The Power of Mentorship in Early Childhood Education
Behind every confident educator is a story—of someone who took the time to guide, support, and believe in them.
Maybe you’re just starting out. Maybe you’ve been in early education for a few years and wonder what’s next. Wherever you are—this story is for you.
In early childhood education, mentorship is more than just professional development. It’s a powerful relationship that helps educators thrive—personally, professionally, and emotionally. Whether it’s a Centre Manager offering gentle guidance, or a fellow educator lending support through a tough day, mentorship creates a ripple effect that reaches children, families, and the broader community.
At Affinity Education, we’ve seen how mentorship can turn potential into purpose—and how the simplest connections can shape long-term careers.
Supporting Our Educators, Empowering Our Children: A New Coaching Series with Dr Kaylene Henderson
At Affinity Education Group, we know that calm, confident educators create safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive. That’s why we’re proud to introduce the next phase of our Safety Starts With Me initiative — a new educator coaching video series developed in partnership with respected Australian Child Psychiatrist, Dr Kaylene Henderson.
Affinity Education Group appoints Head of Learning & Development
Nicholas Antuar has been appointed Head of Learning and Development – a new role created at Affinity Education Group for 2025 in line with our promise of Potential, Realised.
“It’s fantastic to see a rapidly growing company such as Affinity Education investing in and supporting the growth and development of every team member,” Nicholas said.
Potential, Realised: Best Centre Manager Bree White
“Early Education is my core value and most important motivation.” Being announced as Affinity Education Group’s Best Centre Manager late in 2024 came as a genuine surprise for Bree White, Centre Manager at Milestones Early Learning Emerald Beach, which operates on Gumbaynggirr Country land.
“There are so many amazing Centre Managers within Affinity, I was surprised to be nominated as the State Finalist. To be announced as the National Winner in the Best Centre Manager category was just amazing – I am very proud of our centre and team,” Bree said.
First Employees Certified in Australia’s Lifelong Learning Curriculum
More than 400 employees have been recognised in Australia’s first Lifelong Learning Curriculum Certification graduations, representing an exciting new industry qualification pathway in the early education sector.
CEO Tim Hickey, COO Nishad Alani, CFO Cathy Montesin and Head of Engagement and Publicity Carla Adams joined Affinity’s Education Projects Advisor Jessica Mitchel and six highly experienced employees working in positions ranging from Lead Educator to Area Manager, who have all achieved their Certification within the past months.
Free Bachelor Degrees – Affinity Teacher Scholarship Pathway Realises Potential
“You always have that one teacher that gave you a really positive experience, and I would like to be that teacher,” Anna, Affinity Teacher Scholarship Pathway student.
Graduating from university with no HECS debt, while earning a full-time salary may seem too good to be true, but Affinity’s Teacher Scholarship Pathway continues to support our people to realise their career dreams of becoming an Early Childhood Teacher – at no cost to them.
Career Stability & Mental Health: Empowering Women in Early Childhood Education
Career stability is more than just a financial safety net – it’s a crucial factor in mental health and well-being, particularly for women in early childhood education. Research consistently shows that job security, steady income, and opportunities for career advancement contribute to reduced stress, increased job satisfaction, and overall mental wellness. At Affinity Education, we support our team through programs like the Affinity Learning Academy, which offers pathways to complete qualifications while gaining hands-on experience, and a wide range of employee benefits that provide financial, personal, and professional security.
Potential, Realised at Affinity – Kim Cassar
My career took off after I joined Affinity… Our latest Affinity Shining Star is Kim Cassar, recently promoted from her long-term Assistant Centre Manager role at the Exceeding Rated Milestones Early Learning Greensborough to Centre Manager of Papilio Early Learning Bundoora which is about to open in one of Melbourne’s fastest growing regions.
Dr Lesley Jones Promoted to Chief Compliance & Quality Officer
Affinity Education Group has announced the promotion of Dr Lesley Jones from Head of Education to Chief Compliance and Quality Officer. Dr Jones has been an integral part of Affinity Education Group since joining in 2019 as an Education Consultant, following a range of senior leadership roles during more than 35 years in the early education and care sector.
Affinity Education Group awarded ‘Best Places To Work’ by The Australian
Affinity Education Group is celebrating after being the only early education and childcare provider to be named in the 2024 Best Places To Work by The Australian.