_800x138a.jpg){kind=logo}
MHumServ, BEd (EC In-Service), BEd, BTeach, TAE40110
Marice is the College Principal of the Australian Institute of Early Childhood Studies (AIECS). With a career in the sector spanning over three decades, Marice leads AIECS with a deep commitment to delivering high-quality, practical, and engaging training for future and current early childhood professionals.
Marice is passionate about supporting educators through every stage of their learning journey, from entry-level qualifications to ongoing professional development, always with a focus on real-world application and reflective practice.
Under Marice’s leadership, AIECS champions a hands-on, mentor-supported approach to training that blends evidence-based theory with the realities of everyday early learning settings. Her work ensures that students not only gain strong foundational knowledge but are also equipped with the confidence and capabilities to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.
A lifelong learner herself, Marice actively engages with researchers, thought leaders, and early childhood communities to stay ahead of evolving best practices. Her leadership is marked by warmth, experience, and a strong belief in the power of education to transform lives.
Outside of her professional life, Marice enjoys spending time at the beach, listening to music, travelling, and cheering on her two favourite NRL teams, the Brisbane Broncos and Newcastle Knights. Family time is her greatest joy and her constant source of inspiration.
Connie is one of our College Administration and Student Support Officers at AIECS. Only having joined our team in January 2025, Connie came
to us with over 12 years of hospitality experience and applies her strong customer service skills to our educators and stakeholders alike.
Connie re-located to Brisbane by herself at 17 and has now been here 7 years. New to both the Early Childhood Education industry and VET Sector, this role has brought much needed change and variety back into her work life.
Connie also operates as a Qualifications Pathways Program Scholarship Administrator on behalf of the Department of Education. Facilitating the allocation of scholarship positions, as well as funding distribution and ongoing relationship management for successful recipients.
In her personal time, Connie enjoys hanging with her friends, listening to music, and being creative.
Lisa
is our External Trainer and Assessor at AIECS, overseeing the student training experience. Leaving school in Grade 11 to pursue a
career as an apprentice Chef, Lisa worked in the restaurant industry in New South Wales for over four years before making the decision
to move to sunny Queensland in 1999. After a further 9 months working at Michael’s on Eagle Street Pier, Lisa found her passion fading
due to the long hours and no work/life balance.
After having two children of her own, Lisa took her first step towards a career in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2004
gaining a position as a lunch float at a local child care centre. Having found a new passion, Lisa worked her way up to a Director
position and remained working in-centre until 2017. In 2019, Lisa began her career as a trainer and assessor for AIECS.
“Having over 17 years’ experience in ECEC, I can relate to my students better as I have worked my way from a casual lunch float
to a director’s position whilst having a family and the pressures of working full time. This has built the foundation required to have
positive rapport and relationships with all my students as I can relate to their needs and concerns but also celebrate their successes
also. This the best part of the job. In her spare time you can find Lisa spending time with her family, going to the beach, and working on
her growing succulent collection.
Brooke
began her career in Early Childhood Education and Care as a trainee in 2008 before working her way up to a lead educator role in 2010.
With a passion for helping others and all things Early Childhood Education, Brooke made the shift in 2015 from working in-centre to
becoming a trainer here at AIECS. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, she now assists others in paving their own career paths
in the Early Childhood Education and Care industry. With determination and dedication, Brooke has now worked her way up to Senior
Trainer and Assessor.
Brooke is a mother to 3 children of her own and outside of work loves spending time with family and friends and going on adventures – whether it be camping, 4x4ing, exploring rainforests or simply jumping in the car and seeing where the road leads.
“I enjoy the flexibility of this job and being able to have a great work life balance. I love the social side and the hands- on approach that we offer. Being able to visit new centres and experience new learning structures and environments while assisting students with gaining knowledge and confidence in the industry is always a rewarding experience.”
Through her first-hand experience, Brooke is able to support, prepare and encourage her students for all facets of a career in Early Childhood Education and Care.
In just over a year, Kylie has accumulated valuable experience and insights that she is eager to pass on to the next generation of
educators. Her commitment to her role as a trainer with AIECS demonstrates her passion for the field and her desire to help others
succeed. With Kylie's guidance, her students are sure to benefit from her expertise and develop the skills they need to excel in their own
careers.
Kylie's journey in the early childhood sector began in 1996, where she started as an afternoon relief float after school.
Through hard work and dedication, she gradually climbed the ranks, eventually attaining the role of Assistant Director. In 2015, she
embarked on a new phase of her career by delving into training and assessing, further expanding her expertise and impact within the field.
In her free time, you'll find Kylie with her Family and Friends.
With
over 17 years of experience in the early childhood education and care sector, I have dedicated my career to nurturing young minds and
empowering educators to deliver meaningful, high-quality learning experiences. I hold an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management,
which has supported my journey into leadership and service development.
Nearly eight years ago, I took on the rewarding challenge of starting up a brand-new early childhood service. As the Director, I’ve proudly led a passionate team, guiding the service from its inception into a thriving, supportive, and innovative learning environment. My leadership style is grounded in collaboration, continuous growth, and a deep respect for the vital role educators play in shaping the next generation.
I am driven by a genuine passion for supporting educators to become confident, capable professionals who can inspire and influence children’s lifelong love of learning. Through mentorship, strategic guidance, and a strong focus on quality improvement, I aim to contribute meaningfully to the future of early childhood education in Australia.
With my love of creativity and the beauty of the natural world, whether it’s hiking through forest trails or simply soaking in a quiet
sunrise. That love for nature spills into my home life where I’m always dreaming up new renovation projects, breathing life into spaces with
thoughtful decor, and getting my hands dirty in the garden. Whether I'm planting a new flower bed or picking paint colors, I’m inspired by
the textures, colors, and calm that nature brings into every corner of my life.
At AIECS, we take pride in fostering a supportive and collaborative team environment. Each member brings a unique blend of
knowledge, experiences, and personality to the College, enhancing our shared journey of training and supporting the next generation
of Early Childhood Educators.