Our Team - Northgate

Jackie has worked  in the childcare industry for more than 36 years, beginning her career in the UK and migrating to Australia in 1997. She met our previous Director Amanda at our old Hope Valley Centre and helped create the professional team that was instrumental in the setup of  Northgate Early Learning & Kindergarten and has been with us since it opened in 2003. Jackie has experienced the many changes in Child Care over the years and has been flexible to grow and embrace these changes to ensure consistently good outcomes for both children and families. Having worked in all age groups , Jackie knows first-hand how to support educators with their day to day workload.
After excelling in her role of Assistant Director since the opening of Northgate, Jackie was appointed Director after Amanda's retirement in 2021.
A note from Jackie:
"I value the wealth of knowledge families bring to the Centre. As their child’s first teachers their insights and feedback are essential in assisting us to care for their child, we have an open door policy which gives parents / carers the opportunity to be involved in their child’s learning & development, & my door is always open to any families who need support"

Donna has worked in the childcare industry for 22 years. Working across all age groups for 11 years in Mildura, Donna joined us at Northgate Early Learning & Kindergarten in 2011 as our Toddler 2 Room Team Coordinator.
After 5 months with our Toddlers, Donna moved on to be Team Coordinator of our Tiny Tots room where she found her passion and remained running the room for the last 10 years. Donna's nurturing personality and love of babies has made her the perfect first Educator for new families. Between her career in Childcare and having raised two children of her own, Donna is able to connect with families and has a wealth of knowledge surrounding babies and all their milestones.
Donna was excited to take on the role of Assistant Director and Educational Leader when Jackie stepped up into the role of Director. With her years of experience and her belief that every child is unique and deserves to learn and explore in their own way, we believe that Donna is perfect for her new role.
A note from Donna:
"My love of 'my babies' has not, and will not ever change, but when offered this amazing opportunity to be Assistant Director I was excited and nervous and jumped at the chance to learn more from a very different point of view of Childcare and I love it!"

Eleni Foster and her family have owned and operated the GW centre since 1994 and the NG centre since 2003. Eleni is the operations manager for both Centres and works alongside the Directors and Senior Administrative Officer to uphold the Centres’ philosophy. In her role she is passionate about inspiring, guiding and supporting her team of Directors, Educators, Administration Officers and the various support workers. Eleni aims to maintain high standards in all aspects of running two large Early Learning Centres.
Eleni travels between both Centres weekly and ensures that they run efficiently in their day to day operations. She is instrumental in implementing state of the art technology to ensure the Centres are children and family friendly and compliant with ACEQA and the Child Care Subsidy system.
Eleni is also responsible for the integrity of the buildings of both Centres and ensures the strict maintenance schedule is adhered to at all times. This acts to maintain the continual safety of all who enter the premises.
Both the Northgate and Greenwith Services offer a unique brand of Child Care. Eleni, Jackie and Elizabeth work closely together at both Centres to ensure this brand is consistent and the principals and philosophies are constantly upheld to maintain the point of difference from neighbouring Centres.
 

Rachelle has been looking after the administrative needs of our Centres for 16 years. She has a wealth of knowledge in the Child Care Subsidy System and can provide helpful advice on government entitlements and out of pocket expenses. Rachelle also takes care of any Additional Child Care Subsidies and organises all the Inclusion Support Programs within the Centre. Rachelle also assists Eleni with the Accounts and Finances of both Centres.

Abby is always at the reception desk to meet and greet our parents with her friendly manner. She is proficient with the Child Care Subsidy System and provides invaluable help to parents with the enrolment process and making new families feel welcome. Abby has an amazing artistic flair and the children love her creative decorating of the Centre particularly when we commemorate special occasions.  Abby also works closely with the management team and contributes to the overall running of the Centre.