northern beaches childcare centre melissa

Melissa Cooper

OWNER / DIRECTOR / CO-EDUCATIONAL LEADER (ECT)

Melissa Cooper is the co-owner, Director and Educational Leader at Mi Kids, bringing warmth, vision and strong educational leadership to the centre.

Originally trained as an engineer, Melissa discovered her passion for teaching while volunteering in Costa Rica. She went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Education and worked across state and private schools before transitioning into early childhood education.

As a mother of three boys, Melissa developed a deep appreciation for inclusive, child-centred learning that honours each child’s individuality. This personal and professional insight led her to create Mi Kids, a centre built on strong relationships, equity and respect for every child’s learning journey.

Melissa is most fulfilled working alongside children and educators, guiding practice through connection, collaboration and reflective leadership.

Paula

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/ CO- EDUCATIONAL LEADER  (ECT)

We are proud to formally recognise Paula Nonsoque as part of the Mi Kids Management Team from 2026. 

Paula has been an integral part of the Mi Kids community for over 4.5 years, during which time she has led both Preschool Rooms and successfully carried out the role of Educational Leader. She is a highly valued and respected educator whose leadership, professionalism, and deep understanding of children, families, and curriculum have strongly shaped our learning environments.

In 2026, Paula will step into a broader management role as Assistant Director and Co-Educational Leader, working closely alongside Melissa Cooper to support daily operations, compliance, and administrative functions. This role reflects Paula’s strong leadership capability and our commitment to growing from within.

Paula is particularly excited to continue developing new skills in this role and to support children, families, and educators through a whole-centre approach. Her work will focus on strengthening relationships, mentoring educators, and ensuring continuity of quality practice across all rooms.

This position is an integral part of living our Mi Kids philosophy —
“It takes a village to raise a child.”
Through this lens, Paula will continue to support not only what happens within our walls, but also the broader wellbeing and success of our children and families beyond the centre.

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Steph

SENIOR PRESCHOOL LEAD EDUCATOR (ECT)

Steph is an Early Childhood Teacher who completed her teaching degree in Germany, specialising in learning disabilities, behavioural support and speech delay. She has several years’ experience working with children with additional learning needs and joined the Mi Kids team in 2022 after moving to Australia.

Steph enjoys creating warm, inclusive learning environments where children feel safe to explore and grow. She also enjoys sharing aspects of her German culture through songs, language and traditions. As both an educator and a parent, she values building strong, trusting relationships with families and being part of the supportive Mi Kids community.

Celeste

JUNIOR PRESCHOOL LEAD EDUCATOR (DIPLOMA)

Celeste holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and has experience working with children in Australia. She enjoys creating safe, engaging environments where children feel supported to learn and grow.

Celeste values learning about each child’s background and creating opportunities for children to express who they are. She enjoys being part of the supportive Mi Kids team and contributing to a warm, inclusive community.

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Sayuri

TODDLER LEAD EDUCATOR (DIPLOMA)

I share my Brazilian and Japanese heritage through music, language and food, using bilingual songs and simple cultural cooking experiences to help children connect with different cultures. I am passionate about early childhood education and love supporting children as they build confidence, independence and a sense of belonging.

At Mi Kids, cultural diversity is genuinely celebrated through shared traditions and hands-on experiences such as gardening, animals, and natural and recycled materials. The supportive team and shared values of respect, positive language and sustainability align closely with my own, and I am proud to be part of this community.

Rachana

NURSERY ROOM EDUCTOR  (ECT)

Rachana enjoys sharing her cultural background at Mi Kids, including festivals such as Teej, Holi and Dashain, and values that promote caring for others and respect for elders.

She is passionate about early childhood education because the early years play a vital role in children’s development. Rachana values Mi Kids’ inclusive, welcoming environment and appreciates that educators are supported as individuals with unique strengths.

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Charmaine

WELLBEING SUPPORT (CERT 3)

We are delighted to welcome Charmaine to the Mi Kids community as our Wellbeing Support for children, families and educators.

A long-time Northern Beaches local, Charmaine brings over 15 years’ experience in early childhood education, including running her own Family Day Care service.

Passionate about supporting young children and building nurturing relationships with families, Charmaine recently completed a Diploma of Counselling and is eager to support the wellbeing of our Mi Kids community.

Charmaine will be available primarily on Tuesdays and Thursdays, offering guidance connection with additional support or services.

Isara Crea

COOK AND SUPPORT EDUCATOR

Isara is a co-owner of Mi Kids and plays a valued dual role as both Cook and Support Educator.

Originally from Thailand, Isara brings a rich cultural perspective to the centre. After moving to Australia seven years ago and starting a family, she followed her passion for working with children and completed her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Isara has a strong love for the early years and enjoys supporting children’s learning, wellbeing and sense of belonging. As a passionate cook, she creates nutritious, inclusive meals and enjoys involving children in the cooking program, helping build confidence and positive relationships with food.

Through her nurturing approach and commitment to community, Isara is a valued member of the Mi Kids team and helps create the warm, connected environment families experience every day.

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Ben Cooper

OWNER / ADMINISTRATION MANAGER

Ben Cooper is a co-owner of Mi Kids and works closely with his wife, Melissa, supporting the smooth day-to-day operation of the service behind the scenes.

Ben manages the waitlist, systems, accounts and maintenance, ensuring everything runs efficiently so educators can focus on children and families. As the father of three teenage boys, he brings a valuable parenting perspective and enjoys being part of the early years journey at Mi Kids.

Known for his friendly nature and classic dad jokes, Ben helps create the warm, family-run environment that defines the Mi Kids community.