Bernadette Giambazi
Founder of the Schools of Early Learning
SOEL was established in 1974 by Bernadette Giambazi who received an AM in 2000 for her services to the Australian Early Childhood sector.
SOEL’s leadership team brings together a wealth of knowledge from various sectors to support our centres in providing exceptional early childhood education and care. Our team is committed to upholding the rights and integrity of children, ensuring that their learning is respected and valued through meaningful experiences.
Our Board of Directors
Brett Thomson
Chairperson
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Brett Thomson completed a PhD in Agricultural Science from the University of Western Australia in 1987 and worked for many years as a Research Scientist and business manager in Australia and overseas.
Brett’s corporate business experience contributes clarity and structure to the Schools of Early Learning in his role as Commercial Director, a position he has held since 2010.
In the media
Genevieve Giambazi
Director
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Genevieve Giambazi completed a degree in Visual Arts (Curtin University) in 1999, a degree in Graphic Design (Sydney Graphics College) in 2002 and a Certificate III in Children’s Services in 2014.
As Creative Director, Gen supports educators to create environments that inspire wonder and awe. Gen oversees the Studio programme, opening pathways for children’s investigations, mindsets for respecting children’s voices and attitudes that allow the children to be who they are, to imagine and to have fun.
Louise Thomson
Director
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Louise Thomson completed a Diploma of Childcare in 1985 and has worked as a Team Leader and Centre Director both in Australia and overseas. Louise was involved in the accreditation process as one of the original validators from the National Accreditation Council.
Louise has been a Director of the Schools of Early Learning since 1989. Balancing considerations of the bigger picture with the individual needs of families and staff, Louise brings her knowledge, experience and attention to detail to the daily operations of Schools of Early Learning.
Sarah Giambazi
Director
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Sarah Giambazi completed a Diploma of Childcare in 1990 and has worked in centres both overseas and in Australia. In 2000 she became a validator for the National Accreditation Council and accredited services all around Australia.
Sarah has been a Director at the Schools of Early Learning since 1997. Sarah’s passion and energy bring innovation and flexibility to team meetings, inspiring the educational programmes that support the children’s being, belonging and becoming.
In the media
Our Senior Management Team
Matthew Wright
CEO
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Matthew Wright is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand, a membership he has held since 1997. He began his career at PWC and EY, and more recently he has worked in several executive management roles across contracting and healthcare businesses in both Australia and the UK.
As CEO, Matthew is responsible for the overall performance of the Schools of Early Learning. He works closely with the senior management team and centre managers to ensure that the exceptional standards of care and educational experiences for the children in our centres are maintained and improved. Matthew joined the Schools of Early Learning in 2025.
Myra Taylor
Human Resources Manager
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Myra is the Human Resources Manager for SOEL. She completed her Bachelor of Commerce at Curtin University majoring in Human Resources and Industrial Relations in 2010.
Myra joined SOEL in 2014 and has been providing professional HR advice through guiding, coaching, mentoring and supporting Managers and staff alike. Myra continues to keep her personal development of the HR/IR industry up-to-date through training workshops, publications and online study.
David Healy
Business Process Manager
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David is the Business Process Manager for SOEL, bringing more than 20 years of childcare experience to the role. Working closely alongside the other members of the Senior Management Team and the Directors, David seeks to implement simple and clear solutions for organisational wide questions.
“I truly believe that what we provide for the children in our care, and their families, is absolutely World Class.”
Louise de Boer
Education Manager
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Louise has been with SOEL for over a decade, initially serving as a Manager across several centres before becoming part of the Pedagogical and Training Team. She has worked in various school settings in leadership roles and as an Early Childhood classroom teacher. The decision to move to SOEL was easy for Louise, as she firmly believes that all children can be creative thinkers and problem solvers when educators plan environments to be rich with possibilities and when children’s ideas are respected and valued.
Louise collaborates closely with SOEL’s Centre Managers to ensure that educational leadership is integrated into the planning and operation of all SOEL Centres. She supports educators across all age groups, encouraging them to recognise the value of the opportunities they provide and to celebrate children’s discoveries.
Nicole Jamieson
Business Operations Manager
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Nicole has been a member of the SOEL team since 2012. Over the past ten years, she has served as a Lead Educator and Manager across multiple centres. As SOEL’s Business Operations Manager, Nicole oversees the smooth operation of all our centres.
She collaborates closely with centre teams to maintain the highest quality of care and support for the children, families, and educators. With a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies, Nicole is passionate about fostering growth and innovation in early childhood education and is dedicated to upholding the values and excellence that SOEL represents.