Leadership Team

Leadership Team

GymbaROO-KindyROO was created by Margaret Sasse in 1982 to address the neuro-physiological developmental needs of 0 – 5 year olds that directly affect future reading and learning skills.

The programs Margaret developed were based on research of the leading childhood development experts of the time, with a specific focus on the relationship between physiological activities and their impact on the developing pathways of the brain that impact upon reading and learning capabilities. Her daughter Dr Jane Williams ran GymbaROO in Townsville for a number of years, then went back to University to complete a PhD in our area of expertise. This PhD was assessed by International experts in both the field of study and the methodology, and she was recommended for a Cum Laudae by one of the examiners.

The PhD so impressed one of the examiners that she paid close attention to GymbaROO-KindyROO and its underlying programs, and the work of Margaret. This examiner, Professor Frances Page Glascoe is a worldwide authority on parenting and early childhood development, and was co-editor of the American Academy of Pediatrics: Development and Behavior Newsletter. She also mentored the Royal Children’s Hospital (Vic) Community Child Health Program, and was a leading advisor for many similar programs around the world.

In her foreword in Margaret’s book Smart Start, Professor Glascoe described Margaret as “a leading international authority on the value (and enormous fun) of movement in children’s lives; and in parent’s lives too”.Prof Glascoe was so impressed that she has come on board the GymbaROO-KindyROO team as our Patron for research and support. Dr Jane Williams leads the intellectual development of the franchisees and teachers. She regularly attends and contributes to international conferences on early childhood development.

In close collaboration with the leading franchisees and teacher trainers, the GymbaROO-KindyROO programs, in-house professional development courses, and reference material for franchisees are kept up to date with the latest research and knowledge. Research is also an important part of the work of the leadership team. Programs are assessed for their effectiveness in both the short and long term.

We expect our franchisees and teachers to aspire to become the local experts in our field and we have in place an ongoing professional development and educational program to support skill and knowledge development. Early childhood development is a lifetime commitment for our teams.


office@gymbaroo.com.au P.O. Box 646 Wahroonga, NSW 2076