04/01/2026
Hello,
I’m Shantelle, the founder of Lilly Pilly Kids, and I’m deeply passionate about supporting children in ways that are respectful, nurturing, and truly responsive to who they are as individuals.
I hold a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma of Community Services, and I am currently completing a Master of Social Work. This multidisciplinary background allows me to support children through both an educational and therapeutic lens, with a strong understanding of child development, family systems, emotional wellbeing, and inclusive practice.
Every child is capable, curious, and full of potential (Dewey, 1934). Children learn best when they feel safe, valued, and understood, and when their interests, strengths, and voices guide the learning process.
My approach is grounded in play-based learning, inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. I see play as meaningful and powerful — not just something children do, but how they think, communicate, problem-solve, and make sense of the world. Through play, children explore ideas, express themselves in many different ways, and build confidence in their abilities.
I value the many “languages” children use to learn, including movement, art, construction, imagination, and conversation. This is especially important when working with neurodiverse children, as learning and communication do not always look the same for every child. I do not believe in one-size-fits-all approaches; instead, I adapt my support to meet each child where they are.
Relationships are at the heart of my work. I place strong importance on building trust and connection with children and working collaboratively with families. I am committed to inclusive and culturally respectful practice and warmly welcome children and families from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
I strive to create calm, sensory-aware environments that invite curiosity and exploration. Through careful observation and reflection, I follow each child’s interests to support meaningful learning, emotional wellbeing, social and emotional growth and a positive sense of self.
At the heart of my philosophy is a simple belief: children do not need to be changed or fixed — they need to be understood, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are.
