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.

Fiona brings experience spanning 30 years in Corporate Management highlighted by her tenure as the co-owner of a Childcare Centre. With qualifications in both the Early Years and Disability Sectors, Fiona’s extensive background has supported consultancy roles in Early Childhood Education and Care settings, and subsequent management positions of Disability Employment Agencies.

During a 5-year residence in Phuket, Fiona delivered private English tuition to Thai-speaking children and adults. This led to a consultancy role for a training organisation, the highlight being facilitating Teaching English as a Second Language to training teachers in primary schools in Thailand. Fiona’s focus remains steadfast on the enduring success and sustainability of educational professionals, with emphasis on creating Early Learning environments that are not only sought–after workplaces, but also nurturing spaces for the holistic advancement of educators.

For the past decade, Kirsty has served as a Senior Assessment Officer at the Education and Care Regulatory Unit (ECRU), where she has developed a deep understanding of legislative and compliance requirements, as well as quality service delivery standards outlined in the Assessment and Rating process. 

With over 20 years of experience and having worked in various roles within the sector, Kirsty is eager to share her expertise and passion for working with children to support and shape their futures in positive ways. She is committed to connecting with others in the sector to collaborate and enhance the quality of care and education provided to children. 

Nic Russell is an experienced educator, facilitator, and researcher with over 30 years in the early childhood, VET, and wellbeing sectors. A certified Wayapa Wuurrk® practitioner and yoga and meditation teacher, she focuses on embodied practice, emotional regulation, and nature connection. Grounded in a social constructivist view, Nic supports educators to reconnect with their own wellbeing while creating environments that foster resilience, belonging, and a deeper appreciation of the world around them. As a Wayapa facilitator on the Victorian SRF menu, she works with early years services to embed sustainable wellbeing practices and strengthen connections between educators, children, and their environments. Nic has presented nationally on educator wellbeing, mindfulness, and yoga-informed pedagogy. She recently completed her Master of Education with a research thesis exploring participatory approaches to workplace wellbeing in early childhood settings.