From Casual Educator to Centre Manager: Mystique’s 12-Year Growth Story
For many educators, a career in early childhood education starts with a simple love for children - but it’s the support, opportunities and sense of belonging along the way that turns that love into a lifelong vocation. For educators balancing study, work and life, finding the right support can make all the difference.
For Mystique, Centre Manager at Kindy Patch Grovely in Queensland, that journey has spanned more than a decade with G8 Education, shaped by hands-on learning, supportive leadership, and a deep passion for safety, inclusion and community.
Growing with G8: From Cert III to Centre Manager
Starting fresh out of school, Mystique began her childcare journey at Kindy Patch Grovely more than 12 years ago, initially working as a casual educator while completing her Certificate III in early childcare and education. From there, she progressed through roles as an assistant educator, lead educator, Assistant Centre Manager, and now Centre Manager - all within the same centre.
“I just really loved spending time with children and watching their curious minds,” she shares. “They are so incredible! I love how honest, raw, and curious they are, and I knew this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I wanted to help teach children and support the next generation.”
Her passion for leadership grew naturally when she took on workplace health and safety responsibilities, discovering a love for supporting the centre as a whole, while ensuring children were safe, supported and thriving.
Mystique also values the long-term career opportunities available within G8, noting that her journey is just one example of what’s possible.
“In the future, I could become an Area Manager, Regional Manager or do other Centre Support roles. Having the option to work in other roles in the company is really amazing, because you can’t do that in a lot of companies.”
The Difference the Right Study Support Makes
After obtaining her Certificate III, Mystique initially attempted to complete her Diploma through an external training provider but quickly realised she wasn’t getting the support she needed.
“I had no support, so I decided to wait a few years and then do it through G8,” she explains. “The support was so much better. My trainer was amazing, and I had my team to lean on for questions.”
Completing her Diploma through G8’s Study Pathways program made all the difference. Studying while working allowed Mystique to apply learning in real time - making the experience more practical, meaningful and achievable.
“Studying as you work makes it so much easier. You’re doing it every day, the answers come naturally - I would 100% do it again through G8.”
Being a Village for Families
For Mystique, early learning is about far more than education - it’s about connection. As a Centre Manager, she takes pride in being a trusted support for families, particularly those without extended family nearby.
“We’re so lucky to be that village for many families,” she says. “Sometimes I’m their counsellor, sometimes I’m the bright part of a really hard day, and if I can improve someone’s day, that makes me happy.”
From supporting families through emotional nursery drop-offs to remembering personal milestones and challenges, Mystique believes genuine care builds trust, and that trust can shape a child’s early experiences.
A Passion for Safety, Inclusion and Belonging
At the heart of Mystique’s leadership is a deep commitment to inclusion and safety.
“The thing I’m most passionate about is making sure all children feel included, safe and supported,” she shares. “Children can’t learn or grow if they don’t feel comfortable in their environment.”
Since stepping into the Centre Manager role, she’s prioritised professional development focused on inclusion, partnering with external organisations and investing in training that equips educators with practical strategies to support every child.
“Zero to five are the most important years of a child’s life,” Mystique says. “What we do now sets them up for success later in life.”
Feeling the support from a larger organisation
Mystique credits much of her success to the wider support network at G8 Education.
“Being a larger company, the thing l love about working at G8 is the extra support you receive, from Practice Partners and Area Managers to HR, payroll and the employee relations teams,” “You don’t have to do it alone,” she explains. “Being a Centre Manager is a full-on role and having that extra help makes a huge difference.”
A Team That Feels Like Family
Inside the centre, Mystique leads a close-knit, committed team, many of whom she’s worked alongside for more than 10 years.
“We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and do things together outside of work,” she says. “It really creates a bond that flows through to how families and children feel here.”
“We’re a like a family here - it’s great to have the support of a longstanding team, as it really helps families and children feel safe, supported and connected”.
That sense of connection hasn’t gone unnoticed. Recently, a parent thanked Mystique personally, sharing how proud she should be of the centre and the team she leads - a moment she describes as incredibly meaningful.
Mystique’s story is a reminder that when educators are supported, empowered and valued, they can build careers that truly make a difference for themselves, for families, and for future generations.
If you’re considering a career in early childhood education or looking for a workplace where your passion can grow into leadership, Mystique’s journey shows what’s possible when you follow what matters most.
Find out more about how G8 Education can support you, click here for more information.
