The Sunflower Village was founded by Stacey Farrell, who has a breadth of experience in education as the previous Learning Diversity Leader and Transition Leader at St Joseph’s Primary School, Malvern; Kindergarten Teacher at Malvern Memorial Kindergarten and more recently in roles across the Learning Diversity spaces in the Junior and Senior Schools of Loreto Mandeville Toorak.

Stacey is often warmly referred to as “Miss Stacey” by many children and families who she has had the privilege of connecting with throughout her teaching years.

The Sunflower Village provides opportunities for families to access services and support to assist with important transitions in their children’s lives. Stacey understands that parenting can sometimes be a lonely, challenging, whilst worthwhile experience and that “it takes a village to raise a child”, and has a strong desire to continue to create opportunities to build community and foster connection for young families within Stonnington.

Relationships have always been at the heart of Stacey’s engagements with children and families and the key to creating honest connections, ensuring children and families are at ease and welcome in a space.

Stacey’s warmth, kindness, care, humour, patience, understanding, inclusive and playful nature are the foundations of her educational philosophy.  Over the past 15 years, the hundreds of children she has worked with have been her greatest teachers. Their perspectives and courage are humbling and deepen understanding and desire to be open to all the ways that we are unique. Stacey has a way of connecting with children at their level and takes the time to get to know their unique personalities.

It is an honour and privilege to work with children and families and The Sunflower Village looks forward to working with you to create a positive experience for you and your child.

Miss Stacey