Our Educators

Dedicated, passionate and committed to Wee Wonders’ mission of inspiring children to wonder, many of our staff have been here a long time. Some have been involved in the centre for decades. We’ve had families that have been here for 11 years and all their children have had the same main carers looking after them. It’s this consistent quality in our staff that makes Wee Wonders stand out from the crowd.

Wee Wonders always has qualified Educators, many with degrees, working with good ratios to achieve best outcomes.

Wonderful… Educators

SIOBHAN FINEGAN Wee Wonders Director, Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor, Educator, Masters Degree qualified (B.ED M.ED)

I was born in Tipperary, Ireland and immigrated to Australia when I was six. I’m a proud Irish Australian and come from a big family – I’m one of…

five and have 13 nephews and nieces.
Teaching has always been my passion. I completed my Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching and taught here in four schools and in New Guinea and London for 10 years. I returned from London to re-train with my mum and open this centre.
I’ve been running Wee Wonders since 1997. I love this place: all the families, children and staff. I feel very committed to it and I love that everyone involved feels that way, too.
Travelling is my other passion. So far Africa and South East Asia have been the highlights. I love to explore the world and its people.

MARNEY CRANFIELDEducational Leader & Preschool Teacher, Certified Supervisor, Educator, Degree qualified (B.Teaching EC)

I’ve been at Wee Wonders since 2001. I’m an only child and I grew up in Mascot. I have a big extended family that lives in both the Central…

and South Coast. Before starting my job at Wee Wonders I completed my HSC at JJ Cahill Memorial High School. Through my high school years I studied Exploring Early Childhood. I had a lot of hobbies including: dancing, acting, swimming and art — just to name a few. Dancing was my main hobby and I participated in many competitions over a 16 year period. Performing at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympics was the biggest dancing thrill I had. Having thousands of people shouting “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” as I tapped my way down the stairs was amazing!

I’ve wanted to be a childcare worker for as long as I can remember and I’m so happy that I found this warm loving environment. I started at Wee Wonders as a trainee the day I turned 18. I always really look forward to starting with my new group each year, and caring and teaching them for their first years is so rewarding. I’m always sad to see another group of my kids head off to big school… Can’t we just keep them forever?!

I would like to thank Siobhan, Josie (Nan), and Patrick (Pa) for giving me the opportunity and guidance to help me become the childcare worker I am today. Each year here at Wee Wonders I’ve learnt and grown as a person and I believe I have Siobhan to thank as she’s a wonderful role model. I love working here and working with your children and having a family in my workplace, too.

HOLLY WILKESToddlers Teacher, Certified Supervisor, Educator, Degree qualified (B.Teaching EC)

I’m an only child, born in Sydney. Ever since I was in Primary School I always wanted to work with children. I’ve always been a bit of a “big kid”. I have…

completed my Diploma of Community Services (Children’s Services) and started work at Wee Wonders as soon as I finished TAFE (2003).

I enjoy playing Hockey as a sport. I play twice a week and love to be out in the sun when I’m not shopping or driving around in my car…

While working at Wee Wonders I’ve completed a Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood Education by correspondence at the University of New England.

I’ve been at Wee Wonders for two decades and I’m looking forward to many more wonderful years in the Wee Wonders community.

FINN WRIGHTEducator

Hi! My name is Finn Wright better known as ‘Big Finn’. I was born and raised in Australia and I’m the baby of six. I’m also a Wee Wonders graduate: from 2005!

I have one older sister Alexandra and four older brothers. My heritage is Irish. I’m a rugby enthusiast and I’ve played rugby union most of my life. I’m honoured to say I have represented my country, playing for the Australian Schoolboys in 2017.

Throughout my last year of school I dedicated a lot of time towards the social justice activities my school provided. These included donating blood, bowling with the disabled, bingo with the elderly and more. I’ve also enjoyed being a positive role model for the younger members of my community. I enjoy the time I spend educating the kids at Wee Wonders, too!

ALYSSA DELL ’AQUILA Educator

My background is Italian. Mum is from the South and Dad from the North. I was born in Sydney and have a younger sister…

Before I started high school I knew that I’d love a career involving children. I completed year 12 in 2019 and enrolled in TAFE to do a Cert III in Early Childhood Education and Care. When I was offered to do an apprenticeship at Wee Wonders I was thrilled. I knew it was the type of environment I would love to work in. My time here is filled with great care and support from the staff, beautiful children who are wonderful to be around and meeting lovely parents.

In my spare time I enjoy socialising with my friends and family, going out for lunches, cooking and shopping. My hobby (now obsession) is sewing which started when I spontaneously bought a sewing machine after wanting one for so long. I now can’t stop buying fabrics or cheap clothes and sewing them into something different.

TIARNA SIMON Educator

My background is Australian on my mother’s side and Aboriginal on my father’s. I have a little brother and we both enjoy kicking a footy around and playing board games together…

I love learning about my Indigenous culture. I enjoy dot painting and creating stories through my paintings. I love sharing my culture and helping the children explore their own cultures, too.

I’ve been playing netball since I was seven and love playing each Saturday. I also coach kids netball and enjoy teaching those skills. I’m always excited to get to know all the beautiful children here at Wee Wonders and I enjoy meeting their families as well. I’m currently studying my Diploma in Early Childhood.

SAMUELA LEOTTA Educator

My name is Samuela, but everyone calls me Sam. I was born and raised in Italy. I have one big sister and I’m the youngest in my family…

I came to Australia in 2017. I initially came for a one year but found love and married a Chinese Australian!

I’m currently studying my Diploma in Early Childhood Education. In my free time I love to travel, learn new languages and dance. I enjoy spending time outdoors and always like to try new things, especially food and sports.

I’m really loving my time at Wee Wonders and I’m learning a lot from both the children and the other educators.

ELLA LENNON Assistant/Trainee

Hi! I’m Ella. I was born in Sydney and have Irish and New Zealand heritage. I come from a family of six and have three siblings, all sisters. I was a graduate of Wee Wonders in 2007, along with my sisters and cousins…

I have a strong relationship with all my sisters, especially my youngest sister. I’m passionate about netball. I started playing when I was 7 years old and still do today.

I completed my HSC in 2020. Through my last years of school I volunteered as a helper in the IEF (Inclusive Education Faculty) which made me realise how much I love spending time with kids and that inspired me to become an Early Childhood Educator. I enrolled in my Certificate III in Early Childhood and my future goal is to achieve my Diploma.

I love working at Wee Wonders and watching the kids grow up in front of my eyes. I think it’s amazing! And I can’t wait for many more years to come.

MARLYN RAM Assistant/Trainee

Hi I’m Marlyn. I have a Fijian and Indian background and was born and raised in the beautiful Fiji Islands. I moved to Australia in 2014. I’m the oldest of three siblings…

Growing up I had a big family around me and had a passion for nurturing and taking care of my younger siblings and cousins.

I’m also very sporty. I enjoy playing touch footy and beach Volleyball. I’m very proud and happy to be continuing my studies with Wee Wonders.