Founder and Program Director
Master's in Psychology of Education | Qualified Primary Teacher | Certified Early Intervention Therapist

Originally from Canada and now proudly rooted in the Southern Highlands, Maurghen founded Wild Wattle from a deep love of the outdoors and an unwavering belief in what children truly need to thrive. With over a decade of experience working with children and families as a teacher, mentor, play therapist, and education consultant, she brings exceptional knowledge of child development and a genuine passion for slow, wild childhoods to everything Wild Wattle does.

On weekends you'll find her exploring new bush tracks with her rescue pup Rumble, camping with her family, or making slow progress on her never-ending backyard renovations.

🌿 Favourite bush activity: Making nature wands and finding bugs

Playgroup Facilitator, Senior Play Guide
Early Childhood Educator | 10+ Years Experience

Jess has spent over a decade working with children and families, and her love for little ones is obvious from the moment you meet her. She has a gift for meeting children exactly where they are and creating the kind of warm, safe space where kids feel free to truly go wild. She is a beloved member of the Wild Wattle team and a familiar, reassuring face for many of our families.

On weekends you'll find Jess camping in the bush or exploring local trails with her three dogs and family.

🌿 Favourite bush activity: Listening out for black cockatoos and splashing in puddles

Play Guide - Bush Kindy Tuesdays & Fridays
Qualified Early Childhood & Primary Teacher

Katie is a qualified early childhood and primary teacher with experience across classroom teaching and learning support. She is passionate about play-based learning and helping children build confidence, curiosity, and connection through their time in nature. Having recently made the move to the Southern Highlands with her family, Katie brings a fresh enthusiasm for the slow pace and beautiful bush that makes this part of the world so special.

On weekends you'll find her exploring local parks and bush tracks with her family or enjoying a coffee at a cosy Highlands café.

🌿 Favourite bush activity: Nature scavenger hunts

Play Guide - Bush Kindy Tuesdays & Fridays
Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Courtney brings a wonderful depth of knowledge to the Wild Wattle team as a paediatric occupational therapist with a strong passion for nature-based play. She has a keen understanding of child development and a genuine dedication to supporting young families, and she brings both to every session on the mountain.

On weekends you'll find her exploring the Southern Highlands or heading to the beach with her young family.

🌿 Favourite bush activity: Nature and sensory scavenger hunts

Play Guide - Bush Kindy Tuesdays & Fridays

Steph is the kind of person every child immediately gravitates toward - endlessly fun, genuinely kind, and completely at home in the bush. A mum of three busy kids herself, she brings a warm, grounded energy to every session and a real understanding of what children need to feel happy, safe, and free to play. She is adored by the children and families at Wild Wattle and it's easy to see why.

When she's not out on the mountain you'll find Steph on family bike rides, playing board games with her kids, or baking something delicious in the kitchen.

🌿 Favourite bush activity: Bush walks and making nature soup in the mud kitchen

Senior Play Guide - Currently soaking up baby cuddles
Early Childhood Educator | 10+ Years Experience

Sarah is one of those Guides who children absolutely adore - warm, creative, and endlessly imaginative, she has a wonderful ability to bring the bush to life for the little ones in her care. With 10+ years of experience across a range of early childhood settings and a lifetime spent outdoors on a farm surrounded by animals, she brings a natural ease and creativity to Wild Wattle that is truly special.

In summer you'll find Sarah at the beach or with family, and in winter, snowboarding in the NSW Snowy Mountains.

🌿 Favourite bush activity: Listening for wildlife and finding the perfect skimming rock

Play Guide - Currently soaking up baby cuddles
Early Childhood Teacher

Originally from South Africa and now happily settled in the Southern Highlands with her husband, toddler, and dog, Taryn is a strong believer in the power of learning through play and free exploration. She brings a warmth and passion for wild, child-led play to every session, and her own recent experience as a new mum gives her a lovely empathy for the families who join us.

On weekends you'll find Taryn exploring new trails with her family or camping by the beach in summer.

🌿 Favourite bush activity: Drawing in the dirt and spotting new birds and bugs