Our People
Our People
Be the best you can possibly be. Achieve exceeding and go home happy.
Matthew Stapleton
Director
Matthew has been working in education for over two decades, bringing together his expertise in education, design, and psychology. He’s focused on improving how we educate young people, with experience as a Head Teacher with TAFE NSW and the Department of Education NSW. Over the years, he identified a need in the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector for better tools and practices. Now, his businesses serve 80% of Australian Long Day Care centres, providing them with the support they need to achieve the best outcomes. Matthew has visited hundreds of centres across Australia, training over 50,000 educators. He’s also an author and illustrator of children’s books.
In his latest book, “Babies in Groups,” Matthew challenges conventional notions of infant development. Drawing on groundbreaking research, the book showcases infants’ remarkable capacity for group interaction, even before forming individual bonds. Through studies on all-baby trios and quartets, as well as insights from primate behaviour and human evolution, Matthew and his co-authors debunk claims of innate dyadic intersubjectivity. They highlight the implications of this group-oriented perspective on early education, psychotherapy, and cultural practices. The book advocates for a re-evaluation of therapeutic approaches and educational frameworks to better align with infants’ social nature, offering new insights into how we understand and support early childhood development.
Matthew Stapleton, aged 4 years, Forbes Preschool, NSW,
Thomas Hill
Chief Operating Officer
Thomas brings a wealth of experience in business management, development, and governance to his role as Chief Operating Officer. He’s worked in various senior roles in both private and public sectors, including Conferencing and Live Events at Tourism Australia. In his current role, Thomas oversees administrative and financial functions, working closely with the Director to steer the strategic direction of the group. With a strong commitment to delivering outstanding results, Thomas ensures success for both the business and its customers.
Naomi Jacobs
Communication and Product Development Manager
Naomi is our go-to person for ensuring our resources and policies meet the highest standards in the childcare sector. With a background in policy development and a keen eye for detail, she keeps our materials compliant with Australian law and up-to-date with the latest principles and practices in education and childcare. Her passion for writing and research, combined with her firsthand experience as a parent, drives her dedication to providing the best for children and families.
Betty Antoniou
Administration & Customer Support Manager
Betty is at the forefront of our customer support efforts, drawing from her extensive experience in business administration and customer service. With a strong background in the NSW Department of Community Services, she’s well-equipped to assist customers with enquiries, orders, and any support they may need. Betty’s knowledge of the regulatory environment is invaluable in ensuring our customers receive the guidance and assistance they require.
Janet Cordova
Administration & Customer Support
With over two decades of experience in customer service, Janet is a valuable asset to our team. She handles client enquiries and orders with professionalism and efficiency, leveraging her background in the airline industry to deliver top-notch service. Janet’s strong communication skills and proactive approach ensure our customers receive the support they need to succeed.
Isabelle Cooper
Administration & Customer Support
Isabelle brings a wealth of experience in customer service to her role, having previously worked at Virgin Australia. Her friendly and proactive approach ensures that customers receive exceptional support with every interaction. Isabelle’s attention to detail and dedication to customer satisfaction make her an integral part of our team.
Alesha Bawden
Head Trainer and Auditor
Alesha is a highly respected Early Childhood Educator with over 15 years of experience in the field. She brings a wealth of leadership, mentoring, and organisational skills to her role as Head Trainer and Auditor. Alesha’s commitment to quality education and her ability to support educators in delivering the best possible care make her an invaluable member of our team.
Chrissy Galayini
Trainer and Auditor
Chrissy is a dedicated Early Childhood Educator with 14 years of experience, specialising in leadership and mentoring. Her relaxed yet reliable approach and passion for supporting educators ensure that services receive the guidance they need to maintain high standards of care. Chrissy’s commitment to customer focus and empowerment aligns perfectly with our values at Centre Support.
Julianne Sharan
Trainer and Auditor
Julianne’s extensive experience in early childhood education spans over 20 years, covering various sectors such as Family Day Care, Long Day Care, and Before & After School Care. Her deep understanding of the industry and passion for sharing knowledge make her an invaluable asset to our team. Julianne’s commitment to creating child-oriented curriculums and enriching learning environments resonates with our mission at Centre Support.
Hilary Webb
Trainer and Auditor
Hilary’s passion for outdoor learning environments and over 20 years of experience in management roles in Early Childhood Education make her a valuable member of our team. Her dedication to providing the best possible care and education for children aligns with our values at Centre Support. Hilary’s leadership has led her team to achieve outstanding ratings, demonstrating her commitment to excellence.
Kay Ralph
Trainer and Auditor
Kay’s extensive experience in early childhood education, including owning and directing a childcare service, makes her an invaluable resource for our team. Her passion for providing quality education and care shines through in her work, supporting centres in delivering exceptional standards. Kay’s involvement in the Little Scientists workshops highlights her commitment to fostering curiosity and learning in young children.
Tara Odgers
Trainer and Auditor
Tara’s diverse background in early childhood roles, coupled with her passion for supporting educators, makes her an ideal mentor. Her commitment to empowering educators and creating enriching environments reflects our values at Centre Support. Tara’s dedication to excellence ensures that educators feel confident and supported in their roles.
Lizzie McAlpin
Trainer and Auditor
Lizzie’s passion for early childhood education and her extensive experience in the field make her a valuable asset to our team. Her dedication to excellence and community involvement align with our values at Centre Support. Lizzie’s expertise in Quality Area 6 and her commitment to sharing knowledge make her an invaluable resource for centres.
Mandy Vandertouw
Trainer and Auditor
Mandy’s extensive experience in early childhood education and her commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to our team. Her passion for sustainable practices and Indigenous culture aligns with our values at Centre Support. Mandy’s expertise in implementing Centre Support material ensures that centres receive the support they need to succeed.
Narelle Montgomery
Professional Development Coordinator
Narelle’s wealth of experience in administration and office support, coupled with her passion for early childhood education, makes her an ideal coordinator for our professional development programs. Her commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction ensures that our webinars run smoothly and effectively. Narelle’s dedication to supporting educators reflects our values at Centre Support.
Heidi Anders
Accounts Manager
Heidi’s extensive experience in managing accounts and her dedication to customer service make her an invaluable asset to our team. Her attention to detail and proactive approach ensure that our invoicing and payments are handled efficiently. Heidi’s background as a business owner and volunteer treasurer demonstrates her commitment to financial management and customer satisfaction.