Meet our team

Director/Educator

Namrata Sarkar

Namrata was born and raised in India in a loving, faith-filled family where strong values and kindness were deeply instilled from a young age. She holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Montessori training from India and completed further Early Childhood Education studies in Canada, strengthening her knowledge and practice in early learning. As a mother of two, Namrata brings both professional experience and personal insight to her role as Centre Director. She is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centred environment where every child feels seen, valued, and supported. Namrata believes children thrive in spaces filled with love, patience, and encouragement, and she is committed to guiding each child with compassion, confidence, and faith.

Kindergarten Teacher

Engelie Nel

Engelie has been part of the ECC community since 2010, beginning her journey as the Prep teacher before joining Little Gems in 2017. She went on to serve as the Little Gems Centre Director from 2020 to 2025. Engelie brings extensive early childhood teaching experience and a deep passion for helping children grow in independence and confidence. She strives to create a warm, Christ-centred environment where children feel safe, valued, and supported. Engelie loves working alongside families and guiding children as they discover who God created them to be.

Kindergarten Assistant Educator

Karen Quinlivan

Karen has been part of the Little Gems team since 2020 and brings a calm, caring presence to both the Kindy and Daycare rooms. After raising her own three children, she discovered a passion for early childhood education, completing her Certificate III and now studying toward her Diploma. She loves getting to know each child and supporting them as they grow. Outside of work, Karen enjoys camping with her family, music, and ballroom dancing.

Kindergarten Assistant Educator

Mia Nel

Mia’s journey with ECC began in 2010, and after graduating in 2022 she returned to join the Little Gems team in 2024. Her time growing up within the ECC community shaped her passion for supporting children as they learn, grow, and discover who God created them to be. Mia is committed to creating warm, engaging spaces where children feel valued and encouraged to develop independence. She loves building genuine connections with children and being part of their early learning journey.

Administrator

Kim O’Donnell

Kim has been part of ECC Little Gems since 2018 and brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. She began her career in 1996 while working in an After School Program in Perth and has since supported children across Cairns, Rockhampton, Blackwater, and Emerald. Kim has completed her Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and loves seeing children learn and grow through exploration. From 2026, Kim will transition into an Administration role at Little Gems while remaining available as a relief educator. As a wife and mother of three, she enjoys spending time with her family, discovering new places, reading, and collecting teapots. Kim considers it a privilege to support children and families and is dedicated to helping each child develop into the best version of themselves.

Day Care Lead Educator

Dyna Higgins

Dyna has been part of ECC Little Gems since 2015 and serves as the Lead Educator in the Day Care room. Originally from the Philippines, she worked as a teacher and translator before moving to Australia in 2009. She later discovered her passion for early childhood education and has since completed her Certificate III, Diploma, and additional qualifications. Dyna is currently studying toward her Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood. As one of 11 children, Dyna understands how precious children are and feels honoured to support each child’s growth. She loves seeing children develop confidence and believes that nurturing early learning builds a strong foundation for their future.

Kindy & Day Care Assistant Educator

April Baladjay

April joined ECC Little Gems in April 2023 and brings a gentle, caring approach to supporting young children. Born and raised in the Philippines, she comes from a family of educators and completed her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education. April moved to Emerald in 2010 and is a wife and mother of two. She enjoys spending time with her family—watching movies, going out for dinner, or exploring around town. She feels blessed to be part of the Little Gems community and loves helping children learn and grow.

Day Care Lead Educator

Gracia (Grace) Hatchman

Grace joined the Little Gems team after fulfilling her long-held dream of working with young children. Born and raised in the Philippines, she is a wife and mother of two who loves camping and gardening. Grace completed her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2022 and is currently studying toward her Diploma. She feels blessed to be part of the Little Gems community and values the opportunity to nurture children as they learn and grow. Grace brings warmth, faith, and gentle encouragement to her role, supporting each child to become the best they can be.

Day Care Assistant Educator

Gibelou (Gibe) Pendon

Gibe has been part of the Little Gems team since 2022 and is known for her gentle, supportive approach with young learners. Originally from the Philippines, she is a proud mother of two and spent 11 years teaching secondary students before moving to Australia. Although she has tried different jobs since arriving, working with children remains her favourite because it allows her to continue doing what she loves—teaching and helping learners grow. Gibe considers it a privilege to support children during their formative years and finds great joy in encouraging them as they learn and develop each day.