Qualified and Nurturing Early Childhood Educators

With decades of experience between them, our Smiley Tots Early Childhood Educators certainly do have a passion for early childhood education and making a difference in the lives of children.

Our team has been carefully handpicked and developed to ensure only educators who share our vision and philosophy are chosen which ensures a strong and cohesive team.

Owner and Director Brooke, ensures a positive, supportive and fun work environment. In return, the Centre boasts low staff turnover and long-term educators who love where they work. The result is a wonderful family atmosphere and the development of strong relationships and lasting bonds with families and their children.

Brooke

Co-owner & Approved Provider
Bachelor or Early Childhood Teaching

I have been part of the Smiley Tots family since 2000, and it truly feels like home. The most rewarding part of my role is the relationships I’ve built over the years — with our incredible team of educators, the families who trust us, and the beautiful children who fill our days with joy. I’m a proud mum to four grown children (2 sons and 2 daughters) and a very smitten grandmother to my darling granddaughter Poppy, with 2 more darling grandsons on the way! Outside of work, I love to laugh, spend time with family and friends, camping or travelling whenever I can. I’m at my happiest when I’m eating food, talking about food, or thinking about food

Erin Smiley Tots owner

Erin

Co-owner & Approved Provider

I’m the co-owner of Smiley Tots with my sister Brooke who is the director at Smiley Tots. It brings me so much joy and wonder to see the world through the bright lense of a child. I love to be surrounded by parents and children in our vast community and I myself am a mother of two beautiful girls. I ground myself in the beauty of everyday nature and enjoy a great outback adventure! I’m a devout foodie, a serious bookworm and love to be beside the ocean in the sunshine!

Paige

Centre Manager
Diploma in Early Childhood Education

I have spent my entire career in the early childhood industry growing and evolving through a range of rewarding roles. I have been fortunate enough to work overseas as a nanny as well as run my own family day care service from the heart of my home.

I am a mum to two beautiful little girls who keep me on my toes and remind me daily why I love what I do. Outside of work you will find me at the beach, reading a good book or playing team sports.

Spending my days with little people is my favourite part of the job. The way they learn, the conversations we share and the long lasting relationships built with families are what make this work so special to me.

Erin

Nominated Supervisor
Diploma in Early Childhood Education

I’m a proud mum of three and grew up in Murwillumbah so have lived in the beautiful Tweed area area my whole life. I’ve always loved working with children and feel incredibly lucky to now be doing what I love every day. I have extensive experience in early childhood education, leadership, and program development and a strong foundation built from starting in the field at a young age. There’s nothing better than seeing a child overcome a challenge in their own time and in their own way. It’s a magical moment, and I feel so proud to support those little wins that mean so much. What makes me happiest? you’ll usually find me out exploring—chasing waterfalls, sand between toes, climbing a mountain, or adventuring with my dog. Nature is my happy place!

Beck Smiley Tots staff

Beck

Busk Kindy Co-ordinator
RAP Leader & Indigenous Liaison
Diploma in Early Childhood Education

I absolutely love my job and have worked at smiley Tots since 2007. I love my relationships with the children and our Smiley Tots family and feel extremely blessed to be part of every child’s learning journey. My favourite thing to do with children is to engage in creative play and to encourage a love for nature. What makes me happiest is to be with my soul mate of 28 years, my 2 beautiful teenage boys and to live here in paradise!

Michelle

Educational Leader
Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching

a passionate Early Childhood Teacher and Educational Leader with over 25 years of experience in early childhood education. Throughout my career, I have developed extensive expertise through research, hands-on practice, and leading meaningful learning programs that support children’s holistic development and lifelong learning.

I am dedicated to fostering collaborative partnerships with children, families, educators, and the wider community, believing that every child deserves the opportunity to achieve their individual goals, celebrate their successes, and thrive as confident, capable learners.

As the Educational Leader at Smiley Tots, I am committed to inspiring high-quality practice by mentoring educators, translating curriculum frameworks into meaningful everyday experiences, and encouraging reflective professional inquiry. I am passionate about supporting educator growth through ongoing professional learning, strengthening community partnerships, and leading continuous improvement to create engaging, inclusive learning environments.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, walking along the beach with my dog and family, and paddle boarding whenever the sun is shining.

Bri Smiley Tots staff

Bri

Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching

I grew up on a dairy farm on the Mid North Coast and moved to this area to chase my dream of being an Early Childhood Teacher which I began in 2002.  My favourite thing to do with children is to watch how they create their own representations of the ideas they hold about the world around them through play and creativity.  What makes me happiest is living by the beach and starting the day with a meditation by the water.  

Belinda

Cert III in Early Childhood Education & Care

I first started working in the childcare industry almost 20 years ago and what I love most about working with children is being a nurturing presence and allowing them to explore their own individuality. Working with children comes from the heart for me. I have two beautiful boys of my own, Santana and Luca, who have grown into wonderful young adults that I am extremely proud of. My heart is most full when I am able to share love with others!

Claire

Diploma in Early Childhood Education

I moved to Tweed from the Sunshine Coast in 2021 but I am originally from England, coming to Australia in 2008. I have worked in early childhood since 2011 and I love getting to know each child and their personalities. I think as educators the connections we build with the children are so important and I enjoy working closely with families to make sure their little ones feel loved, safe and happy. Spending time with my own family is one of my favourite things to do and I am now experiencing what it’s like to be a mummy and unconditionally love my own new baby boy Zade.

Caris

Studying Certificate III in Early Childhood Education

I am a fun, creative person who loves movement and enjoys creating and learning every day. I have a passion for arts and crafts, and I love watching the children use their imagination to explore and create in their own unique ways. My favourite experiences with the children are singing, dancing and moving around together. What makes me happiest is seeing the excitement on the children's faces when they greet me each morning. Their joy makes my job worth every moment, and I look forward to coming in each day to share in their laughter, learning, and discoveries. 

Gisleine

Diploma in Early Childhood Education

I have been working in early childhood education for over 10 years. I hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor of Physical Education, and am currently completing my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.
I am passionate about lifelong learning and supporting children to become confident and capable learners.
I love listening to children’s ideas, asking questions, and discovering how they think and learn. Seeing their confidence grow and celebrating their achievements is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.
I also have a strong passion for sustainability and enjoy helping children build a connection with nature, encouraging them to care for the environment and the future of our planet.
Outside of work, I love staying active through sport and spending time at the beach. Having grown up swimming in both the ocean and pools, I value the importance of movement, outdoor play, and healthy lifestyles in supporting children’s wellbeing and development.

Heidi

Diploma in Early Childhood Education

I am a passionate educator with an open-minded philosophy to enhance learning, social skills, imagination, creativity and confidence by providing children with a fun, enriching and active and educational program giving them the right tools to reach their full potential in life and within their community in a loving and caring environment. I love keeping fit and healthy by going to the gym. Spending time with my daughter brings me endless joy and happiness.

Kerri

Diploma in Early Childhood Education

I’m happiest when I’m travelling—especially on road trips—playing in the ocean, and creating special moments with my family and friends.

I love being part of the Smiley Tots team and feel privileged to support children as they learn and grow. I take a holistic approach to teaching, building meaningful relationships through storytelling, conversations, and genuine connections. These relationships guide my small-group experiences and help me create learning opportunities that are engaging, responsive, and meaningful for every child.

I’m passionate about nature play, sustainability, fostering a connection to Country through the Indigenous seasonal calendar, literacy, rhythm and music, and the creative arts. I love supporting children to become confident, curious learners who feel connected to the world around them and inspired to explore.

Fun fact: I have a gorgeous dog named Pumpkin! 🎃

Amy

Diploma in Early Childhood Education

I began my journey in Early Childhood & Education in 2019, and it has been a rewarding experience helping children grow in all areas of development.
I enjoy creating small worlds and providing open-ended play experiences that allow children to explore, communicate, and challenge their learning using various materials. I am happiest when I am active playing tennis, going for walks on the beach and spending time with my family and friends

Jeanette

Diploma in Early Childhood Education

I began my career in Early Childhood Education in 1999.  I love building nurturing and secure relationships with the children where they feel confident to show their personalities and sense of humour. I am happiest by the water with my children and grandchildren.

Maddi

Diploma in Early Childhood Education

I’ve had the honour of teaching, learning and growing alongside children for many years, knowing that the first five years of a child’s life are the most crucial period of human development. 

I am passionate about guiding positive social interactions and building emotional intelligence which lead to healthy, long lasting connections and effective communication throughout the children’s whole lives. 

You’ll find me on a sunset walk along the beach, playing a game of pickleball or jumping on the trampoline with my son. 

Midori

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Konnichiwa !! (Hello) 👋 
My name is Midori, I am from Tokyo, one of the biggest city in Japan 🇯🇵 
I live with my Italian husband and our wonderful teenage daughter 👶🏼
 
As an educator, I love watching children grow in their own unique ways, and I enjoy sharing my Japanese culture and language with them 🍣🍙🎏🥷👘🍘🍵
 
One of the things that makes me happy, is seeing a big rainbow🌈in the sky! 
It reminds me to slow down and appreciate the beauty nature around us🌍

Tara

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education

 I began my career in the early childhood industry in 2021 and I am currently studying my Diploma in Early Childhood Education. My favourite thing about being and early childhood educator is guiding children to thrive and become their own individuals. I am happiest when I’m somewhere quiet with a book, preferably at home or the beach!

Maddison

Currently studying Certificate III in Early Childhood Education

I’m a creative and enthusiastic person who loves art and drawing. I recently began my journey in early childhood education this year and have quickly discovered how much I love working with children. My favourite part of the day is sitting with the children, chatting with them, and learning about their interests, ideas, and the things that bring them joy. Outside of work, I’m happiest spending time with the people I love, visiting the beach, and going on little adventures.

Grace

Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching (ECT)

I come from a charming small city in Vietnam. Working in early childhood education and care settings is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity that brings about vibrant and meaningful experiences for myself. I love getting hands-on with children, supporting them where they need and being an active part of their journey as they learn and grow. In my free time, I enjoy quiet moments in nature or doing some home cooking, which helps me slow down my mind.

Phone us today

to discuss your enrolment enquiry for your child
(02) 6674 3857