MANAGEMENT

Hugh Ellis - Managing Director

Hugh has been involved in childcare for the past five years. Married with four growing children of his own, he had a successfully corporate career in the retail sector with a publicly listed company. He became disillusioned with the quality of child care available. It was from this that Pelican childcare was born. "The more I researched, the more I realised what was needed in childcare. I treat every decision as though I was making it for my own children".

Hugh's focus is ensuring that the high quality of care is not only maintained but always improving and growing.

You can contact Hugh directly with any feedback or comments -

Emma Lamendola - Operations Manager

Emma commenced her career in childcare fourteen years ago. She currently holds a Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Children Services and is currently studying Certificate 4 in Workplace Training and Assessing. Emma has held several positions in the childcare industry, varying from centre level at a number of services to management level with two large management companies. Emma's passion for children and quality programmes is evident in her dedication and enthusiasm.

Emma spends her time within our centres developing, supporting and training our staff. Emma constantly evaluates and looks at new ways and ideas to improve our centres, our practises and our programs to make Pelican Childcare the quality childcare provider that it is.

You can contact Emma directly on 0420905664 or

Shelly Dowsett – Area Manager

Shelly’s journey within the childcare sector started 13 years ago when she discovered a career that was made for her. Shelly started as a childcare assistant and while working fulltime she studied part time to obtain her Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Community Services. Shelly began working with Penguin Childcare two years ago as a centre Director, during this time she was awarded the 2009 ‘Victorian/Tasmania Director of Year’. This award demonstrates her passion and dedication to the industry.

Shelly now spends her time in our centres, supporting staff and helping to ensure high quality programmes and practises are maintained everyday.

You can contact Shelly on 0425 117 968 or

Catherine Ellis - Administration Manager

Catherine has been involved and worked in childcare for the last four years. Throughout this time she has held several positions from a Centre Director to Operations Support to her most recent position Administrations Manager. Catherine manages our Administration Team and supports our Operations Managers to ensure that that Pelican Childcare delivers the high quality care and programmes that it sets out to do.

Catherine is married with four children of her own and believes that childcare is a necessity for so many parents, therefore it should be a home away from home where children feel loved, secure and stimulated.

You can contact Catherine directly on