![QAKirsty_387663_01.jpg](https://berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au/files/2024/02/QAKirsty_387663_01.jpg)
Tell us about yourself and your job!
I am married with a loving husband for 12 years and we have two beautiful children, I have worked in the childcare industry for almost 30 years. I am the children services coordinator at Merinda Park Learning and Community centre, where we run before and after school care, three- and four-year-old kindergarten program as well as a day care service for children 0-5 years old.
What do you love the most about your job?
I love my chosen job as I have now found a wonderful work life balance where I am able to work with lots of families to support their children with their growth and development, as well as spending extra time with my own family.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
I would love to be a meerkat, where you could sit at the top of the hill and take everything around you in.
What was your most memorable moment during your current job?
My most memorable moment so far is being approved to run a sessional three- and four-year-old kindergarten program.
I have seen so many children missing out on valuable learning as the current free programs are full and the childcare system is too expensive for so many families, so being able to offer a free kindergarten program to help children get ready for the school system is the highlight of my current role, this is closely followed by winning the Health Promotion Award for changing the way the before and after care children participate in cooking and eating and cleaning up, and their new healthy menu.
What were you like as a kid?
I was very shy and quiet, but loved participating in sporting events.
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
I would love to be able to attend either the Olympics or Commonwealth Games in Australia.
Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
Would have to choose both my Dad and mother in law who have passed away to have dinner with my family so they could have a chance to meet their grandchildren.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Caring, friendly and helpful.
What would you do on your perfect ‘day off’?
Relax with my family at a hot rod show.
Where is your happy place?
My happy place is anywhere being on holidays with my family.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
A large lasagna with a side salad.
Where is your dream holiday destination?
To travel the whole of Australia in a caravan with my family, there is way too many beautiful destinations in our own backyard that need discovering before heading overseas.