Stories of Practice Series
The Stories of Practice Series is an online, interactive session that will feature the everyday practice and pedagogy of Gowrie NSW educators and teachers across NSW and ACT. You will hear from teachers and educators on a broad range of subject matter, where they have transformed or embedded new and inclusive practice into their services.
Opportunities for stories across the ages of birth to 12 years will encourage you to thinking deeply about your own pedagogy and practice, gain insights and new strategies, and have the opportunity to ask questions and be engaged in a lively pedagogy discussion.
Supported by our pedagogical coaches and mentors, these stories of practice will demonstrate an underpinning lens of theoretical and contemporary research and practitioner inquiry.
This brand-new series will feature new stories every month and will run between March and November 2026. Join a session or choose them all!
In this session, hear three different 15min stories;
Story 1 Topic: Transforming Infant mealtimes
with Christa fuda from our Newstead EEC
Story 2 Topic: Infant initiated Post Box
With Susy Fuller from our Lithgow EEC
Story 3 Topic: Cultivating Change in an Infant Space
with Shaila Martinez from our Erskineville EEC
- No future dates available.
About the presenters
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Fiona Veld-Brown
Fiona Veld-Brown has over two decades of experience in early childhood education, much of her career has been spent a Centre Director in Sydney, where she developed a profound respect for infant and toddler pedagogy, supported by the RIE® Foundations and Pikler training. In recent years, Fiona led a professional learning team for a growing organisation, empowering educators with the tools and knowledge needed to enhance their practice. Fiona's approach is rooted in enriching pedagogical practice through collaborative reflection, intentional dialogue, and coaching, always guided by research and meaningful relationships.
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Shaila Martinez
Shaila Martinez has worked in the early childhood sector for over 15 years. She holds a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) and has spent the past five years at Gowrie Erskineville NSW, specialising in the infant space and supporting children from birth to one year of age.
Throughout her career, Shaila has been mentored by highly experienced early childhood professionals who have nurtured her passion for working with infants and toddlers. Through handson experience and ongoing professional learning, she has developed a strong foundation in respectful and responsive caregiving practices.
Shaila’s teaching philosophy has been deeply influenced by the principles of RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers). These approaches have guided her to slow down, observe with intention and build meaningful relationships with infants whilst honouring their competence, individuality and capacity to participate in their own learning.
At Gowrie Erskineville, Shaila is part of an infant program committed to reflective practice and professional inquiry. She currently contributes to a practitioner inquiry project in which external early childhood professionals are invited to observe the practices implemented within the infant space. This work supports shared learning, strengthens reflective practice and promotes the ongoing development of respectful infant care within the broader early childhood community.
Shaila remains deeply passionate about creating calm, responsive and respectful environments where infants feel safe, capable, and valued. She is committed to fostering spaces that empower the youngest learners to grow confidently as active participants in their own development.