About Us - Benalla Kids Cottage

All About Us

Benalla Kids Cottage has been operating for over 25 years. The cottage is privately owned and operated by Lorraine Corrigan. Lorraine is an Early Childhood Education Professional who has worked in the field for over 30 years in a range of capacities, from managing services to training and development roles in the industry.

Today, Lorraine manages Benalla Kids Cottage and also works with a range of Early Childhood service types and the Department of Education on projects promoting sustainability and quality in the Early Education and Care Sector.

When Lorraine isn’t spending time making sure Benalla Kids is operating smoothly she spends time with her family and takes long walks with her husband and takes great care of their 3 toy poodles.

Meet Our Amazing Team

TRUDY

I know what it’s like to be a busy mum, with 2 of my own, 2 stepchildren and a beautiful grandchild. I made the career move to childcare 8 years ago after I missed the interaction after mine grew to adults.

Every day my goal is to make sure the children at Benalla Kids feel safe and happy and wanting to come back to us every day to play and learn with us.

ANNETTE

I started in 2001 as a Special Needs Educator. I am now the Chef who prepares all the delicious meals for the children.

I love being able to keep little tummies full with healthy food that even the fussiest eaters love .. but I am also ready and qualified to work with any special needs children. I am a Mum of four amazing sons, three special daughter-in-laws and four amazing Grandchildren who are my passion and joy.

SHARON

I have 30 years of experience working as an early childhood educator.
As an educator, my personal methods are to ensure my teachings are based around creating a safe and nurturing environment so that the children feel comfortable to grow and develop through the wonders of play and learning together. I am married with 3 amazing step-children and love to spend my downtime outdoors.

CAROLINE

I am the newest member of the Benalla Kids Team. While I have only been here for (nearly 2 years!) the things I love the most is being in service where I get the opportunity to work one on one with the children.

CERAH

I was born here in Benalla and some of my fondest memories are forming some wonderful friendships.

As an educator, I cherish seeing the children form friendships and develop into the beautiful people they are. When I’m not at Benalla Kids care for 3 dogs, a cat and 3 budgies.

DEB

The first time I walked into kindergarten as a 4 year old, I knew I wanted to work with children! After I had 3 of my own, I went back to work as a personal carer in an aged care village. It was a beautiful place to be but, as my children grew into teenagers, I longed for the joy I got from learning with children and I became Diploma Qualified in Early Childhood Education & Care.
I am extremely passionate about providing quality childcare in an environment that is safe, happy and nurturing. It is absolutely incredible to see these beautiful little people grow and learn!

Kara

Hi my name is Kara, I am a Diploma Qualified Early Childhood Educator. I have only been in childcare for about 1 and a half years but am loving every minute of it.
My passion for children, and watching them grow up and learn life skills is what attracted me to Early Childhood Education.
Outside of work I have 3 fur babies, 2 dogs- a Boxer (Cruze) and a German Shepard (Shilo). And a beautiful cat (Ollie). My hobbies are motorbike riding, water skiing and camping.

Kate

Hi, I’m Kate and I am studying my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education. I love children’s curiosity and wonder, seeing how excited they become when they learn new things and forming friendships with the children.
Outside of being an educator here at Benalla Kids Cottage I have 1 child of my own, 2 cats and a dog! I love spending time with my family, gardening, bush walks and going to the gym.

Laura

Hi my name is Laura and I am in the 3-5 room here at Kids Cottage.
Currently, I’m in my 4th year of studying my bachelor of early childhood and primary education and find it rewarding nurturing young minds to become our future leaders.

Kelsey

Hi. My name is Kelsey or Kels.
I am the newest and youngest educator of Benalla Kids Cottage.

Here is a little bit about me!
I am from a little town 45 minutes west of Benalla, called Katandra West, roughly 20 minutes north west of Shepparton. I have lived on a dairy farm my whole life, the oldest cow we have on the farm is 16 years old (71 in human years). I also have a 9-year-old grey and white cat, who I adore as she is so sweet and caring.

Outside of work I like to catch up with all my girlfriends & old work friends, I help dad on the farm when and where I can, I like to keep my fitness up by going to the gym, I am really big on photography and play around with body shop products, as I’m an independent body shop at home consultant.

Nicole

I believe early childhood is a time of curiosity, investigation and discovery. Children deserve to be nurtured, supported and empowered in their education and care environment so that they are active participants in their own learning and development. I believe that educators have a responsibility to be passionate in their practice, to inspire children, and support them in their freedom of expression. It is this passion and belief that has guided me in my career in early childhood for the past 27 years.
My focus has shifted over the years in areas of management, training and assessment and child protection within the industry. However, it is working directly with children that brings me the most joy and I am so proud to be a returning member of BKC family.
When not at work, my husband and I enjoy doing renovation projects, walking our fur baby around the lake, and eating out, particularly Thai food.

Rori

Hi I’m Rori, and I am studying my Certificate III in Early Childhood and Education. Everyday I look forward going to work to see the children smiles and to watch/ help them grow and build friendships with one another.
I also look after 2 pups of my own Odie and Bella!

Shaniel

Hi I’m Shaniel, I’m currently studying me Certificate III in Early Childhood Education. I have been in the the industry for 12 months and loved every moment of it. I decided to work in childcare because I have always had a passion for working with children, I love seeing the way children, grow, play, and learn. I love the connections that you can make with children- it’s like they’re your friend forever.
Outside of work I enjoy going on walks with my two dogs Heidi & Polly, I also love to socialise with my friends and go to the gym.

Samantha

Hi, My name is Samantha and I am currently studying for my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
I have worked in Benalla P-12 College in the library on a casual basis and have always loved working with kids, so was excited to take this opportunity with Benalla Kids Cottage and have been here for a month.
Like with the school, it has been great to see the wonder and excitement on children’s faces when they learn something new and the bonds you create with them as an adult in their education environment.
Outside of work I have a fur baby (a cat called Piper), love reading, Netflix and travel (I’m looking forward to going to London again one day!) and spending time with my family.

WHAT OUR PARENTS SAY

“An excellent day care for children. They serve healthy food (a good foundation for a healthy life); and they even include vegetarian and vegan food choices.
The educators are trained and really care for the children. There is a lot of option for the kids to play, with a great collection of toys and a small but safe and secure play area. But most important of all you can feel safe leaving your kids at Benalla Kids Cottage.”
(Review from Google)

Prajwal Kashyap