Founding Director
Kathy Walker is renowned across Australia and a Melbourne based Educational Consultant, parenting expert and author. She conducts a range of professional development and parenting sessions throughout Australia in the areas of early childhood and primary as well as consults for a range of government organisations. Kathy is formerly a university lecturer in education and author of the best selling books for parents, Parenting and Ready Set Go? as well as her latest books for teachers, Play Matters (2nd Ed) Investigative learning for preschool to Grade 2 and Engagement Matters Personalised learning for Grades 3-6. In 2008 Kathy was awarded a Fellowship from the Australian Council For Educational Leaders. In 2012 she was nominated for Australian of the Year.
Director
Shona Bass has worked in the education sector for thirty years. Early in her career Shona taught in secondary independent and public schools and mentored tertiary students in teacher training. Shona completed her PhD in the Department of Medicine at the University of Melbourne specializing in children's growth and development. Shona built an international research career and has been the recipient as principal Investigator of numerous internationally and nationally competitive grants;
Associate
Karen joined Early Life Foundations and the Walker Learning Team in 2010 after 35 years with the Victorian Department of Education as leader, consultant and teacher. Over these 35 years Karen worked in many sectors of education: metropolitan, regional and rural schools teaching all levels, special school settings, special education consultancy and as a Language consultant at School Support centre in Western Metropolitan Region. She has also taught overseas in Ontario, Canada for a year.
Communication and Marketing Manager
Rachel has a double degree in Mass Communications and Education; she has worked in the United States for several marketing and communications companies. Rachel managed brand strategies, online and digital media, event coordination, advertising collateral, media planning and public relations campaigns for a variety of clients in the education sector, including working with a well known children's educational museum in California.
Australian Developmental Curriculum Mentor
Helen is a retired Primary School Principal who has worked extensively in all sectors of education: preschools, primary schools, special schools, special education consultancy, secondary schools, preservice teacher training, and universities. She has taught overseas as well as in Australia.
Helen’s formal academic studies include qualifications in early childhood education , special education, and a Master’s Degree in educational administration.
Parent Support
Sandy currently works as an Early Support Worker for Newborn Hearing Screening in Victoria. Prior to that she was a community support worker at Cystic Fibrosis Victoria. Previously she worked as a Counsellor at The Alfred Hospital for over 11 years. She has also worked as a Counsellor at the Victorian Deaf Society and at Children and Family Services at Monash University. Before changing career directions, Sandy was a Primary Teacher & also worked as a Family Support Worker assisting people with parenting skills and organisational skills.
Counsellor
Lyn is a fully Registered Psychologist and Family Therapist in private practice since 1996.
Lyn’s areas of special interest include : Changes in the couple relationship following the birth of children; Parenting; Relationship counselling; Women’s issues (in particular helping women become assertive); Family of origin issues; Stress and work related issues; Anxiety; Depression; Problem gambling and Sexual abuse issues.