Meet the team

Collaroy Plateau

Clara – Centre Director

As Director of The Owl and the Pussycat Preschool, I am passionate about creating a nurturing and inspiring environment where children feel deeply seen, supported, and encouraged to explore the world around them.

My philosophy centres on honouring the individuality of each child—recognising their unique rhythms, voices, and ways of learning. I believe in the magic of early childhood: the wonder, the questions, the creativity, and the joyful mess of discovery. Through play, storytelling, imagination, and connection with nature, I aim to create a space where children can thrive holistically—emotionally, socially, physically, and cognitively.

At The Owl and the Pussycat, we value rhythm, simplicity, and the power of natural play. Whether it’s through a quiet moment in the garden, a story shared under a tree, or the joy of painting with friends, I see these small moments as the foundation of lifelong learning.

I see each child as capable and full of potential, with important contributions to make to their learning and their community. As educators, our role is to guide gently—to listen deeply, to observe with intention, and to foster an environment where children feel confident to take risks, ask questions, and express who they are.

Building strong, trusting relationships with children and families is at the heart of everything I do. It’s within these partnerships that we build a true sense of belonging and lay the groundwork for confident, curious, and compassionate learners.

Claire – Educational Leader

At The Owl and the Pussycat Preschool, I feel incredibly lucky to support children as they discover, grow, and achieve. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing that spark in a child’s eyes—the moment something clicks, or they accomplish something for the very first time.

With a background as a Kindy teacher, I was drawn to early childhood education because I wanted to be part of children’s learning journey from the very beginning. I value the opportunity to help lay the foundations that prepare children—not just academically, but emotionally and socially—for their next steps in life.

Here at the Owl and the Pussycat, our playful, nature-connected, and child-led approach perfectly aligns with my belief that the best learning happens when it’s meaningful to children. I’m passionate about creating learning experiences inspired by children’s interests and curiosity, and guided with intention by educators.

Most importantly, I believe children learn best when they feel safe, valued, and joyful. Creating a warm, relaxed, and inclusive environment—where every child feels a sense of belonging—is always my top priority.

Warriewood

Eileen – Centre Director

As the Centre Director at Owl and the Pussycat Preschool Warriewood, I am deeply passionate about creating environments where children feel safe, inspired, and confident to learn, laugh, and grow. I believe that when children are surrounded by care, curiosity, and joy, they naturally thrive—not just in their learning, but in their sense of self and connection to the world around them.

With many years of experience in early childhood education, I’ve seen firsthand the powerful impact of a strong, passionate team. My leadership is grounded in the belief that great educators are not only knowledgeable but deeply motivated by a love for children and a desire to make a difference. As Centre Director, I strive to foster a team culture of collaboration, reflection, and professional growth—where every educator feels supported, inspired, and proud of the work they do.

Living and raising my own family in this beautiful community, I value the strong sense of belonging that defines Warriewood. I want our centre to reflect the richness and diversity of our local area, and to be a place where families feel truly welcome and involved.

I am dedicated to working in partnership with families to nurture children as capable, curious learners—encouraging them to become confident researchers, problem solvers, and explorers who are ready to take their place in the world with a sense of belonging and wonder.

Ella – Educational Leader

With over ten years of experience in early childhood education, I have had the privilege of working across many diverse settings and learning environments. Each has shaped my practice, deepened my understanding, and strengthened my commitment to creating meaningful, relationship-centred experiences for children, families, and educators.

In my role as Educational Leader, I believe that strong, trust-based relationships sit at the heart of quality early childhood education. I work intentionally to build these connections with warmth, authenticity, and respect. I view high-quality practice as the result of intentional pedagogy, engaging environments, and a shared belief in children as capable, curious learners. My role is to mentor and uplift educators as they bring these values to life, supporting them to create spaces that invite exploration and interactions that truly honour each child.

At the core of my practice is the belief that respect begins with slowing down and being fully present. I am guided by children’s cues, their autonomy, and their right to be active participants in their own learning. This philosophy shapes not only my work with children but also my relationships with educators and families. I strive to lead in a way that is reflective, deeply respectful and fosters a community where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging and purpose.

I am also passionate about shaping a lived, dynamic curriculum, one that is responsive to the ideas, interests, and voices of children. By supporting educators to notice, value, and thoughtfully extend children’s thinking, I aim to transform everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for connection, growth, and learning.

Mia – Educational Leader

As Educational Leader at Owl and the Pussycat Warriewood, I am deeply committed to fostering children’s creativity and nurturing an environment where every child feels appreciated, understood, and loved. My philosophy centres on the belief that children thrive when they feel safe and connected. My mission is for children to experience their environment, and educators as a secure base they can rely on, empowering them to explore, take risks, and grow with confidence.

At Owl and the Pussycat, my genuine love for children creates daily opportunities for connection, whether through a shared smile, a quiet moment reading a book, a spontaneous dance party, or a joyful sing along. These warm, responsive interactions form the foundation of how I support each child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.

I draw inspiration from nature’s beauty and enjoy creating inviting provocations that spark wonder, curiosity, and interest in children. With experience in both primary schools and early childhood settings, I have discovered my true passion lies in supporting children during their foundational years through thoughtful practice, warm relationships, and a deep respect for each child’s individuality. 

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