Living with her family in Newman since childhood, Kelly is a long term local to the town. After leaving school, Kelly spent a time working in the hospitality industry, but soon decided she was ready for a change. With a natural affinity with children, and having enjoyed looking after children her whole life, a career in the Early Years’ sector seemed like the obvious choice!

Kelly started in the Thriving Futures Academy program by attending the series of free Early Years workshops held in Newman.

“I met Trina (Thriving Futures Consultant) at the workshops, which were really helpful. I learned a lot of things about early childhood and childcare that I wouldn’t have normally”.

After attending the workshops, Kelly decided it was time to step it up! Kelly notified Thriving Futures that she was interested in employment in one of Newman’s Early Learning Centres.

“Thriving Futures contacted both of the Newman Early Learning Centres for me, and the YMCA offered me an interview. I accepted the role of a casual Early Childhood Educator and I started a few months ago. The Y has been fantastic, they’ve been really helpful and taught me lots already. The kids are wonderful and being in a small town, I know a lot of them anyway!”

Still a student within the Academy program, Kelly is now proud to be undertaking 5 accredited training units with mentorship and guidance from Thriving Futures staff.

Kelly’s goals for her future are to continue working towards her Certificate 3 and to keep growing in her role as an Early Years Educator in Newman!