The REAIE Board

Kate Mount is a passionate Early Childhood educator with 40 years of experience and a Master of Early Childhood. She led the transformation of an Early Learner’s Centre in Adelaide over 16 years, embedding the Reggio Approach and making it a key centre for the Re-Imagining Childhood Project during Carla Rinaldi’s residency in 2012-2013. A long-standing member of the Adelaide Network of REAIE, Kate has actively contributed to the National Committee (now Board) for 8 years, including roles as Professional Learning Convenor and currently as Chairperson. She has attended four Study Groups to Reggio Emilia and works to support teams with a focus on leadership, capacity building, and democratic practice in education. Through workshops, forums, and volunteering, Kate shares her knowledge and advocates for a re-imagined future in education.

Kirsty Liljegren is a dedicated member of the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange Board, committed to reimagining education for a just society. As a co-convenor of conferences and research symposiums, she has played a pivotal role in creating spaces for educators to share innovative ideas influenced by Reggio Emilia. In 2023, Kirsty became vice chairperson, where her leadership fosters collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring diverse perspectives are valued. She is excited to lead the exhibition task group and support REAIE under the 2024 constitution. Kirsty looks forward to working collaboratively with her fellow Board Members and the Operations Team to chart a course that ensures REAIE continues to be a beacon of hope in the field of education, driving positive change and transformative impact for education.  

Leanne Mits is an experienced early childhood teacher and advocate for children, families, educators, and education. She has taught in rural and suburban communities in Long Day Care, playgroups, kindergartens, and TAFE. Currently, Leanne works full-time as Nominated Supervisor, Educational Leader, and Teacher in a not-for-profit kindergarten. As a REAIE Committee and Board Member, she has led project groups, Study Groups (to Reggio Emilia and New Zealand), and the Hundred Languages of Children Exhibition. Leanne also volunteers on other early childhood committees, highlighting her dedication to community and the not-for-profit sector. She was awarded Victorian Early Years Teacher of the Year (2019) and an Order of Australia (2022) for her work in early childhood education. Relationships, documentation of children's learning, and participatory pedagogies are central to her teaching and volunteer work.  

Heather Conroy has supported REAIE initiatives as a Committee and Board member since 2016, taking on various leadership roles. She co-convened the 2019 and 2023 biennial conferences and the 2021 and 2022 Research Symposia and was involved in the program development for the 2024 Symposium. Currently, she participates in the Exhibition and Conference Task Groups. Elected as International Liaison in 2020, Heather represents REAIE in the Reggio Children International Network. She is dedicated to fostering relationships within the Asia Pacific region and exploring collaborative projects to expand REAIE’s advocacy. Heather values the Board’s shared commitment to advocating for children's right to high-quality education.  

Koren Naylor is an experienced Educator and Leader with over 25 years in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) across Melbourne and Ballarat. She is a passionate advocate for pedagogical leadership, professional learning, and understanding the needs of children, families, and communities, particularly in regional and rural areas. Koren holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Disability Studies, a Graduate Diploma in Education, and a Master of Education (Leadership and Management). Since 2014, she has served as the Director of the Centre for Early Education (CEEd) at Ballarat Grammar and has been the Network Convenor for the Ballarat REAIE Network and Discussion Group since 2020. Committed to fostering inclusive environments and promoting innovation, Koren sees her appointment to the inaugural REAIE Board as an opportunity to give back to the organisation that has supported her professional growth and to contribute to its continued success. Currently, Koren is leading the task group to progress planning for the 2025 REAIE Conference.  

Sally first encountered The Hundred Languages of Children Exhibition in 2003 and was captivated by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Since then, she has attended two Reggio Study Tours, REAIE conferences, and professional learning opportunities, striving to integrate Reggio Emilia principles into her work as a teacher and Educational Leader. With 25 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), Sally has worked in regional Victoria, Melbourne, and the UK, mainly in Long Day Care settings, where she values long-term relationships with children and families. In 2016, she completed a Master of Education (Early Childhood). As the Educational Leader at MLC Kindle, she promotes a culture of research through a centre-wide inquiry. Elected to the REAIE Board in 2024, Sally is eager to support the realisation of the Reggio Approach® in Australia. Sally currently participates in task groups to progress the Exhibition and Content Development.  

Donna Seen brings almost 25 years of experience in lutruwita/Tasmania's public education system, with a focus on early childhood education. As Centre Leader at a Tasmanian Child and Family Learning Centre, she leads a multidisciplinary team supporting children under 5 and their families. With a Bachelor of Education (Honours) and a Graduate Certificate of Educational Leadership, Donna is committed to professional development and embedding Reggio Emilia principles into practice. Her passion for collaboration, mentoring, and innovation drives her to support others in their educational journey. Donna's dedication to increasing access to quality education for young children, especially those facing challenges, fuels her work. As a REAIE Board member, she seeks to contribute to shaping the future of early childhood education in Australia. Donna is an active member of the Exhibition and Events task groups and was fortunate to attend her first study group to Reggio Emilia in 2023.  

Ruth Wallbridge has extensive experience as a kindergarten teacher in community kindergartens, long day care, and crisis accommodation. Passionate about children's rights and helping all children reach their potential, Ruth has worked with the Reggio Emilia approach for many years. A member of REAIE since 2002 and a member of the Committee (now Board) since 2005, Ruth has led the International Network Project Group and been active in the Professional Learning, Conference, and Symposium Project Groups. She served on the Committee as Vice Chair for 4 years and Chairperson for 9 years. Ruth has led multiple study groups to Reggio Emilia and represented REAIE at the Loris Malaguzzi International Network. She participated in the inaugural Teacher Educator Training by Reggio Children (2019–2023). Ruth is committed to representing REAIE members and maintaining the strong relationship with Reggio Children. She is excited to support REAIE’s transition from Committee to Board, ensuring its viability and service to members.  

Ruth Weinstein has over 45 years’ experience working in the early childhood sector. She has worked as a TAFE Lecturer and has been the owner and Director of two early childhood education settings in Sydney for the last 44 years. Ruth has attended 7 study tours to Reggio Emilia and is currently one of the Reggio Emilia Study Tour Leaders. Ruth has been a REAIE committee member since 2015. Ruth is a founding member of the NSW Eastern Suburbs Network group and is currently a Co-Convenor of this group. Ruth is keen to use her current roles to encourage and support educators in their growing interest in the Reggio Emilia philosophy. 

Fiona joined the REAIE Committee, now Board, in 2004 and has proudly served in a variety of roles during this time. With experience as a teacher, leader, lecturer, researcher and consultant in early childhood and primary education in Australia and overseas, Fiona believes passionately in the work of REAIE to promote a new landscape of education for children in Australia. Fiona’s research into the impacts of Learning Environments as the Third Teacher unveils new possibilities for the synergy between Reggio Emilia Approach, the International Baccalaureate, and teachers' spatial literacy practices in international education contexts. Fiona believes professional learning is a key strategy in the growth of REAIE, providing meaningful opportunities for educators to connect, exchange ideas and grow practice together. Fiona also currently fulfils the role of Deputy Head (Early Learning - Year 1) at the Friends' School in Hobart.