Jade is passionate about improving outcomes for children and understands the transformative power of quality early education. Jade holds a BA in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s in Special Education, and has worked as a kindergarten and Primary teacher, in early intervention, and as a kindergarten improvement advisor, supporting the rollout and implementation of school readiness funding, and funded three-year-old kindergarten.

Jade is now an early childhood learning advisor with the LOOKOUT centre at the Victorian Department of Education. Jade guides teachers, case managers, and stakeholders to improve outcomes for children in statutory Out-of-Home-Care (OoHC). In recognition of Aboriginal children being disproportionately represented in OoHC, Jade partnered with gathering places, Best Start facilitators, and local Koorie workforce to plan yarning circles that inspire teachers to support children’s connection to culture.

Jade leads a community of practice (CoP) for Early Childhood teachers, encouraging them to embed Koorie perspectives into their program.

Jade designed a syllabus to support transition to school for children in OoHC, which was expanded to a State-wide program.

Jade feels incredibly privileged to work for an organisation that allows her to undertake projects outside her core role.

Jade lives and works in Bunurong Country, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.