Meet Our Team Of Expert Educators
SAMANTHA - Owner / Director
Hi, my name is Samantha. I moved to Australia when I was 12 and attended high school and university on the Gold Coast. I graduated with a Bachelor of Education in 2002. Children are born ready to learn and their brains develop through use. At Jungle Gems, we have created stimulating and caring environments throughout all our rooms with a variety of activities that will give our precious gems plenty of ways to play and learn. Being a primary school teacher with years of experience, I know and understand the importance of being school ready. I value Early Childhood Education and am looking forward to working with your child to provide a smooth transition into the next, vital chapter of their lives.
NICOLE - Owner / Director
Hi, I’m Nicole. I have over 8 years experience in Primary Education before starting Jungle Gems with my sister in 2019. Samantha and I have worked hard to develop a childcare centre where we can establish a wonderful family focused environment so each child in our care is not just a number. I am passionate about education in the early years and I am looking forward to helping your child achieve their academic potential while investigating the world around them through fun, engaging and play based learning.
GRETA - Director
Hi, I am Greta. I have Bachelor in Teaching and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and care. I have been working in childcare settings since 2017. I am very passionate about working with children as I believe each child is a unique individual who needs nurturing, stimulating, inspiring and a challenging environment in which to grow and develop. I am passionate to work closely with the Jungle Gems team and help them grow as professionals. I believe that everyone brings different qualities which makes our team amazing.
NICCY - 2 IC / Mentor
Hi! I’m Nicole, the children know me as Miss Niccy. I hold a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. I have worked in childcare since 2015 and absolutely love working with children. Previously a stay at home mum to my own two children, the early years as a whole continues to amaze me and I enjoy being a part of facilitating the needs and learning of children of all ages. The vast majority of my experience in childcare to date is within the babies to 3 year old age group. Currently caring for the Little Cubs as a part of the Jungle Gems Family, I am passionate about providing a nurturing and secure environment ensuring your little gem feels a sense of belonging, whilst also being able to learn and grow into their individual self through wonder and play.
KEIRA - Bush Babies Lead
Hi, my name is Keira. I have my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and am looking to further my studies to become Diploma qualified. I have been working in childcare for 5 years, two of those years doing a traineeship. Looking after my younger siblings and cousins is what inspired me to pursue a career in Childcare. I love children and believe in providing each with equal opportunity to learn and develop through their own curiosity and adventures.
MEL – Bush Babies
My name is Mel. I am a mum to 4 children and a Nanna to 1 granddaughter. I grew up on the Gold Coast. I have been working with children since the age of 18. I have worked with all age groups, from babies to high school children. I have a high interest in working with special needs children, it fills my cup. I started my working career in childcare, then became a mum. Later, I returned to work as a teacher aide, then decided I wanted to go back to childcare. I have completed a Certificate 3 in Education and Support. I am excited to join the Jungle Gems family.
PAULINE - Bush Babies
Hi I’m Pauline. I am originally from New Zealand and have recently moved to the Gold Coast. I have over 15 years experience working with infants and babies and am passionate about nurturing children and supporting them to thrive. I value building strong, trusting relationships with each child to help them feel confident and connected. I am a mum to three adult children and a proud nanny to five grandchildren. I spend most of my free time with them. I have worked in early childhood education since 2012 and hold a Certificate III. I love being part of children’s early years as their young minds grow and develop.
ALANA – Little Cubs Lead
Hi, my name is Alana. I have been working in the childcare industry for the last 17 years and hold my Diploma of Children Services. Working with children has given me such purpose in my life and it is something I truly feel I was born to do.
My goal as an educator is to create nurturing and welcoming environment so that children and their families feel safe and also encourage them to discover, create, learn and play. I love seeing children challenge themselves, ask lots of questions and see them thrive under positive reinforcement. I am here to help them as they strive to be the best they can be. When I am not working my world seems to still revolve around children as I love spending all my free time with my family especially my niece and nephew.
SHEREE – Little Cubs
Hello, my name is Sheree. The children tend to call me Ree.
I am a mum to 4 adult children and a Nan to 7 grandbabies. Being a mum and a Nan has been the biggest achievement and highlight of my adult life. Prior to becoming a mum I was an avid sports person playing hockey and surfing amongst other things, I thoroughly enjoy the outdoors and connecting with nature. I have been an educator within the childhood sector for over 25 years, the first 15 or so years were home based where I offered care within my home with the YMCA. I helped shift workers with night care and families needing respite. II believe that each child is an individual and as an educator I will value and develop each child’s strength, interest, skills, abilities, and knowledge to extend their learning.
I believe that children learn through play. I will provide opportunities for children to explore, discover, create, and imagine.
I believe in cultural diversity. I will celebrate the benefits of diversity with each individual child and enable them to understand and acknowledge differences.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as an educator and continue to do so as I strive for greater knowledge, wisdom and strength teaching our young people to develop in their own unique and beautiful ways.
CHLOE – Little Cubs
Hi, my name is Chloe. Born and raised on the Gold Coast, I am currently studying my cert 3 in early childhood. From the age of two I started ballet classes and ever since I have danced my whole life. What made me enter my career in early childhood education was teaching young children how to dance and from there I just loved the concept of watching them grow and learn. Someday I would love to travel the world and still use my skills that I have learnt. I am passionate about creating a safe and positive environment for children to learn and explore and am thrilled to be a part of the amazing Jungle Gems Team.
MARIKA – Little Cubs
Hi, my name is Marika. I have been living on the Gold Coast since 2022 and enjoy doing anything outdoors. I have been working in Early Childhood since I was 21 and particularly enjoy building special and meaningful relationships with children to help them feel safe in their environment. I enjoy working with all age groups. I have completed both my Certificate III & Diploma in Early Childhood. I am excited to join the team at Jungle Gems and am looking forward to getting to know both the children and the families.
ALYSSA - Trainee Educator
Hi I’m Alyssa and I am working towards finishing my Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care. Growing up I’ve always been surrounded by my younger cousins and It’s always great fun whenever I have an opportunity to look after them. I enjoy looking after children and making them feel safe and comfortable while also making them laugh and smile. I am excited to join the Jungle Gems family where I can gain knowledge and experience from such a wonderful and professional team.
KERRIE – Support All Rooms
Hi, my name is Kerrie. In 2012, a sea change from Sydney to the Gold Coast opened up opportunities to work in schools but my passion for the early years of childhood became obvious after doing my Cert 3 in childcare gaining experience primarily with the 2-3yo age group. Fascinated by the fact that 90% of a child’s brain develops by the age of 5, and passionate about seeing the beautiful change from a baby to a toddler, I am eager to be apart of your child’s development and see them develop life skills, develop confidence in who they are, and develop resilience to keep putting in the effort to pursue their goals. I believe a child who feels safe will thrive and through patience, consistency and routine, so I am intentional in growing a relationship with your child to grow confidence in themselves so they can develop connections. A child who feels a sense of belonging and ownership within their environment can thrive and then be curious enough to learn, explore, experiment and create. And wow, that’s exciting, especially here at Jungle Gems.
My key attribute would be being teachable. I love to learn from others and I love for others to learn. I have an eclectic taste in music; of interest, I conducted a children’s choir for 10+ years at a church in Sydney in my 20’s. My Christian faith, family, music, and kindness are key to my joy for life.
ALICIA - Support All Rooms
Hi, my name is Alicia. I hold a diploma in Children’s Services and bring over 15 years of experience working in early childhood education. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to support children across a variety of age groups from nursery care to before and after school programs. Most recently, my focus has been on working with children under the age of three, a stage I find especially rewarding.
I am passionate about making children feel safe, supported, and inspired to explore the world around them. I believe in fostering independence by encouraging children to ask questions, investigate their surroundings, and try solving problems on their own with gentle guidance when needed. My approach helps nurture curious, confident learners who are eager to engage with new ideas.
Building strong, trusting relationships is at the heart of everything I do. I value the connections I make with children, families, and colleagues, and I believe these relationships are key to a child’s growth and development.
JADE – Meerkats Lead
Hi, I’m Jade! I’m a Diploma-qualified educator currently studying a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education online through Curtin University. I relocated to the Gold Coast from Sydney and am excited to be part of the Jungle Gems team. My partner and I are enjoying exploring the area, especially hiking, camping, and trying new places to eat.
With over nine years of experience in early childhood education, I’ve worked across a variety of age groups and roles. I’m passionate about play-based learning, creating inclusive environments, and building strong, respectful relationships with children, families, and colleagues. I believe children are capable, confident learners, and I enjoy designing experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and connection.
I’m really looking forward to getting to know the children and families at Jungle Gems and contributing to a warm, supportive, and joyful learning environment.
JORJA - Meerkats
Hi my name is Jorja. I have worked in the childcare industry since 2017 so far and I have a certificate III. I have just recently relocated to QLD from rural NSW. I love working with children and being a part of their early years as their young minds begin to shape and develop. I began my childhood career in a Preschool centre which I loved because it allowed me to help young children develop their emotional and social readiness skills before going off to school. In recent years I have worked in long daycare where I enjoy working with a range of different ages and love being involved in their learning and development.
NATALIE - Support All Rooms
Hi, I am Natalie. I hold a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care. I am very happy to be part of the Jungle Gems family and be able to help the team and children grow as individuals to the best of their abilities. I am delighted to be working with a caring team that is passionate about creating a positive, safe and caring environment for children to develop, learn and play.
MARIE – Giraffes ECT
Hi, my name is Marie, I am originally from the United Kingdom. I moved to Australia in December 2023. I hold a Bachelor of Education (hons) degree and Diploma in Education and Care. While I was in the UK, I taught in Primary Schools and Early Years settings for 26 years. My previous Early Learning Centre, Forest School, had a focus on nature and natural habitats, thus I am an advocate for learning in the outdoors, building resilience, independence and problem-solving skills. I believe that all children learn in different ways and at different rates, so I tailor my teaching to their individual needs, interests and personalities.
BRONTE – Giraffes
Hi, my name is Bronte. I’m currently working as an assistant educator at Jungle Gems where I support each of the 4 rooms from babies through to the pre prep children. I hold a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care and I’m also completing my Bachelor of Speech Pathology. I hope to merge my expertise in these areas and provide a strong foundation for the children I support. I have a passion for being active and creative and enjoy expressing these traits through my teaching style. I believe that each child learns through play and I aim to help develop every Childs strengths, skills and knowledge.
KYLIE – Support All Rooms
Hi, my name is Kylie. I’ve been working in childcare since 2020 and I’m Diploma qualified in early childhood education.
I have a daughter of my own and she is the reason I decided to pursue a career in childcare. When I started to look for daycares for her I noticed a lot of unsettled children and not enough attentiveness. I wanted to be that change, I wanted to be that educator that is a safe space for your child in their home away from home.
As an educator I love to encourage risky play, exploring natural, creativity and I like to allow the child to explore their own limitations and strengths before jumping in to help.
When I’m not here as an educator I’m working hard on my small business teaching and creating textured art and going on adventures with my family. No drive is to far to see something really cool so if you have any suggestions I’d love to know.
GAIL – Reception
Hi, I’m Gail. I have been part of the Jungle Gems journey from the beginning. I have seen my two daughters, Samantha and Nicole, spend countless hours bringing this dream to life. The girls always said they wanted a family run centre and that’s exactly what they have created. You’ll see me on the front desk welcoming all our little gems. I’ll also be putting my bookkeeping skills to good use and making sure all the behind the scenes paperwork is kept in check.
I look forward to greeting you as you walk through reception.
PETER – Builder
Hello I’m Peter, otherwise known as Mr Peter! I have many years experience in owning and operating a variety of different business’ originally in South Africa and for the past 26 years here at home in Australia. The majority of this time I’ve run our family construction company SAMCOL Homes. Ever since we immigrated to Australia it’s been my dream to become involved in an industry where there would be opportunities for my two daughters, Samantha & Nicole to contribute within the business. The girls both decided to study teaching and I’m proud to say that I’ve seen them excel in this profession for many years. As the girls passion for business grew stronger and their love of teaching never dwindling, we made the decision as a family to combine all our expertise and the idea that is now Jungle Gems was born.
After completion of the build of our state of the art facility I thought my job was done. Little did I know that it was only the beginning! The girls refer to me as the ‘father figure’ of the centre and I take great joy in ensuring our facility is well maintained.
KALE – Admin & Ball Skills
Hi I’m Kale and I am Samantha’s husband. I’ve grown up as part of a large family and am now a father myself as well as uncle to 13 nieces and nephews. The old “takes a village to raise a child” saying certainly rings true in my family.
I have a Certificate 3 in Childcare as well as a Certificate 3 in Outdoor Recreation, a Certificate 4 in Small Business Management and a Diploma in Screen & Media. My role at Jungle Gems is largely behind the scenes, I take care of our policies and procedures as well as risk mitigation, our media & website. I also love teaching a weekly Ball Skills lesson as well as helping with lunch relief & assisting in the play ground.
I am a strong advocate for experiential learning and adventurous play. My philosophy is centred around the belief that children learn best when engaged in their own natural interest & exploring their curiosities. I look forward to welcoming you and your family to Jungle Gems.
