Meet The Team – Figtree Croydon
Sara Swann – Educational Leader Early Learning Services
My name is Sara Swann and I am delighted to introduce myself as the Educational Leader at Figtree Early Learning Centre.
The opportunity to work in partnership with families, our team of educators and the wider community to develop educational programs for our children is a source of great motivation for me. At Figtree Early Learning Centre we strive to create and maintain positive relationships and I look forward to the welcoming more children and their families to our wonderful community based service.
We asked Sara to tell us a little bit more about herself.
Role at Figtree: I’m the Educational Leader of Early Learning Services! I collaborate with and support fellow educators and provide curriculum direction and guidance.
What do you like about working at Figtree Early Learning Centre? I like being part of an organisation with such an inspiring and positive mindset.
What’s your background and where did you grow up? My family is British & I grew up in a small town called Bellingen in northern NSW.
What do you like to do outside work? I like catching up with friends & family, bushwalks and doing yoga!
What is your hidden talent or special skill? I am a registered Yoga teacher!
What’s your favourite book, movie or musician? My favourite book is ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle and I love most genres of music!
What are the values that drive you? The values that drive me are kindness, compassion, honesty, and creativity
Who’s your biggest inspiration? My mother! She is a very strong, honest and dedicated person who loves life!
Eva Tombek – Early Childhood Educator
My name is Eva, and I am an educator in the Jarjums room (3-5) at Figtree Early Learning Centre.
I love being able to nurture, care for and support the preschoolers each day. Watching them grow, develop, and achieve various milestones gives me so much joy!
We asked Eva to tell us a little bit more about herself.
Role at Figtree: Jarjums Educator (3-5’s room) My day includes talking and singing with the children, developing routines for them, helping them develop the skills necessary for school readiness and grow socially with the other children.
What do you like about working at Figtree Early Learning Centre? Figtree is a great workplace with a positive team environment and good management. Looking after children is my passion, and I love the values and great atmosphere at Figtree.
What’s your background and where did you grow up? My background is South Sudanese, and I grew up in Northern Sudan.
What do you like to do outside of work? I absolutely enjoy hanging out with my friends and the greater community when I am not working.
What’s your hidden talent or special skill? I’m good at dancing to African music!
What’s your favourite book, movie or musician? I absolutely love South Sudanese Music; these songs are a favourite:
- Rima ti yesu
- Jerusalema (Church Song)
- Hot African Praise Uche Favour (Church Song)
What are the values that drive you? The values that drive me are compassion, kindness, loyalty and being respectful.
Karen Stoodley – Early Childhood Educator
My name is Karen and I’m a Diploma trained educator at Figtree Early Learning Centre.
I have been lucky enough to be part of the St Anthony’s Family Care team for more than 30 years and working in early childhood education and care continues to be my passion and lifelong goal. I love helping all children feel safe, secure and supported as well as working alongside the Figtree team of educators and helping families.
I have a wealth of experience supporting children with disabilities and developmental delays and I believe that working in partnership with parents is the best way to get positive outcomes for all children attending Figtree Early Learning Centre.
We asked Karen to tell us a little bit more about her.
Role at Figtree: Educator. I help to nurture the curiosity and provide care and support for the children.
What do you like about working at Figtree Early Learning Centre? Working at Figtree is a positive and happy place to work. The staff at Figtree are very supportive and care for each other which helps me to feel a sense of belonging.
What’s your background and where did you grow up? I have always lived in the area and still reside here with my husband and 3 children. My family originally started in France & England.
What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy baking, going for walks around our area and visiting nurseries and craft markets.
What’s your hidden talent or special skill? At church I used to play the spoons! (haha)
Tell us one of your favourite memories! One of my favourite memories is working at the special preschool for children with additional needs!
What’s your favourite book, movie or musician? I now know how to put on ear pods, so I listen to Christian music all the time as well as Abba! My favourite book is Pride & Prejudice – Jane Austen
What are the values that drive you? The values that drive me are love, care, respect understanding and gentleness.
Who’s your biggest inspiration and why? My biggest inspiration comes from God, who is always there to guide and watch over me.
Carmela Iongi – Casual Early Childhood Educator
My name is Carmela, and I am a Casual Educator at Figtree Early Learning Centre.
I have a Diploma in Children Services; a Current First Aid and I have taken part in various training sessions throughout my childcare career. I’m happy to be a part of the Figtree Team/Community as my goal is to give the children a loving and safe environment which we can provide at Figtree.
We asked Carmela to tell us a little bit more about her.
Role at Figtree: Casual Educator. I interact with the children and help with wherever I am needed on that day at Figtree.
What do you like about working at Figtree Early Learning Centre? Looking after children is my passion, and I love the values and great atmosphere at Figtree. I feel welcome every day and I love being around the children, making them smile and providing a safe and loving environment for them.
What’s your background and where did you grow up? I grew up in the Inner West in a very large Italian family and I have 4 beautiful children who keep me busy!
What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy going on walks and spending time with friends and family. My children keep me busy with all their sports activities as well.
What’s your hidden talent or special skill? I’m pretty good at baking desserts!
Tell us one of your favourite memories! Meeting Teresa at Figtree (haha!) My first pregnancy, finding out I was having twins!
What’s your favourite book, movie or musician? Music – I grew up listening to all types of music, so I love them all. Book – Any cooking book and the Bible. Movie – Any of the Disney Movies
What are the values that drive you? The values that drive me are kindness, compassion, caring, honesty and respect.
Who’s your biggest inspiration and why? God, because he saved me! As well as my family because they encourage me everyday with their love. They always teach me the best way to live life.
Figtree also has an excellent support team who work tirelessly to assist our educators and treat the children with love, care and respect.
