Hello, I’m Lara, the Director of The Learning Brain. I am a Certified Play Therapist, Teacher and Certified Facilitator of LEGO® Based Therapy who has worked with children in a variety of roles. Not only as a classroom teacher (Years Prep to 6) but also in specialist roles as Visual Arts Teacher and Performing Arts Teacher. I enjoy teaching and discovering ways to creatively showcase children’s learning and building confidence in every child I spend time with brings me joy and energy.

With over a decade of experience as a Teacher, my vision for The Learning Brain began when I first read Sir Ken Robinson’s ‘The Element – How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything’.

I sought after a space where children felt safe to be their own unique selves and engage in learning in a creative way. I believe that children come with many different learning needs and preferences and their own strengths, passions and ideas to share.

Tapping into children’s interests is the key to unlocking a love of learning, where students feel empowered to wonder about the world, be curious investigators and discover meaning even in the most simplest of things. I enjoy facilitating learning through play, explicit instruction and by sharing my own love of learning.  

As a mother of two children, one who is Neurodivergent, I see the importance of a nurturing environment that allows children to be authentically themselves, to set their own goals and to achieve anything they set out to do. To be happy children who learn from mistakes, laugh, share ideas and embrace beauty in the world around them. To be conscientious global citizens and critical thinkers who are able to be independent and confident and who believe in themselves.

I warmly welcome you to The Learning Brain – a creative space where children can learn and play.