Caroline Elliott – Chief Executive Officer (Interim)
Caroline joined BPA as the interim CEO in November 2024, bringing over 25 years of executive, board, and strategic leadership experience across financial services, retail, healthcare, accounting, and transport in both the public and private sectors.
With her extensive experience, she is well-positioned to lead BPA through a period of change while navigating the evolving Early Childhood Education sector.
Caroline believes education shapes children’s lives by giving them the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to create a better future. She sees Early Childhood Education as the foundation for lifelong learning and success.
She holds a Bachelor of Economics, is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Australia and New Zealand, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Deborah Briggs – Operations Manager
Deborah Briggs is the Operations Manager at BPA Children’s Services. She started at BPA in 2005 as a kindergarten assistant and has taken on many roles over the past 20 years.
Before joining BPA, Deborah worked in records management for local and state governments. When her second child started kindergarten, she developed a passion for early childhood education and wanted to help improve the lives of children.
As Operations Manager, Deborah ensures BPA’s services are of high quality and that families have a great experience. She works to provide safe, inclusive, and high-quality education and care for all children.
Deborah believes in BPA’s values of quality, inclusiveness, honesty, and teamwork. She is excited to continue working with BPA to support children, families, and communities.
Esther Ho – Chief Financial Officer
Esther Ho became the Chief Financial Officer at BPA Children’s Services in 2023. She has over 15 years of experience managing finances for large organisations. She has worked in schools, home care, aged care, and disability services.
Esther calls herself a "modern-day detective" because she enjoys solving problems, improving systems, and helping organisations grow. As Chief Financial Officer, she is responsible for BPA’s financial health, ensuring resources are used wisely to provide safe and high-quality education for children.
Esther believes every child should have access to good healthcare and learning. She is passionate about child safety and early education and enjoys working with groups like BPA to make a difference.
She has a degree in Social Science and a Master’s degree in Commerce. She is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). In 2016, she completed a program at Harvard University on managing nonprofit organisations.
Carolynn Gill – Early Years and Pedagogy Manager
Carolynn Gill has 37 years of experience in early childhood education. She has worked as an Early Childhood Teacher, Nominated Supervisor, Educational Leader, Early Years Advisor, and Team Leader.
As the Early Years and Pedagogy Manager, Carolynn ensures BPA’s early childhood programs are high quality and safe for children. She supports BPA’s goal of being a leader in early education by creating strong learning programs and making child safety a priority.
Carolynn believes in using research-backed methods to give children the best start in life. She focuses on developing programs that help every child learn, grow, and succeed.
Yolanda Sutherland – Human Resources Manager
Yolanda Sutherland holds two degrees, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA). As the Human Resources Manager at BPA Children’s Services, she supports staff and helps improve the organisation.
She has led teams in schools, community work, and health services. Her contributions to people, health, and safety earned her a Victorian State Award. Yolanda is also a Certified HR Practitioner (AHRI) and has been recognised for her leadership.
Yolanda is responsible for attracting and developing high-performing staff who align with BPA’s values. She works to create a positive workplace where employees feel supported and motivated. She focuses on hiring the right people, helping them grow, and fostering a culture of fairness, teamwork, and learning.
Nina Sutton – Risk and Compliance Manager
Nina Sutton has a teaching degree and a health diploma. She has worked in the disability sector for over 30 years, helping people with additional needs.
Before joining BPA Children’s Services, Nina led an early intervention service. She helped register it with the NDIA and ensured it followed all rules and standards.
As Risk and Compliance Manager, Nina ensures BPA’s centres are safe and meet health standards. She works to protect children, staff, and families by keeping spaces secure and welcoming. She also ensures BPA meets important regulations.
Her work helps BPA provide high-quality education in a safe and supportive environment.
Daniel Olive – Communications and Marketing Manager
Daniel Olive is the Communications and Marketing Manager at BPA Children’s Services. He is responsible for BPA’s brand, communication, and marketing. His role is to ensure BPA’s message is clear and aligned with its values. He helps families, educators, and the community stay informed and connected.
Daniel has worked in marketing across both hospitality and education. As a parent, he understands the impact of early learning, with one child who attended a BPA centre and another currently enrolled.
He believes every child deserves a strong start, no matter their background. Early learning builds essential life skills, such as kindness, communication, and problem-solving. These skills help children grow into confident and capable adults. Daniel sees early education as a way to create a better future by prioritising children’s well-being and development.