providing a fun and child lead environment, where children can thrive and develop long life skills to help them achieve goals, as well as setting them up for success for life. I have a strong belief that all children should have a voice and be heard, as children are our future. I also love the fact that we as educators can partake and help build the leaders of tomorrow. While working in this industry for over ten years, you come to realise just how rewarding and important it is working with children. Every week there is one or two things that happens that makes me super proud to be an educator. It’s in the little things I find I’m most proud of, whether it’s a child who can tell you the eight planets of the solar system in detail, to being capable of washing their dishes by themselves or even writing...

Talia Waters

Talia started working at Choklits as a part-time cleaner in 2015 while she was still at school. She decided to join our Educational Team soon thereafter, began studying and now holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. She has now been with Choklits for over 8 years! Over to Talia... I love being a part of playing a key role in helping and guiding young children as they accomplish wonderful transformations in their development and achieve milestones. Getting creative to produce inviting play spaces and experiences is one of my passions. Seeing children get excited from engaging in an experience that sparks their interest all the while supporting their growth at every stage is something remarkable. Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of building strong retaliations with not only the children, but also with their families as well. Being apart of Choklits for over 8 years has been a wonderful journey to watch children thrive from being in my care in the nursery room to graduating our kindergarten class, always makes me so sad on their last day at Choklits as I wont be able to see...

Tina Wang

Tina is an Educator in the Choklits Pre-Toddler Room, holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, moved from China to Australia in 2008 with her family and now has over 5 years experience in early education. Over to Tina... I love working in early education and care because I believe learning is happening all the time, particularly through play. I have a strong passion to connect, interact and build positive relationships with children. I enjoy guiding children to grow and learn through to play. I sharing opportunities for children to explore, discover, imagine and create in their environment. Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of my interactions with the children which include the simplest things like the children waving their hands at the end of the day and saying "bye bye, Tina". When they run to me with excitement and hugs I can see them light up and I'm reminded of how much the children care for their educators just as we care for them. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy going for walks, being at the beach watching the sunrise and sunset. I also love to...

Grace Zhang

Grace has been working in the early childhood sector for over 3 years and holds a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care. Over to Grace... I love working in early education and care centres because I love children, especially after I had my own children. 5 years ago I had a very hard time in helping my own child settle in a child care centre. We had tried three of the best centres in the town but my little boy still cried all day until we met an educator called Amanda. She was very caring, patient and professional. She finally helped my child settle in that centre. I just thought I want to be an educator like Amanda. It's amazing to be able to help a child feel safe and comfortable and to start helping them play and learn. Nothing can beat the wonderful job I have! Throughout my career, I’ve been most proud of the many moments of progress I see in children developing under my care. For example, very young children can get frustrated and have a tendency to snatch things they want. As educators, it's...

Megan Fletcher

Megan holds a Certificate III in Children’s Services and has worked in early education for over 15 years! Megan works in our Pre-Toddler room at Choklits. Over to Megan… I love working in early education and care because I can provide a caring, nurturing environment for those in my care and assist them with learning life skills that will enable them to grow and develop into capable, independent people. Seeing the joy on children’s faces when they achieve everyday tasks or learn something for the first time is so rewarding. Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of my ability to adapt to difficult situations I have been placed in. Whether it was learning a little Mandarin to help assist a young girl with very little English to organising and executing a school holiday program for 5 year olds before they started school. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy being a Mum to two very energetic and loud children. Being actively involved in my church, socialising with family and friends. I love bike riding with the family, venturing all over Melbourne, visiting different attractions and parks. The cutest thing...

Elly Hudson

Welcome to the team Elly! Elly has joined our growing Choklits team in our Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Room. Elly finished Year 12 last year and is undertaking a traineeship with us to obtain her Certificate III. Elly has done over 1000 hours of volunteering in child care and is very passionate about working with children. She believes that “Children need to experience differences to be happy with theirs”. Elly has cerebral palsy and works with her abilities to manage for this. We are very happy to welcome Elly to the Choklits community and look forward to being part of her training, development and supporting her in her studies as she supports our early learners in their own study.

Karen Swale

Karen holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and works across all our rooms at Choklits. Over to Karen… I love working in education because I can teach my values to others through positive professional relationships and play! These values include physical and mental health, respect, honesty, family and friends. I enjoy interactions with children that lead to learning and laughter. Some activities I especially seek with children include singing and dancing, reading, water play, cooking, playdough and Lego! I feel a sense of belonging and camaraderie when working as part of a team of teachers and families and achieving common goals for children together. While I am proud of my achievements in teaching, including swimming teaching, being a new mother has been the best thing ever and also the hardest as I suffered badly from postnatal anxiety. Upon recovering I have received a renewed sense of self and purpose. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy playing with my son Harry, swimming, walking my dog, chatting and being inspired with friends, watching movies, baking cakes, enjoying nature and simplicity. There have been many things said over years but some...