Our Leadership Team
Susie Carr
Centre Director
Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years)
Master of Education (Educational Leadership)
Susie Carr is the Centre Director at Lilac Early Learning and is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment where children can thrive. With extensive experience in early childhood education and leadership, Susie is committed to providing high-quality education and care while building strong relationships with children, families and educators.
Throughout her career, Susie has held a range of leadership positions within the early childhood sector, developing a strong understanding of what it takes to create a positive centre culture and achieve the best outcomes for children. She believes that every child deserves to feel safe, respected and valued, and that high-quality early learning begins with meaningful relationships, engaging learning experiences and a genuine sense of belonging.
As Centre Director, Susie is committed to leading a team of passionate educators who share her vision for excellence. She values collaboration, continuous improvement and professional growth, supporting educators to deliver intentional, play-based learning experiences that inspire confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
Child safety and wellbeing are at the heart of everything Susie does. She is dedicated to fostering a child-safe culture where the best interests of every child are paramount, ensuring that families can feel confident knowing their children are learning in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.
Outside of work, Susie enjoys spending quality time with her family, staying active and making the most of the outdoors. Becoming a parent has given her an even greater appreciation for the trust families place in early childhood educators and has strengthened her commitment to creating a service where children and families feel genuinely welcomed, supported and connected.
Susie is passionate about lifelong learning and believes that great leaders never stop growing. She is committed to ongoing professional development and continually seeks opportunities to strengthen both her own practice and the quality of education and care provided at Lilac Early Learning.
Lauryn Backhouse
Educational Leader – Assistant Director
Diploma of Early Education and Care
Lauryn has been a valued member of the Lilac Early Learning team since graduating Year 12 in 2017, beginning her career as a Certificate III trainee. Since then, she has completed her Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and has progressed through a variety of roles, building extensive knowledge and experience along the way. Lauryn has worked in the early childhood sector for nine years, including the past five years as Educational Leader and the past two years as Assistant Director while continuing in her Educational Leader role.
Lauryn is passionate about providing high-quality early childhood education and creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where every child can thrive. She is dedicated to supporting children, families, and educators, and is committed to fostering positive relationships while helping each child reach their full potential. Her caring and approachable nature, combined with her commitment to continuous improvement, helps create a welcoming environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn.
Lauryn is highly adaptable and embraces the ever-changing nature of early childhood education. She is always willing to step in wherever she is needed, whether that’s supporting educators on the floor, assisting with daily operations, or helping to ensure the smooth running of the service. When the centre chefs are away, Lauryn confidently steps into the cook’s role, demonstrating her versatility, reliability, and commitment to supporting both her team and the children in her care.
Outside of work, Lauryn enjoys spending weekends camping and making memories with her partner. They are excited to be welcoming a little bundle of joy to their family very soon. Lauryn will be on maternity leave from August 2026 until June 2027 and looks forward to returning to the Lilac Early Learning community after spending this special time with her growing family.
