RECENT FEEDBACK
What Educators Are Saying
"I left Rachel's Sustainability in the Toddlers Room workshop feeling inspired and full of practical ideas. Rachel showed us that sustainability doesn't have to be complicated or expensive and that even toddlers can be active participants in caring for their environment. The workshop was engaging, relatable, and full of ideas that could be implemented immediately. It completely changed the way I think about sustainability and how it can be embedded into everyday learning experiences."
Annie - Toddler Room Leader
"I attended Rachel's workshop on Canva in a Family Day Care setting and absolutely loved how practical and relevant it was. Rather than focusing on complicated design features, Rachel showed us simple ways to use Canva to create professional templates for observations, learning stories, and everyday documentation. I left with ideas I could implement immediately, saving time while still producing high-quality resources. Rachel's approachable style and real-world experience made the workshop engaging, practical, and easy to follow."
Stef FDC Educator NT
"I participated in Rachel's Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud workshop and it was honestly the most fun I've ever had in a professional development session. More importantly, it challenged me to think differently about messy play and the value of allowing children to get dirty, explore, and learn through hands-on experiences. Rachel created a relaxed, engaging environment that encouraged reflection while still being practical and relevant to everyday practice. I left feeling inspired, confident, and excited to embrace more messy play in my service."
Amy - FDC Educator QLD
"Rachel helped me simplify planning and programming when I was feeling completely overwhelmed by the planning cycle and its requirements. Her workshop was incredibly practical, hands-on, and easy to understand. What I loved most was that Rachel showed us how to simplify our processes without compromising quality or compliance. I left feeling far more confident in my planning and with strategies I could implement immediately. I would highly recommend her workshops to any educator looking to reduce stress while still exceeding expectations."
Melanie - FDC Educator QLD
"As a Nominated Supervisor, I am always looking for professional development opportunities that are engaging, practical, and capable of creating meaningful change within our service. Rachel's Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud workshop delivered exactly that. She challenged educators to reflect on their own perceptions of risk, mess, and learning while highlighting the immense value of hands-on, sensory-rich experiences for children. The workshop was interactive, thought-provoking, and grounded in current practice. Our team left feeling inspired, motivated, and more confident in embracing messy play as a valuable part of children's learning and development.
Linda - Nominated Supervisor LDC
-RECOGNITION
Awards & Professional Recognition
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities that have had throughout my career to support children, families, educators, and communities.
Australian Early Education and Care Awards,
2012
Nominee, Early Childhood Service of the Year
AusMumpreneur Awards,
2020, 2021, 2023, 2026
Award Nominee
(2024) Award Finalist
Australian Small Business Awards,
2024
Finalist, Sole Operator
Allens Training Partner Award
2026
Winner - Marketing & Brand Presence
Wagga Wagga Golden Crow Awards,
2019
People's Choice Award — Nominee
Family Day Care Australia, Educator of the Year Awards,
2023
Limestone Coast Regional Winner
Women Changing the World Award, 2024
Award Nominee
AusMumpreneur Awards,
2026
Education & Training Award Finalist
Family Day Care Australia, Educator of the Year Awards,
2020
Wagga Wagga Regional Winner
Beam Awards,
2024
Finalist, Emerging Business of the Year
Finalist, Women Supporting Women
Moreton Bay Local Business Awards.
2026
Finalist - Educational Services
IN THE MEDIA
Press & Podcasts
Over the years, I've been grateful for the opportunity to share my story and experience across podcasts, articles, and interviews - conversations about education, family day care, and the realities of this work
The Daily Advertiser:
Wagga coronavirus: Mothers Rachel Smith and Kaitlyn Haran on life with babies born during the covid lockdown
Allens Training
A Brand Built on a Real Story: Rachel Wins the Branding and Marketing Presence Award