Glen Education is responsible for managing the daily operations of its services. Aligning with the Early Years Management Policy Framework developed by the Department of Education, our dedicated team offers outstanding leadership and administration for community based kindergarten services and various early years programs.
Our team brings significant experience in the operation of high quality educational services. We are committed to working closely with stakeholders, staff, families and children – with the aim of attaining the best possible outcomes for all.
Samantha Kolasa
Chief Executive Officer
Samantha commenced her career in community health, before working as a psychologist with marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable children. She has led and managed services in both regional and metropolitan areas, and across all stages of the lifespan. Her experience includes early years, child protection, aged care, drug and alcohol, family violence, mental health, disability, parenting and family support, advocacy and policy. She takes a social justice approach to her work and recognises the importance of education in creating opportunities to thrive.
Samantha has a reputation for enabling growth and diversification within organisations to create long term sustainability and to maximise opportunities that benefit her staff, clients and community. She brings a wealth of experience in stakeholder engagement, and the development and implementation of programs within a partnership context.
Samantha has a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). In addition to her role at Glen Education, Samantha is a Director on the Early learning Association of Australia (ELAA) Board which represents the voice of parents and service providers within the early childhood sector. She also sits on the Board of the Better Health Network which provides primary and allied health services to communities across the south east.
Melissa Macmaster
General Manager Operations, Education & Pedagogy
Melissa believes in life-long learning and that building the capacity of both individuals and teams, as well as fostering creative problem solving, to promote best outcomes for all. Melissa is a strong advocate for the importance of high-quality early childhood education and care and works tirelessly to ensure that all children have access to high quality, inclusive programs regardless of their background. Equity is at the forefront of her work with children, families, and teams, to bring about positive change.
Melissa is also an experienced and inspiring presenter and coach. A key component of her work at Glen Education is building leadership capacity through coaching, mentoring, and facilitating training and workshops. She also supports early childhood professionals to make positive and innovative changes in the workplace. Melissa believes in the importance of building a community of learners to empower people to lead with purpose, critically reflect on practice and act with integrity. Her ability to support educators to evaluate and identify new and effective ways to plan and implement an emergent, play based curriculum, is also an area of expertise.
Melissa has worked in early childhood for over 20 years and is a visionary in her field. She is an innovative and influential thinker, someone who continuously exceeds National standards, and who is decisive, yet empathetic, in her approach. Melissa has a master’s in leadership, a Bachelor in Multidisciplinary Studies, majoring in Psychology and Women’s Rights and is a qualified Trainer and Assessor. Melissa is often asked to write for several publications, specifically reflecting on Early Childhood curriculum and is the author of a sector report regarding the benefits of kindergartens on school sites, for the Department of Education.
John Raciti
General Manager, Shared Services
He commenced his studies with a Bachelor of Business in Accounting, complemented this with an MBA from RMIT University and continues to hold his CPA membership as a professional in the accounting space. He has also completed the AICD Directors program to further broaden his skills and commercial acumen.
He brings extensive financial management, commercial and leadership experiences including board reporting, business acquisition, systems implementation, change and project management, strategy formulation and implementation across various business models including owner operated (franchised) retail environments, and more recently in the not-for-profit education and healthcare sectors.
Furthermore, he has held voluntary positions as Treasurer in the child care industry, and the local football club for many years as part of his commitment to the community, as well as being a regular blood donor at the Australian Red Cross with over 130 donations to date.