Big imaginations.
Wonderful humans.
Get to know the people who bring Beyond the Beanstalk to life.
MEET OUR PEOPLE
✦
BEYOND THE BEANSTALK
Where the wonder begins
Meet the people behind Beyond the Beanstalk.
Jennie has been a science teacher for 30 years, achieved national and international recognition, awarded a Churchill Fellowship and Caltex Rotary Award for innovation in teaching and also holds a Master of Science. She has travelled to the US and Europe to observe best practice in the teaching of science, engineering and mathematics.  Jennie is also the author of The STEAM Book. A book of STEM activities for late primary and early high school students and the accompanying teacher resource.
Jennie
“I hope to encourage STEM in children in early childhood so they can develop STEM skills to solve problems in a variety of contexts.”
Scribe of Science & Stories
Liz has been working with children in both Australia and the United States for over 12 years. She has worked as a nanny and in home educator. She has also worked in both long day care (LDC) and outside school hours care (OSHC) as an educator, educational leader, nominated supervisor and centre director. ​ Having received qualifications in early childhood, Liz has also pursued qualifications in business and marketing. ​ Liz has 2 little girls who love helping and trialling new activities from Beyond the Beanstalk. Liz now operates mostly in Queensland, but still returns to Sydney to visit her favourite services.
Liz
“I was often referred to as “Mary Poppins”, in many of my previous roles. I like to think that meant I thought outside the box and encouraged this skill in all children I had the pleasure of working with."
Mastermind of Mayhem
Bernie is our NSW Beanstalk Manager. Bernie brings a wealth of experience from her years as a primary school teacher, having taught every grade from Kindergarten to Year 6. Her passion lies in helping children discover how the world works, turning curiosity into confidence through hands-on learning. Before the classroom, Bernie spent over a decade as a gymnastics coach, teaching everyone from bouncing babies to enthusiastic adults. At home, she’s kept busy by two mischievous monster puppers, a mini human, and a husband surrounded by an ever-growing army of 3D printers. If you spot Bernie at one of our workshops, be sure to check out her earrings or hat—she has an vast collection and always tries to matches her accessories to the theme of the day!
Bernie
Captain of Controlled Chaos
“STEM is all about learning how the world works, but realising it all works together in a cool way.”
BEYOND THE BEANSTALK
Meet the team
Curiosity, creativity and a little bit of chaos.
Janet is our first true Queenslander on the Beanstalk team! She’s had a wonderfully varied journey before finding her way to us, including training guide dogs. Behind the scenes, Janet keeps our admin and databases organised and running smoothly. At home, she has her husband and two lovely young daughters keeping her company. We’re delighted to have her helping the Beanstalk grow in Queensland.
Janet
Photo coming soon
Belinda joins the Beanstalk after a career in IT, bringing a warm, friendly presence to the team. Outside of workshops, life includes two children, one in high school and one at university, plus a lively dog who keeps things interesting! Fun fact: Belinda and Jennie went to high school together. It’s lovely to have their paths cross again at the Beanstalk.
Belinda
Sky is back with the Beanstalk! After working with us in Sydney, she stepped away to pursue nursing studies. Now relocating to Queensland, Sky is rejoining the team while continuing her studies. We’re delighted to welcome a familiar face back for more curiosity, creativity and hands-on STEM fun.
Sky
Let’s grow something wonderful.
Bring Beyond the Beanstalk to your next learning adventure.