I'm Krista, I'm the Centre Director at Bentleigh Early Child Education Cooperative. I started at the centre (then called Bentleigh Family Child Care Cooperative) in January 2002. In that time, I have been the Qualified Team Leader in all three of our children's rooms; Sunshine, Rainbow and Kinder/Galaxy room. I then moved into the Second in Charge role and a year or so after that, I moved into the Centre Directors role. 

Over the many years of being part of the BECEC village, I have had the privilege of being part of many children and families early learning journeys, while also leading a team of educators who are passionate and committed to their roles within the cooperative. 

Being Centre Director at our little not-for-profit community, my philosophy is to lead with my heart ensuring that we provide an environment where all voices are welcomed, heard and respected. Collaboration across all facets of our wonderfully diverse centre is integral from working alongside our volunteer Board of Management, Families, Educators and Children. I always try to lead by example in doing my best in giving 100% to all I do within my role. 

I really do believe that it takes a village to run a cooperative run, early learning centre and kindergarten, where the children are at the heart of all we do and are.

In my spare time, I love running, playing touch football and doing Les Mills training sessions. I love being mum to my children Islah and Will and I fill my cup being with my people of family and close friends.

My name is Bindu and I am the Centre Second In Charge (2IC) at BECEC. I started at BECEC in 2003. During my 21 years at BECEC I worked in every room within the centre as a Qualified Educator and running the programs for different age groups, 2IC and Centre Coordinator.

I love working at BECEC because we are like a Big family and it's a Home away from home. Getting to know the children, their families and being part of this beautiful community is very rewarding where we can provide Quality Education and care for our next generation.

My name is Sarah and I am the Centre Coordinator at BECEC. I have worked in the care and education sector for over 20 years with most of my experience as an Early Childhood Teacher, running kindergarten programs. I have been at BECEC since 2015 and in that time I have run the kinder program, become the Educational Leader and now work in the office as part of the leadership team. BECEC is a home away from home that prides itself on quality care and education for our little ones and I love being part of the team.

Hello, I am Charlene, and I excitedly joined the BECEC team and community in 2024 as the Kindergarten Teacher. I feel very fortunate to work in this sector and cherish the relationships I build with children and families. My favourite thing about working with children is seeing the joy on their faces when they discover something new. I love to see the world through their eyes and support their growth and development. I have worked in various roles and environments in early childhood for the past ten years and feel very fortunate to have found a community-focused early learning centre in Melbourne to become part of. My family and I recently moved to Melbourne from the Northern Territory. I have two lovely boys, Alex and Archie, who keep me on my toes. I love going for nature walks, reading a good book, and camping in my free time. I'm also a craft fanatic and love trying out new projects whenever possible.

Hi, I'm Joyce! I'm currently working in the Rainbow Room and recently became Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) qualified. I am continually learning from my peers and the children. 

My biggest motivation is seeing the children's big smiles and their development. 

I believe that children learn best through play, which not only helps them acquire knowledge but also teaches them how to learn. I am dedicated to creating environments and activities that ensure children enjoy and feel happy, fostering their growth and well-being.

Early childhood educator assistant who has worked for BECEC since 2013. 

My passion for the centre and care for the kids has not changed throughout my time with the centre and mirrors the care I provide for my own children. 

My goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of those I engage with, and to create a secure and nurturing environment for all children.

Happily married and mum of two daughters, Milica, who has graduated from a Bachelor of Psychology and is working in HR, and Ana, who has graduated from a Bachelor of Business (Marketing). We also have a 15 year old Beagle x King Charles Cavalier called Charlie, who loves food!! 

Outside of work, I strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular physical activity. I enjoy bike riding along the picturesque Melbourne beaches and other bike trails. I’m a big sports fan, in particular tennis, basketball, soccer and table tennis - all sports I used to play when I was younger. 

I watch lots of movies on Netflix, enjoy reading and going to the beach in summer.

My name is Nimeh Awad, but everyone knows me as Grace. I have an associate diploma of children’s services and have been working at BECEC since 2018! I have had the pleasure of working in all of the rooms at the centre but have spent the most time in the babies room. I am currently working alongside Charlene in the Kinder room. I have five children and I love to go fishing on the weekends and make flower arrangements especially with the flowers I get from my garden! I also love to spend time with my family and friends.

My name is Kristy Hy. I have been at BECEC since 2011, I have a diploma in Early Childhood Education and  I have been the Room leader educator mainly in the Rainbow room ( toddler) and Sunshine roomies (babies).  In my time away from work, I enjoy being with my family, furbabies and friends. I had my first child in August 2024 and I enjoy spending time being a family of 5 (2 dogs and a cat).

My name is Renee Mann. I began my journey at BECEC in 2012, where I found a loving and nurturing environment. I hold a diploma in Early Childhood Services and am deeply passionate about working with children, helping them grow into confident and content individuals.

Originally from South Africa, I moved to Australia at the end of 1999. I am a proud mother of two.

My values are:

- Honouring children and their families

- Treating children and families with respect and integrity

- Upholding democratic and ethical principles

- Supporting learning, teaching, and research for each child to provide opportunities for them to develop into the best version of themselves

Hi! My name is Jasmine and I’m a diploma qualified educator. I have been part of the BECEC family since 2022. Prior to joining, I worked as a freelance nanny and babysitter for a little over a decade. I am a big believer of fun and aim to build meaningful relationships through humour, imaginative play and arts & crafts. You’ll often find me running around with the children because I am a big kid at heart!

When I’m not at BECEC, I spend my time drawing cartoons or doing something creative.

I am Lara Kamal-Eddine, I have been working at BECEC since 2015, I am a dedicated and passionate educator in nurturing the growth and development of young children by providing an engaging inclusive environment where children feel safe and confident to explore their interests ensuring that each child unique abilities are recognized and celebrated.

We are a family of four, we enjoy going camping, fishing together and long drives.

Hi there, my name is Ilkay! I’ve been sharing children’s early learning journey with families and all the other educators at BECEC since 2011. I have a Diploma in Children’s Services and have only ever worked at BECEC. I have worked as a floater for years until 2.5 years ago, I started working in the Sunshine Room (baby’s room). It’s a wonderful feeling to be a little part of my baby friend’s lives. I really enjoy having a special bond and good relationships with the babies and all the other children at BECEC. I love to play with children and make sure they are having a good time as they learn through play.

My family is completed with my husband and my two beautiful children; my daughter Aleyna is 24 and my son Emir is almost 20 years old and my three fur babies. My children and my pets are my everything. Before I came to Australia 26 years ago, I was living in Turkey with my mum, dad and siblings. They still live there, I try to visit them whenever I get the chance, I miss them a lot. I don’t have many hobbies but in my spare time between home, family and work I really enjoy spending quality time with my friends.

BECEC is my happy place, my aim is being positive and having a good relationship with my fellow educators and families all the time and of course having lots of fun with the children, earning their trust and make them feel happy and safe. Doing all this always with a smile on my face and lots of laughs with a good and respectful manner.

My name is Irene. I am excited to be part of the team at BECEC. I graduated from RMIT University with a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.

Before becoming an early childhood educator, I worked as a teaching assistant in an international English school for six months. This experience deepened my passion for early childhood education and inspired me to pursue a career in this field.

I am a patient and responsible educator who values creating a nurturing and engaging learning environment for children. I look forward to sharing my experiences, building strong relationships with children and families, and continuing to grow as an early childhood teacher.

I am excited to be on this journey with you all and look forward to supporting each child’s learning and development!

My name is Valetta, and I am originally from Sri Lanka. In 2006, I migrated to Australia with my family, which includes my two sons. With 18 years of experience as a chef, I transitioned to the early childhood sector and have worked as a centre chef for several years. I hold a Certificate 4 in commercial cooking and other relevant diplomas in the hospitality field. I have worked at Bentleigh Early Child Education Co-Operative for two and a half years. Building strong relationships with the children and families is a priority, and I find it rewarding to see the children enjoying healthy meals that aid their development. I enjoy sewing, singing, and dancing during my leisure time.