ABOUT US
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At Milestones we design our work to suit the needs of each child and family with whom we work. We do this because each young person is experiencing a different level of self-belief, wellbeing, confidence, and competency and they are using a mindset and set of learning strategies specific to them – this has developed through their early years and their personal experiences at school.
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Our approach is embedded in developmental education and evidence-based teaching and learning practices.
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Our 1:1 work is also centred on building strong educator-child relationships, movement, play and fun, based on what we know about how the brain learns and copes with being challenged.
MEET US
BROOKE FINLAYSON
BAppSc(DisSt) BEd(SpecEd) Med(SpecEd)
DIRECTOR, EDUCATOR AND CONSULTANT
Milestones was born from a belief that all children should feel empowered and successful in themselves and with their learning. That all parents should feel confident in understanding their child’s learning needs and navigating the education system.
At Milestones, our work draws upon many disciplines and the lessons I have learned from 23 years of working with families and young people, that is, relationship, fun, and a developmental rather than ‘top down’ approach can lead to permanent rather than just temporary change.
Milestones is more than a name. It embodies the lessons learnt from a student who I taught in the early years of my teaching career. This student experienced frustration with the world around him and allowed me to learn the value of true unconditional positive regard and the strength in building safe and trusting relationships. I witnessed patience, persistence, and his strength in vulnerability. That young man’s name is Miles. The essence of my personal journey with Miles is the same one that embeds our work, and the passion we have for identifying and working towards the next Milestone of any child.
I have an exceptional team who all bring different, high-level skills to our collaborative work and who share in approach, beliefs and an ability to celebrate the small as well as the big wins.
KIMBERLY PHILLIPS
EDUCATOR and PRACTICE MANAGER
Kim has worked as a teacher and leader in a wide range of educational settings throughout her career. Her work is drawn from the variety of her experiences, including those in remote aboriginal communities and early childhood settings. It is also informed by the Masters of Education in special education that she is working towards. Kim’s ability to work towards outcomes by creating fun and meaningful activities for the young people she works with is inspiring, as is her ability to keep the Milestones ship sailing smoothly by coordinating sessions and liaising with parents in her role as practice manager.
LAUREN COLE
EDUCATOR
Lauren’s experience working with a diverse range of students is broad. Lauren’s specialised training in areas of English language and literacy is an asset to the Milestones team and the trust and rapport she creates with the young people with whom she works is high. Lauren enjoys using the mediums of art and craft to help children explore the areas of work they are focusing on and she has a wonderful ability to help children to feel comfortable tackling tricky things and to make learning hands on, physical and ‘real’.
JAYE VENTURA
EDUCATOR
Jaye has a wide range of experience working with young people in classrooms and through undertaking specific interventions in a 1:1 structure. Jaye’s Master of Teaching leaves her with a thorough knowledge of the Australian Curriculum and a high awareness of the children who don’t experience success in their learning on a day-to-day level. Jaye’s ability to engage with children through play is exceptional. Through these skills, Jaye’s high energy and passion, the children with whom she works experience fun, a sense of belief and feel accepted as they are.
SEB CARDONE
EDUCATOR
‘Finally, I’ve met someone who gets me’ were the words spoken by a young person in one of Seb’s recent sessions.
Seb has been working with young people through coaching and mentor roles for several years. Seb is an Apple Teacher, which leaves him skilled in using technology to support, scaffold and enrich learning. Seb’s ability to build strong rapport means he is able to challenge and engage the young people with whom he works.