Service Director

My name is Alison, and I am the Director at the YMCA Strathalbyn ELC.

I began my career as an Educator in the Early Childhood Sector back in 1998 at Oakbank and I realised very early that I wanted to make a career in working alongside children. I decided to study my Diploma, and I have been enjoying my career ever since. I furthered my studies with an Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Management and then moved into Managing Services.

I have a deep respect for children and believe that all children have a voice and that it is my duty to listen to their voice, to care, educate and to keep them safe. I also enjoy leading and mentoring teams, so as a Director I get to come to work each day to do all the things I love.

I have 3 children, along with their life partners, and 4 beautiful grandchildren, all of whom I adore. My world is my family and my teenage Labrador Ted. I spend my weekends enjoying long walks, reading, and spending time with my family.

I look forward to meeting you all and welcoming you our family at the YMCA Strathalbyn ELC.

Laura - Lead Educator

I am passionate about the learning and development of children of all ages and backgrounds, and I am a firm believer that the environments and communities we engage in are our biggest teachers. I am excited to work with you and your children to build a wonderful interactive environment and welcoming community for now and into the future. I am also a mum of two to Joshua and Emily, both come here five days a week with me. We have a love for all things outdoors and adventure. On weekends we do a lot of walking and spend lots of time out and about exploring. I love anything creative including cooking, craft and gardening, I also love animals.

Alice - Assistant Educator

I am a Strathalbyn local and a full-time educator here at YMCA, I have worked in childcare for 3 years and am currently training to do my diploma. My hobbies include arts and crafts, camping, going to the beach with friends and face painting.

Alicia - Assistant Educator

I’m a Strathalbyn mum of five with a passion for early childhood education. I'm currently studying my Certificate in Early Childhood Education and can't wait to support the little ones as they grow and learn. When I'm not studying, you can find me baking, gardening with my kids, or exploring our beautiful region together. I'm excited to meet new families and children as we open the doors at The YMCA ELC. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming space that inspires curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in all our children. I believe every child is unique and deserves a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters their growth and development. I'm looking forward to being a part of their journey and watching them thrive.

Bree - Assistant Educator

I'm an Early Learning Educator and a Strathalbyn local. When I'm not working, you'll most likely find me spending time with my family, friends, my gorgeous dog Ellie and my cockatiel Monty! I absolutely love going to the beach, cooking and enjoying time outside! I'm looking forward to looking after your little ones and help young children grow in a fun, positive environment.

Hannah - Assistant Educator

I am from Victor Harbor. I enjoy lots of different things like video games, crafts, jigsaw puzzles and outdoor adventures. I love making resources that encourage children to learn through play as I believe there is always something to learn when you’re playing games. I look forwards to meeting your little ones and helping them learn.

Cate - Assistant Educator

2025 will be my first year working as a trainee and assistant educator at the Y. In my final year of high school, I discovered a passion for early childhood education and development, which led me to pursue paediatric psychology at Flinders University in the hopes of one day obtaining my masters. My personal time is occupied by various activities, including hiking, baking, and ballet. I love keeping myself busy academically and, in the workforce, and my goals are to spread love and positivity!

Trudy - Centre Cook

My name is Trudy. I am excited to be embracing the challenge of feeding and nourishing the children of our centre. My career within the food industry started when I was 16 and has taken several different paths, all of which I feel will assist me within this challenge. I enjoy giving children the opportunity to try new foods, textures and flavours. The challenge of providing children with allergies, with interesting inclusive foods is also a large focus. I am a mother of six and a grandma of two. Three of the six are still at home with me so they keep me busy with the Taxi service! My other passion is showing, breeding and preserving rare breeds of poultry. I enjoy the challenges and the tranquillity that comes from spending time with the poultry. To keep things interesting I am also a qualified egg judge and enjoy exploring and learning about all things eggs!