Meet our Team

Karen Atkinson - CEO

Bachelor Education (Hon class 1), Bachelor Teaching (Early Childhood), CCC’s, Certificate IV Training and Assessment

Karen Atkinson holds a Bachelor of Education (Honours Class 1), a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood), Certificate in Child care Studies and Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment and Training. Karen has had over 20 years experience working with children in a variety of children’s services. Karen has been tutoring adults for the past 18 years in both ACE, and VET as co-ordinator and tutor for the Diploma of Children’s Services and Certificate III in Children’s Services. For the past 7 years Karen has worked as a University Lecture and Course Co-ordinator at the University of Western Sydney and Newcastle University.

Tony Atkinson - Director

Business Planning, Business Mentor, Certificate IV Training and Assessment & currently completing Bachelor in Training and Development

Tony Atkinson is an experienced VET Trainer and RTO Manager. As the Centre Manager of a not- for- profit Registered Training Organisation Tony’s experience includes the full management of the service including human resources, AQTF compliance, financial management, overseeing OH&S requirements and networking. Tony is experienced in business planning, with over 12 years as owner of his successful plumbing business, 4 years experience as a business mentor, and extensive experience managing a large number of staff (over 180 personnel) as a Retail Manager. Tony is an experienced VET Trainer teaching the Diploma in Real Estate for over three years as a licensed real estate agent. Tony holds Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment and Training and is currently in the third year of a Bachelor in Training and Development at the University of New England.

Tracy Manning - Training Co-Ordinator, Trainer & Assessor

Bachelor Teaching (Early Childhood), Associate Diploma Children’s Services, QIAS Validator, Certificate IV Training and Assessment

With an original qualification of Associate Diploma, Tracy has had 13 years experience working with children in a variety of children’s services. Tracy holds a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) and has been a Quality Improvement and Accreditation System (QIAS) Validator for over 5 years. Tracy also holds a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment.

Rebecca Boland - Trainer & Assessor

Bachelor Education (Early Childhood), Certificate IV Training & Assessment

Rebecca has had 13 years experience working with children in pre-school, occasional care and long day care settings. Rebecca’s experience has included teaching and working as a centre director. Her early childhood interests include anti-bias and culturally inclusive programming, mathematical development and self-esteem development in young children. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

Patricia Epstein - Administration Manager

Bachelor in Finance

Patricia is our great administration manager. In addition to speaking four languages Patricia specialises in Business analysis and has worked all over the world designing management systems. We are excited to have her on our team.

Nicole May - Online Systems,  Trainer & Assessor

Diploma Children’s Services, Certificate IV Training & Assessment and currently completing her Advanced Diploma in Children’s Services

Nicole graduated from Diploma of Children’s Services with Atkinson Training and Development in 2007, she has experience working fulltime as a Room Leader in the 2-3 year room at a local centre. Nicole is the person behind the scenes of our online systems and is also a nanny for a local family. She is currently completing her Advanced Diploma in Childcare