Megan Bignell

Shuang Ji

Shuang holds a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and is an educator in the Choklits Pre-Toddler Room. Over to Shuang... I enjoy working in early education and care because I love children which gives me energy and sense of achievement when I assit them to learn something new. Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of the solid relationships I've built with children and supporting them to develop in their own learning journey's. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy reading and playing with my children. The cutest thing a child has ever said to me was when one boy took the time to share his travelling experience during his recent family holiday. I love learning about the children's experiences outside of the centre as it's often a great opportunity to relate the learnings we have been part of teaching here at Choklits.

Ebony McVea

Ebony has been at Choklits for almost 2 years and is currently completing her Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education. Ebony also runs Choklits Activate and is charge of our communications including our Facebook and Instagram accounts. Over to Ebony... I love working in early education and care because I find it very rewarding knowing that my support and guidance can help children blossom throughout their early learning years. There’s never a day at Choklits where I’m not smiling from the funny jokes and endless amount of cuddles from the children! In my time at Choklits I’ve been most proud of my mum and how hard she works (Choklits Ringwood Centre Director, Jodi McVea). When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy spending time outdoors and keeping active! I love sports and am involved in the senior women's team at Ringwood FC, playing both football and netball. I also assist in coaching the U13s! When I’m not on the field I love to cook, I’m very passionate about healthy eating and nutrition! I’d also say I’m a bit of a connoisseur when it comes to coffee… I’m a regular at the...

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...

Qing Liu

Qing is our Centre Director at Choklits Surrey Hills and holds a Master of Teaching (Early Childhood Education), she has working in early learning for over 10 years. Over to Qing… I have always had a great passion working with children. I believe it is highly rewarding to be part of children’s lives during those vital early years – seeing their development and learning firsthand as they grow and flourish, advocating for their rights, supporting their families, and making a real difference in their lives. Having been working in the sector for more than ten years, I am grateful for the first five and half years where I spent my time working in rooms with children of different age groups. It has allowed me to gain knowledge and experience of how children learn and develop. I am also grateful for the past few years where I stepped up to the leadership role which has given me greater insight into the operations, management, challenges and opportunities. When I’m not at Choklits, I love spending time with my husband, our dog Tiffany, and my friends. One of my favourite things to do...

Flora Zhou

Flora holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and has been working in the early education for 4 years. Over to Flora… I love working in early education and care because I just love seeing the children's beautiful smiles every single day! I love it when the children call my name and five me big cuddles too. I started my career as an assistant of a child with additional needs. I have a lot of memories with my buddy, we had a good year together. We always helped each other and we took care of each other. If I coughed, he was always very quick to find my water bottle and offer it to me. Likewise, when he needed help I was there to support him. I learned a lot from my buddy including patience, listening and love... When I’m not at Choklits I love spending time camping (especially over the Christmas holidays) and anything to do with basketball. I have two sons who both love to play.

Jo Green

Jo joined the Choklits team this week so more info we'l be added here shortly! Stay tuned...

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...

Jaya Kasavaraj

Jaya is an Educator in the Choklits Pre-Kindergarten Room, has been working in early education for 6 years, completed her Diploma in Early Childhood and Care in 2016 and will finish her Bachelor of Early Learning 2021. Over to Jaya... I believe that each child is competent. I always have high expectations for them and I ardently envision that with a nurturing relationship and consistent emotional support, we can support in developing their skills, responsibilities towards others and know the values of collaboration and teamwork thus preparing them for their school and future ahead. Having a different cultural background myself, I understand the significance of the various cultures and faiths of families and respect the differences. I truly believe that parents, as the first teachers of their children, should be one of the main contributors to my program. I trust with collaboration with families, I can engage in shared decision-making thereby helping each child to attain their highest potential. My career in child care started after being a full time mum for my three children for almost thirteen years. Moving states within my birth country (India) and moving to Australia with...

Tamara Johnstone

Tamara the Pre-Toddler 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. I’m most proud of completing my Diploma. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy being physical and going to pilates, yoga, on runs and spending my time family, friends and my dog Skyee. The cutest moment I’ve had with children are their cuddles and the way they make me feel wanted and loved, which is basically all the time!

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...

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...

Nilu Wijesinghe

Nilu is an Educator in the Choklits Toddler Room, holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, loves gardening and has over 10 years experience in early education. Over to Nilu... I love working in early education and care because I believe that early childhood education is the most vital stage of a child development. I am confident that I am good at supporting our children in achieving that. I am a mother of two beautiful daughters, and I've always loved being with children. Education and care is the greatest gift for any child and especially during early childhood. It’s my passion to guide, care for and provide the confidence to learn and explore creativity. I strongly believe that winning and building children’s trust is vital to connect and support them with their learning process. I love to include nature and the natural environment for children to learn and experience nature. I really enjoy our setting’s cultural diversity and respect for each other’s beliefs and values here at Choklits. Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of is moving from my home country Sri Lanka, completing my Certificate III and...

Torie Andersen

Victoria (we call her Torie!) is currently leading the Toddler Room at Choklits in Ringwood, holds a Diploma of Early Childhood, Education and Care and has over 10 years experience ranging from the age groups of 6 months to 12 years. Over to Torie... I have a passion for developing close knitted relationships with children, and love making learning interactive, interesting, and fun. This is steamed from my personal philosophy that in order for children to build on skills academically, socially and emotionally, they need the foundation of building strong positive connections with adults and peers, and ENJOY the process of learning. At the end of every year when every individual child moves on to either the next room, next milestone of either primary school or high school is a very proud, yet bitter sweet, experience for me. It's always so amazing to look back and see their individual progression, remembering the good and the bad, the challenges we've faced and the achievements we've conquered, and the memories we've made. In my spare time I like doing anything and everything that involves outdoor adventures, nature, fitness, health and wellbeing, hiking,...

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...

Taylor Muscat

Taylor is an Educator in the Choklits Pre-Toddler Room, holds a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and is currently studying her Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Taylor has over 2 years experience in early learning, has a love of sports and has previously run sports classes for early learning centres. Over to Taylor... I love working with in early education and care because as I have grown up working around children in both sports and education environments. Working within early education and care allows me to put my passion for sport together with my passion for working with younger children. I love watching the children grow, develop and learn through the younger part of their lives in all areas, whether that be life skills or education. I love the different reactions of the children once they accomplished a task that they have been completing for either a short or long period of time. I enjoy watching the children and helping them to develop their confidence within their environment and with the others that are around them. My proudest moment I've felt throughout my career would...

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,...

Jade Ingleby

Jade owns Choklits, has a Bachelor of Business Human Resource Management, a Masters of Accounting and a Diploma of Children’s Services. Jade has two young children and is passionate about learning and strongly believes 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 Jade... I began my career in the corporate world working for organisations including Ernst and Young and in senior management for the NAB. In 2016, I purchased Choklits in Ringwood along with my husband, Matt. Children and teaching are my passion so Choklits quickly became my second family and growing the Choklits Community is now one of my favourite things in the world! Choklits has grown from a small centre we purchased all those years ago to the community it is today. I'm so proud of our team of dedicated educators who pour their heart and soul into our children. It makes me so happy I get to do this work everyday. When I'm not at Choklits I'm usually thinking about Choklits! I also enjoy spending time with my family,...

Jodi McVea

Jodi has been at Choklits Child Care Centre for over 8 years and is our Educational Leader and Assistant Centre 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...

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.

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 starting working at Choklits as a part time cleaner in 2015 while she was still at school and after speeding a lot of time with many of our Choklits children and family's over the years is now our Nursery Room Leader. Over to Talia... One of the things I love is working with children and helping them develop, grow and smile. I've have completed my Diploma in Early Childhood and Care and I’m currently working on my Bachelor of Early Education. After spending some time working at a child care centre in rural Victoria I'm really excited to get back to Choklits and seeing so many familiar faces. I'm also looking forward to leading the Nursery Room, where I began my carer and meeting all our families too. That's the best thing about being in the Nursery Room, I get to welcome new children and then see them learn and grow throughout their entire journey with Choklits. I come from a very big family and enjoy going away camping, music and seeing my friends whenever I'm not at Choklits.

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.

Danielle Wasserfall

Danielle is our Projects & Group Operations Manager at Choklits. Dee (her preferred name) holds a Certificate 3 in Children’s Services and has been in the education industry for over 7 years. She has a passion for literature and extending on her knowledge and practice of all things relevant to early childhood. Dee has also authored our first ever children's book, you can find out more at choklits.com.au/chokliteers. Over to Dee… My philosophy includes some of the following key points: - authenticity; being myself and empowering/allowing others the freedom and encouragement to follow suit. - relationships before learning (positive learning only occurs from respectful relationships). - ‘power with’ vs ‘power over’; sharing the choices and giving a voice to others in decisions that affect them. - lively and respectful collaboration with stakeholders (co-educators, children, families). - promoting a sense of agency for the children; scaffolding learning through knowledge of each child combined with knowledge of early childhood development; promoting child led learning. - words, books and all things literacy. I believe that a strong literacy foundation provides limitless skills and pleasure; I strive to promote this every day. Some of...

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...

Janine Fox

Janine holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and is the Choklits Pre-Toddler Room Leader. Over to Janine… I have worked in Early Childhood Education and Care for almost 6 years now and it all started when I was volunteering at my own children’s kindergarten. I discovered an affinity with young children which led me to pursue a career change. I began my journey working in a small centre while I completed my Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and my first role involved working with children with additional needs. It was immediately obvious to me that building genuine, nurturing relationships is very important to support young children in their learning journey and I am very proud of the many wonderful relationships that I have developed with the children in my care and also their families. Once I obtained my diploma, I was offered the opportunity to become the centre’s nursery room leader; an opportunity that I was delighted to take. I am very passionate about providing a warm and welcoming environment in which the children feel safe, secure and loved to enable them to develop their sense of...

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...

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...

Sam De Mel

Sam holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and has been working in the child care industry for eight years. For four years she has worked as a lead educator and is currently studying her Advanced Diploma in Early Childhood Education. Sam is an educator in the Choklits pre-kindergarten room. Over to Sam… I became an early childhood educator because I ‘ve always loved being around children. When I migrated to Australia there was an opportunity for me to become a qualified Early Childhood Educator. I have a real passion for providing children with opportunities to meet their goals. I love educating and caring for children and love how their individual personalities make every day unique and special. My philosophy incorporates my belief that children need the assurance of being loved and cared for while they are enjoying an educational environment. Security and trust are very important components as well as my relationship with each child. Teaching children is my passion so I’m very thankful whenever parents tell me they appreciate my level of education and caring I show for their children. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy listening...

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.