Manning & Great Lakes Team
A dedicated team of professionals committed to
delivering excellence in Early Childhood Intervention.
Early Connections offers education, therapy and support for children and their families.
We believe all children and families can learn, play and connect with the community.
Our team can meet with your child at school or child care to support your child’s inclusion.

Sally Gibson
Manager Manning & Great Lakes
Sally has a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) and has worked with Early Connections for over 25 years. Sally is enormously proud of the team at Early Connections and loves being a part of the life-changing progress that we see emerging with each child and their families.
Sally’s goal is to provide an inclusive, quality service for families in a respectful and encouraging manner. Sally works alongside the Manning and Great Lakes Management Committee who volunteer their time to contribute to the Alliance with knowledge, expertise, advice and leadership.

Laura Nadin
Assistant Manager
Bachelor of Education
Laura has worked for many years in the education field as an educator, a director and as a special needs support educator. Laura has a passion for inclusion, early intervention and special education and enjoys working with early childhood services to work towards best practice for inclusion. She believes play is integral in childhood development and that every child learns in their own individual way. Laura wishes that every child has the same opportunities as each other and hope’s to connect with families and children in the community to support them on their journey.

Ashwin Singh
Registered Psychologist
Ashwin has training and experience in working with children with intellectual disability, autism, ADHD and behavioural or emotional issues. He also enjoys supporting parents and caregivers through the journey of raising children, particularly when dealing with the stress that other life stuff can bring, and he is skilled in support for anxiety, stress, depression and trauma. As a psychologist, Ashwin can provide assessment and diagnosis regarding children’s development, including level of intellectual ability and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

Rochelle Connor
Occupational Therapist
Bachelor Occupational Therapy
Rochelle has worked with children and adolescents with a range of physical, developmental and intellectual disabilities. She works to assist children to participate fully in their family and community life and to have the same choices, opportunities and experiences as other children.

Bonnie Moses
Speech Pathologist
Bachelor Speech Pathology
Bonnie enjoys working with families to give them the skills to foster their children’s communication. She creates strategies that are functional and relevant to each individual child. Bonnie has a passion for early language development and is trained in the Hanen- ‘More Than Words’ program.

Gina Payne
Speech Pathologist
Bachelor of Speech Pathology

Jessica Searle
Speech Pathologist
Bachelor Speech Pathology
Jessica’s areas of clinical interest include pre-linguistic (before speech) skills, augmentative & alternative communication (AAC), early language development and school-aged literacy. She has completed further training in DIR Floortime, Hanen More Than Words & Key Word Sign (Levels 1 – 4).

Glenyss Gaffney
Early Childhood Intervention Teacher
Bachelor of Education Early Childhood
Glenyss Gaffney has three decades experience in the early childhood sector as an Early Childhood Educator, Director and Inclusion Support Facilitator. Her goal is to provide support for children, families, community and staff focusing on individual strengths and capabilities.

Cathy Mannix
Early Childhood Intervention Teacher
Diploma in Teaching
Cathy’s goals have always been to work towards getting children as ready for life after their pre-school years in the best way possible, particularly socially and emotionally, and to support their parents and carers to guide them on this journey.

Fiona Macalister
Early Childhood Intervention Teacher
Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood
Fiona has experience working in schools supporting children with additional needs and with the Deaf and Blind Institute. Fiona is a passionate advocate for inclusive practices and is dedicated to her work with families and early intervention.

Kathryn Holesgrove
Administration
Diploma Frontline Management
Kathryn has worked in various administration roles throughout her career. She has a background in all fields of HR and is passionate about Work Health and Safety. Although only new to Early Connections she has had prior experience in a similar organization in the Hunter area.

Raelene Carmichael
Administration
Raelene has worked as a teacher’s assistant and support worker at Early Connections. She also facilitates the My Time group and playgroup. A passionate preschool educator Raelene loves working with young children and their families and is passionate about early intervention.

Gill Wesley
Administration
Gill has worked in the Administration sector for over 30 years with previous experience at the Hunter New England Health Service.

Lisa McGarrigle
Early Intervention Teacher

Jennifer Edwards
Finance Manager
Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
Jen is a Certified Practising Accountant with over 30 years experience in management and financial accounting, including the not-for-profit sector.
Jen is responsible for the financial management of Early Connections and brings a very positive approach to supporting the Executive and the Management Committee through her passion for ensuring the success of not-for-profit organisations.

Christine Vogels
Early Intervention Teacher
Christine joins us with 21 years experience as an Early Childhood Teacher in preschool settings.
Christine is enjoying her new role supporting families and building the skills of children in their home, education and community settings. Christine values the team around the child approach.

Yuka Green
Allied Health Assistant

Stefanie Kornelsen-Tickle
Allied Health Assistant

Emily Green
Allied Health Assistant

Taylah Smith
Allied Health Assistant
Taylah is a current student at CSU Port Macquarie, pursuing a degree in occupational therapy. Taylah is always looking for new and creative ways to support children in their development. In addition to, cooperating closely with families to help them succeed in achieving their goals.
Manning & Great Lakes Policies
These are Early Connections Manning & Great Lakes Policies – please contact your local office if you require more information.
- Pandemic Response Policy
- Managing Complaints
- Cancellation Policy
- Access to Confidential Information Policy
- Privacy Policy
- Positive Guidance & Behaviour Management Policy
- Interactions with Children Policy
- Compliments and Complaints Form
- Complaints and Disputes Flowchart
- Client Safety and Security Policy
- Client rights and service charter policy
- Child Protection and Reportable Incidents Policy