President
Ann Marie Chemello is a highly experienced professional with over 36 years in the Early Education and Care Sector. Currently serving as the President on the ACA WA board, she brings a wealth of expertise to the position.
Ann Marie's career spans various roles in Long Day Care and Outside School Hours Care, making her a seasoned service provider in the field. She is not only actively involved in the operational aspects of early learning but also holds a significant leadership role as the Secretary of the National ACA Body.
Central to Ann Marie's philosophy is the belief that the first 5 years of a child's life are crucial for comprehensive development. Her commitment to this principle is reflected in her active engagement in areas that benefit both children and educators. Ann Marie is particularly passionate about training educators to create caring and nurturing environments that facilitate opportunities for enriching a child's development.
Her educational background includes a Diploma in Teaching, a Diploma in Social Science, and a Cert IV in Training and Assessment. These qualifications underscore her dedication to professional development and her capacity to contribute effectively to the enhancement of early education practices.
As President, Ann Marie aims to leverage her extensive experience and knowledge of the sector to empower members of the association. Her goal is to collaborate with other board members, offering support and guidance where needed. With a focus on enriching the early education and care landscape, Ann Marie is dedicated to driving positive change within the ACA WA board.
Vice President
Lisa Godwin, the Vice President, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the field of early education and care. As a Service Provider that oversaw three Long Day Care services and one Outside School Hours Care service, she has accumulated over 24 years of personal experience in educating and caring for children.
Lisa's understanding of the delicate balance between a career and family life is rooted in her own experiences as an educator and a mother. She takes great pride in her centres and recognises the immense privilege it is for families to entrust their children's care and education to her services.
A leader and advocate in the early learning industry, Lisa envisions providing quality learning experiences for all children while elevating training standards. She is dedicated to creating environments that foster confidence in young learners. Lisa's personal strength lies in training and motivating, and she places significant emphasis on inspiring educators to strive for excellence in their roles.
Lisa holds a Diploma in Children's Services, showcasing her commitment to professional development and maintaining high standards in the industry. As the former President of ACA WA, she successfully raised the profile of the Early Education and Care Industry, demonstrating her ability to lead and effect positive change.
In her current role as Vice President, Lisa aims to share her passion and knowledge for early childhood education, influencing educators and society's perception of the industry. She is determined to contribute to a shift in how early education is perceived, fostering a greater understanding of its importance in shaping the future of young learners and inspiring excellence within the profession.
Treasurer
Frits Grader has over 20 years’ experience in the Early Education and Care Sector. Frits is the owner of Ready Set Grow Group.
Frits has successfully owned, managed and operated in excess of 30 Long Day Care and Outside School Hour Care services in WA. Frits has owned and operated childcare/OSHC services in the metro and rural and remote areas of WA. Frits is also the Managing Director of a Registered Training Organisation, who specialise in providing high quality customised workplace training and professional development to the early education and care industry.
Frits holds a Cert IV in Training and Assessment and is also completing a Master’s in Business Leadership.
As a committee member of ACA WA board Frits would like to see the standard of training provided to early childhood educators raised through better understanding the needs within the early education and care industry. More relevant training as opposed to simply more training is the key to achieving high quality care.
Secretary
Jay Lee Barr, the Secretary of the ACA WA board, brings an extensive 27 years of experience in the early education and care industry. Holding a Diploma in Children's Services, Cert 4 in Leadership Management, and Cert 4 in Frontline Management, and Diploma in Leadership and Management, showcasing her commitment to ongoing professional development.
As the COO (Chief Operating Officer) for Sagewood and a dedicated mother to her daughter Addison, Jay is motivated by a desire to support parents and ensure that every child receives the opportunities she envisions for her own child. Her personal journey as a working mom, returning to full-time work when Addison was just 11 weeks old, has given her a unique understanding of the challenges and emotions involved in balancing career and motherhood. Jay is passionate about treating the children in her care as if they were her own, emphasizing the importance of trust and quality care.
Through her role on the ACA WA board, Jay aims to advocate for educators and the industry at large, with a focus on providing exceptional education and care for families and children. Her dedication to understanding the needs of both parents and children is grounded in her own experiences, fostering a deep connection to the challenges and joys of early learning.
Beyond her professional commitments, Jay enjoys coastal walks, beach outings, gym sessions, and spending quality time with friends and family. Her diverse experience in various roles within childcare centres across Perth has equipped her with valuable insights into team leadership, inspiring young minds, and effectively communicating with parents.
Jay Lee Barr's varied background, from her educational qualifications to her personal experiences as a working mom, makes her a compassionate and knowledgeable advocate within the ACA WA board. Her commitment to excellence in early education and care is evident in her advocacy for educators and dedication to supporting families and children in the pursuit of exceptional care and education.
Rachelle Tucker
CEO
Rachelle Tucker is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ACA WA (Australian Childcare Alliance Western Australia), Rachelle has been with the association since February 2009. She is a dedicated advocate for the Early Learning Sector, emphasizing the importance of affordable, sustainable, and high-quality Early Childhood Education and Care for all children and families.
In addition to her professional role, Rachelle is a mother of four and a grandparent of five, which further fuels her commitment to improving the early education and care landscape.
Rachelle was very active in the transitioning from State-specific regulations and laws to the current National Regulations and Law.
As the CEO of ACA WA, Rachelle serves as a vital link between the organisation's members, passionate service providers, and other key stakeholders, including government bodies and politicians at both the state and federal levels. She also represents ACA WA within the National Body Australian Childcare Alliance.
Rachelle's mission is to elevate the profile of ACA WA, advocate on behalf of its members, children, and families, provide valuable support and information to members, and serve as a prominent voice for the Early Education and Care sector in Western Australia. Her dedication to this cause underscores her role as a strong leader and advocate for early childhood education and care in her region.
In addition to her leadership role as the CEO of ACA WA, Rachelle Tucker is also actively engaged in the broader community's efforts to enhance the training and development of professionals within the Early Learning Sector. She serves as a member of the Community Skills WA Board, where she contributes her expertise and insights to improve the quality and effectiveness of training programs within the sector.
Rachelle's participation on the Community Skills WA Board reflects her commitment to not only advocate for the interests of ACA WA members and the Early Education and Care sector but also to actively work towards advancing the skills and knowledge of individuals working within the industry. Her multifaceted involvement highlights her dedication to the holistic growth and improvement of the early childhood education and care field in Western Australia
Committee
Nesha Hutchinson brings an impressive 40 years of experience in long day care centers to her role on the committee. Currently serving as the Vice President of the ACA National Executive Committee and having previously held the position of President on the ACA NSW Executive Committee, Nesha is a seasoned professional and leader in the Early Education & Care field.
In addition to her leadership roles, Nesha owns and operates a service in North Western Sydney, showcasing her continued hands-on involvement in center operations. Her passion lies in collaborative efforts across the sector to achieve positive outcomes for children, families, and operators. Nesha focuses on key areas such as funding, planning, inclusive support, and policy to make a meaningful impact.
Nesha's dedication to excellence in the industry is evident in her commitment to ongoing consultation and training. Her hands-on approach is informed by a deep awareness of the challenges faced by operators, families, and children. Nesha's business management skills have been recognized with numerous awards from prestigious entities such as the Australian Family Awards, Child Care Week Awards, National Work Life Balance Awards, Small Business Awards, and Telstra Business Women's Awards.
Her extensive educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and English, a Masters in Psychology, a Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Special Education - Inclusive Support. Nesha is a registered senior supervising psychologist, a long-standing Member of the Australian Psychological Society, and a Justice of the Peace. Additionally, she holds a Diploma in Children's Services and a Cert IV in Training and Assessment, showcasing her diverse and comprehensive skill set.
Nesha Hutchinson's multifaceted expertise, awards, and continuous commitment to professional development underscore her significant contributions to the Early Education & Care field and her role on the committee.
Hans Boehm, a dedicated member of the Associate Committee, brings a wealth of experience accumulated over many years in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector. His multifaceted career spans 15 years, during which he has served in various roles such as Educator, Room Leader, Pedagogical Leader, Inclusion Support, Consultant, Facilitator, and Trainer.
Hans holds a diverse range of qualifications, including a Bachelors in Commerce (BCom), a Diploma in Children's Services (DipChnServs), a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (Cert IV TAE), and a Diploma in Customer Contact (DipCustCon). This comprehensive educational background underscores his commitment to professional development and excellence within the sector.
As a committee member of ACA WA, Hans aspires to contribute to an invigorated education and care sector that goes beyond mere survival and governance. His vision is to influence the best outcomes for children by viewing the sector through the lens of professional growth and collaboration. Hans seeks to unite professionals in the field, fostering innovative service delivery and best practices.
His strong belief in the individual contexts and journeys of each professional in the sector guides his approach. Hans emphasizes the uniqueness that each person brings to the field, advocating for a community of professional inquiry and growth. He believes that, through collaboration and shared learning, the daily challenges faced by professionals become more manageable. According to Hans, the sector is built every day through meaningful interactions, one step at a time.
Sarah Chemello
Committee
Sarah Anne Chemello brings more than 15 years of valuable experience to the Early Education and Care Sector. For the past 15 years, she has served as a dedicated service provider, primarily focused on Outside School Hours Care (OSHC).
Driven by a profound passion for working with children, especially during the crucial early stages of their lives, Sarah is committed to creating positive impacts on their development. Her advocacy extends to providing avenues for children, their families, and educators to acquire knowledge and actively participate in the importance of a robust education system.
Sarah holds a Diploma in Children's Services, a testament to her commitment to professional qualifications in the field. Currently enrolled in an Undergraduate program in Psychology, she continues to expand her knowledge and skills, reflecting her dedication to understanding the psychological aspects of child development.
With a strong belief in the transformative power of education, Sarah Chemello contributes actively to the committee. Her multifaceted background, combining practical experience in OSHC with ongoing academic pursuits, positions her as a valuable advocate for informed and impactful education in the Early Education and Care Sector.
Associate Committee
Rosina Smith, an esteemed member of the Associate Committee, brings a wealth of experience with over 20 years in the education and care sector. Her journey began as a Qualified Room Leader, and she has since progressed to higher management roles, including Operations Manager, Area Manager, General Manager, Compliance and Governance, and Business Support.
Currently serving as the Executive Director at MercyCare Early Learning for the past two years after serving nearly four years as the General Manager, Rosina oversees a network of 14 Long Day Care centres. Working for a not-for-profit charity organization aligns with her passion for supporting the wider community, as reflected in MercyCare's vision and mission: "for people and communities to thrive, and to bring compassion and justice to life.
Rosina's belief in the transformative power of education is evident in her commitment to providing person-centred care and play-based education. She emphasizes a holistic approach, looking at the child as a whole to give them the best start in life. Her philosophy centres on the idea that with the right highly skilled educators who share their values, positive differences can be made not only in the lives of children but also in their families and the broader community.
Rosina holds qualifications including an Advanced Diploma in Children Services and a Diploma in Leadership and Management. In addition to her professional achievements, she is a dedicated mother of two children, underscoring her personal commitment to the principles she advocates in her professional life.
As a member of the Committee, Rosina Smith contributes valuable insights and experience to the ongoing development and improvement of the education and care sector.
Shae Welch
Committee
Shae was formerly the General Manager of Children’s Services for a large not for profit operating across Western Australia for over 14 years. This role saw her work across the early childhood education and care sector including early learning or long day care settings, outside school hours care, family day care, and in home childcare. Shae was instrumental in developing an exclusive approach to learning (curriculum), and the ongoing accreditation as a child-safe organisation.
Shae is currently the Chief Operations Officer for Buttercups Child Care and Early Learning a growing private provider in Western Australia.
Shae has been appointed to and regular serves the Second Tier Review Panel of ACECQA, this appointment has been ongoing since 2012
Simone O'Brien
Committee
Simone O'Brien is a dedicated committee member who, along with her husband Brock, owns and operates six childcare services across Perth. In addition to their professional endeavours, Simone and Brock are parents to three young children: Piper, Madden, and Navy. Their personal experience as parents has heightened their awareness of the profound impact that genuine connection and love from those who care for them and believe in play-based learning can have on a child's development.
Simone firmly believes in the significance of play-based learning as the cornerstone of early childhood development. This conviction is not only rooted in her personal and professional experiences but also serves as a guiding principle in her role as a member of the ACA WA board. Leveraging her knowledge and insights gained from operating six services, Simone aspires to be a catalyst for positive change in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector.
For Simone, addressing the real challenges within the industry is paramount for overall improvement. She advocates for a collective recognition of the importance of valuing, appreciating, and respecting educators. Simone contends that a fundamental shift in mindset among operators, stakeholders, and government agencies is essential for the betterment of outcomes for children in ECEC. In her view, creating an environment where educators feel empowered and supported should be a non-negotiable priority. Simone firmly believes that such an environment will inevitably lead to the delivery of high-quality education and care for children.
Simone's perspective underscores the critical role of educators in shaping the foundation of a child's learning and development. By prioritizing the well-being and professional growth of educators, she asserts that individuals and institutions significantly contribute to the overall quality of early childhood education and care. Simone's commitment to positive change within the ECEC sector reflects her dedication to creating a nurturing and empowering environment for both educators and children alike.