Our Team.

Our Village.

Leadership Team

Mel Boucher - Centre Director

Diploma Early Childhood Education & Care

Mel has been an integral part of the Gaia’s Nest family for 17 years, starting her journey working in Baby Bears before taking on her role in the office. She is the driving force behind ensuring all our systems and teams are in-sync and connected. A passionate advocate for living a healthy life. Mel is a mother to 4 children.

Canie Bentley - Assistant Director

Diploma Early Childhood Education & Care

From a young age Canie was excited to work with children. After raising her own children, she made the career change to Early Childhood. She has now been at Gaia’s Nest for 8 years. Through spending time in a nature-based setting, Canie’s pedagogy grew to understand and appreciate the need for children and adults to take risk. At home, Canie enjoys sewing quilts and felted animals.

Trish Foster - Education Leader

Diploma Early Childhood Education & Care

Trish is currently studying a Masters of Education (Early Childhood)

Baby Bears Team

Zoe Nichols

Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education & Care

Studying Diploma in Early Childhood Education & Care

Zoë has held her position at Gaia’s Nest since 2017. Over her time here, Zoë has moved rooms across the age groups, excelling in providing a stable and supportive dynamic environment for children in the 0-4 age groups. After 6 years, Zoë has decided to further her studies and move forward and gain her Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care.

Kirsty-Lee Bailie

Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care

Kirsty has over 15 years of experience in the sector, spending 13 of those years at Gaia’s Nest. Over her time Kirsty has moved rooms across our age groups, giving her a wealth of experience and a depth of knowledge across all ages. She feels inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and enjoys working in a team of like-minded colleagues.