Staff Snapshot: Carla Scalia

14 October 2015

At YWCA Canberra, we’re really proud of the vibrancy and diversity of our staff team. We’ll be bringing you regular Staff Snapshots so you can meet our team and find out a bit more about the people behind our programs and services. Today, meet Carla Scalia a Trainer  & Assessor who works in our Registered Training Unit.

Can you tell us a bit about your role at YWCA Canberra?

I work within the Registered Training Unit as a Trainer and Assessor for our Children’s Services qualifications. I support students who are completing either a Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education & Care. I’ve been with YWCA Canberra for a little over a year however have been involved in Early Childhood and Education for just over 18 years and in the field of Adult Education and Training for 9 of those.

What’s on your current playlist?

I’m happy to listen to most anything and I tend to change over frequently depending on my mood (as well as the weather), but reoccurring artists at the moment can include anyone from Sia, The Editors, The Builders and The Butchers, Fat Freddy’s Drop through to Placebo and Pink.

What is the most out-there job you’ve ever had?

I’ve always worked with children and in early education. I was employed within a 220 place centre a few years back, whilst living in Melbourne (which when compared to the norm, is huge!). It was certainly a learning curve!

If you had to choose a single thing about the Y that makes you proud to work here, what would it be?

I think the fact that we attract diverse clients makes my job enjoyable and meaningful. I find that within the Training Unit, we attract many (predominantly) female clients who come to us to gain a qualification to better themselves after many years of looking after others whether it be their children, partners/husbands or extended family. To help them through their study and to support them in achieving something that is solely theirs and theirs alone is really empowering for us both.

When you’re not at work, what’s your relaxation activity of choice?

Nothing beats a chilled glass of Sav Blanc in the sunshine that for sure! That said, enjoying a good meal and a laugh with my family, playing with my 3 year old daughter as well as reading as good book are all ways that I unwind after a busy working day or week.

Who’s your favourite inspirational woman?

Maria Montessori (August 31, 1870 – May 6, 1952) is a lady who I have always admired from afar. She was the first woman in Italy to enrol and qualify as a doctor despite facing strong prejudice. Despite this, she went on to become a very well respected doctor who championed equal pay between the genders, employment after motherhood and who went on to invest her talents into working and caring with children who suffered from severe additional needs. The research and the sacrifices she made personally and professionally, allowed her to become a very influential advocate for children, and has influenced many teachers ever since – myself included. In my book, she is very much an inspirational lady!

Tags: CBR, community, staff snapshot