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Lecturer
School of Education, Faculty of Education and Arts
Areas of expertise: early childhood education; play-based pedagogy; outdoor play; family and caregiver perspectives; culturally responsive practice; early childhood professional practice
Email: [email protected]
Location: ACU Melbourne Campus
HDR Supervisor accreditation status: HDR Supervisor (Provisional)
ORCID ID: 0009-0003-6674-8521
Melanie is a Lecturer and Course Coordinator in Early Childhood Education at Australian Catholic University, with more than 30 years of experience across the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector. Her professional background spans roles as an early childhood teacher, service director, pedagogical leader, educational advisor, researcher, and university educator, providing her with a strong practice-informed understanding of teaching, learning, and leadership in early childhood contexts.
Melanie's teaching and research centre on play-based pedagogy, intentional teaching, learning environments, assessment, and professional inquiry in the early years. She has a particular interest in culturally responsive practice and in recognising and embedding children's and families' funds of knowledge within curriculum decision-making and pedagogical practice. Her work is grounded in relational and participatory approaches that value the lived experiences of children, families, and educators.
Her current research explores family and caregiver perspectives on children's play and participation within community playgroups, with a particular focus on outdoor play, relational experiences, and culturally responsive understandings of childhood and learning. Through participatory and child-centred methodologies, Melanie's research seeks to better understand the intersections between family perspectives, professional practice, and contemporary early childhood pedagogy.
Within higher education, Melanie leads curriculum and assessment design for pre-service early childhood teachers, supporting the integration of theory, research, and professional practice. She is committed to preparing graduates who are reflective, ethical, and capable of working effectively within diverse early childhood settings and communities.
Melanie is actively involved in professional learning initiatives, research collaborations, and sector partnerships that support educator capability, workforce development, and quality improvement across ECEC. Her collaborative work with community organisations and early childhood professionals reflects her ongoing commitment to strengthening connections between research, policy, practice, and community engagement in the early years sector.
Publications
Conferences and presentations