Meet the
Bug-A-Lugs
team

In 2012, when Bug-A-Lugs Indoor Play Centre was facing closure, I stepped in with a clear purpose to preserve the joy and sense of community my own family had experienced there. I became the proud owner in December of that year, and what began as a space for parties and casual play quickly grew into something much more. By 2013, I expanded Bug-A-Lugs to offer school-aged care in Kyneton, followed by the launch of our Outside School Hours Care program in Woodend in 2014. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of supporting children and families from across the region through before and after school care, as well as our holiday programs. Like many, COVID brought challenges, including the permanent closure of the original play centre. But it also gave me the opportunity to reimagine what Bug-A-Lugs could be. In 2022, we underwent a full transformation of our Kyneton space, creating a warm, welcoming environment designed around children’s wellbeing, growth and happiness. In 2026, I’m proud to be introducing our integrated 3- and 4-year-old funded kindergarten program, an exciting step that allows us to support children even earlier and continue building strong, lasting relationships with families. I’m a mum of six and a grandmother of two, and my commitment to children’s wellbeing is at the heart of everything I do. This work has never just been a job for me; it’s something I truly believe in. My goal has always been simple: to create a space where children feel safe, valued and excited to be and where families feel genuinely supported. Bug-A-Lugs is more than a business to me, it’s a community.

I’m thrilled to be part of the Bug-A-Lugs community Kindergarten program for 2026! Having had my son, Stuart, attend the OSHC program since 2021, and getting to know all the amazing educators as a result, it’s exciting to now be part of the family. I initially began my teaching career in Health, Physical Education and English at secondary schools in Darwin and Brisbane, before moving back to Victoria. I taught at Gisborne Montessori while completing further study, during which I spent time on placement in the Kindergarten rooms at Nido Early School in Woodend, and Goodstart here in Kyneton. Forming relationships with and planning learning experiences for the children made me realise I am just a big kid at heart, and I loved every minute of it. I then became the Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2 teacher at Hepburn Primary School for 4 years. I am passionate about creating a nurturing, play-based environment that blends early learning with school-readiness. My focus is on helping every child feel confident, valued, and inspired to explore. Through curiosity, connection, and meaningful learning experiences, I aim to build strong foundations that prepare each child for a smooth and successful transition to school. Outside of teaching, I love spending time with my family, reading, baking, and caring for my ever-growing collection of houseplants - which I’m still learning to keep alive!