Affinity Education Group Educational Leader Lisa Sinclair has 25 extra reasons to celebrate this year, as she celebrates her seriously fun career in early education and care.
Our much-loved Educational Leader and Assistant Centre Manager at Milestones Early Learning Edgewater, Lisa commenced her career at just 14 years after moving to Perth from New Zealand to care for her grandfather.
“It was hard to transfer to high school so I thought I’d get a job and applied at a childcare centre called Little Muppets,” recalls Lisa.
“I knew within days it was the right job for me.”
“I always say ‘I have an affinity for children and anyone who needs care”, so it is kind of fitting that I work for Affinity Education Group!” she said.
Lisa’s career took a turn when Affinity Education Group acquired the centre in 2013 from private owners – by then it was known as The Learning Tree Edgewater.
“When Affinity took over our centre, my passion for early education was reignited, and I also realised how much more my career could offer,” Lisa explains.
“Affinity’s team told me I had potential, so they funded my training to complete a Cert 4 in Business Management and flew me to Melbourne to meet with other Centre Managers.
“Over the years Affinity has owned this centre they have literally invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into the professional training and development of our teams, a complete playground upgrade, air conditioning, kitchen upgrades and resources.”
“My own career has gone from trainee to Centre Manager and now back to Educational Leader and Assistant Centre Manager – this current role is definitely my favourite so far.”
Lisa’s signature purple hair has been a feature of the centre team’s “Seriously Fun” culture since 2009 when she started experimenting with her favourite colour.
“The children call me ‘Purple Lisa – even in the months when there’s not much purple in my hair,” she laughs.
Lisa’s 25 Year Affinity Workiversary was a cause for celebration and appreciation at Milestones Early Learning Edgewater in March, when our CEO Tim Hickey and CFO Cathy Montesin also dropped in to share their congratulations.
“I’m so glad I’ve remained here at the service for so many years – the sense of community I have experienced is priceless to me, and it is a truly fulfilling and rewarding career I would recommend to anyone,” she said.