The ANA volunteer committee is made up of Nanny Industry Members who are nominated each year at the AGM. The management of the ANA is a shared responsibility across these volunteers as they donate their time to create a better nanny industry for everyone. If you are interested in joining the ANA committee, please email enquiries@australiannannyassociation.org.au to register interest. (T+C’s apply)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Joey de Boer
President + Social Media
Joey is a career nanny, working in Melbourne and Brisbane over the last 15years. Joey holds a Diploma in Children’s Services and has also worked in Early Childhood Centers, OSHC and had her own children’s party entertainment business for over 5yrs. In 2024, Joey launched her event based nanny agency, Bridal Bliss Nannies, which services weddings throughout Victoria, offering casual babysitting also.
As a nanny, Joey loves to become part of the family, focusing on the individual children whilst managing everything within the home too.
Joey was previously our Brisbane Nanny Rep whilst living there. Joey is a very social person, who is passionate about the nanny community and wanting to connect other Nannies together, recognising how important nanny friendships are through her own – becoming close friends with nannies she has known through her entire career, through networking and socialising.
Caela Macilquham
Vice President + Secretary
Caela is a seasoned nanny of 14 years, currently working full-time in Brisbane. As the Australian Nanny Association’s first-ever Nanny President, she proudly led the organisation for three years.
Deeply passionate about child development, Caela is dedicated to creating safe, nurturing environments where children can slow down, explore, and truly connect with the world around them.
She is equally passionate about supporting her peers within the nanny profession, bringing the community together in what can often be an isolating role. Through her work with the ANA, Caela continues to foster connection, advocacy, and professionalism within the nanny industry.
Lauren Brown
Treasurer + Secretary
Lauren has been a proud volunteer of the ANA for over 10 years. Lauren’s time with the ANA has contributed to optimising and automating the ANA operations to lower costs and allow for volunteer time to focus more on community and less on admin. Lauren has held every position within the executive committee and has worked closely in building key partnership for the association and it’s members. Lauren is now focused on lobbying and stakeholder opportunities to build the industry further.
Lauren stepped away from nanny work a few years ago to becoming a business owner within the community. Lauren now runs both a nanny agency (Nanager) and a nanny payroll company (NannyPay) and loves to make better solutions for nannies and families to help them build strong, long term working relationships.
Annemarie
Public Officer
Annemarie is a founding member of the Australian Nanny Association. Annemarie felt that nannies were being misrepresented in the media and wanted to share their positive experiences working as and with nannies.
Annemarie has 20 years working with children including centre-based care, social welfare, nannying and currently as an Agency owner. Annemarie has a Diploma in Community Services and Certificate 3 in Children’s Services. Annemarie runs her own Agency (Night Nannies) supporting parents in the search for nanny solutions and offers a wide range of Nanny corporate solutions
Annemarie is the longest-standing ANA committee member and was honoured with Life Membership in 2020 for her tireless efforts for the Australian Nanny Community.
SUBCOMMITTEE
Sam Acklin
Nanny Representative
Sam has worked as a professional nanny for many years and is deeply passionate about supporting both families and fellow nannies. Having experienced the challenges of working in an unregulated industry, she understands how isolating it can sometimes feel. Sam is committed to helping build a strong, connected community where nannies feel recognised, valued, and supported.
Through her role with the Australian Nanny Association, Sam hopes to create more opportunities for nannies to come together. Helping the community to share experiences, learn from one another, and celebrate the vital work they do every day.
Bayley Chainey
Nanny Representative
Bayley is a seasoned career nanny with over eight years of professional experience both in Australia and overseas. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with families to provide tailored, high-quality care that supports each child’s individual needs, growth, and holistic well-being. Based in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Bayley thrives in roles that allow her to balance household management with personalised, nurturing support for children.
With a strong commitment to professional development, Bayley continually seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills within the childcare industry. Her long-term dedication to being a professional nanny reflects not only her passion for caring for children but also her commitment to advancing the nanny profession. Bayley values connection, collaboration, and sharing experiences with other nannies, believing that building a supportive community strengthens the entire industry.
Amanda Ferguson
Committee Support
Amanda is a nanny with 20 years of experience working in Australia and internationally. She loves working with children and families, and loves connecting with other nannies online and in person. She loves to travel, and has often travelled for conferences. Amanda is passionate about ongoing learning and professional development.
Amanda recognises the value of nanny care, which means you will see her advocating for nannies to be paid fairly and legally, sharing information and resources, and encouraging nannies to maintain professionalism. She also supports nannies with this through mentoring and support services.
Lindy Afonso
Agency Representative
Lindy is a qualified British Maternity Nurse Practitioner and International Governess with a Postgraduate Business Degree and a Cambridge University TEFL qualification.
Originally from South Africa, she has lived and worked across the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Thailand, the United States, Hong Kong, and Australia.
After nearly three decades working with high-profile clients, Lindy founded Billy Button Babysitting Agency in 2021 in Jindabyne, NSW. Today, it’s recognised as the go-to alpine agency in Australia.
Passionate about advocating for the childcare industry, Lindy champions the importance of trusted agencies connecting families with reliable caregivers.
Heidi Muller
Nanny Representative
Heidi is a professional nanny with over 28 years of experience caring for families across Australia. Passionate about building community and supporting her peers, she actively hosts nanny playdates and catch-ups to help nannies connect, share experiences, and support one another.
A proud advocate for the profession, Heidi wants to support more nannies to join the ANA and take part in strengthening the visibility and voice of nannies nationwide. Her goal is to foster a sense of belonging within the industry — where every nanny feels valued, supported, and heard.
Samantha Ligertwood
NSW Nanny Representative
Sam is a highly experienced professional nanny with over 20 years in the industry, working predominantly with high-net-worth and high-profile families across Australia. Her background includes a blend of family management and house management, giving her a deep understanding of discretion, organisation, and the complexities of supporting busy households.
Sam is looking forward to hosting local Sydney events for the ANA to help connect the community. take part in strengthening the industry’s network. She’s passionate about supporting her peers, sharing her knowledge, and helping raise the standard and recognition of nannies across Australia.
Natalie Baker
Magazine Content Creator
Natalie is a professional nanny and agency owner based in Brisbane, bringing over 30 years of experience working with babies and supporting families. With a background in education and lecturing, she is passionate about professional growth and lifelong learning within the nanny community. Natalie is the owner of Steady Nest, a proud Agency member of the ANA.
Natalie is excited to contribute to the ANA by exploring new opportunities for virtual professional development and supporting the growth of the nanny magazine. She believes in collaboration, compassion, and community — and is always ready to lend a hand, no matter how big or small the task, to help make the world a better place for families and carers alike.
Jess Bunting
Committee Support
Jess is a career nanny based in Canberra with over 11 years of experience working with children across China, the UK, and Australia. She has supported families with children ranging from newborns to teenagers and understands that every family is unique, with no one-size-fits-all approach to raising children.
Holding a Certificate III in Community Services, Jess is passionate about professional development within the childcare industry and values building meaningful relationships in what can sometimes be an isolating career. Alongside her work as a nanny, she runs her own agency and looks forward to launching its official opening in 2026. Through her involvement with the ANA, Jess hopes to continue strengthening the recognition and professionalism of the nanny community across Australia.