Specialist Educators Michelle - Senior Specialist Educator Michelle qualified Teacher - Early Childhood Education and brings a wealth of experience and warmth to her role. Michelle leads our Sector Capacity Building Team that provides consultancy and support to early childhood centres across our footprint and in Ballina. She loves building strong relationships with children and families, and feels privileged to be part of their journey. Michelle is passionate about inclusive practices, collaborative partnerships with educators, and creating joyful, meaningful learning experiences. She also enjoys supporting siblings through the SibsRule program. Outside of work, Michelle loves beach days, travelling in her caravan, and spending time with her family, friends, and dog. Karen - Specialist Educator Karen has held a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood for 30 years, along with a passion for play and connection. She believes in celebrating the strengths and interests of the children and families she supports, using creativity, flexibility, and a love of learning about people, to imbed meaningful goals into their everyday lives. Karen brings a positive energy to whatever she does, believing that we all do better when we can have fun. Her days beyond work revolve around her kids, her cats, watching the soccer, chasing the sun, and sea water whenever she can. Kathy - Specialist Educator Kathy qualified early childhood teacher and has over 25 years of experience supporting children with disabilities and developmental delays. She joined Firstchance in 2000, drawn by its reputation for inclusive, family-centred support. Kathy brings deep knowledge of child development, a passion for social skill building, and experience in AAC and transition to school processes. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, gardening, home renovating, and taking her dogs for walks and drives. Kristy - Coordinator Specialist Educator With a Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood and over 20 years of experience, Kristy is deeply committed to supporting children and families through nurturing, play-based learning. Her empathetic nature and passion for play shine through in the meaningful relationships she builds with the families she works with. Kristy brings a wealth of knowledge, heart, and dedication to every interaction, creating safe and joyful environments for children to thrive. Outside of work, she embraces life’s adventures with her husband and five kids, cheers passionately for the Knights, and soaks up the sunshine whenever she can. Dannielle - Specialist Educator Dannielle holds a Bachelor of Teaching and Bachelor of Social Science and is passionate about supporting children with a disability or developmental delay. She brings positivity, flexibility, and a love of play-based learning to her work, helping children feel confident and engaged. Dannielle enjoys working closely with families to advocate for their children and feels lucky to be part of a team that shares her commitment to inclusion. Outside of work, she loves going to the beach with her kids and dog, spending time with loved ones, and seeing live music. Kylie - Specialist Educator Kylie holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and brings both professional and personal experience to her role at Firstchance. As a mother of two children with additional needs, she values respectful communication and understands the importance of empowering families. Kylie draws on her classroom teaching background to support children’s development and learning through inclusive, strengths-based approaches. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, exploring the outdoors with her family, and spending time at the beach. Nicole - Specialist Educator Nicole has a Bachelor of Teaching and post graduate qualifications in disability support in early childhood and educational leadership. Nicole has over 15 years of experience educating children and working alongside families to support their child’s development. Nicole is passionate about helping children and families to understand that different brains need different things to thrive. Nicole supports children as they transition into early childhood services and primary school, working in partnership with the child, their family and educational setting to ensure a positive and well supported experience. Kerrie - Specialist Educator Kerrie is a trained educator with a Diploma in Social Science ( Child Studies ) and over 30 years o experience working with children and their families. Kerrie works in our Karuah Hub and PAL programs - She is passionate in working with Indigenous families in their communities, connecting with children through fun play experiences, embedding and implementing individualised goals and building on children’s interests and strengths. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs, drumming, building Lego and painting. She also has a love for gardening. Manage Cookie Preferences