Nick and Kylie are the husband-and-wife team behind Gardenia Early Learning, bringing together more than 35 years of combined experience in the early childhood sector across Australia and New Zealand. Throughout their careers, they have held a range of senior leadership roles spanning operations, finance, project management, service development, and team leadership – all driven by a shared passion for creating high-quality learning environments where children, families, and educators can thrive.

Kylie began her career as an Early Childhood Educator and, through years of hands-on experience, dedication, and leadership, progressed into senior operational roles within the sector, including Chief of Operations. Her journey has given her a deep understanding of the importance of supporting educators and creating positive outcomes for children and families at every level of an organisation.

Together, Nick and Kylie founded Gardenia Early Learning with a vision to create warm, supportive, and community-focused centres that feel like an extension of home. Their complementary strengths in operational leadership, strategic growth, people development, and educational excellence have helped shape Gardenia into a trusted and values-driven organisation.

The name Gardenia Early Learning holds special meaning for their family, inspired by the street of the very first family home they purchased together. Much like the memories built there, Gardenia represents a place of growth, belonging, connection, and care – values that continue to guide the culture and philosophy of every Gardenia service today.

Nick holds a Bachelor of Accounting and has extensive experience in financial and operational leadership, while Kylie is qualified in Early Childhood Education with additional qualifications in Training and Assessment, Business Management, and Accounting. She is also completing her Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Aware Education at QUT.