Children are my passion, and each child that comes to St Mark’s is very special to me. I have worked in child care for 28 years, and recently welcomed my eighth year as St Mark’s Service Leader. I have a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood. I am proud to work at St Mark’s, where our children always come first. We have wonderful families, excellent staff who are all supportive of each other, and a caring Christian ethos. Having fun while teaching is the way here. Away from work, I enjoy spending time with my family – I am married with two grown up children and recently became a grandmother. I adore spending time with my new granddaughter! I have a Greek cultural background and love its heritage, food and dancing, and I am also a keen traveller and reader.

Hannah Park | Early Childhood Teacher

Hi, I have a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) from Queensland University of Technology. I began my studies in 2008 and graduated in 2011. Since then I have worked at St Mark’s, in the Nursery and the Kindergarten room. I grew up in a large family with four sisters, two brothers and many nieces and nephews! I recently got engaged and look forward to starting my own family in the future. As an educator I believe in teaching children through play, and I am passionate about building their skills and abilities through their own personal interests. I love working with the children in all learning areas but particularly the visual arts, literacy and numeracy. Building a bond with our children is most important to me.

Ruth Stalley | Staff

I have been part of the St Mark’s team for the past 30 years, and in that time I’ve been fortunate enough to look after two generations of quite a few families! I feel really lucky to work in a centre where I am valued and the children always come first. With my experience of working in the nursery for many years, I feel it is very important for the children’s transition from home to day care to be a loving and positive time for them. My aim is to build a safe, caring and trusting relationship with the children – the most rewarding feeling is when they are happy to see us, with their arms out and ready to start their day. I am married with two grown-up daughters. With the help of my parents, I was able to work part- time and then on a full-time basis as my girls grew up. I have no baby grandchildren at present but I don’t need any yet as I have a nursery full of them!

Gladys Vermeulen | Staff

I love working with children and helping their families.  I have been at St Mark’s for seven years on a part-time basis, and I have a Certificate in Children’s Services. My travels have taken me to the Philippines many times to visit my family but I am always delighted to return to the children of St Mark’s.

Katerina Charlambous | Assistant Service Leader

I have been working in child care for nearly two years, and my passion for this industry is stronger than ever.  I recently completed my Diploma in Children’s Services. It is a blessing being able to come to work at St Mark’s every day and to share my love with our special children and their families. Watching these little children grow into little people is such an honour and I am proud to be working here. The St Mark’s staff and families are so welcoming and loving – anyone can see that just by walking into the centre. I am honoured to be a part of the St Mark’s family, and I am delighted to share my passion for child care here. I am from a Greek culture and have two older brothers and a loving family.

Mee Mee Sanzogni | Staff

I first joined St Mark’s 13 years ago, and after having a break I came back to work at the centre. I have a Diploma in Early Childhood Education in Child Care. I enjoy being part of St Mark’s because it is a not-for-profit centre, and the centre has many excellent resources available. I like to work with children because I find it rewarding to be a part of their early lives as an educator. Married for 23 years, I have two children: one at university and one at high school. I come from a Malaysian culture and enjoy cooking and swimming.

Emma Efthimiou | Staff

My passion for caring for children developed back when I was as young as three, when I was moved up a room at kindy because I ‘looked after’ my other mates as if they were babies! I have been at St Mark’s for four years, and have a Certificate III in Children’s Services. The greatest pleasure I get from working at St Mark’s is seeing the children grow and learn whilst having fun in my care. My personal philosophy on child care is that children need to be respected as well as nurtured.

Lenos Trattos | Cook

I am the cook at St Mark’s and have been here for five years. I enjoy being with the children and love the greetings I get every day. Working at the centre is very enjoyable, because it is a beautiful, caring, friendly and open place

Tara Giorgas | Staff

I have recently completed my Diploma in Children’s Services. I have been at St Mark’s for a couple of years and really enjoy spending time with the families and children. It is a very special experience to be able to influence our children and help them to learn and grow. I am very proud to have a Greek cultural background and share this with my large extended family.