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.

CARINA HAURUA Educator & Main Carer of Nursery

I was born and raised in New Zealand, being the middle child of three; I have an older and younger sister. My heritage is mainly from the Cook Islands, however, I also have German…

and English ancestry.
I served in the Royal New Zealand Army Signal Squadron Territorials for three years as a challenge in my life.
Prior to joining the Wee Wonders team I was a full-time respite carer for an elderly woman.
My passion is music and I have been singing professionally in various bands for more than 20 years. I have also been involved in a community school called Sing and Perform for many years, assisting with students.
When the Village People toured Australia in 2007 I had the privilege of supporting them as a back up singer in all of their concerts in New South Wales. I’ve been at Wee Wonders since 2015. I love sharing my love of music with the children and watching them grow as individuals.

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!