Meet Our Staff
JAMIE O’CALLAGHAN – PEOPLE & CULTURE PARTNER
Growing up as a gymnast, I thought I’d either be a coach or a physiotherapist. I’ve always loved helping others, but science wasn’t my jam in high school, so the physio dream quietly faded – probably for the best!
After finishing gymnastics in my late teens, I coached young children and worked as a nanny for a wonderful family for years. I absolutely loved it but not seeing it as a long-term career back then, I pivoted completely into business – not really knowing where I was going but that was part of the fun!
I spent several years working in Recruitment and HR across global commercial, government, and not-for-profit sectors, and eventually found myself wondering, what’s next? That question led me to move from sunny Brisbane down to Tasmania, where I eventually found a role as People and Culture Partner with Lady Gowrie Tasmania.
None of us really know where we’ll be in five, ten or fifteen years, but I do know that a career focused on creating a better place for children sounds pretty fulfilling. I’ve started (slowly!) my master’s degree in teaching and may one day become a special needs teacher. For now, I feel lucky to work in an awesome team alongside passionate educators who genuinely care about making a difference in children’s lives.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find me cooking, reading a book, or patting every dog I walk past. Family is the most important thing to me, and I’m grateful to be in a role and with an organisation that align with those values.
DEEPIKA WADEHRA – EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER
I have a Master of Education, Bachelor of Education and Post Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I have worked in ECEC for over three years and I am currently working as an Early Childhood Teacher at Lady Gowrie Tasmania Bowen Road.
I have my husband and two daughters who are the magical beings and without seeing them, I can’t start my day because I love them and blossom to see them happy and smiling. I love to meditate and journaling my week – how it went, the parts I loved and the areas I have to improve on. I also love cooking.
It’s been nearly two months that I have been working with LGT. I’m so amazed and happy to witness how respectful all the staff treats each other. I have never felt a stranger here and was welcomed wholeheartedly. My favourite moment was to meet Sabrina, my Manager, the first time during my interview. I loved her positive and high energy, even before recruiting me.
KATE VISSER – RTO TRAINER AND ASSESSOR
I was recently told I could talk until the cows come home — and then keep going once they’re fed and asleep – which is probably why training and assessing is a perfect fit for me! I love a chat.
I came into Early Childhood Education and Care almost by accident. While teaching infant swimming, I discovered a passion for working with children and watching their development. That led me to study my Certificate III, which quickly became a Diploma. I’ve since worked in family day care coordination, centre management, and now, in training and assessing.
It feels like a full-circle moment to be back at Lady Gowrie Tasmania. Lady Gowrie Tasmania in Kingston was my first (and only) placement – I fell in love with the staff & culture there. I still remember ‘baby educator Kate’ so nervous about being there and now I’m training people! I love the lightbulb moments, deep conversations, and seeing learners grow and share ideas. It’s an honour to be a part of their ECEC journey – it’s exciting to see where they will end up!
Outside of work, I’m a marriage celebrant, so you’ll find me catching up with clients, writing ceremonies and travelling the state. I also write for my blog, run (sometimes), and juggle life with my two beautiful children, Alexis and Solomon. We have two rescue cats, who, along with my houseplants, are slowly destroying my soul.
I’m a lover of true crime podcasts, thriller novels, and crocheting. I’m forever starting hobbies and this year I’m trying to finish what I start – so far, so good! We live in the beautiful Huon Valley but are happiest by the beach in summer.