Sara’s Leap into Leadership at Gisborne

When Story House welcomed the Gisborne service into the team, it marked a significant change for everyone involved. For Sara Blake, who had been with the service since the day it opened, it was the beginning of something new.

Sara had spent nearly a decade working directly with children, forming strong relationships and watching little ones grow and graduate. The transition to Story House was emotional, but she recognised it as a positive step. She said it quickly became clear that Story House was more than just a place of work. It was a place where passionate people came together with shared goals: to support children's development and build meaningful connections.

“Change is never easy for me,” Sara admitted, “but I knew I was ready for a new adventure.”

A New Role, a New Perspective

Now in her 2IC role, Sara finds herself more connected than ever. Instead of supporting one room, she’s engaging across the whole service, working closely with educators and families alike. She credits her Service Manager, Kelly Flynn, for her incredible mentorship and says the Inspiring Leaders program has been a game changer.

Sara explained that being part of a group of aspiring leaders across Australia has created a powerful network of learning. From monthly catchups to daily conversations in their group chat, the program has helped her grow in confidence and leadership.

Mentoring new educators has become one of the most rewarding parts of her role. She feels a strong sense of responsibility in being someone others can turn to, especially those starting out or entering the sector as trainees. “Consistency is everything,” she said, “and I want every educator to feel supported and capable in their role.”

Even the more challenging parts of leadership have become learning moments. Difficult conversations were once daunting, but with the support of short courses on Main Street, Sara now approaches them with clarity and purpose.

Her biggest piece of advice? Take feedback as a gift, not a criticism. Sara sees every piece of feedback as an opportunity to reflect and improve. She believes that when others offer constructive input, it’s because they see your potential.

If she could choose any superpower, Sara says she would love to teleport. With dreams of visiting every continent, she would happily travel the world during her spare time, no plane ticket required.