Our team of dedicated Educators are training, or trained and qualified in Early Childhood Education. They aim to provide the very best care and preparation for your child’s educational future.
Nikki Payne is the Director of the centre and has been with Stepping Stones since it opened in 2010. Her background in teaching is an invaluable resource in the overall planning and day-to-day running of the centre. She enjoys welcoming new people and building good partnerships with families. Nikki makes every effort to make sure each child and their family has the best experience possible while being a part of the Stepping Stones community.
Classroom Staff
Educator – Kiarah Vincent
After working with Stepping Stones last year on a casual basis, Kiarah has become a regular this year and also balances her work with studying the certificate III in early childhood and education. Kiarah also volunteers her time to assist at the East Freo Church playgroup.
Educator – Anu Daniels
Anu has trained with a certificate III in Early Childhood from New Zealand. Anu started working casually at Stepping Stones four years ago, and last year she joined the team on a regular basis. Anu enjoys cooking and baking, and is also involved with the kids ministry at the East Freo Church.
Educator – Bella Yang
Bella has a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood and joined the stepping stones team in 2019. She has various teaching experience, particularly in Early Childhood. Bella enjoys cooking, baking, exercising and learning new skills
Stepping Stones Board Members
Harold Preston
The Chairman of the Stepping Stones Board since Oct 2016 and member since March 2016, Harold is currently involved in the Aged & Community Care industry and is a CPA with 40 years finance and management experience. His vision for Stepping Stones is to provide a great care and educational environment for young families.
Brian McDonald
Brian is Chairperson of the East Freo Church Council. He is an experienced Senior Business Leader, having worked in large-scale corporate settings with several global companies. His qualifications include being a Graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), an Executive MBA (AGSM), a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment (SIA) and Bachelor of Metallurgical Engineering (UNSW).
Dale Du Pont Milliken
Dale is a qualified early years teacher with over 35 years of experience working with children in Africa, the United Kingdom and Australia. Dale completed a Master of Education (Leadership and Management) 5 years ago.
Darren Smith
The Secretary since July 2021 and a board member since September 2019. Darren is a proud parent of both a current and former Stepping Stones student. He is passionate about supporting WA families and his local community. His vision is that all Stepping Stones students are equipped as confident and keen learners.
Trevor Darch
Trevor is an experienced secondary educational leader having taught in both private and government schools for over 25 years. Trevor has served in a variety of positions including Assistant Principal for both Curriculum and Pastoral Care during this time. Trevor completed his MBA in 2017 and was the Business Operations Manager at an Independent College for a number of years. He is looking forward to serving the community and providing a quality educational experience.
Pastor Ray Forlin
Ray is the current Senior Pastor of East Fremantle Baptist Church and sits on the Board of Stepping Stones as an Ex-Officio member.