Trainer nurtures success
Donna Ertel, general manager and early childhood education tutor at Educare Training embodies the essence of passion, resilience and continuous learning.
Donna’s journey into early childhood education began with a transformative moment that would redefine her life’s purpose; the birth of her first child, Jackson. “The moment we had our first child I looked and thought about things differently. I wanted my children to see that ‘mum’ can study and be ‘more than a mum’. I was a late bloomer regarding realising my potential to be able to study and get qualified,” she explains.
Moving to Brisbane with her family eventually led her to work in childcare. A pivotal moment during a workshop shaped her commitment to creating a supportive environment for her trainees.
At the end of the workshop, during a round of “positive words”, she was overwhelmed by how her peers viewed her.
“Up until that moment I didn’t know what people saw when they were with me. I’d never felt so valued as an educator. We now do this with our trainees at the end of each term; we call this the ‘warm fuzzies’. They take away a little notebook filled with positive words from their peers.”
Her career reflects her resilience in the face of formidable odds. Early in her marriage her husband was hit by a truck when he was cycling. She was told he wouldn’t make it; he had different plans. “I watched this man defy all odds and fight for his life, then finish his study to pass his last chartered accountant exams by being verbally assessed in his hospital gown. His determination was inspiring and his support of me motivational.”
These incidents fuelled Donna’s commitment to Educare trainees, especially those with limited confidence. She encourages them to view mistakes as opportunities for growth, and to focus on what they want to achieve, helping them unlock their potential. This philosophy is a cornerstone of Donna's leadership.
“Our defining aim is to give people a bright future that influences the next generation with wealth and knowledge. Our trainees are successful, helping children and those who need educational support.”
Donna is proud to work with her Early Childhood & Education Support tutors who share a passion for growing people. “I am motivated by our team, which includes Bronwyn, Talia, Laura, Courtney, Jae and Emily. These strong, intelligent, successful educators support people from all backgrounds with patience and integrity.”
More than 36 years after it was founded, the not-for-profit organisation is going strong, impacting trainees, their whanau and society. Donna reflects: “I was handed the baton and have carried it with pride.”
With a heartfelt acknowledgement of her late mother's role in shaping her life, Donna sees International Women’s Day as a celebration of the strength, wisdom and resilience passed down through the ages.
“It is about recognising the generations of women before us, those who follow us and the ones we carry within us,” she says.