ABOUT US
-
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.
-
Our approach is embedded in developmental education and evidence-based teaching and learning practices.
-
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(DisabilityStudies)
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 28 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.
REBECCA JAFFRAY
EDUCATOR
TRACEY BILLINGTON
EDUCATOR
WHAT PARENTS SAY
Brooke impressed me from minute one.
I still remember the sense of relief I felt hanging up the phone after I'd called her to discuss the concerns I had for my 10 year old son, both academically and emotionally. I felt understood and confident she could help.
Over the next year and a half we witnessed many positive changes. Our son gained confidence, his grades and attitude improved and he was a much happier kid. Not only was Brooke an amazing 'tutor' for him during this time, she became a confidant and mentor.
I contacted Brooke a year after we had finished tutoring when a new concern arose. She was a fantastic sounding board and once again really helped both my son and I.
I couldn't recommend Brooke more highly. She genuinely cares and has an incredible ability to build rapport quickly, empathise and connect.
We cannot speak highly enough of the team at Milestones.
From our first meeting our son and our family have always been treated with courtesy and compassion. We were afforded all the time we needed to meet and discuss the plans to treat our son’s anxiety and we were included in decisions relating to his treatment.
We also know they are always there to support us into the future.
The Milestones Team are a godsend. Our eldest was in reception when she was picked up for having learning difficulties. The school placed her in a learning support program, but she still struggled. We felt like we had hit a brick wall and we couldn’t see a way forward until we came to Milestones. Their endless knowledge and limitless passion and energy immediately opened the doors and the light shone in. Our daughter now keeps up at school, is on trajectory to meeting her peers, she has to work harder than others, but she is happy and confident in her learning. I could not recommend the Milestones team more highly.
As a family have loved our time with the Milestones team. The work that they have done behind the scenes with Sienna has been amazing. Sienna’s growth within herself and her change of mindset has given her the confidence to have a go and believe in herself. We have loved that Sienna had someone she could talk to about her challenges one on one with and for them to listen and create strategies to help combat them in a fun and safe space.
She always loved her session’s and was always full of energy and excited when we picked her up.
I can’t thank the Milestones team enough!”