Owner/Manager

Leisa has spent a lifetime in education. She has many years of leadership experience, including 10 years as a school Principal and Wellbeing Leader at a state level. With a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology (Wellbeing science) she is committed to creating an environment where children flourish.

Leisa and her husband Tony bought Little Apple Tree in 2023 after Leisa fell in love with the centre on her first visit. Understanding the wellbeing benefits of the natural environment, she knew that Little Apple Tree was just what she was looking for.

Leisa and Tony wished they had found Little Apple Tree when they were searching for childcare for their two children.

Director

Sascha is the mother of two great teenagers and began her Little Apple Tree journey in 2012, when she and her husband Ian purchased the centre.

After selling the Centre to Leisa in 2023, Sascha missed Little Apple Tree so much that she returned in late 2024 and took on the Director role in 2025.

Sascha has also spent a lifetime in education, including living and working in Japan from 2001 to 2003, where she taught in a local kindergarten and learnt Japanese, an experience she treasures.

Sascha embraces Maria Montessori’s notion “Never do for a child what they can do for themselves.”

Assistant Director/Educational Leader

Tiffany has worked with children since she began babysitting while still in High School. She nannied in the UK before she and her husband returned to Australia when she was pregnant with their first child.

Tiffany studied her diploma as her children grew and worked in mainstream centres and as a nanny. She discovered Little Apple Tree in 2020 and realised that the Montessori philosophy was very similar to her natural approach to parenting.

Tiffany worked as an Educator in the Bluebell room and a Lead Educator in the Pippin room before taking on the role of Assistant Director and Educational Leader in 2025.

Early Childhood Teacher

Marie has over 10 years experience as an Early Childhood Teacher.

Marie likes to tell all mums and dads that each child is unique and learns at various paces and in multiple ways. She likes to work alongside parents to support the children’s learning and development.

Beyond work Marie enjoys being outdoors and enjoying nature with her family and close friends. She loves being active and cheering her daughter on in her endeavours.

Lead Educator

Sandra is a Diploma qualified Group Leader in the Bluebell room. She is also the mother of two teenage children who keep her very busy.

You will find Sandra looking for worms in the worm farm with the children, spotting local birds or collecting seed pods.  She is an avid nature warrior who cares for, and reminds us, of the importance of treading this land lightly.

Sandra is of Chinese origin, speaks Chinese fluently and teaches language to the children. She believes children benefit greatly when they are introduced to other languages.

Lead Educator

Penny has taught at Little Apple Tree since 2017.

Penny believes deeply in implementing the Montessori philosophy in a way that allows children to become confident, capable learners. As the mother of four grown daughters, she values their self-confidence and capacity to make good decisions.

Penny is an avid reader, having worked in libraries and bookshops prior to developing a passion for childcare, and is dedicated to fostering a love of reading in children. Her personal philosophy if for each child to feel seen and understood and to absolutely love coming to kindy.