Qualified and experienced Early Childhood trainers

Hand-picked for their unique ability to understand all types of learning so each student can effectively strive and learn their own way.

Vicki McKinnon

Principal and CEO

Bachelor of Music – Education A (University of Queensland)
Graduate Diploma of Education – Early Childhood (Queensland University of Technology)
Diploma of Montessori Education – Dip Ed. (The Australian Montessori Society)
Diploma of Business (Orion Training)

Vicki McKinnon has been involved in early childhood education for 27 years. She is  CEO of Building Futures Pty Ltd and Principal of Building Futures Education.

Originally trained as a secondary teacher, Vicki taught in that sector for six years. She moved into early childhood when her parents retired and built a childcare centre in Inala, Qld, opening in 1994. As an operator of high quality, sought after services, her understanding that the best outcomes for children are driven by the level of skill and the heart of educators led to the establishment of BFE in 2009.  Currently Building Futures Pty Ltd operates three long day care services and a family day care service along with the Registered Training Organisation.  Additionally, Vicki contributes to the broader community through Montessori Children’s Foundation, through presenting at conferences and workshops, and consulting with other business operators and educators.

Vicki believes that it is important that the educators have confidence in themselves, based on a solid knowledge base and established skills. Vicki has delivered and received education in schools, university and TAFE settings, as well as in-service experiences. As such, she is passionate about the opportunity for small group tutorial delivery to enhance learning experiences for students. The communication of passion, shared ideas and experiences, as well as vicarious experience from the tutor, leads to more vibrant, relevant and memorable learning. This has led to the primary delivery mode of the college being face-to-face group sessions.

As a Montessori-trained teacher, the importance of contextualising learning for the workplaces of the learners is high on the priority list. This ensures that learners are fully equipped for their current and future work opportunities.

Sarah Ward

College Manager

Diploma of Montessori Education – Building Futures Education
Diploma of Children’s Services – Building Futures Education

Certificate III in Children’s Services – Australian Montessori Society

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment – MR WED

Sarah has been working in the Early Childhood Sector since 2006. Sarah’s experience as an assistant Educator, Group Leader and Assistant Centre manager has given her a unique perspective on the needs of the Early Childhood Sector. She has an understanding of their individual needs and will be able to provide valuable support to the students in her role as College Manager.

In her spare time, Sarah enjoys spending quality time with her 3 children and husband camping, travelling, and actively supporting her children’s sporting activities. Sarah is heavily involved at her son’s rugby league club, volunteering in multiple roles.

It’s clear that Sarah has a lot to offer both in her personal and professional life. Whether she is spending time with her family or volunteering in her community, Sarah is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those around her.

Jennifer Vinson

College Administrator

Certificate III in Community Services (Children’s Services) – Australian Professional Training Institute
Diploma of Children’s Services – The Australian Montessori Society Inc.
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment – TAE academy
Diploma of Montessori Education – Building Futures Education

Jennifer started in the Early Childhood sector in 2002. Jennifer’s passion for early childhood education has been evident throughout her career at Building Futures. Her diverse experience, from being an Assistant to a Montessori Mentor, has given her a well-rounded perspective on the industry.

While Jennifer previously conducted Montessori Workshops and Early Childhood classes, she has now transitioned into an administrative role with Buiding Futures Education to focus on spending more quality time with her family. Her dedication to her family is clear, as she enjoys attending various sporting events with her four kids during her free time.

Jennifer’s creative side has also emerged recently, as she has discovered the world of Cricut and has found joy in creating using this tool. Her love for learning and exploring new things is evident from her wide range of experiences and interests.

Toni Reed

Montessori Trainer and Assessor

Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood) – Brisbane College of Advance College
Bachelor of Education – QUT
Diploma of Montessori Education – Building Futures Education
Certificate III in Volunteer tutoring (English as a second language) – TAFE Queensland
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment – Fortress Learning

Toni Reed is an experienced Early Childhood Teacher and Montessori Directress who has worked for Building Futures since 2007 as a teacher across all age groups and educational leader. She has a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood) and Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Montessori and Trainer and Assessor Certificate IV.

Toni has a broad range of knowledge and experience in all levels of education particularly in learning support.  She has been conducting the college Montessori Workshops for several years and in more recent times, the Early Childhood courses.

Born in Beaudesert, Qld, Toni has a passion for nature and sustainability.

Amy Scarff

Trainer and Assessor

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care – Building Futures Education
Certificate III in Children’s Services – Building Futures Education
Diploma of Montessori Education – Building Futures Education
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment – Inspire Education
AMI Montessori Diploma Assistants to Infancy 0-3 

Amy has been working in the early childhood industry since 2010 when she moved to Australia from New Zealand, working within the Montessori curriculum for the majority of her career and even branching out into Montessori home based care for some time. Amy has been a part of the Building Futures Team for the majority of her time in the Early Childhood sector, where she worked as part of the Wavell Heights team in both the 0-3 and 3-6 classrooms. Amy hold her Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Diploma in Montessori Education and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

Deciding to follow a path in training and assessment, Amy moved out of the early childhood classroom in July 2019 and has been working for Building Futures Education ever since as the Certificate III of Early Childhood Education and Care trainer. Amy has a passion for all things Montessori and was even a Montessori child herself! She was born in Zimbabwe and spent the better part of her own early childhood travelling with her family until settling in New Zealand and living the farm life riding horses with her Mum and Dad.

Amy has a great love of all animals and dreams of one day being surrounded by many. The love of her life is a rescued three-legged Staffordshire bullterrier named Evie! Amy loves taking Evie to the beach with her partner, all things Harry Potter, art, reading, writing and playing games with friends.

Fleur Tory

Trainer and Assessor

Certificate III in Children’s Services – The Australian Montessori Society inc.
Diploma of Children’s Services – Building Futures Education
Diploma of Montessori Education – Building Futures Education
Montessori Assistants Course – Building Futures Education
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment – Fortress Learning

Fleur is from a big family in a tiny town in Northern New South Wales and has been working in the early childhood industry for over 14 years.

Fleur is working towards becoming one of our awesome Trainer and Assessors. Fleur finds joy and feeds her soul through gardening, creating, drawing, travelling, and giving anything a go. This has skilled Fleur with creative concepts to provide practical applications for training and supporting students.

She has her diploma in Children Services, Diploma in Montessori Education and Cert IV in Training and assessment. Her next goal is to continue creating beautiful things and sharing what she learns along the way.