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Meet the Team

Marice Watts | College Manager 

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 Brown | College Administration and Student Support Officer


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 Dolby | External Trainer and Assessor

 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 Dyson | Senior Trainer and Assessor

Brooke began her journey in Early Childhood Education and Care as a trainee in 2008. By 2010, her dedication and passion saw her progress into a Lead Educator role. In 2015, driven by her love for supporting others and a deep enthusiasm for early childhood education, Brooke transitioned from working in-centre to joining the AIECS training team. With a decade of experience as a trainer, Brooke brings valuable insights to every student interaction.

With extensive industry knowledge and hands-on experience, Brooke now plays a key role in helping students forge their own successful careers in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector. Her commitment and leadership have seen her grow into the role of Senior Trainer and Assessor. Brooke is known for her calm, approachable nature and her commitment to making every learner feel supported and capable.

“I enjoy the flexibility of this job and the work-life balance it offers. I love the social side and the hands-on approach we take. Visiting new centres, experiencing different learning environments, and helping students build their confidence and skills is incredibly rewarding.”

Brooke’s personal and professional experiences allow her to effectively guide, support, and inspire her students across every stage of their early childhood education journey.

A proud mum of three, Brooke treasures time with her family and friends. Her weekends often involve outdoor adventures, whether it’s camping, exploring rainforests, or simply setting off on a spontaneous road trip. If Brooke is not with her family, you will find her strengthening her mind, body and soul at the gym.

Kylie Hughes | Trainer and Assessor

Kylie is a passionate and experienced trainer with AIECS, committed to empowering the next generation of early childhood educators. With over 10 years of hands-on experience in training and a deep understanding of the sector, she brings both insight and inspiration to her students. Her approachable style and dedication to quality education make her a trusted mentor for those starting or advancing their careers in early childhood education.

Her passion for child protection is at the heart of her work—she is deeply committed to ensuring every child is safe, respected, and supported, and she strives to instil that same commitment in her students.

Kylie’s journey in the sector began in 1996, when she started as an afternoon relief float while still in school. Her dedication and strong work ethic saw her progress through a range of roles, culminating in her appointment as Assistant Director. In 2015, Kylie transitioned into training and assessing, where she discovered a new passion, supporting others in their professional growth and development.

Beyond her professional life, Kylie values time spent with her family and friends, cherishing the connections that keep her grounded and motivated.

Amanda Ballangarry | Trainer and Assessor

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.

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