Our Story
We are sisters, Sela and Ana, and we grew up as preacher’s kids, with our childhood deeply rooted in church life. From Sunday School and Bible readings to youth groups, camps, and church plays, we eventually stepped into leadership roles helping our dad lead these programs during our teens and young adult years.
Through these experiences, we discovered the power of:
✨ Communication
✨ Storytelling
✨ Nurturing children
These early lessons became the foundation for our careers — both devoted to supporting children, families, and their wellbeing.
Work Experience🌊
Ana – Speech Pathologist
Ana has worked as a speech pathologist for the past five years across a range of settings, supporting children and adults with speech, language, and social communication needs.
She has a special interest for paediatric communication and loves creating therapy sessions that are playful, purposeful, and centred on each child. Ana also supports children who use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) and has a special interest in working alongside families to strengthen connection and communication.
Sela – Educator/ Childhood Wellbeing Practitioner
Sela has spent over 11 years working with young children in early learning settings. From being a lead educator and centre director to now supporting educators across the Blue Mountains region and Sydney within their own practice.
She cares deeply about children’s wellbeing and mental health, and about making sure no child is ever overlooked and has the best start to life.
Now they’re both mums to three kids each. Parenthood has strengthened their passion for helping families raise children who are confident, resilient, and heard.
Why Moana Minds
We believe every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported. Our work is about nurturing children’s wellbeing, communication, and development, while also empowering families and educators with the tools to help them thrive.
We created Moana Minds to:
✨ Share evidence-based tips for parents and families
✨ Support speech, language, child development & wellbeing
✨ Provide practical recommendations & resources
✨ Celebrate Pacific culture as a strength in raising children
Qualifications
Ana:
Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Science
Bachelor of Speech Pathology
Sela:
Dip Early Childhood Education
Bachelor of Social Science (Behavioural Studies)
Master of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (in progress)