Reflections Room

Belle Spillman is a passionate advocate in the Early Years Sector, with over 21 years of experience and a deep commitment to high-quality, inclusive early childhood education. For the past eight years, she has mentored educators and guided professional practice across diverse settings. Belle was inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society in 2013 and named VIC/TAS Early Childhood Director of the Year in 2015. In 2024, she became an Approved Provider, further advancing her leadership in the sector. Belle is a respected contributor to professional networks and industry panels, known for her practical insights, collaborative approach, and dedication to fostering positive workplace cultures. Her work is grounded in evidence-based practice and driven by a strong belief in empowering educators and improving outcomes for children and families.

Jess Foster is the Owner and Operations Leader at Forever Learning Kindergarten and Childcare, with over 17 years of experience in the early childhood education sector. Her career spans diverse roles, including Educator, Centre Director, and Operations Manager, each shaped by a deep commitment to nurturing high-quality, inspiring, and inclusive learning environments.

Jess leads with heart and hands, combining strategic oversight with a genuine, collaborative approach. Her leadership is grounded in connection, ensuring every child feels safe, supported, and valued, and that educators feel empowered and equipped to deliver their best.

With a Diploma of Children’s Services, Jess brings a strong foundation in service leadership, curriculum design, health and safety, and centre development. She believes early childhood education is not just about school readiness, but about building meaningful relationships, sparking lifelong curiosity, and laying the foundations for confident, capable learners.

Jess is deeply passionate about advocating for child-centred practices, respectful family partnerships, and environments that elevate both wellbeing and learning. Warm, approachable, and values-driven, she is always open to conversation and committed to driving positive change in early education.

Nicole Brown is a proud Larrakia woman, dynamic leader, and award-winning advocate for Australia’s First Nations peoples. With over a decade of experience across Indigenous affairs, regional economic development, corporate strategy, and stakeholder engagement, Nicole brings deep cultural insight and strategic expertise to every space she enters.

As the Founder and Director of Following In Their Footsteps, Nicole leads a values-driven consultancy dedicated to Indigenous engagement, cultural advisory, and policy influence. Her work bridges business, government, and community, helping organisations walk respectfully with First Nations people through initiatives that centre cultural safety, inclusion, and long-term impact.

Vanessa Burton – NDIS Early Childhood Practitioner/ Occupational Therapist
Vanessa Burton was born and raised in France, but after meeting her husband in Europe, she made the life-changing decision to move to Australia. Initially planning to stay in Darwin for just two years, she’s now proudly called the Northern Territory home for over 13 years. With more than 20 years of experience in customer service, Vanessa has held roles in local government, particularly within Housing and Major Projects at Infrastructure NT.
Vanessa has a Diploma of Counselling, Bachelor of Health Science, Master of Occupational Therapy from Charles Darwin University. Vanessa has always been passionate about working with children. She has a special interest in neuro affirming practice using a strength base model and sensory processing to support neurodiverse children and their families. Vanessa currently works at Early Childhood Australia as NDIS Early Childhood Practitioner, and she is also a registered Occupational Therapist

Jarrah Aleman-Abellana moved from Meanjin (Brisbane) to West Arnhem Land to pursue a long-held professional goal of working in a remote Aboriginal community. From 2021 to 2023, they had the great privilege of working, learning, and playing in various communities across West Arnhem Land.