ABOUT US

Hugh Ellis - Managing Director

Hugh has been involved in childcare for the past six years. Married with four growing children of his own, he had a successfully corporate career in the retail sector with a publicly listed company. He became disillusioned with the quality of child care available. It was from this that Pelican childcare was born. “The more I researched, the more I realised what was needed in childcare. I treat every decision as though I was making it for my own children”.

Hugh's focus is ensuring that the high quality of care is not only maintained but always improving and growing.

You can contact Hugh directly with any feedback or comments -

Jim Stynes - Company Director

Jim was awarded an OAM (Order of Australia Medal) for his work with youth and contribution to Australian Rules Football. Jim who is also the President of Melbourne Football Club has been involved in childcare for the past four years, he has a strong passion to help and guide children of all ages. Jim is also a co-founder of the Reach Foundation which is an organisation set up to inspire and develop self esteem for children and young adults.

Jim is married with two children of his own and plays an important role in the company which is to promote and enhance education and team building.

Emma Lamendola - Operations Manager

Emma commenced her career in childcare seventeen years ago. She currently holds a Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Children Services, Certificate 4 in Workplace Training and Assessing and is currently studying her Diploma of Management. Emma has held several positions in the childcare industry, varying from centre level at a number of services to management level with two large management companies. Emma's passion for children and quality programmes is evident in her dedication and enthusiasm. Emma spends her time within our centres developing, supporting and training our staff.

Emma constantly evaluates and looks at new ways and ideas to improve our centres, our practises and our programs to make Pelican Childcare the quality childcare provider that it is.

You can contact Emma directly on 0420905664 or

Donna Micallef - Area Manager

Donna commenced her career in the hospitality industry as a qualified Chef. After having her own children she found employment in the childcare sector as a centre Chef, preparing and cooking nutritious meals for the children. Having a passion for seeing how children grow and learn lead her to commence studying again. While enjoying the role as a centre chef Donna studied her Certificate 3 in Community Services and then her Diploma in Children’s Services, which allowed Donna to also work on the floor as a qualified Group Leader. Donna decided she wanted to keep going and enrolled in the Advanced Diploma in Children’s Services. During this time Donna worked as an Assistant Director and Director. Donna believes that you can’t stop learning and over the last year she has completed many professional development courses that assist her in her current position as an Area Manager.

Donna hopes that she can make a difference to the industry and Pelican Childcare by mentoring the younger and less experienced members of our team.

You can contact Donna on 0425 117 968 or

Simone Yiallourou - Area Manager

Simone commenced her career in the childcare industry nine years ago, she began her journey as a Group Leader and worked her way up to an Assistant Director, a Director and then a Director of multiple services. Simone holds a Diploma in Community Services and her Advanced Diploma in Children's Services. Simone is passionate about making a difference and works hard to ensure our centres are a place that children are cared for, loved, nurtured, observed and planned for.

Simone now spends her time as Area Manager for Pelican Childcare to support our staff and to ensure our centres deliver high quality care.

Simone can be contacted on 0430425456 or

Catherine Ellis - Administration Manager

Catherine has been involved and worked in childcare for the last six years. Throughout this time she has held several positions from a Centre Director to Operations Support to her most recent position Administration Manager. Catherine manages our Administration Team and supports our Area Managers and Operation Managers to ensure that that Pelican Childcare delivers the high quality care and programmes that it sets out to do.

Catherine is married with four children of her own and believes that childcare is a necessity for so many parents, therefore it should be a home away from home where children feel loved, secure and stimulated.

You can contact Catherine directly on