Samantha Edmonds, Chief Executive Officer

John Gunn, Operations Manager

Ian Alchin, Services Support Manager

Ian Alchin, M. Comm., B Ed., Dip. Teach., joined CCSA in August 2009. Ian has over 30 years’ experience in children’s services as a teacher, director and executive director. He has worked in local government, community based services and not-for-profit companies, and has experience in a range of service types. He has managed a large community-based organisation operating 17 services and developed the first privately funded, community owned long day care centre and community hub in western Sydney. Ian has presented papers nationally and internationally to conferences on community management in children’s services, service development, management and administration, business development and viability and sustainability. He is a member of the International Organising Committee for the World Forum on Early Care and Education. Ian has lectured casually at university and provided assistance to services as a consultant on a wide variety of issues. Ian’s role at CCSA is to represent members in consultations with government departments, politicians and industrial organisations. He is also available for support on a range of service management issues.

Helena Hyssett, BA, began work with CCSA as an Administration Officer in February 2005. In January 2006 Helena became a project officer for CCSA's Business Solutions undertaking payroll and bookkeeping for a growing number of member services. In October of the same year, Helena's role expanded to include generalist project officer work. Much of Helena’s financial management and administrative experience was gained working for an accounting firm in Queensland. However, with two children, she has also been volunteer treasurer for the P & F Association at her children’s school, has been on the parent advisory panel for her local Family Day Care scheme in Brisbane, and treasurer of the local OOSH service. 

Kathy Whalan, Membership and Training Support Officer (Membership and Professional Development Team)

Kathy Whalan, BA Hons, Grad Dip Tourism Mgmt, joined CCSA in March 2001 as Administration Officer and in July of that year became a part-time Project Officer. Kathy’s background includes many years in the tourism industry before joining CCSA. She also has broad experience of living in rural and city environments. Her two children have attended early childhood services, where she has served on the management committee. Kathy’s responsibilities include telephone support for members, contributing to the website development, and co-ordinating CCSA’s conferences  and regional training days.

Shauna Fayers, B.Ec, joined CCSA in November 2006 as a Project Officer. Shauna has a Bachelor of Economics and broad experience in human resource management in the public sector. Shauna also has experience of community-based services through her work on various children’s services management committees. Shauna provides support to members through our management infoline, responds to members’ written queries, and administers the CCSA website.

Devina Fraser, Senior Bookkeeper (Business Solutions)

Devina Fraser joined us in January 2009. Devina comes from New Zealand, and has a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration and a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Geography, majoring in Development. She spent a number of years teaching English to children in Korea and Taiwan before volunteering with community-based organisations in Sudan and Papua New Guinea where she mentored women in small business skills and implementing micro-finance programs. Devina found her time as a volunteer to be a most rewarding experience, and since settling in Australia has wanted to return to working in the community sector. Devina, who is mum to two children, hopes her work at CCSA will help community-managed services manage their business so they can concentrate on their core business.


Sandra Menin, Bookkeeper/Payroll Officer (Business Solutions)

Sandra Menin joined CCSA in May 2009 as a member of our Business Solutions team. Sandra has worked for perfume companies, in body corporate management and in accounts payable in large law firms. Sandra has one grown-up daughter.

Theresa Macleay, Bookkeeper/Payroll Officer (Business Solutions)

Theresea Macleay joined CCSA in November, 2009 as a part-time bookkeeper and payroll officer. Theresa comes to us with a background in administration and accounting and is currently studying a Bachelor of Business and Commerce, majoring in Accounting, at the University of Western Sydney.

Candace Rozema, Bookeeper/Payroll Officer (Business Solutions)

Candace Rozema, Dip.of Teaching, joined the CCSA team in March 2011 as a part-time bookeeper and payroll officer. Formerly a TAFE teacher, Candace has spent more recent years working in office administration for a haulage and electronics company. Candace is married with four children and has spent many years volunteering for playgroup, preschool and school committees in the lower Blue Mountains.

Wendy Cook, Bookeeper/Payroll Officer (Business Solutions)

Wendy joined CCSA in March 2011 as a part-time bookeeper and payroll officer.  Wendy has spent the last 8 years as a stay-at-home mum. Previous to this she has always worked in accounts payable and administration. Wendy is married with 2 sons and is involved in the P & C, helping in the classroom, and co-ordinates the Mothers and Fathers day stalls at her boy's school.

Amanda Marco, Administration Support Officer

Amanda Marco began work with CCSA as Administration Officer in September 2011. Amanda’s background is as a PA, administration/reception and accounts payable/receivable. Amanda has spent the last 6 years as a stay-at-home mum of 2 daughters and has lived in the Blue Mountains for the past 11 years. Amanda’s role is to provide administrative support to CCSA staff and members.