As Meerilinga’s Professional Support Coordinator, Alisa is essential to Meerilinga’s efforts to support Educators as they care for children, families and the community. A member of Meerilinga’s family for over nine years, she has seen the difference that our approach to Early Education can make. We sat down with Alisa to find out a little bit more about her.
What are you most passionate about?
I’m passionate about fostering an environment where both children and adults feel supported, valued and connected. I believe that it truly takes a village to raise a child, but also to support the adults guiding them. In my personal and professional life, I’ve seen how connection, patience and teamwork create the foundation for growth, not only for children but for the whole community.
What do you do to relax outside of work?
I relax by baking bread, cooking, crocheting, gardening and journaling. I also enjoy spending holidays in the caravan, unwinding and exploring new places.
What has been your biggest achievement to date?
My biggest achievement is building a successful career at Meerilinga and being able to maintain a positive work-life balance while being supported in my role as a mother and raising a happy and healthy family.
What is your funniest moment that you’ve had at Meerilinga?
When my daughter was in the Pre-Kindy class while I was the Curriculum Leader, she’d often say, “It’s okay, Mummy, I’ll read the story,” then make me sit with the children while she took the reading chair and spun the most dramatic tales just from the pictures!
Meerilinga strives to deliver the best experience for our families through play-based school readiness, experienced and long-term staff, small class sizes, a personalised approach and the provision of a natural environment. Which one of these points do you most resonate with and why?
I resonate most with ‘experienced and long-term staff’ because it reflects the strong sense of community and consistency that Meerilinga values, which is essential for supporting children, families and the community. In my various roles, I’ve had the privilege of guiding Educators in their growth within the organisation and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see them become the amazing leaders they are today.
In one sentence, what advice would you give to parents considering an Early Learning Program or Child Care?
Choose a program that values the whole child, fosters a sense of belonging and builds strong connections with families and the community to support your child’s growth and development.
Find out about Alisa’s current mission to upskill and connect Educators in our community by discovering our Learning Hub and upcoming Professional Learning events on Humanitix.
