Meet The Team
Anna Learmonth
“My vision is for Only About Children to continue delivering consistently high-quality early learning and care in all the communities we are in. Having entrusted OAC with the care of my own two growing children during their early years, I know the significant benefits of a strong early education foundation, and the positive impacts this can have for both children and their families.”
Anna led Only About Children in her position as CEO from 2017 to 2020 before recommencing as CEO with our organisation in late 2022. Anna brings over 30 years’ experience in CEO and Senior Executive roles within organisations in early learning, retirement living and other sectors.
Melanie Leijer
“As a firm believer in the importance of education, I was attracted to Only About Children’s commitment to provide high quality education for young children. The Only About Children team are truly inspiring in their passion to deliver a positive early learning experience to support families give their children the best start in life.”
Melanie joined Only about Children as Chief Operating Officer in 2021 and brings over 20 years’ executive experience in Operational, Strategic and Financial roles. She started her career at Ernst & Young and has worked in financial and operational roles for large organisations including Lendlease and VetPartners.
Angela Ngavaine
“I believe that every child has the right to thrive in a safe, nurturing, inclusive environment where their rights are championed. I feel strongly that every child has a voice and that voice should be heard and respected.”
Angela joined Only About Children in 2015. In her role as Education Manager, Angela is responsible for leading and guiding the pedagogy and practice of our curriculum and philosophy ensuring best practice within the sector and alignment with the Early Years Learning Frameworks for Australia.
David Mahony
“I joined Only About Children as I saw an opportunity to step into a leadership role and support the team in delivering long-term value to the business. As a father of two, I understand the importance of education, particularly from an early age, so the opportunity to bring my expertise to Only About Children was one that I couldn’t pass up.”
David joined Only About Children in 2019 with vast experience in finance roles within a range of industries. David started his career with a decade at KPMG, since then he has worked in senior finance roles across several large companies including Qantas and Stockland.
Kathryn Hutchins
“Only About Children has a desire to deliver a truly unique, leading early learning experience. I am passionate about the sector and our ability to have a positive impact on the lives of children and their families each and every day – it’s a deeply rewarding.”
Kathryn has a career spanning senior executive roles in Human Resources, Organisational Development, Strategy and Operations, within Financial Services and IT. Having two children, who both benefited from quality early learning, Kathryn was drawn to the sector understanding the significant positive outcomes it can have on a child’s development.
Anna McCauley
“I love working at Only About Children and supporting families and educators with how children are progressing with their movement skills, independence and learning how to play with other children. I enjoy providing information to families on topics of interest related to development like preparing for school, managing big emotions, steps to toileting independence.”
Anna has worked as an Occupational Therapist for nearly 30 years supporting children who have difficulty with learning and development and working closely with both educators and families. Anna has experience working in large medical and therapy teams in Australia, Canada and UK.
Nik Scotcher
“The passion of our people is the biggest strength for Only About Children. I’ve not come across a group of people who care so much about the positive outcomes we can achieve if we do our jobs well. Our ability to focus this passion on the right things will unlock untold potential.”
Nik is a senior executive leader with over 20 years’ experience in marketing, sales and strategy roles with blue chip consumer goods organisations. Nik joined Only About Children to take on the role of General Manager of Sales & Marketing in 2020.
Sam Winter
“I was attracted to Only About Children by its strong reputation for delivering high quality education and care in fantastic campuses. I’m passionate about leading the expansion of the group in a measured way, with a continued focus on maintaining the high quality standards that we are known for in the sector.”
Sam joined Only About Children in January 2018 with over 20 years experience working in private equity and corporate advisory, including in the early education sector. In addition to managing his own corporate advisory and investment practice, Sam previously worked at Propel Investments, Colonial First State Private Equity and PwC.
