Winner Therese goes "above and beyond" for everyone

Therese Thomson, a service manager at Sesame Lane Care and Kindergarten, goes “above and beyond” for everyone – even mystery shoppers!

That’s one reason why she won the Employee of the Year award at the 2021 Moreton Bay Business Excellence & Innovation Awards on Friday.

“We are delighted for Therese,” Kerri Smith, Head of Sesame Lane, said.

Loves teaching

“She is extremely inclusive. She goes above and beyond for families, children and staff. She loves teaching and learning.

“We did a secret shopper, posing as someone moving interstate. Therese even offered to help the person by trying to find removalists and local agents!”

Ms Thomson has worked in childhood services in inner Sydney, the Northern Territory, Brisbane and for 21 years as an educator with Sesame Lane, based in Kippa-Ring.

Joyful job

She has run an education and care program at the Clontarf centre, is a mentor and role model, and often a presenter at inhouse professional development workshops.

“I think when you’re first in a job you want to be with people who guide you, but it’s even more fulfilling when you’re in a position to guide them,” Ms Thomson said.

“It’s both joyful and challenging … you put yourself in the parents’ shoes – they have got to trust me.

Great start to day

“The most important thing is I actually enjoy my job. I think that is a big part.

“I once had one of my sisters come in to visit me and she said: “You are very lucky, your clients are really happy to see you!”

“When you work with children, they come across the foyer and are happy to see you. They say ‘good morning’ to you … that is a lovely way to start the day.”