Michelle Summers, an Educational Leader at St Nicholas Early Education Lochinvar, was recently nominated at the HESTA Early Childhood Education and Care Awards.

We at St Nicholas were so touched by the words of the parent who nominated her that we’d like to share some of those words with you now, with the parent’s permission.

Michelle never gave up on our son. He faced significant challenges in self-regulation and engaging in everyday social and emotional activities at preschool. Michelle and her team played a pivotal role in supporting our family during this difficult time.

When our son joined michelle’s class, it was evident that she and her team were dedicated to helping him and our family. Michelle provided valuable information and support, guiding us through this unfamiliar territory. In the classroom, she created a safe space for our son to express his frustrations while managing a class of 19 other children along with her team.

Michelle informed us about potential ndis funding for early intervention, guiding us through the process despite our initial lack of knowledge.

Thanks to michelle’s unwavering dedication and regular check-ins, we now have a clearer, more empowered path forward. We secured ndis funding, enabling our son to receive therapy from various specialists, including ot and speech therapists visiting his class on alternate weeks for one-on-one sessions. Our son has made remarkable progress. The centre also explored inclusion support, expanding their knowledge to better support children like ours.

Michelle’s dedication to our son and other families in our community deserves recognition. She stands as a beacon of support, advocating not just for the child but also for the entire family. Her impact on our lives and the lives of many others cannot be overstated.

Congratulations, Michelle. You are a shining example of why we as early childhood educators do what we do – to make a difference in the lives of children and families.

We are so proud of you!