Board

Jo grew up in the Wangaratta area and studied Veterinary Science at Melbourne University before starting work in Tallangatta. After her first child was born, she and her husband moved back to Wangaratta to take advantage of her parents as babysitters - for a total of three children now! Jo and her husband own the Wangaratta Veterinary Clinic and Warby Street Veterinary Hospital and really enjoy being part of the North-East community.

Jo has undertaken many courses in business development and executive leadership training over the last decade and has served on multiple committees including Coronation Kindergarten, Appin Park Primary School council and GOTAFE Animal Ethics Committee. She joined the NERPSA board in 2015 and has served as President since 2017. Serving on the board has given her an appreciation of how the early childhood sector operates and she feels very fortunate to serve with the other fantastic board members and NERPSA’s management team!

I joined the NERPSA Board in 2024 as Secretary and additionally I am on my local kindergarten committee. Being part of the Board has given me a greater understanding and appreciation of how our kindergartens operate and the important work that goes on behind the scenes to support children, families, and educators.

I have worked as a veterinary nurse for the past 16 years and absolutely love what I do. Outside of work, I’m a proud parent of two young children who have both attended NERPSA kindergartens. Watching them grow, learn, and thrive has strengthened my passion for early childhood education and the positive impact it has on families.

One of my favourite parts of being on the Board is attending the Annual General Meeting, where each kindergarten shares highlights from the year. Hearing about the experiences, achievements, and learning happening across our services is always inspiring. It gives me a real appreciation for the dedication, creativity, and passion of our teachers, and I deeply admire the incredible work they do every day.

Jason has called Wangaratta home for nearly 20 years after growing up and living in Melbourne. Jason has completed Psychological Studies at Latrobe University in Wodonga. Jason has a strong history in the Human Services field working with the full range of clients, working in rural and regional areas. This has mainly been in Government organisations such as Centrelink, The Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service, and The Victorian Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing. Jason has also worked in the Family Violence sector providing specialised skills and knowledge of working with men who choose to use Family Violence. Jason has a strong focus, and experience in, practice leadership within the Human Services field, with a significant knowledge of the Victorian Court system.

Both of Jason’s children have attended NERPSA kindergartens, and Jason has served on the committees during this time. Jason currently works at Indie Education and has a commitment to supporting young people who have difficulty in completing schooling in a mainstream setting.