Staff Q&A
MATT HARRIS – EDUCATOR (UNIVERSITY NORTH)
What is your role at LGT?
I am an educator working at Uni North in the Woodland Room with 3-5 year old children.
What do you love most about your job?
Making the children laugh.
What is something surprising that not many people know about you?
When I was 18, I had my first lead role in a musical. I also write music and have designed soundscapes for an award-nominated children’s theatre company. Music and theatre is my passion outside work.
What is the best thing that has happened to you this year?
Being nominated for three Tasmanian Theatre Awards after already winning one two years ago.
If you could pick any superpower, what would it be and why?
I would pick shape shifting so I could become anything with any power!
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Being silly! I would be so bored if everything I said was 100% serious all the time.
What song would you choose to turn up the volume and sing out loud to?
Not Afraid by Eminem.
What is your favourite memory of your time at LGT?
The first time a baby stopped crying in my arms.
VANESSA LILLY – INCLUSION SUPPORT PROGRAM (NORTH)
What is your role at LGT?
Lady Gowrie Tasmania’s Inclusion Support Program aims to enhance inclusive practices in early childhood education and care services across Tasmania. As part of this program, my role involves:
- Supporting educators to reflect on their understanding of inclusion and providing practical support to overcome specific inclusion barriers.
- Assisting services in building their capacity and capability to deliver high-quality inclusive practices.
- Working with services to develop and implement Strategic Inclusion Plans that outline both short and long-term strategies for improving inclusive practices.
If you could pick any superpower, what would it be and why?
I think I’d have to choose the ability to instantly learn and understand anything – being able to master any skill, language, or subject in the blink of an eye!
What is one thing you can’t live without and why?
This is easy! My morning coffee! There’s something special about my first cup of coffee to kickstart the day. It sets me up ready to start the day ahead, with maybe a few more along the way!
What is your favourite memory during your time at LGT?
Over my 20+ years working for Lady Gowrie, I have shared many memorable experiences. One that stands out recently involves supporting a dedicated team of educators working alongside a child who had significant difficulties with speech and communication. This child often experienced anger and frustration due to their inability to express themselves like their peers. However, with the ongoing support of the educators, who implemented various inclusive strategies and tools, the child gradually began to recognize visual cues and use sign language in everyday programs as well as with their peers. This experience was a powerful reminder for me of the profound impact that patience, understanding, and inclusive practices can have within education and care settings.
CASSIE KIDD – OSHC MANAGER (NORTH)
What is your role at LGT?
I am one of two Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Managers based in Launceston.
What do you love most about your job?
I love spending time in my services and building relationships with the children and their families. The children amaze me every day, with their sense of imagination and the amazing things their little brains come up with.
What would your perfect weekend look like?
Camping on the beach with good friends and my dogs.
What is the best trip you’ve ever been on and why?
Last year I went to Phuket and it was my first real trip out of Australia. It was an amazing experience to travel to another country.
What is your favourite memory during your time at LGT?
I have had so many good memories over my 10 years working for Gowrie. As my passion lies in OSHC, I do love a good excursion. Most recently we took all the northern vacation care services to Camp Banksia for a joint excursion. This was a fantastic experience that I would love to do again.
Do you have any pets? What are their names?
Yes, I have 2 black Labradors, and their names are Trouble and Uno.