The lovely Michelle Ross is one part of the dynamic duo that will be running our upcoming Austral service (Michelle Ross & Sara Saliba). However, don’t assume that this makes her half a Centre Manager – not by a long stretch! Michelle comes to us with extensive experience as a Centre Manager. Her gentle and sunny demeanour belies a firm and fair management style.
Read on to learn more about Michelle!
Always drawn to working with children and families
Michelle grew up on a farm in Mt Vernon with a sister and two brothers. As the eldest, she spent most of her time looking after her younger siblings. This, plus an Educator role model in the form of her mother, resulted in the decision to work with children and families after finishing school.
Passionate about committing her time to achieving positive outcomes for vulnerable children, Michelle completed a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. Luckily for us all, she found her way back to early childhood education, and completing a qualification and ultimately becoming a Centre Manager.
Firm, but fair (with a smile)
We've had the benefit of working with Michelle for a few months now in preparation for opening our Austral service. When you first meet Michelle your first impression is that she's absolutely lovely. Now - don't get us wrong - she is! However, she's also firm where she needs to be and there are important standards she's not prepared to compromise on. From our perspective, this is absolutely something you want in a critical leadership role like this one. Michelle's leadership style is firm, but fair (with a smile!).
The impact of motherhood
A devoted mother of two, Michelle understands the symbiotic relationship between what happens in the centre and what happens at home. A request for specific sleep and feeding times is not only a request, but something that can have a significant direct impact on the entire family at home. This makes it particularly important that there is excellent communication between the centre and families. Communication is essential for each child and their family to be known and understood by the team at the centre.
Animated about Austral
Michelle’s face lights up when we talk about opening Austral, describing it as ‘her baby’. She cannot wait to provide the best possible care for children and families at Austral. What’s the best way to do that? “Happy Educators make happy children, happy children make happy families – it doesn’t have to more complicated than that!” We couldn’t agree more!
Michelle’s thoughts on Sara
Michelle and Sara are a job-sharing match made in heaven. A friendship that started in primary school became a successful professional partnership, built on communication, understanding and trust. It can be tricky to make job share arrangements work, but not this one – and it certainly helps to have 24 years of practice!
Keen to know more?
Reach out! You can get us at enquiries@futuro.nsw.edu.au or if you're interested in joining the waitlist, you can do so on our website at Enquire | Futuro
*Image credit: Photo by Michael Fenton on Unsplash