After a life‑changing car accident injury, Amelia needed to re-evaluate her career path. She had once imagined a future in police work and still wanted a role where she could give back to her community. With family members already working in education, Amelia could see that transitioning to the education industry would be a perfect fit. So, she took up the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, followed quickly by the Diploma.

At first, Amelia worried that having Auditory Processing Disorder might make studying difficult. However, the hybrid learning format at Chisholm allowed her to tailor learning to ways that suited her needs. She found she could manage distractions and work at her own pace, making it easier to learn.

Amelia’s strength lies in knowing when to ask for help, reflecting on her work and seeking clarification. By using these helpful practises, Amelia has improved and managed competing demands with confidence. This mindset allowed her to complete a full-time traineeship, despite the challenges her disability presented.

Now working at the kindergarten she attended as a child, Amelia has made significant contributions to her workplace. She participated in an ACECQA Assessment, resulting in the centre achieving Exceeding National Standards. She also helped implement The Resilience Project to build emotional awareness and confidence in children. She is a passionate advocate for supporting children with disabilities and creating inclusive practices that allow every child to learn at their own level.

Amelia is also deeply involved in community support, working with NDIS adult clients and advocating for the rights of early childhood educators. She believes that “the best educators never stop learning,” a philosophy she models daily.

Amelia is a finalist in the 2026 Chisholm Education Awards – Trainee of the Year.

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