Our Childcare and Kindergarten Team
Experienced Educators
We understand that your child requires an environment to thrive and become the best version of themselves. Essential to your child’s journey at Embracia Childcare and Kindergarten, is the family of qualified and passionate childcare educators that support, care for, and inspire your child every day.
Our educators create an environment for our children that emulates an enchanting oasis. Our team focus on supporting your child to thrive in all areas of their physical and mental wellbeing as well as their personal development.
Our Values
Physical Wellbeing
Creativity
Language and Literacy
Discovery
Routines and Rituals
Diversity
Sustainability
Self Worth
Our Leaders
Sarah Mackenzie - Director
Sarah is the Managing Director of Embracia Group, including Embracia Aged Care, Embracia Education and Embracia Childcare and Kindergarten. Growing up in her family-owned aged care facility, caring for others is engrained in Sarah. As a health care and aged care specialist, Sarah has extensive experience and knowledge in leadership, HR, team development, change management and team empowerment.
Damien Lippiatt - Chief Operating Director
Damien has worked with Embracia for over 10 years and has enjoyed over 25 years of senior leadership experience across the healthcare industry. Having a strong focus on leadership, people development and creating successful teams has been the key to his success. Working across many operational aspects of aged care and now childcare. Damien has the experience, motivation, and determination to ensure we put people and outcomes at the heart of everything we do. Damien has supported Embracia Victoria’s growth from design, construction and full operation and is a key leader on our Kyneton developments
Felicity Forshaw - Centre Director
A founding member of our team, Felicity played a pivotal role in setting up our Centre before the first child even walked through our doors.
With over 20 years of early childhood education and care experience and as a mother of three, Felicity is highly regarded by both our educators and the children she has worked with.
As a local of Macedon Ranges, Felicity is well-positioned to work alongside Claire and our team to achieve the best outcomes for our children and staff. Her leadership is characterized by her hands-on approach, her commitment to supporting children with the greatest needs, and her dedication to mentoring and guiding our educators.
Felicity’s proactive and results-driven approach will be instrumental in our ongoing efforts to grow and enhance our services. We are confident that under her leadership, our Centre will continue to excel.
Claire Caton - Area Educational Manager
Claire has been working in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector for over 23 years.
Claire has a strong commitment to developing authentic pedagogical practices that empower educators and teachers to design unique learning experiences that spark children’s curiosity and sense of wonder about the world around them. Having an emergent, values based approach that brings inquiry, communication, diversity, and collaborative partnerships with all.
Claire will be mentoring and coaching the team at Embracia using a hands-on, collaborative approach, while embedding curriculum and leadership standards, bringing joy, inquiry and passion to their ongoing commitment to professional development.