Jalen Loye

Assistant Director & Educational Leader  

Hi! My name is Jalen, I've been working at SCOOSH since 2019. I've had various roles over my time here and have loved every second of it! After completing  my degree in Psychological Science, I am able to incorporate the skills and knowledge that I've gained to help promote healthy and balanced lifestyles with emphasis on mental health and resilience. I love working in such a positive environment and aim to influence this here at OOSH as much as possible.

You will usually find me running away from the chickens or typing up a storm in the office!  

Hattie Bidwell

Educator/ Responsible Person

Hey, I'm Hattie. I have been working at OOSH since 2020 and I love this job for way too many reasons to list!

I'm constantly learning, when I'm working with children and that keeps things interesting, no shift is the same as the next. The children remind me the importance of being curious, using my imagination and living in the moment. They truly blow me away with their resilience and wisdom, and I feel very lucky to be in a small part of their journey through life.

You'll most likely find me between the garden and the kitchen, doing my best to keep our veggies growing, or cooking something tasty with our produce.

Anna Spasovska

Educator/ Responsible Person

Hey, my name is Anna. I  joined the OOSH team as an educator in 2021  and am thoroughly enjoying my time learning more about the children and their favourite things to do at OOSH.

I am currently studying a degree in Secondary Mathematics Teaching at UTS and am really passionate about teaching children that they should not fear maths !

It has been a pleasure to be a part of facilitating some of the children's activities in the afternoon as it is so nice to see them engaged, smiling and excited.

I look forward to getting to know the children better and play a supportive role on their individual development and wellbeing.

Annie Kilbane 

Educator

My name is Annie Kilbane and I've been working at South Coogee OOSH as an educator since 2019.

I have a degree in Primary Education from UTS. I balance my time at OOSH with casual teaching at local schools in the eastern suburbs area! I love working with children and am proud to be a part of the South Coogee OOSH community.

At OOSH you'll usually find me beating the senior boys at handball, supervising hama beads or playing soccer in the yard! 

Ash Newman

Educator 

Hi my name is Ash and I started working at South Coogee OOSH in November of 2021. I have loved working at OOSH and meeting all the different children. I'm slowly learning how to hang out with the children in a fun and friendly way and make theirs days that little bit better. I love to spend time with each kid individually to make sure none of them are left out or bored.

I love playing all types of sports with the kids, trying my luck in arts and crafts and watching some of the talent that these incredible young kids have.

At OOSH you'll usually find me immersed in a competitive staff vs students soccer game with the juniors or getting beaten in a pogo stick race with the seniors

Jackson Macri 

Educator

Hey, my name is Jackson

Since working at OOSH I have really enjoyed getting to know both the children and the staff.

I've recently graduated from Sydney Grammar and have been enjoying working alongside my studies.

I enjoy working at OOSH because I get the chance to just be a kid. I also enjoy learning the passions each child has.

At OOSH, chances are you will find me playing footy or basketball in the seniors.

Caitlin Castles

Educator 

Hello, I'm Caitlin Castles, and I'm delighted to join OOSH!
With a warm and nurturing approach, I'm committed to creating a welcoming environment for the children. Engaging with their unique personalities, I strive to foster a sense of belonging and encourage their individual strengths.

Whether we're exploring creative arts or engaging in fun activities, I believe in promoting a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

I'm thrilled to be part of OOSH's team and look forward to making a positive impact on their journey of growth and development.

Meghan Gaffney

Educator

Hi, I'm Meghan , an AFLW player, joining OOSH. I'm passionate about fostering teamwork and fun. As a positive role model, I'll encourage active lifestyles through sports, arts, and crafts.

I'm excited to support children's growth and create an inclusive environment at OOSH.

Britney Money

Team Leader

Hey there, I'm Britney and I started working at OOSH in 2018. I love working here as I can invest time in getting to know and understand all the children, having fun with them and offering support when they need it.

 I spend a lot of my time when the children are at school working away in the office, and when the children are here I love to get out and run around with them. I have loved seeing all of the children grow and change across the years I have been here!

Tara Ross

Educator/ Responsible Person

Hey, my name is Tara and I started working at OOSH in 2021

I am currently studying primary school teaching and I have a passion for working with children !

I love working with children and they have a wonderful outlook on life and are inspiring little human beings. It's also so amazing watching them grow and it is so rewarding being surrounded by them.

At OOSH you'll either see me at the craft table, playing sport or helping in the kitchen !

Ruben Newman

Educator/ Responsible Person

Hey, my name is Ruben. I started working at SCOOSH in 2019 and after leaving for about a year, I'm back! I love working with children because they are open minded, often wise beyond their years, and never fail to make me laugh.

This job is incredibly rewarding. There are always new challenges to face, which bring with them opportunities to learn and grow.  At OOSH, you'll most likely find me deep in conversation with a group of children or hanging out in the garden.

Issy Trevallion

Educator

I'm Issy and I've worked at OOSH since 2017. I love providing a positive and safe environment for the children to come to and have fun every morning. I find it so rewarding to have a job where I receive so many smiles, laughs and drawings !

At OOSH you'll probably find me outside playing an intense game of hide and seek.

Mia Rowles 

Educator

Hi! My name is Mia, 

I have been working at OOSH since 2021 and I am loving spending time with all the children.

I am currently in my 1st year studying Primary Education at Notre Dame University.

I love working with children because I enjoy their playfulness, willingness to learn and their honesty.

At OOSH you will most likely see me outside playing games with the Juniors.

Simone Rappoport

Educator 

Hi, my name is Simone and I've been working here since 2022.

OOSH is a great place for me because it is truly preparing me in my endeavours of becoming a primary school teacher, and I am so grateful I have the opportunity to work with these amazingly talented, funny, and energetic students!

I'm sure you can find me chatting to the students on the AstroTurf or having some fun on the veranda in an arts and crafts activity.  

Amber Brueckner

Educator

Hi I'm Amber and I've been here since July 2023. I'm currently studying psychology at UNSW.

So far I've loved working at OOSH because I love being able to have a positive impact on the children's lives, to encourage them to try new things and to see how their opinions and views on the world changes over time.

I'm usually outside with the juniors, either running around or kicking a ball with them.

Liam Ross

Educator

Hey my name is Liam and I started working at OOSH at the end of 2023. I'm currently studying Exercise Science to become a Physiotherapist. I'm also a sprint coach for children and I have a strong passion for sport and working with children. I love to watch them grow and develop both in the realm of sports but in life also! I enjoy working within such a positive environment at OOSH, where the kids have been so welcoming and fun to be around. You'll most likely find me playing soccer or running another fun activity with the juniors.

Uma Arias

Area Leader

"Hi, my name is Uma and I started working at OOSH in 2022

I am currently studying nursing in hopes of becoming a paediatric nurse! I have always had a strong passion for working, caring and being with children, which makes my job so enjoyable. All of the children at OOSH have made it such a welcoming space for me which has let me bond with so many of the kids already, I love their enthusiasm, curiosity, creativity and I cannot wait to watch the kids grow up over my time working here!

At OOSH you'll most likely find me with the Juniors doing arts and crafts or playing games, but you may catch me with the seniors from time to time as well!"

Jemma Redman

Educator/ Responsible Person

Previously serving as a team leader at the centre, I'm excited to return in a casual capacity. With valuable experience in fostering teamwork and ensuring a fun, safe environment, I'll continue to support the children's development.

My passion for creating engaging activities, combined with a caring approach, allows me to connect with the kids and encourage their interests. It's wonderful to be part of OOSH's warm and inclusive community again, contributing to their growth and well-being on a more flexible basis."

Chrissy Flaskas

Educator / Head Chef

Hello, I started working here in 2017

My qualifications include a certificate 3 in childcare.

For the most part, my greatest qualification is being patient and caring to our children. My philosophy is simple, I love being around the children, it's my happy place.

OOSH provides a sense of belonging for the children... its their happy place too.

You will find me mostly in the kitchen cooking and making sure our children have been fed.

Nick Horne

Educator

Hi, I'm Nick and I've  been part of this wonderful centre since 2017 bringing a wealth of experience to the team. Working on and off, I've developed a strong bond with the children and fellow staff members.

My passion for creating a fun and nurturing environment, with a particular focus on sports and physical activities, has only grown with time. From organizing exciting sports events to teaching new games,

I'm committed to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle among the kids. It's truly rewarding to be part of OOSH's journey, and I look forward to continuing to contribute positively to their development."

Lara Simpson 

Educator 

"Hi my name is Lara,

I joined the OOSH team  in 2021 and love  just how creative, energetic and friendly the students are!

My passion for working with children has lead me to study a Bachelor of Primary Education at the University of Sydney.

At OOSH, you'll most likely find me playing card games, bored games and arts and crafts with the students.

I cannot wait to continue to learn and grow with the children here at OOSH!

Miles Dellit

Educator

Hi! My name is Miles and I  joined the OOSH team in 2022

I'm studying a Bachelor of Psychology at Macquarie University with interest in Pursuing a path in Developmental Psychology.

I'm having so much fun with how energetic, fun and friendly all the kids are and look forward to getting to know them all.

You can most likely find me doing all sorts of things in the seniors paddock, from football to capture the flag I always love to get involved! 

Eliza Cantarella 

Educator

Hi, my name is Eliza and I joined the service in November 2022. I am thoroughly enjoying my time here!

Arielle Cartwright

Educator

"Hey there, I'm Arielle Cartwright and I started here in 2023.  My dream is to shine on stage as an actor, and OOSH provides me with the perfect playground to channel my creativity and connect with these amazing young minds.

Dana Rutner

Educator

Hey, I'm Dana and I'm returning back to OOSH for a little while before I begin my graduate position as a Lawyer. After working at South Coogee OOSH for about four years back in 2018, this centre holds a very special place in my heart. I am really excited to re connect with lots of familiar faces as well as meet all the new children!
You'll most likely find me laughing and chatting with a big group of senior children down in the paddock.