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 20 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.

Manning & Great Lakes Management Team

Glenyss Gaffney

Assistant Manager

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.

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).

Laura Nadin

Early Childhood Intervention Teacher

Diploma in Teaching

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.

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

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.