Meet the Team
Trusted care, close to home. Explore our welcoming centres across the Central Coast.
Our Staff
Stephanie Wallace GAICD
Chief Executive Officer
Stephanie Wallace is the CEO of Educate Early Learning, bringing over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). She leads the organisation’s strategic direction, ensuring the delivery of high-quality educational outcomes for children across the centres.
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A passionate advocate for educational excellence in the early years, Stephanie is nationally recognised for her leadership in achieving outstanding outcomes for children, families, and educators. Her work has led to services being rated Excellent by ACECQA—an honour held by only a handful of providers across Australia.
Stephanie’s leadership is centred on maintaining high standards of education and empowering educators. She prioritises professional development, ensuring that all staff have access to the latest research and training, which enables them to provide exceptional learning experiences for children. Stephanie’s approach to educator support is a key component in ensuring consistent, high-quality care across the organisation.
Before joining Educate Early Learning, Stephanie made significant contributions to the broader sector. She consulted on anti-bias education for the Women’s and Girls Emergency Centre (WAGEC), where her work helped shape programs to support inclusive education practices. Additionally, she was instrumental in advocating for accessible playground designs in the Northern Beaches area, ensuring that children of all abilities could enjoy community play spaces.
These initiatives reflect her ongoing commitment to not only improving educational outcomes but also fostering more inclusive and accessible environments for all children and families. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood), a Diploma in Children’s Services, and formal qualifications in leadership, coaching, and emergency management.
She is dedicated to maintaining Educate Early Learning’s position as a leader in early childhood education, educator development, and innovation in the sector.
Natasha
Director, Gosford OOSH
I’ve worked in early childhood education for 16 years and hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I joined the organisation in 2022 as a casual in long day care, becoming Nominated Supervisor at Woy Woy in 2023 and Gosford in 2025.
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I’m passionate about creating safe, stimulating environments where children feel secure, supported, and encouraged to grow. I value strong relationships with children and families, promote independence, and prioritise open communication to support each child’s wellbeing, development, and emotional confidence.
Nikki
Director, Woy Woy ELC
Nikki believes working in childcare is not just a career—it’s a privilege. With over 30 years of experience in early learning and out of school hours care, Nikki has dedicated her life to creating environments where children feel safe, included, and inspired to grow.
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Nikki is passionate about celebrating individuality, supporting families, and building strong connections with schools and communities. With expertise in programming, behaviour guidance, and mentoring educators, she brings both knowledge and heart to every role, making a lasting impact on the children and families she supports.
Peter
Director, Woodport OOSH
I hold a Diploma in Children’s Services and have over 16 years of experience working with children, including 6 years in long day care and 10 years in after school care. I am passionate about teaching children essential life skills that build confidence, independence, and resilience.
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I am also deeply committed to creating an environment where children learn to support one another by encouraging teamwork and helping each other complete tasks. My goal is to foster a safe, nurturing, and collaborative space where every child feels valued and empowered to grow.
Georgia
Regional Manager
As the Regional Manager for Coast Services Group, I bring over seven years of experience in multi-site leadership and operational management within the Early Childhood sector, including four years at a national level. My work spans across diverse communities, with a strategic focus on delivering high-quality early learning and OOSH services.
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Over the years, I’ve led large teams, driven performance, ensured compliance, and fostered a culture of ongoing growth and improvement. I value teamwork and lead through collaboration., accountability, and a genuine commitment to the wellbeing and development of children.
I’m passionate about creating environments where both educators and children can thrive. Early education has the power to shape lifelong outcomes, and I believe every child deserves access to enriching learning experiences and every educator deserves the support to make that possible.
Amanda
Business Operations Manager
With over 34 years of dedicated experience in the provision of high-quality children’s education and care, Amanda is a passionate and accomplished Early Childhood Professional committed to the wellbeing, development, and safety of all children.
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Holding a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) from the University of Newcastle, Amanda combines deep pedagogical knowledge with a holistic approach to early years learning.
In addition to her teaching qualifications, Amanda brings a unique breadth of expertise through further qualifications including a Diploma in Accounting, Diploma in Human Resource Management, Diploma in Project Management, Diploma in Educational Psychology, Cert IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, and has in depth training and experience in Executive Business Management. This well-rounded educational and professional foundation enables her to support our early childhood and Out of School Hours services, with a strong focus on both educational excellence and strategic business leadership.
Amanda’s personal philosophy centres on health, safety, and the holistic wellbeing of every child. She believes that creating nurturing, secure environments is essential for young learners to thrive. A strong advocate for collaborative practice, she works to build cohesive teams of educators who share a unified vision and work in partnership with families—recognising parents as their child’s first and most important teacher.
With a proven track record in mentoring educators, fostering inclusive environments, driving service quality, and managing complex business operations, Amanda continues to inspire excellence across all aspects of early childhood education and care.
Steve
Finance Manager
Steve holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology Sydney and an MBA from Macquarie University. He is a Fellow CPA (FCPA) with CPA Australia.
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With over 40 years of experience across diverse industries; including multinational manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, insurance, IT services, and public practice, Steve brings extensive financial and commercial expertise.
His broad background enables him to provide strong support and acumen to senior management and boards of directors, particularly in accounting, budgeting, and driving strategic growth.
Tarin
Administration
With over five years of experience in the education sector, Tarin brings warmth, efficiency, and a genuine passion for children’s learning especially in the areas of STEM.
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At Educate Early Learning, Tarin plays a key role in supporting families through clear communication, managing accounts payable and receivable, and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. She is always happy to help and loves being part of a team that nurtures curiosity and growth in young minds.
Board of Directors
Karen McNamara
Board Chair & Company Secretary
Karen has an extensive career in public sector administration with over 30 years of business leadership experience having held senior management roles with numerous NSW regulatory agencies, and recently as a Member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
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Her practical senior management experiences include administrative and immigration law, strategic development, compliance and regulatory enforcement, project management, corporate services management, policy development and administration, legal administration, business and financial operations, staff management, customer service management, stakeholder engagement and sales and marketing.
In addition to her practical management experiences, Karen served as a Member of the House of Representatives from 2013 to 2016, in which she delivered vital infrastructure and services to the electorate of Dobell. She has served on Joint Parliamentary Committees including Health, Education and Employment, as well as participation and engagement with numerous Central Coast Community Organisations as a Board Member and Patron.
Karen holds a Bachelor of Legal Justice Studies attained from Southern Cross University as well as successfully completed studies in Business Management, Human Resource Management, Corporate Leadership, Six Sigma Certification and Industrial Psychology. Additionally, Karen is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
- Educate Early Learning Centres Company Secretary
- Non-Executive Director
- Chair of Governance Committee
Bernadette Enright
Board Director
Bernadette has nearly 20 years of private sector experience across Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and the United Kingdom.
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She began her career in Australia in industries such as construction and retail before building a global track record in international banking, primarily with the Emirates National Bank of Dubai (Emirates NBD), where she continues to work full-time from the Central Coast while also raising her family.
Rising through the ranks to Associate Vice President, she has led Corporate Communications, Marketing and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, strengthening the bank’s reputation across its expanding international markets.
Alongside her professional career, Bernadette contributes actively to her community, serving as a Director on the Board of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and engaging in a range of local volunteer initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology Sydney, graduating with distinction in 2006.
Lawrie McKinna
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Board Director
Persistence, teamwork and community are central to Lawrie McKinna’s leadership approach and professional life.
Born in Galston on Scotland’s west coast, Lawrie migrated to Australia with his family at a young age, living between Australia, New Zealand and Scotland during his childhood. From an early age he developed a strong passion for football, beginning his playing career as a striker with Galston United and Darvel before signing professionally with Kilmarnock FC in 1982.
After relocating to Australia in 1986, Lawrie played across the National Soccer League and state leagues before transitioning into coaching and management. His coaching career spans more than three decades, including senior roles with Blacktown City, Hills United, Sydney Olympic, Sydney United and Parramatta Power. In 2002, he was awarded National Soccer League Coach of the Year after leading Northern Spirit to their first finals series in three years.
Lawrie is widely recognised for establishing the Central Coast’s first A‑League team, the Central Coast Mariners, serving as Head Coach (2005–2010), Director of Football and later Club Ambassador. He coached the Mariners to two grand finals, a minor premiership and a pre‑season cup, earning A‑League Coach of the Year in 2005/06. He has also held senior international coaching roles in China and was Chief Executive Officer of the Newcastle Jets from 2016 to 2021.
Beyond sport, Lawrie brings extensive governance and regional development experience. He served as Chair of Regional Development Australia Central Coast (2021–2024).
Lawrie was first elected to local government as a Councillor for the City of Gosford in 2012 and served as Mayor until council amalgamation in 2016. In 2024, he led Team Central Coast to election and is now Mayor of the Central Coast, serving until October 2026.
Married to his wife Christine for 45 years, Lawrie is a proud father of two sons and grandfather to two grandsons. Having lived on the Central Coast for over 20 years, he is deeply committed to serving the community he calls home, bringing proven team‑building skills, strategic leadership and a strong focus on outcomes for future generations.
- Non-Executive Director
- Member of Rinancial & Risk Committee
Aileen Weissner
Board Director
Aileen Wiessner is an experienced and respected Senior Adviser having served at the most senior levels of Government.
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As a Government Relations Specialist, Aileen has advised clients on both Federal and NSW State issues including the Environment, NDIS, Job Network and in Early Childhood Care and Learning where she drafted submissions for the Productivity Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care and various submissions for the Senate Inquiries investigating the Early Child Sector and the NDIS.
Aileen possesses extensive experience in Government and community relations, policy development ,implementation and strategic development. Her strategic planning skills include research, stakeholder engagement and project management of the many projects she has been associated with.
Aileen is a long term resident of the Central Coast and is committed to working to support local organisations especially those who are working to provide better opportunities for our families and children. Aileen is looking forward to making a positive contribution to the Educate Early Learning Board.
- Educate Early Learning Centres Non-Executive Director
- Member of Governance Committee
Edward Allely
Deputy Chair
Edward Allely is a strategic advisor and transformation leader with over 20 years of experience guiding organisations through complexity, growth, and change.
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From scaling a start-up to $50M in assets under management to leading a $300M emerging market lender to market leadership, Edward has consistently delivered results across financial services, high-growth ventures, and not-for-profit organisations.
With expertise in strategy, financial modelling, capital structuring, and enterprise transformation, he has helped organisations unlock sustainable value – whether through partnerships, M&A and JV’s, cost management, growth planning, or operational optimisation. He has worked across Australia, the UK and the Middle East leading teams and closing over $1Bn in transactions.
A resident of the Central Coast since 2020, Edward is a local small business owner and member of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. He holds a Masters in Engineering from the University of Durham and is a member of both the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Project Management Institute.
Karen McNamara
Company Secretary
Karen has an extensive career in public sector administration with over 30 years of business leadership experience having held senior management roles with numerous NSW regulatory agencies, and recently as a Member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Read More
Her practical senior management experiences include administrative and immigration law, strategic development, compliance and regulatory enforcement, project management, corporate services management, policy development and administration, legal administration, business and financial operations, staff management, customer service management, stakeholder engagement and sales and marketing.
In addition to her practical management experiences, Karen served as a Member of the House of Representatives from 2013 to 2016, in which she delivered vital infrastructure and services to the electorate of Dobell. She has served on Joint Parliamentary Committees including Health, Education and Employment, as well as participation and engagement with numerous Central Coast Community Organisations as a Board Member and Patron.
Karen holds a Bachelor of Legal Justice Studies attained from Southern Cross University as well as successfully completed studies in Business Management, Human Resource Management, Corporate Leadership, Six Sigma Certification and Industrial Psychology. Additionally, Karen is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
- Educate Early Learning Centres Company Secretary
- Non-Executive Director
- Chair of Governance Committee
- Member of Strategic Growth Committee
Find the Right Fit for Your Family
Every Educate Early Learning centre is built to support your child’s growth and your family’s routine. With flexible care, passionate educators, and enriching programs, we’re here to help your child thrive—right in your local community.
