1. Why start MLNA?
The idea came about, after I gave birth and fell in love with my first born child in early 1999. I couldn’t bear the thought of returning to work for someone else and collaborated with my mother in creating a niche business that was highly sort after in the baby booming areas of Stonington, Manningham and Bayside. It was a no brainer really, the waiting lists for good childcare centres were horrifically long and parents were working crazily hard to bring in the $’s to support their growing families, hence the need for someone to help them look after their children, manage their home and help keep their lives manageable. So we threw caution to the wind and went for it.
2. What are you passionate about?
OMG, that’s and easy one. Family, family, family, kids, kids kids, fun, laughter, support and happiness. I still get an intense thrill every time I hear that my team has helped a family to lead a less stressful life. Personal development and professional growth is also dear to my heart, I love coaching and training the Carers to improve their service to our families and maintain an improved performance. I also love seeing the intimate relationships that our Carers create with each of the families. I really am just a big softy who loves seeing people happy and confident.
3. What is your greatest accomplishment?
Hands down —– my 3 beautiful children.
4. What is your vision for the future of MLNA?
To continue to respond to the Clients and Carers needs, modifying and changing our business model as the industry shifts and grows. I would say that my vision is to be “Flexible, Responsive and Innovative, Be the Leaders in the In–Home Care industry”
5. What has been MLNA’s greatest success?
There is no ONE particular moment, but I would have to say we are pretty good at collecting amazing office staff who absolutely LOVE their jobs, they get such a kick out of looking after all our Clients and Carers, so our greatest success would be our ability to choose amazing people to work for us.
6. Why is in-home care important?
I believe that there is the need for both centre based and in home care. Each family is very different so being able to choose an option that suits them best is imperative. Being able to return home from a long hard day at work – to happy, sweet smelling children who have had their dinner, a bath and are ready for stories and cuddles with their parents is every parents dream come true. Dropping by coles on the way to the Childcare centre after a long day at work, to drag tired, hungry children home, only to be faced with last night’s dinner dishes, this morning’s breakfast dishes, a full dishwasher, three loads of washing, shopping bags to unload, a meal to cook, lunch boxes to be emptied and repacked, some ironing and online shopping to be done, while children are trying to get your attention…. can be a parent’s worst nightmare. Having the option to choose a balance different styles of care is essential.
7. What’s your favourite thing about the MLNA Team?
The passion, laughter, loyalty, commitment and personal ownership that each of our office staff show during every communication they have with the Clients and Carers. We have great pride in the amazing collection of fabulous Carers that have represented us over the years, we are pretty good at choosing them, but also very very lucky that they have chosen us to represent them!
8. What make’s MLNA stand apart from other in-home care providers?
Our induction process and communicative relationship that we create with our Carers is second to none. We truly care about each and every union, we strive to make sure that both the family and the nanny are super happy. We value our clients and carers, trying to give it our all! We are not perfect, but one thing I do know is that we are very humble and really really want the best for everyone.
9. What does MLNA mean to you?
MLNA is a warm fuzzy feeling that you get in the pit of your belly when you know that a family just met the perfect Carer.