A Holistic Educator with Deep Insight Into the School System

I’m Chelle — the founder of Learn by Heart, educator, behaviour support practitioner and former Learning and Support Coordinator.

After years working within the school system, I saw countless families struggling to access the right support for their child. Not because they weren’t trying — but because the system can be complex, overwhelming and emotionally draining.

Learn by Heart was born to bridge that gap.

With experience across mainstream, support and inclusive education settings, I bring a unique perspective to the families I work with:
I understand what happens behind the scenes at school — and I know how to help you navigate it.

We lead with heart, supported by the educational insight families can trust.

Compassionate, Child-Centred and Neuroaffirming

Every child deserves to feel safe, capable and understood.

My approach blends educational expertise with genuine care, recognising that learning, behaviour, emotions and wellbeing are all deeply connected.

I focus on:

Holistic support that looks at the whole child
Neuroaffirming practices that celebrate strengths
Collaboration with families, teachers and allied professionals
Practical strategies grounded in real classroom experience
Clear communication to reduce stress and confusion
Respect and dignity for every child, regardless of diagnosis

No two children are the same — and no two support plans should be either.

Book Your Initial Consultation

Every Child Learns and Grows in Their Own Way

What I Believe

I believe that children flourish when the adults around them truly understand their needs.

This means focusing on:

Building confidence through connection
Supporting emotional and social development
Understanding behaviour as communication
Creating learning environments that feel safe and achievable
Empowering parents to advocate with clarity and confidence
Working with teachers, not against them

Together, we create genuine, sustainable change.

Who I Work With

I work with school-aged children who may be:

Neurodivergent (Autism, ADHD or traits)
Experiencing anxiety or emotional dysregulation
Showing behaviour challenges at home or school
Struggling with social interactions or friendships
Falling behind academically
Lacking confidence or feeling overwhelmed
Navigating school refusal
Awaiting assessment or not yet diagnosed

I also support families who want clearer communication, direction and confidence when dealing with school processes and expectations.

My Journey to Learn by Heart

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching (Primary plus Secondary English)

University of Newcastle, 2014

Teaching Experience:

10 years - classroom teaching, Learning Support Team Coordinator (family liaison, allied health liaison, NDIS therapies, Out of Home Care, funding and placement applications, behaviour and learning observations and planning, supporting classroom teachers, NCCD coordination, funding review meetings) , intervention teacher, Learning and Support Teacher.

NESA Accreditation - Proficient/Maintenance

Professional Learning:

Positive Partnerships (Autism and Neurodivergence)

Seasons for Growth (Grief and Loss)

Trauma-Informed Practice

Positive Behaviour for Learning

Connecting to Country (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives)

Visible Learning

Extra-curricular:

Social skills programs, School Choir, Debating Coach, Trauma-Informed Art programs, Wellbeing programs, Environmental programs, Aboriginal Cultural programs

All within complex communities with a diverse range of student needs and challenges.

Prior to becoming an educator:

Medical Herbalist - 2004-2014 (Advanced Diploma Western Herbal Medicine, Diploma Medical Science, Diploma Iridology)
Founder Green Tea Frog - Herbal Teas and Natural Skincare 2009-2014 (Winner New Enterprise Incentive Awards, 2009)
Co-Founder - Willow Restaurant, Morpeth, 2009

What ties all of this together is my commitment to holistic education: seeing each child as a whole person, with their own story, challenges, and potential. I bring compassion, creativity, and a wealth of experience from many walks of life to my work as an educator, creating spaces where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to thrive.