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 a grandmother. I adore spending time with all my grandchildren! 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.

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 completed my Diploma in Children’s Services. I have been at St Mark’s for five 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.