What is your role at My Therapy House?
I am an Early Years Educator, Kindy Teacher we used to be called when I first started teaching in the 80’s. My teaching background, training, knowledge and passion for the importance of play in children’s development have led me to the role of Development Through Play Therapist at My Therapy House.
How long have you been working at My Therapy House?
I was so fortunate to start working at My Therapy House in March 2016, 7 Years ago.
Why did you choose to work at My Therapy House?
I was on leave, after teaching for 32 years, looking around at what else was happening. I had put in expressions of interest for a variety of jobs. Dana and Craig made contact with me and we met up at My Therapy House. I immediately felt this is the place for me after looking around the house and backyard, feeling the vibe and hearing Dana share her dream and vision. I definitely felt that my passion for play and my way of working with children and their families were going to fit in at My Therapy House.
What is your favourite thing about working at My Therapy House?
I am able to share my passion for the importance of play to children’s holistic development. I am able to tailor sessions to suit each individual child and their needs and interests. I am able to work with and learn from a top quality team of professionals in each of their fields.
What were your favourite play activities when you were a child?
I remember doing more outside than in. I loved being in the garden, climbing trees, collecting creatures, getting muddy, playing with pets ( these included cats,dogs,lizards,ducks,rabbits, birds, fish, guinea pigs, I think that’s all ). Being on my swing. Going camping with my family. Running through the sprinkler. Riding my dragster bike around the neighbourhood. Riding the horses that lived in the stable down the street. Playing lacrosse. So many fun things to remember.
What is your favourite thing to do when you are not working?
This would almost be the same list as my childhood favourites.
I love being at home with my partner and having my grown up children visit for family dinners. Being in my garden with many animal visitors, including koalas, kangaroos,lizards and birds. Reading, especially outside with a teapot and treat set up on a tray. Bushwalking with the dog, riding my bike or longboard, playing lacrosse and fun tennis with my partner. Also listening to music, we have quite a large collection of vinyl.
What is your favourite food?
Porridge, fruit, nuts , custard tarts and vegetables.
What is your favourite saying?
“It’s the process not the product”. This is something I am always reminding those around me about. As the children are playing and problem solving they are thinking , processing and learning. That is where the golden moments and magic are happening. The final product is not as important. It is the creativity, curiosity , awe and wonder leading to discoveries that really give learning meaning. The child’s experiences and investigations at their pace lead to their growth and development.
What photo are you sharing?
This is a photo of me from my childhood with children’s TV celebrities at my home. I was extremely fortunate to have won a competition on the Winky Dink show. This photo was taken at my childhood home. The Channel Niners celebrities came to my house and were part of the party I had won. I was allowed to invite twenty of my friends as guests. We had the games from the show including the touch game, wobble board and pass the honey pot. Patsy Biscoe sang. Each guest received a photo of themselves with the TV stars and a lucky dip prize. It is definitely a treasured memory.