Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders at Sanctuary

Melissa Taylor-Hansford • May 5, 2026

At Sanctuary, we believe the best educators never stop learning.


While our team spends every day nurturing, guiding and supporting children, they are also continuing to grow in their own professional journey.


Through our ELEVATE Future Leaders program, educators are encouraged to strengthen their leadership skills, reflect on their practice and continue learning in meaningful ways.



Because when educators grow, children benefit too.

What is the ELEVATE Future Leaders program?

The ELEVATE program is designed to support educators who are passionate about personal growth, leadership and high-quality early childhood education.

It encourages educators to:



  • reflect on their professional practice
  • strengthen leadership and communication skills
  • build confidence and self-awareness
  • continue learning alongside their peers
  • create positive outcomes for children and families.


At Sanctuary, we believe ongoing learning helps create stronger teams, deeper relationships and more enriching learning environments for children.


ELEVATE BOOK CLUB

This year, several of our dedicated ELEVATE participants reached an exciting milestone by earning their place in our exclusive ELEVATE Book Club.

This opportunity is reserved for educators who successfully completed the advanced Level 3 program last year — a reflection of their ongoing commitment to growth and leadership within early childhood education.


This year's participating educators are:


Brydie Morrison

Centre Director

Highfields Child Care Centre


BB Hunnybun

Educational Leader

Sanctuary Health and Knowledge Precinct (Southport)


Bianca West

Educational Leader

Sanctuary Redlynch


Sarah Harris

Educational Leader

Sanctuary Ashmore


These are the educators supporting your children every day:

  • building trusting relationships
  • creating safe and engaging environments
  • encouraging curiosity and confidence
  • helping children feel connected and valued.


Their commitment to learning extends far beyond the classroom.

Learning through Atomic Habits

Our ELEVATE Book Club is currently exploring Atomic Habits by James Clear — a globally recognised book focused on personal growth, mindset and behaviour.

The book centres around a simple but powerful idea: small, consistent actions can lead to meaningful long-term change.

It’s a philosophy that strongly aligns with early childhood education and the way children learn and grow through everyday experiences, routines and relationships.

As part of the program, educators work through a guided Atomic Habits workbook designed to encourage reflection and practical learning.

Participants are encouraged to:

  • reflect on their professional habits and routines
  • identify opportunities for growth
  • explore how small daily actions shape children’s experiences
  • build intentional leadership practices
  • strengthen communication and teamwork skills.

Why educator growth matters in early learning

Strong early learning environments begin with reflective and engaged educators.

When educators invest in their own learning and wellbeing, it creates positive ripple effects throughout the learning environment. Children benefit from calm, confident and intentional educators who are continually strengthening their knowledge and practice.

Professional development also helps educators:

  • build stronger relationships with children and families
  • create more responsive learning environments
  • support emotional wellbeing and inclusion
  • model curiosity and lifelong learning.

At Sanctuary, leadership is not simply a title — it is something we practise every day through reflection, collaboration and meaningful relationships.

A culture of learning at Sanctuary

The ELEVATE Book Club represents something truly special within our Sanctuary community — educators choosing to go above and beyond because they genuinely care about children, families and the future of early childhood education.

We are incredibly proud of the passion, commitment and professionalism our educators bring to their roles each day.

Their willingness to continue learning and growing helps create warm, inspiring and high-quality learning environments where children can thrive.

Because at Sanctuary, growth is not only for children — it’s part of who we are as a team.

Exceptional early learning starts with exceptional educators.
At Sanctuary, we invest in our team through ongoing leadership and professional development programs that support meaningful outcomes for children and families.

connect with us

  • What is the Sanctuary ELEVATE Future Leaders program?

    The ELEVATE Future Leaders program is Sanctuary’s professional development initiative designed to support educators in leadership, reflection and ongoing learning within early childhood education.

  • Why is educator professional development important?

    Ongoing learning helps educators strengthen their skills, confidence and leadership practices, which supports better outcomes and experiences for children and families.

  • What is the ELEVATE Book Club?

    The ELEVATE Book Club is an extended leadership opportunity for educators who completed the advanced Level 3 ELEVATE program. Participants explore professional growth and leadership through guided reading and reflection.

  • What book are educators currently studying?

    Educators in the ELEVATE Book Club are currently exploring Atomic Habits by James Clear, focusing on how small, consistent actions can create meaningful long-term growth.

  • How does educator growth benefit children?

    When educators continue learning and reflecting on their practice, children benefit from more intentional teaching, stronger relationships and enriching learning environments.

  • What values guide Sanctuary’s approach to leadership?

    Sanctuary values connection, collaboration, reflection and continuous growth. We believe strong leadership begins with care, curiosity and lifelong learning.

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