CFC Executive Management and Committee of Management

Louise Ippolito, CFC Executive Director
B Ed, M Ed, M Bus - Appointed 2022

Louise is a highly qualified teacher with over 40 years’ experience in the field of Early Childhood Education in both long day-care and kindergarten settings. She has worked in various leadership and management roles for 25+ years.

Louise has well-developed leadership skills - her approach is inclusive and collaborative. She is passionate about advocating for children’s safety, education and overall wellbeing.

Louise was appointed Executive Director in February 2022.

In her spare time, Louise loves to travel and take long cruises with her husband. She also enjoys jewellery making and tapestry and spending time with her great nephew - who has just become a big brother!

Joy Vogt, CFC Chair
​M Ed – Appointed 2006

Joy has had extensive experience in the education field. She has taught for more than 40 years from Prep to TAFE, gained an insight into the whole Victorian state education system from early childhood education, primary, secondary and TAFE sectors during more than 10 years as an Australian Education Union State Councillor.
 
During her time as a project officer at the Department of Education and Training, Joy facilitated projects across private, Catholic  and State schools. 
 
Joy has also worked in Koorie Education. Her Masters in Special Education enriched her contribution to Prep to Year 12 students with special needs.  Her special interest is developing positive, equitable educational outcomes for all ages in our Craig community. ​

Sinead Mooney, CFC Vice Chair
BA (Hons) Accounting ACCA.          Appointed 2023

Sinead is originally from Ireland but has called Melbourne home for over a decade. During this time she has worked as a senior finance professional in large multinational organisations across finance and strategy functions. She lives in Ashburton with her partner and three young children, two of whom attend kinder and occasional care here at the Craig. She looks forward to being a voice for families on the committee.

Bob Stensholt, CFC Treasurer
B A., B Div (Hons), M Int Law, Dip Phil - Appointed 2002

​A Victorian MP for over 10 years holding diverse roles, including Parliamentary Secretary for Treasury and Finance and Chair of Public Accounts & Estimates Committee, Bob has also held senior management roles in Federal and State Governments, both in Australia and abroad.
 
With extensive experience in international diplomacy, health and education, justice, industry and resources, project evaluation, international water law, environment policy and international development, Bob brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the Craig Family Centre.
 
Bob is now retired however remains involved in a wide range of local community organisations and activities.

Mr Raj Tembe, CFC Committee Member
Appointed 2025

I am a retired accountant.  I was in public practice since 1984 with nearly 20 years as a partner/director of public accounting practice.  My expertise lie in dealing with small business clients focusing mainly on tax.
Since retirement I have been involved with Samarinda delivering meals on wheels.  I enjoy playing golf and table tennis.  Reading and listening to Indian Classical music and travelling are my hobbies.

​Dr Melanie Thomas, CFC Committee Member
PhD, MEd (EDE), Dip Teach (ECE) – Appointed 2025

Melanie is a dedicated educator, researcher, and practitioner with over 30 years of experience in the early childhood education sector. Throughout her career, she has held diverse roles, including early childhood teacher, service director, pedagogical leader, educational advisor, researcher, and lecturer. Melanie’s research focuses on play and play-based learning within early childhood.
Melanie served as a Senior Researcher at the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO), where she contributed to the Early Childhood Workforce Strategy. Her work involved conducting research and comprehensive literature reviews on induction, mentoring, and professional networks in early childhood education, both locally and internationally.
Currently, Melanie is a lecturer, course coordinator, and researcher at the Australian Catholic University. She is passionate about teaching, supporting, and mentoring pre-service early childhood and primary teachers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in the field. Melanie’s expertise and commitment to early childhood education continue to shape the next generation of educators and contribute to the advancement of the sector.

Ms Rosemary Braut, CFC Secretary
Appointed 2022

Ms Melanie Thomas, CFC Committee Member
 Appointed 2025

Rosemary commenced working in the Early Childhood Sector straight from secondary school.  Initially commencing her working life as a Mothercraft Nurse, she went on to complete her Diploma of Children's Services, Advanced Diploma of Children's  Services and then completed her Degree in Education in 2016.  Rosemary has worked in a variety of roles, including Early Childhood Centre Coordinator, TAFE teacher, bookkeeper, and consultant.  She is passionate about sustainability, and is bookkeeper for  the Environmental Education in Early Childhood organisation.  She passionately advocates for children and their rights, believing that children deserve the best start in life.

Ms Tracey Wheeler, CFC Committee Member
Appointed 2025

Tracey Wheeler is a proud New Zealander who, with her family, have made Melbourne home for over three decades. In a meaningful milestone, she recently became an Australian citizen while retaining her New Zealand citizenship — a reflection of her deep connection to both countries and their cultures.  With more than 40 years’ experience in communication, design, marketing, advertising, and print management, she has built a reputation as a doer and strategic thinker. Her career has spanned senior management positions in a range of businesses, both in New Zealand and Australia.  For the past eight years, she has managed her family-owned software development company, which specialises in the financial services sector.
 Her core competencies include:

• Strategic leadership and business development
• Key account and sales management
• Software development and implementation
• Supply chain and operations management
• Integrated marketing and branding strategies

 Beyond her professional achievements, she is an advocate for equality and empowerment. Her work in this space was formally recognised when she was awarded the New Zealand Women’s Suffrage Medal, an honour given to individuals who have made a contribution to the advancement of women. Tracey also represented New Zealand in an age grade international cricket tournament, demonstrating her commitment to teamwork, and discipline.  Her personal interest in human behaviour and well-being led her to earn a Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy.

Melanie is a dedicated educator, researcher, and practitioner with over 30 years of experience in the early childhood education sector. Throughout her career, she has held diverse roles, including early childhood teacher, service director, pedagogical leader, educational advisor, researcher, and lecturer. Melanie’s research focuses on play and play-based learning within early childhood.
Melanie served as a Senior Researcher at the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO), where she contributed to the Early Childhood Workforce Strategy. Her work involved conducting research and comprehensive literature reviews on induction, mentoring, and professional networks in early childhood education, both locally and internationally.
Currently, Melanie is a lecturer, course coordinator, and researcher at the Australian Catholic University. She is passionate about teaching, supporting, and mentoring pre-service early childhood and primary teachers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in the field. Melanie’s expertise and commitment to early childhood education continue to shape the next generation of educators and contribute to the advancement of the sector.
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