Aurora App
Friendly and Expert Team
Working alongside you to raise the future generation.
Like Mother, Like Daughter
A dynamic mother and daughter team focused on providing a safe and natural environment for children to learn, play and thrive.
Sheela Edwards
Founder and CEO
Sheela has created an holistic, hands-on learning environment for Aurora children, designed to encourage them to achieve their full potential.
Simone Edwards
Co-Founder and COO
Simone is passionate about supporting Aurora’s staff to grow and flourish via positive leadership, communication, creativity and innovation.
We only work with the best.
Highest Quality Team
At Aurora, we only work with the best. All our teachers are well versed in early childhood education best practice and share our commitment to nurturing your child in a safe, supportive learning environment. Their dedication makes all the difference.
Our Leaders
Our professional early childhood educators maintain an up-to-date knowledge of recent pedagogical research and best practice. They ensure approved National and Victorian Learning Frameworks guide our programmes.
Kate Sigley
Centre Manager, Rowville
Kate brings knowledge and experience to our team with a Diploma in Children Services and an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management. She is bright and bubbly and has wonderful skills in supporting children, families and staff with any needs they may have throughout their time with us.
Haylee Prins
Centre Manager, Doncaster
Haylee is an experienced lead educator and administrator with a bubbly, positive attitude. Haylee has worked in several leadership roles, working within the Kindergarten environment as well as younger age groups in her career. She has been in the Early education industry for over 6 years.
Kirby Crowley
2IC & Pedagogical Coach, Rowville
Kirby holds a Bachelors of Education specialising in Primary school. She found her passion when working in an Early Childhood Setting and has fallen in love with children between the ages of 0-3. She is highly knowledgeable, experienced and an amazing mentor to the many staff working in her Studio.
Melinda O’Brien
Administration/Marketing Assistant
Melinda holds an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management. She has been in the Early Education industry for 15 years. She is enthusiastic and involved in ensuring Aurora’s operations run smoothly.
Mary Jane Donnellan
Willow Walk Kindergarten Studio Leader, Doncaster
MJ is passionate about Early Childhood Education and enjoys seeing ‘wow moments’ as children learn, grow and develop within environments which offer opportunities to explore, discover and ignite their creativity and learning.
Jessie So
Willow Walk Kindergarten Teacher, Doncaster
Putting her Bachelor of Early Childhood degree into practice, Jessie always engages, motivates and inspires children to follow their dreams and continue to learn throughout their lives. She is fluent in Mandarin and English and works hard to support our bi-lingual and new children and families transition into the service.
Indika Rajapakse
Willow Walk Kindergarten Teacher, Rowville
Indika believes that each child is unique, and Indika works alongside them to maximise the full potential of their individual learning experience. Indika holds a Bachelor in Early Childhood Studies and is passionate about connecting with each family and child to create a seamless transition into school.
Nicola Swart
Moonglade Studio Leader, Doncaster
Nicola has three years of teaching experience abroad with students ranging from 3-9 years. She brings fun and a positive energy to any environment and will always strive to assist her learners wherever she can. Nicola has a passion for teaching children in their early years and helping each student become a lifelong learner.
Natasha Menezes
Moonglade Kindergarten Teacher, Rowville
Natasha holds a Masters of Teaching and is passionate about working with children and watching them blossom.
Caitlin Portarianos
Spring Rain Studio Leader, Doncaster
Caitlin has been in industry since October 2011 and holds her Advanced Diploma in Early Education. Caitlin is our studio leader and enjoys helping children learn, grow and develop.
Jennifer Cox
Seamist Studio Leader, Doncaster
Jennifer has an Advanced Diploma and is currently studying her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (0-8 years). She has been working with Aurora for 9 years and loves nurturing and teaching children and seeing them reach their full potential.
Sujata Dalvi
Seamist Studio Leader, Doncaster
Sujata is a diploma qualified educator, working towards my Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary. Sujata has a special interest in the topic of Reconciliation and enjoy teaching children about the rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history. Her pedagogy involves educating the minds of young children but also nurturing their hearts.
Team Members
Supporting our team to do its best work. We emphasise ongoing training and professional development so your child gets the very best experience at Aurora.
Georgia Baziotis
Rowville | Seamist Studio Team Leader