Staff

Qualifications: Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching from Macquarie University in Sydney. Gloria also holds a current MR licence, Blue Card, First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis & Asthma, Fire Safety and Child Protection Certificates.

Work days: Monday to Friday.

My story: Gloria is a Wagaya and Kalkadoon woman, a mother to two adult children, and a grandmother to a beautiful grandson. Gloria’s children attended Koobara, and she has been working at this organisation for over 30 years! Over that time, Gloria has worked as the administrator, teacher and now the director. Her service to the community has been extremely valued, and as a result, Gloria is a well-respected member of the local community. She is loved for her humility, kindness and humour: there are not many in this world who are like her. She leads by serving others. Gloria is also a passionate Cowboys supporter and is most at home when the red dirt is under her feet.

Qualifications: Currently studying Bachelor of Education (Early Years),  Certificate III in Children’s Services.  Tashina currently holds Blue Card, First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis & Asthma, Child Protection, WH&Safety Training (including Fire Safety), Workplace Bullying, Sexual Harassment in the Workplace & Privacy Certificates. 

Workdays:  Monday to Friday

My Story:  I am Tashina Moore, but to everyone that knows and loves me I am Sheena. I am a proud Aboriginal woman with family connections to Butchulla, Darumbal, Wangan and Jagalingou. I grew up in Brisbane and started my learning journey at Koobara Kindergarten as a young jarjum. In my teens, I pursued the game of soccer, I loved it as I had the technical skills and passion out on the field. There is nothing more that I loved than getting out on the field and kicking the ball.

My Husband, Children, and I are all past Koobara kids. I am excited to come back as a Teacher in training. I grew-up with most of the current jarjum’s family and have a strong connection to the local community. I bring the values that soccer has taught me to the classroom and teach our jarjums the importance of healthy minds, bodies, and spirit. My philosophy is that our jarjums are our future leaders and that they must be at the centre of learning experiences to truly succeed.

Qualifications: Certificate III in Children’s Services, Blue Card, First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis & Asthma, Child Protection, WH&Safety Training (including Fire Safety), Workplace Bullying, Sexual Harassment in the Workplace & Privacy Certificates.

Work days: Monday to Friday

My story:  Hi my name is Shelby Peeters, I am a descendant of the Wailan and Wuthathi tribes which I have connections to Northern, NSW and the Cape York Peninsula and the Torres Strait Islands. I have worked in the childcare industry for 8 years working with a variety of age groups. Coming to work in this industry seemed a natural thing for me as I have always been around children coming from a large family and volunteering in the community throughout my life. Working with children is challenging but a very rewarding job. The outcomes of seeing children develop and thrive far outweigh any challenges. I am very passionate about my job and love getting to know the children and their families. My personal philosophy that is embedded in my practice is: Nurturing connections– building strong relationships with the children and their families. 

Qualification: Certificate III in Childcare, Blue Card, First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis and Asthma, Fire Safety and Child Protection Certificates.

Work days: Monday - Friday

My Story:

I am Rosemarie Mason originally from New South Wales in the Western suburbs of Sydney. I came to Queensland in 2002 with my partner and two-year-old daughter. I am honoured to be part of the Koobara Kindergarten Team and community. My passion is teaching the jarjums the importance of Caring for Country through embedding the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse & Recycle into the kindy program. The connection to the jarjums and their families is something I hold close to my heart.

I learn as much from the jarjums as they learn from me. We learn and grow together to be confident, resilient, and strongly connected to culture. I enjoy nurturing those who need additional support. I have dedicated my career to helping people unleash their potential and shine.

My professions have always centred around helping people. I’ve worked as a Nanny, had my own Family Daycare, worked as a Support Worker and advocate for people with a Disability and Elders. I’ve gone full circle and have come back to working with children which is my strength. I am blessed to have shared a connection with so many diverse people across NSW, QLD and as far as Vancouver Canada.

Qualifications: Working towards Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion (Social and Emotional Wellbeing), working towards Cert IV in Mental Health, Qld Disability Worker Screening, Blue Card, Child Protection, WH&Safety Training.

Work days: Monday to Friday

Joseph's story:  Joe is a proud Mandandanji and Pitta Pitta man with connections to South West and North West Queensland.  Joe has worked in various roles within Queensland Health  including Human Resources, Emergency and Ambulatory Care and Perinatal and Infant Mental Health project support.  Recently Joe relocated from living at home in Roma on Mandandanji Country, where he commenced studies in Health Promotion and Mental Health Peer Work (Support).

Joe is passionate about giving children a strong start to life and supporting families.  When Joe is not at work, he is spending time with his dog Clifford who enjoys going to the park or long drives.

Qualifications: Certificate of competence in Clerical and Administrative Skills, Certificate III Early Childhood Education Care. Melissa currently holds Blue Card, First Aid, CPR, Child Protection, WH&Safety Training (including Fire Safety), Workplace Bullying, Sexual Harassment in the Workplace & Privacy Certificates and LR Licence.

Work days: Monday to Friday

My story: I am Melissa Meehan and I am a proud Bigumbul and Mandandanji Woman with connections to South West Queensland. I was born and raised on the Northside of Brisbane. I was a Koobara Kindergarten kid and have fond memories of the times we would ride around on the Kindy bus and singing songs with Aunty Lydia.

When I left High School, I found myself back at Koobara Family Resource Centre. I worked as the Trainee Bookkeeper alongside Uncle Lewis, Aunty Annie, and Gloria. I reflect on the time I spent with Uncle Lewis, Aunty Annie, and Gloria was truly valuable. These were the 3-people who taught me a lot and were the best mentors I could’ve asked for. The stories and lessons they handed down have guided me through my career.

 My children followed in my footsteps, a rite of passage, as Koobara Kindy kids. I now have the next generation coming through with my Grandchildren enrolled and ready to learn! It is the strong leadership and strong connection to culture that keeps Koobara Kindergarten grounded as a special place for my future generations and community.

I am known by the rest of the Koobara Kindy team for my strong organisational skills. I would describe my current role as fast paced, rewarding, and fulfilling. I am dedicated to ensuring the organisation runs smoothly, safely, and effectively.

Qualifications: MR Licence, Blue Card, First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis & Asthma, Child Protection, WH&Safety Training (including Fire Safety), Workplace Bullying, Sexual Harassment in the Workplace & Privacy Certificates.

My story: Duncan is a Butchulla, Darumbal, Wangan and Jagalingou man who was raised in Cherbourg. He is the proud father of nine children – many of whom attended Koobara. Duncan has worked in many industries and is known for his phenomenal work ethic and deadly recall skills. Duncan joined the Koobara Kindy team at the beginning of 2017, and his work on the bus and in the yard has been greatly appreciated by the staff and families of Koobara.