How I got here

So, how did I land myself in this mysterious, niche world of toddlers? In my teenage years, I was never that into children, whenever my family would hang out with another family that had young children, I eyed them with suspicion, never making the first move, and always waiting for them to initiate... I guess I was somehow doing partly the right thing without knowing it! Because as you will learn, toddlers love when they can make the first move and be in control of a situation.

Fast forward a few years, I became interested in the writings and life of famed pedagogue, author and educator; Janusz Korczak. In particular, I found it inspiring and intriguing that he saw children as "people now", rather than treating them as 'future grown-ups', he understood the immense capacity they had, if only they were respected and treated as such. He created a democratic society within his orphanage, one where the children were autonomous. There was a child-run newspaper, court and tribunal; and even Korczak himself could be brought to court if the children thought he broke a rule. Learning about Korczak, his life, and his pedagogy became the source of much inspiration in my work with children in the future.

At the end of high school, I participated in a camp for children with disabilities, where I looked after a girl with Autism for 4 days. I enjoyed this experience so much, that it inspired me to enroll in Speech Pathology at the University of Sydney. Once I began practicing Speech Pathology, my favourite clients were always the toddlers! I loved working with toddlers who had delayed language and those diagnosed with Autism. Using the Hanen - It Takes Two To Talk approach resonated strongly with me, as it relies on following the child's lead at the core of its methodology.

In 2016 my husband and I moved to New York in search of adventure and new experiences. I worked at a wonderful preschool in Chelsea which followed the Reggio Emilia approach, and serendipitously I was placed in the toddler classroom... my favourite! I loved working with the children every day in a more holistic way than I was doing in Speech Pathology, and so I decided to enrol in a Master's in Early Childhood Education at Bank Street College of Education.

My experience at Bank Street affected me profoundly! Not only did I get to meet the coolest New Yorkers, but it afforded me a new world view that not only shifted me as an educator, but as a human too. It was the most amazing place to dive into the world of progressive education and I learned so much there that aligned with my own personal approach to working with children. I learned about teaching using a developmental framework, placing children at the absolute center of all educational decisions, and finding creative ways to make sure the children's learning was authentic and self driven.

I began working at the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development (the Toddler Center) under the directorship of Prof. Tovah Klein. This center is an incredibly special place, where toddlers get to be toddlers and parents are lovingly supported through their parenting journey. I learned how to look at the world from the toddler's perspective, and how unique the toddler's needs are. During my time at the Toddler Center I discovered a whole new way of being with toddlers that made so much sense! It was so rewarding watching the toddlers develop their sense of self over the course of the year, and also seeing how much parents gained from their time at the Toddler Center.

Since moving back to Sydney, I hope to pass on these lessons about toddlers to parents and educators alike. I am passionate about helping toddlers grow into their best selves, with parents and educators who can support that process in a healthy and positive way.