With our Macquarie Park centre set to open in the following weeks, we thought we should introduce you to our new Team Leader and Centre Manager, Susan Cvetkovski.
Take a read through below to find out all about Susan’s experience, has passion for early childhood education, and her secret skills!
1. What is your professional background?
Straight out of high school I studied an Associate Diploma in Accounting and a Diploma in Business Management. I then owned and operated a retail outlet for a number of years, and eventually ran a home-based business when I started my family. My home business exported graphic design and digital media work to a whole network of photographers in the United States. Raising my two children, now aged 14 and 10, inspired me to become involved in Early Childhood Education. I am enjoying every moment of it and find my career very rewarding.
2. How long have you worked in Early Childhood Education?
I have worked in the Early Childhood Education Industry since 2012. I completed my Diploma in Children’s Services (Early Education and Care) and received the Achievement Award for Academic Excellence. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education Birth to 12yrs. Over the past few years I have worked in a variety of educational roles and have worked in large Corporate Childcare Services in Sydney’s CBD. I am now very excited to be working with Montessori Academy and the team of Educators at Macquarie Park.
3. What do you love most about your job?
I treasure the relationships I have developed with the children, families and Educators, as well as the unique privilege of being part of each child’s learning, growth and development journey. I don’t think of my role as job but an extended family and second home.
4. What are you most excited about in regards to the opening of Macquarie Park?
I am very much looking forward to partnering with the future Montessori Academy families and working collaboratively with the Educators to provide a high quality educational and care experience for the children at our service.
5. What’s an interesting fact about you/secret skill?
Fact: I have been a vegetarian for 15 years
Secret Skill: I can complete a Rubik’s Cube in about a minute.
6. What do you like most about Montessori Education?
The calm environment of the Montessori classroom, which is ordered, yet encourages children the freedom to follow their interests, develop their independence, and become responsible participants in their learning. When I walk into a Montessori classroom I see children immersed in their activities, working with great purpose, and self-satisfaction.
7. Who/what inspires you most?
People who go on to achieve amazing things, despite being confronted with adversity.
8. What is your favourite children’s story?
I adore so many children’s books; it is difficult to choose one favourite! Every story teaches children different life lessons and is targeted towards an age specific audience. Some of my favourite stories are ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ by Eric Carle, ‘Uno’s Garden’ by Graeme Base, and ‘James and the Giant Peach’ by Roald Dahl.
9. What are you excited to teach the children/families at your centre?
My aim is to first provide my students them with a safe, harmonious, and nurturing environment where they feel comfortable and secure. My key objective is to play a part in helping children to build a strong foundation for learning that will enable them to be responsible, happy, and productive adults in the future.
10. What’s your favourite recipe?
My favourite recipe is a Mediterranean tri-coloured pasta with semi dried tomatoes, marinated artichokes, Parmesan, olives, and fresh basil with a white wine vinaigrette dressing.