Meet Aspire Pakenham’s new Centre Manager – Carissa!
Meet Carissa Van Buiten, Aspire Pakenham’s New Centre Manager! Carissa brings over 30 years’ experience in the early education sector and is extremely passionate about her role as Centre Manager. Get to know more about her below and what she loves most about working in early education.
Carissa began her early childhood career in in 1990 while completing her Diploma of Community Services in Child Care. Since then, she’s worked in a variety of senior educator and leadership roles, becoming a Centre Manager in 2000. After relocating to Western Australia in 2008, she managed an early learning centre supporting the mining industry. She later worked in a special education school with children aged 4–12. She then returned to Melbourne in 2017 and has continued to lead early learning services with a strong focus on inclusion, quality, and community.
Carissa says, “Aspire is a place where I feel valued and supported.” Although she hasn’t been at Aspire long, she is proud to work alongside passionate educators who share a commitment to delivering high-quality education and care. She feels deeply connected to Aspire’s values that represent her own. The Aspire value that resonates with her the most is “Connecting Communities”. Carrisa believes in building strong, trusting relationships with families, children, and educators. Through collaboration and shared purpose, we create inclusive environments where everyone thrives.
As a leader, Carissa value’s empathy, transparency, and continuous improvement. She strives to create a welcoming and proactive environment where families feel heard, children feel safe, and educators are inspired to grow.
Carissa is extremely passionate about ensuring all children have access to quality education. She loves mentoring educators and guiding them to grow in confidence and capability, fostering a culture of authentic and meaningful learning.
Outside of work, is she also a proud mum of six and “Nanny” to ten wonderful grandchildren. Her family experience gives her a deep appreciation for the trust families place in us and the importance of positive early learning experiences.
If you’d like to meet Carissa and get to know her more, book a tour of our Aspire Pakenham centre today! This is a great opportunity to explore our state-of-the-art centre, meet Carissa and the team, and learn more about our Aspire programs.
Book a tour today or enquire now to learn more!
