Tahlia Higgs

Jodi McVea

Jodi has been at Choklits Child Care Centre for over 10 years and is the Service Director. She holds a Diploma in Children’s Services, is a mother of 4 children, has a warm heart and a fabulous smile which our youngest early learners absolutely love. Over to Jodi... There are so many reasons to love working in early learning! Being with children everyday creating inviting play spaces that the children will engage in and learn new skills from is very exciting. But, what I love the most is being able to make a difference in the families lives and supporting parents when they first enter the world of early learning. It's a big responsibility ensuring families have peace of mind leaving their children with us for the first time and knowing they will be safe and have fun, one both my team and I take very seriously. Throughout my career as an early childhood educator I am most proud of the relationships I have built with the children and their families, many of which have continued after the families have left Choklits. When I not at Choklits I am a taxi...

Zoe Dooley

Zoe has worked in early learning for almost 5 years and is an Administration and Communication Assistant at Choklits in Ringwood. She holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and is currently studying an Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management. Over to Zoe... I love working in early education as I feel like you get to relive your favourite parts of your own childhood all over again and have even more fun! I love working with children as no two days are the same and you never know what to quite expect a child to say or do. The excitement and happiness that children bring to ours lives is unmatched and I feel so lucky to work in an environment where I am surrounding by this each day. Within my personal philosophy I believe as an educator we are here to be the biggest support for all children and create strong relationships with all families to ensure trust is established. When it comes to my career, I have been most proud of my career progression over the last five years. I began as a student on work placement...

Savannah Prelorenzo

Savannah is the Centre Manager at Choklits Croydon and has been working in Early Childhood and Care for over 7 years. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology, an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management, a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Over to Savannah... I consider Early Childhood Education and Care a profession. In the first years of a child's life, their brain development will create the foundations for all learning and development later in life. It is truly amazing to think that I am helping to shape children and fostering their development, establishing their curiosity and wonder of life and learning. I believe that the development of a child's imagination is crucial because as Vygotsky so rightly says it “is an important component of absolutely all aspects of cultural life, enabling artistic, scientific, and technical creation alike.” It is said that through imagination we develop new ideas and this is one of the reasons why I love working in Early Childhood Education, because new ideas do not come from nowhere; they are based on our experience, combined with our imaginative...

Ellie Saberi

Ellie has worked in early learning for almost 15 years and is the Director at Choklits Child Care in Surrey Hills. She holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and, a Diploma of Leadership and Management. Over to Ellie... I am passionate about working in early education and care because it allows me to make a positive impact on the lives of young children during their formative years. Witnessing their curiosity, growth, and development brings me immense joy. I believe that fostering a supportive and engaging environment at this stage sets a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning and success. Being a part of their journey is truly fulfilling, and I am dedicated to creating a nurturing space where each child can thrive. I take great pride in my childcare management career, and one of my most significant achievements has been cultivating a collaborative and inclusive team culture, create an environment where each team member feels valued, supported, and empowered. Building a cohesive team is crucial in providing high-quality care for children. Together, we've implemented effective communication strategies, shared best practices, and continuously focused on professional development....

Deb Prelorenzo

Deb is the Area Manager at Choklits and has been working in Early Childhood Education and Care for over 17 years. She holds a Masters of Education, Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Advanced Diploma in Children's Services, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Diploma of Nutrition and a Diploma of Personal Training. Over to Deb... I love working in Early Childhood Education and Care because I can drive continuous improvement to the profession. Children are the future and we need to ensure that they are supported and encouraged through all aspects of learning and development. I see children as being competent and capable so I believe in nurturing their social and emotional needs, layering additional learning alongside. I design programs to reflect their needs, interests, goals, strengths and ensure that I am contributing to their education and care. Children have the right to be recognised as subjects of civil, legal, individual and social rights; as both source and constructors of their own experience and thus active participants in the organisation of their identities, abilities and autonomy through relationships and interaction with their peers, with adults, with ideas, with objects and...

Zac Eyssens

Zac is our Group Compliance and Education System Training Administrator and has been working in Early Childhood & Care for over 7 years. He holds a Bachelor of Health Science, Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Over to Zac... I have always loved working in Early Childhood Education and Care, it has been apart of my life since I can remember. From co-running a Judo club to being a swimming instructor, my passion lies in supporting positive outcomes in children's health, wellbeing and learning. I represented Victoria in Judo and was nominated to go to the junior olympics as well as coach the state Judo camp which opened my eyes to the world of possibilities, especially in Early Learning. I believe working in the Early Childhood Education and Care profession provides an opportunity to make a real difference in the way a child approaches learning for their lives. Being able to encourage, nurture and support the next generation is an honour. I have a passion for leadership and love to see people achieve their goals and extend their learning and growth....

Janine Fox

Janine is the Assistant Manager and Educational Leader at Choklits Child Care in Ringwood. She holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and is working towards her Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching. Janine has worked in Early Learning for over 9 years! Over to Janine… I love working in early education and care because I am able to witness the amazing development of the children in my care. The early years are such an important time in a child’s life and these years certainly form the foundation for the future. I feel blessed that I can experience the wonder and joy as children experience so many firsts. My own philosophy aligns so well with the Choklits Philosophy with the phrases “learning is everywhere”, “learning from everyone” and “spark the fire” really resonating with me. Working in this industry enables me to facilitate and ignite a love of learning through the provision of a range of learning experiences and activities which I love researching, creating and then, watching as the children are excited and become absorbed in hands on learning. I am very passionate about providing warm and welcoming environments in...

Gemma Rooney

Gemma holds a Certificate III in Business Administration and a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. She serves as our 2IC and Administrator at Choklits Croydon. Over to Gemma... I take great pride in the extensive knowledge and skills I have acquired throughout my career in administration. Beginning my journey as a young, nervous 18-year-old receptionist, I have since developed a profound sense of confidence and built a diverse skill set that has enabled me to excel in my role today. I have always been passionate about early education and care, as it offers the unique privilege of witnessing children's remarkable growth and development. I am grateful for the knowledge and growth that the Choklits family has given me. Outside of my responsibilities at Choklits, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, teaching dance, reading, camping and hiking. One of the most heartwarming moments I’ve experienced was when one of my young dancers surprised me with drawings they had made for my wedding. They had envisioned themselves as flower girls and even designed my wedding dress. It was a truly touching and unforgettable moment that...

Matt Reynolds

Matt (along with his wife, Jade) owns and runs Choklits. Jade and Matt have two young children and are both passionate about learning and strongly believe that all children have the right to be safe, loved and should all be set up for the best chance at success in life. Over to Matt… I began my working life delivering newspapers before settling on a career as a maintenance plumber. After working and studying to become qualified and licensed I started and grew my own high end plumbing company and serviced some of Melbourne’s most expensive and exclusive homes and business locations for luxury brands such as Kay & Burton and Lamborghini. In 2016, Jade and I purchased Choklits Child Care in Ringwood.  Developing people and building teams has always been a passion of mine. A little while back a past team member of our plumbing company called to ask me if I had realised that everyone who came through our apprentice program now works for themselves and runs their own business. I hadn’t at the time, but it’s something I’m pretty proud of. When Jade and I purchased Choklits Child...

Jade Ingleby

Jade (along with her husband, Matt) owns and runs Choklits, has a Bachelor of Business Human Resource Management, a Masters of Accounting and a Diploma of Children’s Services. Jade has two young children and is passionate about learning and strongly believes that all children have the right to be safe, loved and should all be set up for the best chance at success in life. Over to Jade... I began my career in the corporate world working for organisations including Ernst and Young and in senior management for the NAB. In 2016, I purchased Choklits in Ringwood along with my husband, Matt. Children and teaching are my passion so Choklits quickly became my second family and growing the Choklits Community is now one of my favourite things in the world! Choklits has grown from a small centre we purchased all those years ago to the community it is today. I'm so proud of our team of dedicated educators who pour their heart and soul into our children. It makes me so happy I get to do this work everyday. When I'm not at Choklits I'm usually thinking about Choklits! I...

Sue Brewer

Sue is our Group Admin Support and has been at Choklits Child Care Centre for over 28 years. In March 2022, the Herald Sun crowned Sue Brewer Melbourne's Best Child Care Worker. She has touched many families’ lives and cared for hundreds of children. Sue has a calm approach, takes time to understand everybody’s needs and is always there to help and listen to our family’s needs. Sue believes in true partnerships. A mother to 4 children and a grandmother to 14, Sue holds a Diploma in Children’s Services. If you are lucky enough she may even bake you the most delicious chocolate cake you have ever eaten! This is Sue with Choklits owner Jade celebrating her 25 years at Choklits... Over to Sue… Some of the things I really enjoy about working in Early Childhood Education is seeing children develop, grow from a young age and learn the skills that will help them on their journey through life. I’m very proud of my achievements starting as an untrained assistant all the way through to the Director of Choklits. When I’m not at I love spending time with my family,...

Michelle Jurrjens

Michelle holds a Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching and is a provisionally registered Teacher who has been working in early childhood education for 16 years. She is also the Co-Educational Leader at Choklits Croydon. Over the Michelle... I love working in early education and care because I believe that as educators we have the chance to help support and develop the child’s own innate ability to learn and also help to foster their own understanding of the world and environment around them. I love being able to come to work and feel that I am making a positive difference in the children’s day and lives, and seeing them absorb and reflect on the positive impact that I can have on them, helping them to grow and develop their own self worth and confidence. Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of being apart of a child’s journey and growth, and having a positive impact on their lives, helping them develop into successful individuals, whilst cherishing their uniqueness. I love being able to help children achieve milestones that are important to them, understanding that each child develops at their own...

Jenny Hernandez

Jenny has been working in early childhood education for over 7 years, holds her Certificate 3 and diploma in Early Childhood Education and recently completed a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Teaching (Early Years and Primary). She is also the Co-Educational Leader at Choklits Croydon. Over to Jenny... I take pride in working in early childhood education and care because I believe education, especially the early years of education, is the key to developing the next generation, and I think it is incredibly fulfilling to play a part in that. Therefore, as a teacher, it is my desire and responsibility to help students to reach their full potential. In my career I’ve been most proud of completing my bachelors degree in Early Years and Primary. Most importantly, to look back over the past years and realise that I have helped children feel more comfortable with learning, to step out and try something new in a safe and nurturing environment. I may not see how it affects the course of their life, but I know for a period of time, I was able to tend to a child's emotional, physical, and...

Nicole Grieve

Nicole has working in early learning for almost 2 years and holds a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Over to Nicole... I love working in early education and care because I am passionate about children's right to have a positive learning experience, to feel safe, secure and nurtured. It is important to me that children feel a sense of trust and security when in my care. It is a privilege to be a part of a critical time in a childs life of learning, sense of belonging and developing personalities. I believe children have choices in their learning and it is my role to recognise children's individual strengths and interests and provide opportunities that facilitate learning through play. Throughout my career, I’ve been most proud of the bonds I have made with the children and helping them to reach milestones and achieve their goals. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reformer pilates and reading. One of the beautiful moments in my teaching career is when I arrive at Choklits in the morning and a child comes running up to me with...

Jayde Cooper

Jayde has worked in early learning for over 2 years at Choklits in Croydon. She holds a Certificate III in Education Support and is working towards her Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood and Primary Teaching. Over to Jayde... I love working in early childhood education because it gives us a chance to see how every child is so unique and has such a special role in the world that we live in. When working in this field we are given a chance to see a child's spark for lifelong learning be lit and watch them navigate their world through new experiences. I believe that early childhood education is where children are set up with the foundational skills that they will use for the rest of their life, and that is why I love working in this field because we get to witness and contribute to the incredible journey of each child, helping them build confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning that will serve them throughout their lives. Throughout my time working with children, what I have been most proud of is seeing the progress they make, both big...

Parastou Soleimani

Parastou has been working in Early Education for over 3 years and holds a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education. Over to Parastou... Working in early education and care is incredibly rewarding because it's a crucial stage in a child's development where you can have a profound impact on their future. My personal philosophy revolves around fostering a nurturing and supportive environment where children feel valued, empowered, and inspired to learn and grow. I believe in embracing each child's unique qualities and providing them with the tools and guidance they need to thrive socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically. It's about cultivating a love for learning, fostering curiosity, and building a strong foundation for lifelong success and well-being. Throughout my career, I've been most proud of the moments when I've witnessed the positive impact I've had on the lives of the children I've cared for and educated. Whether it's seeing a child's face light up when they learn something new, witnessing their growth and development over time, or knowing that I've helped create a safe and nurturing environment where they feel loved and supported, these are the moments that truly make...

Arezo Kasiri

Arezo has been working in Early Education for over 4 years and holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education. Over to Arezo... I love working in early education, I bring four years of enriching experience in childcare to our wonderful community. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of witnessing the incredible growth and development of young minds, and I am deeply committed to nurturing each child's unique potential. One moment I'm very proud of is obtaining my VIT registration as a kindergarten teacher!  I felt even more empowered to create engaging, inclusive, and supportive learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of the children, helping them to explore, grow, and thrive during their formative years. When I’m not at Choklits love spending time with my family and friends. It's a time to recharge and create memories that fuel my passion and energy for nurturing young minds. I believe that maintaining a healthy work-life balance allows me to bring my best self to Choklits every day, ready to inspire and support each child's journey of discovery and learning. One of the cutest things a child has said to...

Abby Zhong

Abby has been working in Early Education for over 5 years and holds a Master of Teaching (Early Childhood Education). Over to Abby... I love working in early education because it allows me to not just teach, but to mentor, nurture, and witness the growth of the next generation. It’s a privilege to guide them through their first steps in education and to lay down the path that they will walk over a lifetime. This profession is more than a job; it's a passion fuelled by the belief that early investment in children’s lives pays the highest dividends in terms of their future success and happiness. Throughout my career I'm most proud of recognising the importance of early language acquisition so I implemented a language-rich classroom environment that boosted literacy skills from an early age. Through interactive story times, play-based learning, and targeted language activities, I saw a marked improvement in children’s vocabulary and communication skills, which are critical to their ongoing educational success. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy spending time with my cats. One of the cutest things a child has said to me was "I want...

Sue Weerasena

Sue has been working in Early Education for over 2 years and holds a Bachelor in English (Hons), Masters in Linguistics, Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Masters in Education (Reading). Over to Sue... I love working in early education because working with children is very fulfilling. Everyday, I learn something new. It is a process of continuous learning and development. It is amazing to interact with children and the families and be a part of children's growth. One moment I'm very proud of is obtaining my VIT registration as a kindergarten teacher! When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy reading books. I am a huge fan of English Classics and reading poetry. I also love playing the guitar and composing music. One of the cutest things a child has said to me was that I was their favourite teacher and they find me to be very kind and loving! It made me feel valued and loved by children.

Harleen Kaur

Harleen has been working in Early Education for over a year and holds a Bachelors in Information Technology and Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education. Over to Harleen... I love working in early education because it allows me to positively impact the lives of young children, nurture their development, witness their growth first hand, and contribute to shaping their futures in a meaningful way. Throughout my career I've been most proud of being entrusted with the responsibility of teaching three-year-olds. It requires patience, creativity, and a deep understanding of early childhood development. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy experimenting with new recipes or cooking together as a family. Also, I participate in sports and fitness activities such as yoga, morning walks, and jogging to maintain healthy lifestyle and to relieve stress. One of the most heartwarming moments was while reading a story during group time, we came across a lion. One of the children points to the lion and exclaims, "Look! it's Mr Whisker!" Confused, I asked "who is Mr Whisker?" The child responds, "He is the lion who lives in my closet and protect me from monsters at...

Rohan Merryweather

Rohan is the Grounds and Maintenance Officer across our Choklits Campuses and is a qualified landscape gardener.  Over to Rohan… I love working in early education and care because everyday is enjoyable especially to see the children play outside in the areas that I have helped transform and maintain. One of my proudest career moments was receiving my Diploma in Horticulture and my Certificate in Turf Management. When I'm not at Choklits I love spending time with my three sons, playing golf and travelling. The funniest things children often say to me is "hey, you're the fixit man!".

AJ Chol

AJ has been working in Early Education for almost 5 years and holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education. Over to AJ... I love working in early education because I really enjoy being around children. What I love the most is how curious they are—they ask me lots of questions every day, and that keeps me on my toes! Their imagination is amazing too. It makes me think in new and different ways, which I find really exciting. Working with children is special because they see the world in such a unique way, and that helps me to see things differently too. When I’m not at Choklits I love spending time with family and friends, taking my younger brothers to their sport events. One of the most heartwarming moments was when a child looked up at me with wide eyes and said, "You're beautiful and my best friend!"

Elaheh Maraghi

Elaheh has been working in Early Education for almost a year and holds a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education. Over to Elaheh... I love working in early education because every child's journey is a treasure, and I believe in nurturing their curiosity and potential with love and kindness. Throughout my career I have been most proud of the countless moments that define my journey. When I’m not at Choklits I love spending time with family, shopping, enjoying the outdoors, reading, playing sports, and cooking. One of the most heartwarming moments was when a child looked up at me with wide eyes and said, "You're my superhero!" It filled me with overwhelming joy and reminded me of the immense impact we can have on young hearts.

Ratna Dey

Ratna has been working in Early Education for over 7 years and holds a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and a Diploma in Early Childhood And Education. Over to Ratna... I love working in early education because every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact on children lives. I adore their energy- seeing them run and jump fills me with so much joy and energy too. Working with them is something I really love. Throughout my career as a kindergarten educator and as a lead educator I have been most proud of the countless moments where I have been witnessed the genuine joy and excitement in the eyes of the kinder children as they learn and grow. Being able to create a nurturing and supportive environment where children feel safe to explore, ask questions, and express themselves has been incredibly rewarding. Whether it's helping a shy child to find their voice, or sharing a laughter, each day reaffirming my passion for early childhood education and the profound impact it has on shaping young minds. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy spending time with family...

Leila Maleki

Leila has been working in Early Education for over 10 years and holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and a Certificate IV in Cookery. Over to Leila... I love working in early education because it brings me immense joy to witness the children's growth development and happiness. Being a part of their learning journey and seeing their big smiles and hearing their voices every day fills my heart with warmth and fulfilment. Additionally having the opportunity to nurture and support children during their formative years is incredibly rewarding and meaningful to me. Throughout my career I'm proud of fostering nurturing environments where children feel safe, valued and happy. Creating these environments and witnessing their growth and development has been incredibly fulfilling for me. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy spending my time with my family, friends parties, sport including swimming and I enjoy going to the club to go paragliding with my husband. One of the most heart warming moments I've experienced was when a child said to me "You are my best friend and teacher". It made me feel incredibly touched and happy to know that I...

Mahsa Abrishamchi

Mahsa has been working in Early Education for over 2 years and holds a Bachelor of Applied Mathematics and a Certificate III of Early Childhood Education. Over to Mahsa... I love working in early education because I truly enjoy engaging with children. Working with young children is incredibly rewarding. Their curiosity, creativity, and boundless energy make each day exciting and fulfilling. Witnessing their growth and development, both academically and socially, is truly remarkable. Throughout my career I'm proud of the relationships I've built with families. Establishing strong partnerships with parents and caregivers is essential for supporting children's development, and knowing that families trusted me to care for and educate their children fills me with immense pride. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy spending quality time with my family and loved ones. Whether it's going on weekend outings, having family game nights, or simply relaxing together at home, these moments are precious to me. I also have a passion for outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and exploring nature trails. One of the most heart warming moments I've experienced was when a child in my class looked up at me...

Jorja McVea

Profile coming soon...

Parth Ahlawat

Parth has been working in Early Education for 1 year and holds a Bachelor of Business: Project Management and Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education. Over to Parth... I love working in early education and care because it allows me to make a positive impact on young children’s lives during their most formative years. My personal teaching philosophy is built around fostering a love for learning through play. I believe that every child is unique and deserves an environment that nurtures their individual strengths and interests. I emphasise the importance of building trusting relationships with the children and their families. My teaching philosophy is simple: A parent is trusting us with their child, therefore it is our utmost responsibility to ensure that the child is receiving the highest level of care and is given every opportunity to gain cognitive, physical, social and emotional growth. I am extremely proud of every single unique journey I've been a part of with the children I have taught. Observing their growth from the day I introduced myself to them to the day it is time for them to move on to the next chapter...

Pragya Tripathi

Pragya has been working in Early Education for over 20 years and holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education. Over to Pragya... I love working in early education because I love interacting with the children and being able to see how they develop in their early stages; both their understanding of the world and their values as people. It is a core aspect of my own values that I help develop the future generations to grow up to be good people with upstanding morals and values, and for that I wish to contribute where I can via working in early education. Even building connections with the families of the children in my care is a very valuable part of my work that I deeply treasure. Particularly, knowing that the families feel safe that their children are being well taken care of is something I highly value. Throughout my career I've been the most proud of the connections I've made with the communities of my workplaces, including all the staff, children and families. I have come to find this as the foundation for the development of my skills to the point...

Mckenzie Tilley

Mckenzie has been at Choklits Croydon for almost a year, holds a Diploma in Early Education as is working towards her Bachelor. Over to Mckenzie... I love working in early education because I love seeing all of the children hit their milestones and flourish in the development. Their smiles light up my day! When it comes to my career, I have been most proud of the connections I have made with the children and their families, and being someone that the families are happy to rely on. When I'm not at Choklits, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing basketball and netball.  I also enjoy baking and spending time with my dog. The most beautiful thing a child has done for me was when they were being dropped off in the morning, and when they saw my face, their face lit up and they ran up to me and gave me the biggest cuddle and a cheeky giggle. I love that!

Paris Ille

Paris has almost completed her Diploma of Early Education and Care and Choklits is her very first job in early learning! Over to Paris... I love working in early education and care to watch children grow, develop and thrive into beautiful young humans. After high school I studied psychology, with the hopes of becoming a child psychologist. After deferring for a couple of years and travelling Europe, I decided to get straight into studying my Diploma of Early Education. One of my most favourite parts about working in early education and care to watch children grow, develop and thrive into beautiful young humans. I’m beyond excited to be working at Choklits, expanding my knowledge and working towards my personal milestones like finishing my Diploma which I'm proud of almost being completed. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy spending time with friends and family, taking my two dogs for runs on the beach. I love going to the gym and keeping active. All the moments I have with children are the cutest, I love being welcomed in the morning with big hugs and smiles. The most beautiful thing a child...

Amy Zhu

Amy has been at Choklits Surrey Hills for over a year and holds a Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education. Over to Amy... I love working in early education because I find great fulfilment in working in early education and care because I aspire to create a nurturing, inclusive learning environment where children can thrive, express themselves freely, and grow in safety and happiness. Each child is unique, with their own interests, abilities, and potential. I derive immense satisfaction from uncovering the strengths of every child and witnessing their growth. Moreover, I delight in the joy and surprises that children bring into my life, and I value the opportunity to collaborate with their families in supporting and witnessing their developmental journey. Throughout my career I've had the privilege of witnessing the growth of children across various ages. I firmly believe in instilling trust in children, believing in their abilities and potential. Guiding them from their first steps into a relatively socialised environment from home, I trust in their capacity to adapt, make friends, and learn. Providing opportunities for children to learn and make choices while believing in their capabilities is...

Samantha Fernandez

Sam has worked in early learning for almost 3 years and is our Kindergarten Teacher at Choklits in Ringwood. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Over to Sam... I love working in early education and care because it allows me to nurture children’s curiosity and creativity during their key developmental years. My child-centered, inquiry-based approach, inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, focuses on guiding children through hands-on learning experiences. I’m excited to join Choklits Ringwood and contribute to an environment where children can explore, grow, and thrive. Throughout my career, I’ve been most proud of the relationships I’ve built with children and families. Seeing children grow in confidence and creativity as they engage with learning has been incredibly rewarding. When I’m not at Choklits, I enjoy watching true crime documentaries, spending time with my dog, and trying out new food spots with my fiancé. Exploring different cuisines and discovering hidden gems is something we love doing together, especially on the weekends. One of the cutest things that happens in early learning is when I enter a room, and the children run up, scream "Sam!" and...

Sukh Kaur

Sukh has been at Choklits Ringwood for almost 2 years and holds a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care. Over to Sukh... I love working in early education because it allows me to make a meaningful impact during the crucial formative years of a child's development. I believe in fostering a nurturing environment where children can explore, learn, and grow at their own pace, laying a strong foundation for their future success. I am passionate about instilling a love for learning and helping children develop essential skills like empathy, curiosity, and resilience. I find joy in witnessing the wonder and excitement that children experience as they discover the world around them, and I commit to providing them with the support and guidance they need to thrive. Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of providing a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive physically, emotionally, and cognitively and supporting children's growth and development across various domains, including social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy quality time with my husband and 3 kids. We love exploring various activities together, including visiting the...

Noureen Salim

Noureen has working in early learning for over 2 years and holds a Masters of Education . Over to Noureen... I love working in early education and care because it's a profound opportunity to nurture and shape the foundation of a child's life. Every day, I witness the sheer wonder and curiosity in their eyes as they explore the world around them, and it's incredibly rewarding to play a role in fostering their growth and development. Being a part of their journey, witnessing their milestones, and supporting them in their discoveries fills me with joy and purpose. My journey in education commenced when I pursued an International Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning from the Australian Catholic University. This experience ignited my passion for teaching, propelling me to pursue a Bachelor's in Education. Over the span of three years, I served as an English teacher in a primary school while concurrently undertaking my Master's in Education from the Australian Catholic University. Throughout my career, I've found immense pride in the numerous moments where I've witnessed the tangible, positive impact of my efforts on the lives of the children and families...

Awi Pujiastuti

Awi has worked in early learning for over 3 years, works in our nursery at Choklits Croydon and holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Over to Awi... I love working in early education because I love children. Their smile and happiness make me happy too. A happy childhood has a positive impact on children's adult life, therefore I love being part of their journey in building a happy life. When it comes to my career, I'm continually proud of myself each and every time I help a child achieve their goal. When I'm not at Choklits, I enjoy travelling the world, visiting new places, enjoying nature and spending time with my family. The cutest thing a child has said to me was after I'd been working in nursery for a short time, and one of the children was able to say my name, Awi

Amanda Samson-Loxton

Amanda has been working in Early Childhood Education and Care for almost 12 months and currently studying Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Over to Amanda... I love working in Early Childhood Education and Care because I enjoy watching the children learn about the world around them, and giving the children the opportunities to answer the questions they have. I also enjoy showing children how things work and giving them the chance to have a go. Throughout my career, I've been most proud of my ability to build connections with all children especially the children who have struggled with making connections with adults or other children. I am at the start of my career and I'm looking forward to all the moments I will have along the way. When I'm not at Choklits I enjoy roller derby, I am in a roller derby league and train 3 times a week, I'm also a part of Bayswater Scout group as a rover. I also enjoy reading and doing crafts. One of the cutest things a child has said to me was they called me "Meh Meh" because he couldn't...

Bahar Bahari

Bahar has been working in Early Childhood Education and Care for almost 12 months and currently studying Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Over to Bahar... I love working in Early Childhood Education and Care because it is something I truly love—it's amazing how much I learn from them through our interactions. Chatting and playing together reveals their thoughts, ideas, and motivations. Growing alongside them is a wonderful journey. Throughout my career, I've been most proud of Achieving my Graduate Diploma Degree. When I'm not at Choklits I enjoy enjoy Swimming and hiking. One of the cutest things a child has said to me was when it was raining and she said "I have a rainbow on my shirt, I wish I was a rainbow too".

Josie Tao

Josie has been working in Early Childhood Education and Care for over 10 years and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Over to Josie... I love working in Early Childhood Education and Care because I believe that the very first years of early childhood set important foundations for our lives. I would like to be part of early childhood education to bring happiness, well-being, and learning to children, and to witness how they reach and go beyond their potentials. Throughout my career, I've been most proud of working with various age groups of children and seeing how the development and learning happens in so many different ways. When I'm not at Choklits I enjoy watching movies, going for walks and catching up with friends. The best part about my role is the squeezy cuddles and smiles that I received from children almost every day. They make my day, every day!

Atena Hematian Chahardahcheriki

Atena has been working with children for over 5 years as a nurse in the paediatrics department, in a child welfare centre and in Early Childhood Education and Care. She is studying her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education. Over to Atena... I love working in Early Childhood Education and Care because I get to witness the incredible growth and development of children's mind and create a positive impact that lasts a life time. Working with the Choklits team to enhance my skills is an exciting journey for me. Being with children brings me great happiness. Engaging with them through dialogue and play offers profound insights into their minds, showcasing their ideas, thoughts, and motivations. Throughout my career, I've been most proud of the lives I have touched and the lasting impact I had made on children and families. When I'm not at Choklits I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watching my favourite movies, going for walks and shopping. One of the cutest things a child has said to me was "you are beautiful and I love you as much as my mum and I learn everything...

Diba Ehtesham Shahidi

Diba has been working in Early Childhood Education and Care for over 8 years and is currently studying Master of Teaching Early Childhood and Primary Education. Over to Diba... I love working in Early Childhood Education and Care because children are most pure and kind little humans that you can ever spend your whole life with. Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of seeing our children learn new experiences and seeing them grow. When I'm not at Choklits I enjoy studying my masters, sports and spending my time with my family and friends. One of the most beautiful thing a child has ever said to me was when I was playing with one of our children and he was laughing and suddenly he told me that I am so funny and he likes playing with me! That was a moment I felt like I am very lucky to work with children!

Ginna Li

Ginna has been working in Early Childhood Education and Care for over 2 years and holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Over to Ginna... I love working in Early Childhood Education and Care because my passion for education is rooted in engaging with children during their playtime and learning activities, believing that every interaction contributes to their growth and understanding of the world. Throughout my career, I've been most proud of the daily impact I have on the children's development. Each day presents a new opportunity to engage with and inspire the children through playful learning, which not only enhances their growth but also enriches my skills and understanding as an educator. Every day is a memorable journey, marking a series of small but significant milestones that collectively shape the educational experience. When I'm not at Choklits I immerse myself in various hobbies that enrich my life and well-being. I am an avid enthusiast of fine arts, which provide me with creative outlets and relaxation. Additionally, practicing yoga and enjoying culinary delights are essential parts of my routine, helping me maintain balance and energy. One of the cutest things...

Mahya Zare Harofteh

Mahya has been working in Early Childhood Education and Care for over 12 months and holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education. Over to Mahya... I love working in Early Childhood Education and Care because it allows me to foster a nurturing environment where children can thrive emotionally, socially, and intellectually. I believe that every child is unique and deserves individualised attention to support their holistic development. By instilling a love for learning and fostering a sense of curiosity, I aim to empower young minds to explore that world around them and become confident, compassionate individuals. Throughout my career, I've been most proud of the moments when I've witnessed the transformative impact of my work on the children and families I've had the privilege to serve. Whether it's seeing a child overcome a challenge, witnessing a parent's gratitude for the support provided, or celebrating milestones in a child's development, these moments remind me of the profound difference early childhood educators can make in shaping the future generation. Additionally, achieving certifications, attending professional development workshops, and being recognised for contributions to the field have also been significant milestones that I'm proud...

Tina Zouhori

Tina holds a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and Associate Degree of Pre-School Studies. She has been working in the early learning sector for over 15 years! Over to Tina... Childcare is extremely gratifying; every day is not alike, and you get to be a part of a community that helps children learn, grow, and develop to their greatest potential. Working as a Childhood Educator, you can give children a good start in life by assisting them in developing social skills in a safe and caring atmosphere that fosters learning through play. Working with children has numerous advantages. It's an opportunity to watch children grow and develop into confident, self-sufficient learners. For many childcare teachers in the field, it's the realisation of a long-held ambition. These are the individuals who make the best educators because they have a strong desire to excel in the field. I have always had a passion for working with children and believe that early childhood is a crucial stage in their development. The opportunity to be a part of their growth and provide a safe and nurturing environment is incredibly rewarding. By...

Katy Johnston

Katy has been working in Early Childhood Education and Care for over 5 years and holds a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education. Over to Katy... I love working in Early Childhood Education and Care because I love being around children, watching them play and learn. It’s a privilege to be a part of their world and be involved with all their learning experiences. It’s especially nice to build relationships with families and other staff members. It’s fun to watch them grow and learn and develop their personalities and skills. During my time as an Educator I have been proud that I can settle children who are normally very challenging to settle. I have been told I am very calming when they are feeling overwhelmed. When I'm not at Choklits I enjoy going shopping, watching movies, walking my dog, craft activities, going for drives, visiting beaches & spending time with my Nana. One of the funniest things a child has said to me was once when a little boy asked if he could come home with me so he could make me some spaghetti! He was so cute and we...

Tanaya Reidy

Tanaya has worked in early learning for over 2 years and holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Over to Tanaya... I love working in early education and care because I have always loved working with children. I feel that it is highly rewarding to be part of children’s lives, creating special connections, watching them grow and supporting them in their learning. My proudest carer moment so far has been finishing my Diploma. When I'm not at Choklits, I enjoy family time and a bit of relaxation. The most beautiful moment I have had with a child is when they told me they started including me in their family drawings. She said "this is mum and this is dad and this T and T is always in with us now".

Deborah Chellemben

Deborah holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and has worked at Choklits Surrey Hills for over 2 years! Over to Deborah... I developed a passion of caring for children when I was a teenager. It started when babysitting my little cousins where I learned from my elders the basic needs of a newborn. When I grew up, I got the fantastic opportunity to learn the importance of education for children and put my knowledge into practice through my religion. Back in my country, I used to volunteer in orphanages to teach children about moral values. I learned all of these from my spiritual faith, which is very special to me. We believe children have pure hearts and they are like a branch that is fresh and green. From their earliest days and with great education they will most likely develop good character, have good morals and will contribute to their community. I believe educating young children is one of the greatest services of all. Besides the passion and love that I have for children, I'm very proud of my spiritual beliefs and the way they guided me...

Philippa Morris

Philippa holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, is the kindergarten teacher at Choklits Croydon and has been working in early childhood education for over 12 years. Over to Philippa... I love working in early education and care because I love to work in a team. I also love developing and scaffolding the children’s learning as the grow through play and through their communication. I also love getting loads of cuddles, when I walk in the room each morning and throughout the day. Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of following my dreams into teaching. In the past I have had a child learn the phonetic 'ph' sound, so when they went into school they remembered it and the teacher was surprised. Also having a child learn that her name had two(2) meanings, one a stones name and the other her name. When I’m not at Choklits I love crocheting, getting out in the garden and visiting my friends. I also love to read mystery novels and Harry Potter. I also like to do adult relaxation colouring. I have had many cute and funny things said to me over...

Chloe Guo

Chloe is part of our kindergarten team, has been working in early learning for over 3 years and holds a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Over to Chloe... I am passionate about learning and applying myself positively to the lives of young children. Australia is a diverse country with many rich cultures. I enjoy and appreciate the importance of inclusiveness in society, especially in early childhood education. I believe learning through play is one of the most effective ways to help children discover themselves. When combined with a mix of child-lead and teacher-lead structures and opportunities to let children explore freely, be creative, work as a team and develop critical thinking skills we see the most growth and development. I love learning and providing excellent learning environments and experiences for our children to learn too. One of my proudest moments during my career was finishing my master's degree, definitely a highlight for me! When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy many different things. I have always been curious about different cultures, food, and people. Travelling around the world is one of my favourite things to do.

Jennifer Tseng

Jennifer has been working in Early Education for over 8 years and holds a Graduate Certificate of Early Childhood Education. Over to Jennifer... I love working in early education because I believe in children's boundless capabilities and love helping them with their many different languages of learning. I also enjoy supporting them with safety and creating comfortable environments for them to learn in. Throughout my career I've been the most proud of myself when I help a child who has language barriers particularly when they are not able to communicate with peers and teachers as it can lead to uncomfortable feelings when engaging in group activities with other children. Using different teaching techniques, like communicating in their mothers native language (like Chinese, for example) often helps them settle in and enjoy group time. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy listening to the music, arts and crafts. I also love to join family events when there's any celebration such as Christmas, Chinese New Year, birthday parties and so on. One of the cutest things a child has said to me was "Hi Jennifer, I need your help!" I felt very...

Dani Graves

Dani has been working with children for many years, holds a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care, a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and is hoping to complete her Bachelor's degree in the future. Her experience ranges from working with individual families to the early learning centre environment, on top of raising her two (almost adult) children. Over top Dani... I love working in early education and care because I love being around kids and helping to shape their futures. Children are so beautiful and innocent. I love their conversations and the cuddles. Throughout my career, I’ve been most proud of being resilient, adaptable and resourceful. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy running as I am an avid ultra trail runner! I've always been a very active person but only started regularly running about 7 years ago and started doing trail run events about 5 years ago. I've completed 1 x marathon, 5 x 50+km events, 1 x 100km and Oxfam 100km. I like the endurance and the beauty of ultra running! I thoroughly enjoy it when children call my name. It is the sweetest...

Asten Persons

Asten holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and has been working in early learning for over 23 years! Over to Asten... I love working in early education and care because watching children grow, learn and develop each day is amazing. It’s such a rewarding and fulfilling job providing children with positive learning environment and safe, secure space for them to thrive. It is important to me that children feel a sense of trust and belonging when in my care. It is a privilege to be a part of a critical time in a child's life of learning, sense of belonging and developing personalities. Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of the bonds I have made with children, families and colleagues over the past 20 years. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy spending time with my two children and family, going to the movies and going for walks. I especially love when children first try to say the name and when I come into the room in the morning and I hear “Asten!” from the children, it’s a lovely feeling.

Leanne Lovell

Leanne holds a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care and has been in working in Early Learning for almost a year. Over to Leanne... I love working with children, watching them learn and guiding them through early education. I’m very proud of my previous job working as a nanny for a family for 15 years and now using my experience working as an early childhood educator. When I'm not at Choklits I love spending time with family, playing netball and basketball and catching up with friends. The cutest, funniest or most beautiful thing a child has ever said to me was a child asked me why I was old. My response was "I’m not that old am I?" to which the child replied, "Yes, you’re old because you have cracks around your eyes".

Suanda Srivastav

Profile coming soon...

Boon Lai

Boon holds a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery Hospitality and is our award winning Chef at Choklits Surrey Hills! We call her by her preferred name, Lai. Under Lai's leadership Choklits Surrey Hills won the Food Premises of the Year Award for 2023! There are 874 eligible business in the City of Whitehorse so we are all super proud to be selected number one! You can find more information here. Over to Lai... I have been working in the food industry for almost 30 years. I have worked in a few restaurants but prior to working at Choklits, I was a Chef Manager in the aged care industry for over 10 years. During that time I was nominated for the 2016 National Finalist for the Facility Catering Service award which I'm very proud of. I understand the importance of nutrition from raising 2 children of my own. I am passionate about creating tasty and nutritionally balanced meals for the children. I believe every meal is an opportunity to teach them how important it is to eat healthy. All my food are cooked fresh on the day using the freshest ingredients...

Elena Ermakova

Elena holds a Bachelor of Education and has been in the education industry for over 8 years. Elena has lots of experience with all age groups, has a passion for music and has taught internationally. Over to Elena… I am passionate about empowering young children, in a safe, nurturing and an inclusive environment, preparing them for what may lay ahead, especially in their school career. I enjoy working in an inspiring environment with children, families and staff from different cultures and faiths. Each one adding their own input into the cultural aspects of the program and teaching me about how diverse our world is. My career started many years ago as a music teacher in Russian school that specialised in providing education to vulnerable children with different life circumstances, including abuse and poverty. I realised then how important it is to build trust with children. Trusting relationships can influence the future of the younger generation, their views of this world and empower them to make good choices in their lives. I am very proud of being a part of these children’s life journey and seeing them flourish. When I moved to...

Leila Bagheri

Leila is an Educator in the Choklits Nursery, holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and a Bachelor of Electronic Engineering and has over 15 years experience in education. Over to Leila... My teaching career started overseas where I worked as a high school teacher for 4 years. I then taught math and physics to year 10 students. Afterwards I decided to gain some experience working with young children, so I started to work as an educator in a kindergarten which lasted for 4 years. After I moved to Australia, I decided to continue working in the same field so I studied my Diploma of Early Education and Care to gain further knowledge about children aged 0 to 5  and how they develop, learn and think. I gained some local experience completing placements in 3 different child care centres including Choklits before officially starting at Choklits in October, 2020. I love working in early education and care because I love learning about children through their eyes. Before verbal communication skills develop you can see children's personalities, their needs and wants all through their expressions. I have always enjoyed...

Tracey Perkins

Tracey has been with Choklits for over 19 years and has played an integral part in the education of many young children’s lives. She has a Diploma in Children’s Services and has 2 adult children she loves spending time with. There is nothing Tracey doesn’t know or love about Choklits! Over to Tracey... I love working in early education and care for the excitement of teaching little minds new tricks! Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of passing 15 and a half years service at Choklits. I have formed some great friendships with both past and present families and have so many fond memories of the Choklits Community. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy caravanning around Australia and family time with my 2 grandsons. Every moment at Choklits is special that’s for sure, but since becoming a grandma myself the children began referring to me as Nanna Tracey which is very special and gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.

Megan Fletcher

Megan holds a Certificate III in Children’s Services and has worked in early education for over 15 years! Megan works in our Pre-Toddler room at Choklits. Over to Megan… I love working in early education and care because I can provide a caring, nurturing environment for those in my care and assist them with learning life skills that will enable them to grow and develop into capable, independent people. Seeing the joy on children’s faces when they achieve everyday tasks or learn something for the first time is so rewarding. Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of my ability to adapt to difficult situations I have been placed in. Whether it was learning a little Mandarin to help assist a young girl with very little English to organising and executing a school holiday program for 5 year olds before they started school. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy being a Mum to two very energetic and loud children. Being actively involved in my church, socialising with family and friends. I love bike riding with the family, venturing all over Melbourne, visiting different attractions and parks. The cutest thing...

Christine Picone

Christine (or "Twigs" as she's better known at Choklits) is an Educator in our Pre-Toddler Room, holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and has been in early education for 4 years. Over to Twigs... I love working in early education and care because children light up my world and I love being able to light up theirs. I love guiding them through their early years to become the best versions of themselves. I love the Choklits community and our love of learning, our philosophy is very cohesive. Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of completing my Certificate III and my Diploma. I’ve loved having the opportunity to work with all age groups at Choklits, forming wonderful relationships with the children along the way. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy listening to music every chance I get and going to heavy metal concerts. I love driving, especially through the mountains and if I’m not at Bathurst to watch the V8’s, I’m watching it on tv. I also enjoy playing pool.

Cassandra Godfrey

Cassie (as she's know around Choklits) holds a Certificate III in Children Services, has been working in early learning since 2010 and is our Pre-Kindergarten Room Leader. Over to Cassie... Over the years I’ve become even more passionate about providing a fun and child lead environment, where children can thrive and develop long life skills to help them achieve goals, as well as setting them up for success for life. I have a strong belief that all children should have a voice and be heard, as children are our future. I also love the fact that we as educators can partake and help build the leaders of tomorrow. While working in this industry for over ten years, you come to realise just how rewarding and important it is working with children. Every week there is one or two things that happens that makes me super proud to be an educator. It’s in the little things I find I’m most proud of, whether it’s a child who can tell you the eight planets of the solar system in detail, to being capable of washing their dishes by themselves or even writing...

Tina Wang

Tina is an Educator in the Choklits Pre-Toddler Room, holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, moved from China to Australia in 2008 with her family and now has over 5 years experience in early education. Over to Tina... I love working in early education and care because I believe learning is happening all the time, particularly through play. I have a strong passion to connect, interact and build positive relationships with children. I enjoy guiding children to grow and learn through to play. I sharing opportunities for children to explore, discover, imagine and create in their environment. Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of my interactions with the children which include the simplest things like the children waving their hands at the end of the day and saying "bye bye, Tina". When they run to me with excitement and hugs I can see them light up and I'm reminded of how much the children care for their educators just as we care for them. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy going for walks, being at the beach watching the sunrise and sunset. I also love to...

Elly Hudson

Welcome to the team Elly! Elly has joined our growing Choklits team in our Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Room. Elly finished Year 12 last year and is undertaking a traineeship with us to obtain her Certificate III. Elly has done over 1000 hours of volunteering in child care and is very passionate about working with children. She believes that “Children need to experience differences to be happy with theirs”. Elly has cerebral palsy and works with her abilities to manage for this. We are very happy to welcome Elly to the Choklits community and look forward to being part of her training, development and supporting her in her studies as she supports our early learners in their own study.

Karen Swale

Karen holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and works across all our rooms at Choklits. Over to Karen… I love working in education because I can teach my values to others through positive professional relationships and play! These values include physical and mental health, respect, honesty, family and friends. I enjoy interactions with children that lead to learning and laughter. Some activities I especially seek with children include singing and dancing, reading, water play, cooking, playdough and Lego! I feel a sense of belonging and camaraderie when working as part of a team of teachers and families and achieving common goals for children together. While I am proud of my achievements in teaching, including swimming teaching, being a new mother has been the best thing ever and also the hardest as I suffered badly from postnatal anxiety. Upon recovering I have received a renewed sense of self and purpose. When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy playing with my son Harry, swimming, walking my dog, chatting and being inspired with friends, watching movies, baking cakes, enjoying nature and simplicity. There have been many things said over years but some...

Skylie Morris

Skylie is has recently begun her career and is currently working towards her Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Over to Sky... I love working in early education and care because it makes me happy! When it comes to my career, I've been most proud of building strong connections with children and being recognised for my dedication and passion for working with children. When I'm not at Choklits, I enjoy dancing salsa, painting, reading, playing basketball, making art and crafts. The most beautiful thing a child has said to me was when one child told me that I have beautiful and long hair. She said it makes me look prettier!