Albany Staff Profiles

Judy Baker
Centre Manager

My name is Judy Baker and I am the Manager at Albany Bear Park. I trained in Early Childhood Education in 1975 and after two years as a Pre School teacher I left to spend time bringing up my two boys.  It was in 2004 before I finally saw the light and returned to teaching after16 years in the corporate world as an H R Manager. I spent some time as a relieving teacher to be able to see the different educational philosophies in practise. I was immediately drawn to the Reggio Emilia philosophy, where children are seen as competent learners and teachers as co researchers.  So my journey at Albany began. I have been a teacher and supervisor in both the preschool and the Infant &Toddler Centre. I have been manager at the centre since March 2009. When not at the Centre I enjoy travelling the world with my husband Brian.

Phillipa Ross
Supervisor Infant Toddler

Hi my name is Phillipa, I am the Supervisor of the Bear Park Albany Infant/ Toddler Centre. I have a Bachelor of Teaching in ECE from AUT and I am fully registered. I have been married to Hamish Ross since April 2009. I have worked at Bear Park since March 2008 and really enjoy working with my teaching team. I enjoy working with all ages and feel privileged to share in each child’s learning journey.

Aimee
Preschool Supervisor

Hello my name is Aimee. I have been the supervisor at Bear Park Preschool since 2008. I graduated from AUT with a Bachelor of Education in 2005, after which I travelled the world. This really helped strengthen my own teaching philosophy, it gave me time to reflect on my own teaching practice.  I discovered I was deeply moved by the Reggio Emila philosophy. I wanted to work in an environment which was inspired by Reggio.

Gavin
Franchisee/Administrator:

My name is Gavin Franicevic and I have been the Franchisee & Administrator for Bear Park Albany since March 2010.

I am married with 2 wonderful children Yasmin and Zain. The staff here are fantastic and everyday create a warm, caring and fun environment which encourages the children to explore, develop and grow.

Many Thanks