At Wise Owls, we employ a diverse workforce and we always strive to attract, retain and develop the best quality staff. Below we are pleased to introduce you to our management and administrative team. Our nurseries and clubs are full of hard working, passionate and dedicated practitioners who deserve a mention. Without them, we could not continue to deliver the exceptional education and care that we offer across our services.
Tanya Galitzine, Founder & Managing Director
Tanya founded Wise Owls in 2000 and is passionate about providing the best possible childcare standards. She is NNEB and NVQ Level 6 Qualified and has a very prestigious Norland Diploma in Childcare. Tanya has worked in various childcare roles from private nanny positions to nursery schools, and has over 25 years experience in the sector. As Managing Director, she is responsible for the efficient day to day administration and for the financial planning and management of the Wise Owls Group.
Daniel Scott, Company Secretary and Head of Strategy & Property
Dan has been an owner and part of the Wise Owls journey since its inception back 2000, and more recently took on a full-time role in 2021. He has a Degree in Industrial Design having studied at Central St. Martins School of Art & Design, and has a wealth of experience across the creative & design sector and has specialised in senior leadership roles driving cooperate NBD growth strategies. Dan is responsible for the direction & performance of the Wise Owls Group and is passionate about developing people, teams & organisations.
Laura Hughes, Operations Director
Laura has been with Wise Owls since 2009, and has extensive experience in both the Nursery and Club sectors, as well as in HR. She has an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education and she serves as the Designated Safeguarding Lead and a Mental Health First Aider. Laura is responsible for driving exceptional childcare standards across Clubs and Day Nurseries, collaborating closely with our managers, QA manager and HR manager.
Ally Holloway, Head of Sales, Marketing and Communications
Ally became part of Wise Owls in 2020 bringing with her a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Marketing. As a qualified teacher, she has over 15 years experience in education and curriculum development, along with 4 years working in childcare and out-of-school hours care. Ally’s responsibilities include leading the strategic direction of Wise Owls in marketing, communications and digital transformation.
Viraj Abegunarathna, HR Manager
Viraj joined the Wise Owls family in 2022, holding a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Business Administration. Before entering the childcare sector, Viraj gained experience as an HR professional in Finance, Healthcare, and Logistics. He is a CIPD member and is actively pursuing his CIPD qualifications. Viraj is known as a fair and empathetic HR Manager who maintains positive relationships with all staff members. His main focus lies in promoting staff well-being and facilitating career advancement opportunities.
Sophie Whittle, Quality Assurance Manager
Sophie became part of Wise Owls in 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience as an Education Advisor, Behaviour Analyst Tutor, support worker, and senior manager in Day Nurseries. Holding a Level 2 & 3 Diploma in Childcare & Education and young people’s workforce, Sophie is dedicated to providing exceptional early years education. She takes pleasure in collaborating with our practitioners to mentor and assist them in upholding the highest standards of care.
Jackie Henley, Nursery Manager
Jackie has been a nursery manager for Wise Owls since 2019. She has a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and over 35 years of experience in childcare; ranging from nannying, preschool, nursery room leader, and managing a creche and a nursery. Jackie is passionate about teaching in the early years and loves teaching children about the importance of nature and furthering their knowledge about the environment.
Sarah Billings, Nursery Manager
Sarah joined Wise Owls in 2019 as the nursery manager of Wise Owls at Foxley Day Nursery in Shurlock Row. She enjoys working and motivating a good strong team and is dedicated to bringing out the best in every child in her care. Sarah has a foundation degree in early years, NVQ level 3 in management and early years as well as an NNEB. To help her manage her site she also has first aid, prevention of duty, safeguarding, EYFS and SEND. Sarah has trained and worked in childcare since 1996 and brings her love for her career choice wherever she goes.
Nina Hollier, Nursery Manager
Nina joined Wise Owls in 2022 and is our Nursery Manager of Wise Owls at Farm View Day Nursery in Spencers Wood. Having gained the NNEB in 1989, Nina has worked in childcare both in the UK and abroad, bringing over thirty years of experience to her role. Nina is a parent to a daughter who attends university, so is also able to share her many parenting experiences.
Sherish Sajid, Breakfast, After School and Holiday Club Manager
Sherish joined Wise Owls in 2014 as a manager of our Breakfast, After School and Holiday Club. She holds a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Level 3 Diploma in Management. Sherish has worked in childcare for more than 15 years. During Covid-19, she worked as an MCA at Wexham Hospital. Sherish is a confident, happy and bubbly member of the Wise Owls team who is passionate about her work and to help all children grow.
Penny Lane, After School Club Manager
Penny has been working with Wise Owls Childcare since 2011 and has worked in childcare for over 30 years. She has a Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce. Penny worked in a nursery setting as well as working as a travelling nanny/flight attendant for 12 years from Heathrow to East Africa. She spent time volunteering in a children’s orphanage in Kenya. She says ‘I have been privileged for most of my working career to work with children watching and helping their confidence grow which is priceless. Every smile makes my day!’
Sarah Dean, Breakfast & After School Club Manager
Sarah joined Wise Owls in 2023 as Manager of Oldfield After School Club and Furze Platt Breakfast Club. She has over 20 years experience working in childcare and has a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare. She is DBS approved.
Debbie Millar, Accounts Manager
Debbie has been with Wise Owls Childcare since 2010. She has her Book Keeping Qualification Level 1 and 2 and City and Guilds Computerised Book Keeping Level 3.
Lisa Warren, Bookings Administrator
Lisa joined us in 2019. She is DBS approved. Being a working mother she has a good understanding of the needs of our clients.
Hazel Penycate, Office Administrator
Hazel joined Wise Owls in 2023. She has a wealth of administration, customer service and office experience, and is DBS approved.
Lisa Morley, Invoicing Administrator
Lisa joined the team in 2018 bringing with her 25 years of administration and accounts experience.