Our Team
Honeybears is committed to providing children and families with an enthusiastic, resourceful and dedicated team of professional early childhood educators and support staff.
Joanne
As the Owner of Honeybears she is passionate about providing excellence in early childhood education and ensuring the highest of standards are maintained. With her Honours degree in Human Resource Management as well as her Diploma in Children’s Services, Joanne is passionate about the team’s ongoing professional development. Having visited the Loris Malaguzzi Centres in Reggio Emilia –Italy, Joanne has been inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, where the environment is characterized by natural beauty and acts as a third teacher. As such, at Honeybears, we provide a natural, home like environment, abundant with open ended materials for children to collaborate with each other, allowing them to explore and discover at their own pace. Joanne ensures that the Honeybears program is holistic and that educator and children’s interactions are always in line with our values and philosophy.
Jodie
With over 25 years experience in the Early Childhood industry, Jodie leads the team as our Manager and Nominated Supervisor. Jodie offers invaluable practical experience coupled with her qualifications of a Diploma in Children’s Services and Bachelor of Teaching Degree. Jodie specialises in facilitating new and unprecedented curriculums in Early Childhood, ensuring to use reflective practices to include the Early Years Learning Framework and the principles within the National Quality Framework. Jodie has designed a unique and tailor made School Preparation Program exclusively for Honeybears which has proven to prepare each child for school, to ensure a smooth and easy transition to the school environment. Jodie has been part of the Honeybears family since 2008 and divides her time in both rooms whilst also ensuring to be a support person for the team.
Jane
Jane is an advocate for education and has completed her Masters Degree in Teaching and has over 12 years experience in Early Childhood. Jane is our Service Manager and Workplace Health and Safety Officer, ensuring that all policies and procedures are followed meticulously throughout the day. Jane shares her knowledge with the team and as such inspires a community of educators who are renowned for their programming ideas and excellent curriculum. Jane has been part of the Honeybears family since 2008.
Bree
Bree is one of our Service Managers who has attained her Bachelor of Education (0-12 years) Degree and is currently extending her knowledge by completing her Masters of Education (specialising in Early Childhood). Bree has worked with children aged 0-12 years in both early childhood settings and primary schools. Bree is committed to providing exceptional programs for children that strengthen their overall development. Bree is an advocate for inclusion and ensures that the Honeybears curriculum supports the values and diversity of Australian society and promotes an anti-bias approach throughout all aspects of learning. Bree has been a member of the Honeybears family since 2012.
Paula
Paula joined the Honeybears team as a trainee and through education and experience, Paula is now a room leader. Paula has embedded herself as an intricate member of the team, presenting herself daily in a warm, passionate and positive manner. Paula is naturally a very compassionate, sensitive and endearing personality, ideal for working with and guiding children’s development. Within her role of room leader, Paula enjoys mentoring her team and providing ample opportunities for the educators to grow and develop. Paula has been a member of the Honeybears family since 2019.
Helena
With her passion for sport and sports science, Helena has completed her Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science and her Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. As a room leader, Helena ensures that she provides all the children at Honeybears with active play experiences that enhance their motor skills, balance and coordination. Helena challenges the children to achieve new goals within their gross motor development whilst also being an advocate for children developing their self-help skills and independence. Helena has been a member of the Honeybears family since 2019.
Christine
Christine is an innovative and well-versed cook, who has also completed her Certificate 3 in Children’s Services. Christine divides her time between the kitchen and the classrooms, involving the children in regular cooking experiences and discussing the importance of good nutrition. Christine has been a member of the Honeybears family since our opening in 2007.
Veronika
With her bubbly personality and passion for cooking nutritious meals for children, Veronika is such a treasured member of the Honeybears community. Veronika involves the children in the process of growing herbs and using these in the cooking. The children adore Veronika, and her inclusive practices ensure that she is engaging with the children and teaching them all about food and nutrition in a fun, safe way. Veronika has been a cook at Honeybears since 2020.