_800x138a.jpg){kind=logo}
MHumServ, BEd (EC In-Service), BEd, BTeach, TAE40110
Marice is the College Manager 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.
Stella brings over four years of experience from the real estate industry and has decided she's ready for a new direction after
recently relocating from Glen Innes, a small rural town in New South Wales. Starting for the first time in November 2025, this new chapter
represents a refreshing change in her life and she's embracing it with enthusiasm and an open mind.
She's excited to begin her journey as an Administrator and Student Support Officer within AIECS and showcases strong customer
service skills and a genuine passion for supporting others. Although new to the sector, she is committed to learning everything she
can to make a positive impact on the lives of those around her.
In her personal time, she enjoys exploring creative projects and finding small hobbies that add joy to her week, she's even recently learnt
how to bake sourdough bread from scratch. She also enjoys travelling back to her hometown to catch up with family and friends, staying
connected to the community that shaped her.
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.
With over 20 years of experience in the early childhood education and care sector, Shay is passionate about supporting and inspiring the next generation of educators. Drawing on extensive hands-on industry experience, she is excited to share her knowledge, practical skills, and passion with students as they prepare for rewarding careers in the sector.
Shay is a strong advocate for inclusion and creating supportive learning environments that bridge the gap between theory and real-world practice. She believes that providing students with practical, workplace-focused learning experiences helps build confidence, understanding and the skills needed to succeed in the profession.
Her goal is to encourage future educators to approach every learning opportunity with an open mind, continually build their knowledge, and develop into capable, confident professionals who make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.
Outside of work, Shay enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their three children. Whether it's by the water or gathered around a campfire, she loves making lasting memories with her family.
Letitia, affectionately known as Tish, is an ECT Mentor with the Australian Institute of Early Childhood Studies (AIECS). Holding a
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Tish brings firsthand experience as an Early Childhood Teacher and a genuine passion for
supporting, mentoring and inspiring future educators.
Tish believes that meaningful learning happens through connection, collaboration and hands-on experiences. Her approach is warm,
encouraging and grounded in reflective practice, empowering educators to build confidence, embrace their strengths and develop a lifelong
love of learning.
With a deep connection to her New Zealand roots and culture, Tish values diversity, inclusion and the importance of creating environments
where every child feels a sense of belonging. She is particularly passionate about supporting children with diverse abilities, additional
needs and experiences of trauma, recognising the importance of nurturing relationships and individualised approaches to learning.
Outside of her professional life, Tish is a proud mum of four in a blended family. Her personal journey, including raising a son with
bilateral talipes and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), has deepened her understanding of inclusion, resilience and the importance of
advocating for every child's unique needs and strengths.
At the heart of Tish's work is a simple belief: when educators feel supported, valued and inspired, wonderful things happen for children.
Alicia brings extensive experience in early childhood education, leadership and professional learning to her role as Professional Learning Consultant and ECT Mentor at the Australian Institute of Early Childhood Studies (AIECS).
Having worked with early childhood services across Australia, Alicia has supported educators and leaders to strengthen pedagogical practice, reflective approaches and continuous quality improvement. Her experience includes working alongside services as they progress from Working Towards the National Quality Standard to Exceeding, with a continued focus on excellence.
Alicia is passionate about helping educators grow in confidence, deepen professional knowledge and create meaningful learning experiences for children. She values strong relationships, collaboration and practical mentoring that recognises the strengths and capabilities each educator brings.
With a background in early childhood education, positive psychology and professional coaching, Alicia takes a strengths-based approach to educator wellbeing, resilience and professional growth. She believes that when educators feel valued and supported, they are better placed to make a positive difference for children and families.
Outside of work, Alicia enjoys spending time with her family, coastal walking, hiking and connecting with her community. Her guiding belief is simple: to make a difference in a child’s life.
Ingrid brings a lifetime of care, curiosity, and hands-on experience to every session she leads. Her journey began with years of exploring
anatomy and physiology, raising two daughters, and caring for elderly parents and extended family members. This deep-rooted understanding
of the human body and its needs naturally led her into the disability sector, where she spent six years supporting children before
expanding her work to include adults.
With over 17 years of real-world first aid experience across diverse care settings, Ingrid knows that first aid isn’t just a skill, it’s a daily necessity. Her transition into teaching began with children, and in 2021, she formalised her teaching, after earning her Certificate IV in Training & Assessment and Advanced First Aid, to begin training adults as well.
“With a focus on education, inclusivity, and creativity, I aim to deliver engaging, practical, and accessible training. I’m not an expert in everything, but I do know how to make first aid feel doable, useful, and a little less scary. That’s what I try to bring to every session”.
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.