Who's Who?!
Rowan Friend - Director
Originally from the UK, Rowan has been at Arabanoo since July 2013 and has over 20 years experience in sports coaching and over 13 years in childcare management. He has a degree in Leisure Management and Diploma in Playwork. His main responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of running the centre, recruitment, policies and procedures and finance.
Jennifer Giddins - Director - Education & People
Also from the UK, Jen joined Arabanoo in February 2017 after a career change from Primary School Teaching. She has a degree in Primary Education and English Literature with a Teaching Certificate.
Jen specialises in Early Years working closely with Kindergarten and Year one children. Her main responsibilities include staffing, programming and the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).
Jen heads up a team along with Marco andMica which supports all children and staff to ensure our practising are constantly being refined therefore offering the best care for your child.
Marije Veerbeek - Assistant Director - Operations & Service Management
Marije is from the Netherlands and has an advanced diploma in Business Secretary & Office Management and has completed a Cert IV in Children’s Services.
Her main responsibilities include enrolments, bookings, planning our vacation care program, managing extra-curricular activities.
Marije isn't just stuck in the office and loves being on the floor with the children. She can be found on either campus or down at the front gate welcoming or saying goodbye to you and your child.
Micalea delBarro - Team Leader - Medical
Mica has been with us since 2019, originally from Argentina she has been in Australia since ....
She has a background in teaching, speaks 4 languages and has a passion for music and continually learning.
You'll come into contact with Mica if she's chasing you up for medication details, or down at the front gate welcoming or saying goodbye to you and your child.
Mica generally works on the Junior campus.
Along with Jen and Marco, Mica is responsible for ensuring our practising are constantly being refined therefore offering the best care for your child.
Emily Pickering - Additional Needs Co-ordinator
Emily joined Arabanoo in 2021 and is originally from the US. She works closing with children who are need of some extra support.
Along with our team, Emily provides support for children and parents via one on one care when needed, progression plans, ongoing training for staff and tailored support for your child.