Collard's Childcare & Kindergarten

Melissa Collard - Owner / Approved Provider /Centre Director

• Melissa has strong ties to the local community having lived in the community for 30 years, Melissa has three adult daughters who attended both primary school and high school in Mill Park.
• Melissa studied at RMIT, double degree in Primary Education and Kindergarten Teaching, Post Graduate Diploma in Education, Teacher Validation of Exemplary Teacher rating through Vetasess
• Melissa has worked as a Kindergarten Teacher / Manager for the past 28 years in local community kindergartens. Melissa has a wealth of experience as a Centre Manager, efficient management of service, worked with committee of management, mentored & managed staff and the day to day running of the service in line with government funding and legislation. Programed planned education and care programing.
• Melissa has experience as a Children’s services Advisor for DET, managed the City of Banyule childcare centres and kindergartens. Supported directors / owners to meet National regulations & best practices and learning outcomes for children

Role at Collard's Childcare & Kindergarten

• To be the Approved Provider, (DET Approved) and Manager
• Campion the Child Safe Standards across the centre 
• Work closely with Catherine in her role as Business Development Manager / HR Manager and Office manager
• Supporting and play a role with Bianca as pedagogical leader and mentor to the team of early childhood educators
• Meeter and greeter and go to person for parents, families and other professionals working with children and families
• Support educators to become proficient with The Abecedarian 3 A approach Australia
• Role model warm & responsive educator / child engagement
• Build strong links with local community, schools, councils, other early childhood services
  
  

Catherine Bonadio - Owner / Business Manager / HR Manager 

• Catherine has lived in the Mill Park / South Morang area for the past 30 years, attending both primary and secondary school in Mill Park.
• Catherine has strong ties to the local community with friends and family living close by. 
• Prior to Collard's Childcare & Kindergarten Catherine has worked in the Fashion and Textile industry as a Senior Product Development Manager for over 18 years. Developing products and brand strategies for Brands such as Bonds, Tontine, Jockey and Holeproof across Australia and New Zealand
• Inclusive development and growth and distribution of these major brands, brand management, strategic planning, change management, cross functional team leadership and performance management
  
• Campion the Child Safe standards across the centre 

Role at Collard's Childcare & Kindergarten:       

• Due to Catherine’s wealth of experience with strategic marketing and product development Catherine will be undertaking the business strategy and looking for areas of growth, marketing plans, accounting and general management of the business
• Working in the business on a daily basis managing the accounts payable, accounts receivable, human resources as well as managing the office for the centre
• Catherine will be working closely with Melissa & Bianca to support their roles at the kindergarten
• Catherine will support and play a role with Bianca as pedagogical leader and mentor to the team of early childhood educators
• Meeter and greeter and go to person for parents, families and other professionals working with children and families
  
  

Kiara Kiriakopoulos - Centre Director / Nominated Supervisor

• Kiara has five years of experience in the early childhood education sector, progressing through several roles at Collard’s Childcare & Kindergarten, starting as an Educator, then becoming Team Leader, Second-in-Charge (2IC) and now Centre Director.
• Kiara has built wonderful, trusting relationships with children, families and educators across the centre, making her a valued and familiar member of the Collard’s community.
• Kiara brings warmth, kindness, passion and enthusiasm to early childhood education, with a genuine commitment to supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
• Kiara has strong leadership, communication and organisational skills, supported by her experience across different roles within the service.
• Kiara has a sound understanding of Collard’s values, philosophy, educational programs, policies and procedures, as well as the day-to-day operations of the centre.
• Kiara is committed to providing a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported and encouraged to thrive.
• Kiara understands the importance of effective communication and collaboration with educators, families and management to support children’s individual needs and positive outcomes.
• Kiara demonstrates effective organisational and time management skills, helping ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the service.
• Kiara steps into the Centre Director role with a genuine passion for early childhood education and a strong commitment to the Collard’s community, and we look forward to seeing her continue to grow as a leader.