Who We Are

Our Team. Our Village.

Leadership

  • Mel Boucher

    Director

    Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care

    Mel has been an integral part of the Gaia’s Nest family for 17 years, starting her journey working in Baby Bears before taking on her role in the office. She is the driving force behind ensuring all our systems and teams are in-sync and connected. A passionate advocate for living a healthy life. Mel is a mother to 4 children.

  • Canie Bentley

    Assistant Director

    Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care

    Studying Bachelor of Primary Educator

    From a young age Canie was excited to work with children. After raising her own children, she made the career change to Early Childhood. She has now been at Gaia’s Nest for 8 years. Through spending time in a nature-based setting, Canie’s pedagogy grew to understand and appreciate the need for children and adults to take risk. At home, Canie enjoys sewing quilts and felted animals.

  • Trish Foster

    Educational Leader

    Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care

    Studying Masters of Education (Early Childhood)

Baby Bears

  • Zoë Nichols

    Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education & Care

    Studying Diploma in Early Childhood Education & Care

    Zoë has held her position at Gaia’s Nest since 2017. Over her time here, Zoë has moved rooms across the age groups, excelling in providing a stable and supportive dynamic environment for children in the 0-4 age groups. After 6 years, Zoë has decided to further her studies and move forward and gain her Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care.

  • Kirsty-Lee Bailie

    Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care

    Kirsty has over 15 years of experience in the sector, spending 13 of those years at Gaia’s Nest. Over her time Kirsty has moved rooms across our age groups, giving her a wealth of experience and a depth of knowledge across all ages. She feels inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and enjoys working in a team of like-minded colleagues.

  • Tahli Andrewartha

    Certificate 3 of Early Childhood Education & Care

Toddle Bears

  • Joey Tan

    Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care

  • Shayle Needham

    Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education & Care

    Studying Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care

  • Maycee Macpherson

    Trainee

    Studying Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education & Care

  • Sara C

    Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education & Care

    Studying Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care

Big Bears

  • Canie Bentley

    Assistant Director

    Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care

    Studying Bachelors of Primary Education

  • Taegan Cheseldene-Culley

    Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education & Care

  • Kishor Shrestha

    Studying Graduate Diploma

Kinder Bears

  • Trish Foster

    Educational Leader

    Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care Studying Masters of Education (Early Childhood)

  • Jana Allen

    Studying Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education & Care

  • Nishesh Khatiwada

    Studying Graduate Diploma

Rainbow

  • Madi Doyle

    Trainee

    Studying Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education & Care

  • Annalee Farnell

    Studying Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education & Care

  • Jess Bray

    Studying Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education & Care

  • Crystal-Jewel Stevens

    Studying Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education & Care

  • Sudip Nepal

    Studying Graduate Diploma

  • Anne Taylor

    Trainee

    Studying Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education & Care

  • Millie Baric

    Trainee

  • Bregan Joseph

    Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care