Our Team

LEANNE GIBBS, Acting Chief Executive Officer

Leanne has over 25 years of experience within the early childhood sector and community services. This experience has been supported by qualifications in education and public policy with a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), Post Graduate Diploma (Teaching Gifted and Talented Children) and a Master in Politics and Public Policy. Her roles have encompassed teacher and director of long day care and preschool programs, adviser and manager with local state and federal government and the National Childcare Accreditation Council, teacher and lecturer within early education, management and leadership programs for TAFE and Macquarie University and manager of professional development programs for major providers. Her most recent role has been as Manager of Children's Services Central, the professional Support Co-ordinator in NSW, with Community Child Care Co-operative as the lead agency. Leanne has written a diverse range of resource materials and publications and has authored Action, Advocacy and Activism; Standing up for Children (2003, CCCCNSW) and Policy Development in Early Childhood; from idea to implementation (2008, Pademelon Press). Leanne believes a strong focus on children's well being and civic participation  together with child-centred communities ensures a promising future.

DANIELLE GALLACHER, Manager

Danielle’s background in early childhood stems over 21 years with extensive experience in operational management for early childhood services. She has a diverse background of experience having been involved in every aspect of childcare, from establishing new centres and being responsible for their operational management, to regulating industry standards and setting benchmarks for Government. She has held senior management positions with Ramsay and Bourne, Lady Gowrie and the Department of Health and Family Services and has consulted on a variety of major projects on behalf of investors, owners, community centres and major childcare brands.  Danielle has established a comprehensive network of industry contacts which she uses to facilitate the implementation of projects.

Her other roles have included positions as trainer, director and child care consultant for various childcare services. Danielle has formal qualifications in Early Childhood and is also a Gestalt Psychotherapist.

Danielle is passionate and committed to the early childhood sector and strongly believes our partnership with communities strengthens the capacity to support children and families, and develop thriving services.

STACEY DIEMAR - Co-ordinator for the Hunter Region

Stacey has lived and worked in the Hunter Valley for the past 20 years. Stacey’s career has focused on three key areas – Early Childhood Education, Community Development Initiatives and Project Management. Stacey’s work practice reflects her personal philosophy and commitment to the well-being of children, social justice, inclusion and Asset Based Community Development.
 
Stacey worked throughout the nineties within community based and Local Government managed Children’s Services as a Teacher and Director. For the past 10 years Stacey has worked as a Community Planner for Local Government. This role enabled Stacey to continue placing children at the centre of her work, specialising in community development initiatives that enhance the well being and resilience of families and children. Project highlights include the Families NSW Strategy – Child & Family Integrated Services Centre Project and Creating Child Friendly Communities Initiative – a partnership with the NSW Commission for Children & Young People.

KAYLEEN LENZO, Administration Officer

Kayleen has worked as a Centre Administrator for a not for profit Out Of School Hours centre providing support to both the Centre Manager and Management Committee in the day to day running of the centre as well as working on initiatives for improvement. She currently holds an Executive Committee position for a not for profit sporting association and maintains an interest in volunteer work for the community. Kayleen's background includes 14 years experience in the banking industry encompassing both the retail and corporate sectors. During this time she worked as a Business Analyst specialising in process management and change integration, as well as writing and facilitating training courses. She is an experienced bookkeeper having worked in a range of business environments. Kayleen supports CSCM services with all accounting and administration tasks.