Our Story & Purpose

Who We Are

Nurture Cottage is an early childhood practice in Goulburn, specialising in early intervention, developmental support and play-based learning.

We support children from birth to 7 years through individualised early intervention, working alongside families and the professionals around each child. We also offer facilitated community play experiences for children from three months to 8 years, creating opportunities for children and families to play, explore and connect within our purposefully designed Creative Play Studio.

Our Apporach

At the heart of Nurture Cottage is a belief that children learn best when they feel safe, connected and genuinely engaged. Our approach brings together knowledge of early childhood development with a deep understanding of play, relationships and the individual ways children communicate, learn and experience the world.

We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We take the time to understand each child — their strengths, interests, communication, relationships, sensory experiences and ways of engaging — and use this understanding to create meaningful opportunities for learning and development.

Our goal is not simply to teach children new skills, but to create the conditions in which they can feel confident, capable and connected as they grow.

“Nestled in a quiet corner of our community, Nurture Cottage was founded to feel like a second home — calm, safe, and welcoming.”

136 Verner St, Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia

Our Story

Nurture Cottage began in 2021 from a simple belief: children deserve places where they can feel safe, understood and supported.

What began as a small early childhood practice has grown into a place where children, families and educators can come together to learn, play and connect.

From the beginning, we wanted to create something that felt different. We saw the value in creating a warm, home-like environment where children could feel comfortable and where learning could happen naturally through play, relationships and curiosity.

As Nurture Cottage has grown, so has our understanding of what children and families need. Our work has expanded to include individualised early intervention, community play experiences and professional learning for educators, while our commitment to relationship-based, neuro-affirming practice has remained at the centre of everything we do.

Today, Nurture Cottage is a small team of early childhood professionals working together to support children and families in our local community. While our programs and practice continue to evolve, our original purpose remains the same: to create a place where children feel a sense of belonging and are given the opportunity to learn, connect and grow through play.

Our Values

Curiosity

We take the time to truly understand each child. By observing gently, listening deeply, and asking thoughtful questions, we gain insight into how your child experiences the world — and how best to support their growth.

Creativity

We bring imagination and playfulness into all we do. Whether designing engaging activities or adapting to each child’s interests, creativity helps us meet children where they are and foster joyful learning.

Connection

At the heart of our work is connection — building trusting, warm relationships between children, families, and our team. When children feel safe and supported, they are free to explore, learn, and thrive.

These values shape the heart of Nurture Cottage — a place where children are free to be themselves, and families feel truly supported.

Meet the Team

  • Jacinta

    Founder of Nurture Cottage & Holistic Therapist

  • Anna

    Head Early Childhood Teacher & Early Intervention Specialist

  • Simone

    Early Childhood Educator & Creative Play Facilitator

  • Tiarna

    Play Therapy Student & Creative Play Assistant

More about the Founder:
Jacinta Ojwang

I'm Jacinta, the founder behind Nurture Cottage. My journey into holistic therapy began with a pivotal moment of transformation in 2014, leading me from a career in music education to the enchanting world of healing through play. Armed with qualifications in early childhood music education, life coaching, meditation, and sound healing, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to our cottage.

Driven by a deep commitment to emotional well-being and connection, I embarked on a quest to deepen my understanding of holistic counselling and psychotherapy. Along the way, I discovered the transformative power of play, leading me to specialize in clinical child-centered play therapy and beyond.

Inspired by my son's journey with Autism/ADHD, I've dedicated myself to creating a nurturing space where every child feels cherished and supported. As a certified parent coach and facilitator, I understand the joys and challenges of raising children, and I'm here to provide guidance and encouragement to families on their journey.

So, whether you're seeking support for your child's emotional well-being, looking to strengthen family bonds, or simply ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, I invite you to step into Nurture Cottage and experience the warmth and wonder of healing through play and creativity.

  • Throughout my professional journey, I have been deeply committed to expanding my knowledge and refining my craft across a diverse range of therapeutic and coaching disciplines. My foundation began with undergraduate studies in Early Childhood Music Education and Suzuki Music Education, laying the groundwork for a career rooted in attunement, creativity, and connection.

    Over the years, this foundation has evolved into a rich tapestry of complementary modalities. I am a certified Life Coach with a focus on Children’s Emotion Coaching and Meditation Teaching, and I hold additional certifications in Acutonics and Sound Therapy. My postgraduate studies include qualifications in Counselling and Psychotherapy, a Graduate Certificate in Sand Tray Therapy, and qualifications as a Goulding SleepTalk® Consultant and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy Facilitator.

    Guided by a deep passion for learning and a heart-centered approach to emotional wellbeing, I have completed extensive training in Clinical Child-Centered Play Therapy, AutPlay Therapy, TraumaPlay, and Neuro-Dramatic Play. I am a certified Parent Education Coach, Circle of Security & Tuning into Kids Facilitator with further qualifications in Creative Arts Therapy, VibroAcoustic Sound Therapy & Yin Breath work.

    Recent learning journeys have included certification in 5 Elements Coaching, EBEFT Foundational Practitioner Training, and a Registered Touch for Health Instructor and Educational Kinesiologist– Brain Gym Consultant and Practitioner.

    I am currently coming to completion of advanced studies in Clinical Hypnotherapy/Psychotherapy and Somatic Coaching, while simultaneously completing my clinical training to become a Registered Homeopath and Functional & Therapeutic Breath Work Practitioner.

More about Anna:

Head Early Childhood Teacher & Early Intervention Specialist

I'm Anna, a passionate Early Childhood Teacher with a deep commitment to supporting children's holistic development and well-being. My pedagogies are rooted in a play-based philosophy that prioritises inclusive practices and the cultivation of strong relationships with both children and families.

My journey into the field of early childhood education began at the University of Wollongong, where I pursued a Bachelor of Education - The Early Years (Honours). During my final year of studies, my research focused on the significance of music in children's education and the crucial role educators play in this aspect. This knowledge and expertise have greatly influenced my work, inspiring me to incorporate music into children's learning to help them reach their full potential.

I then relocated to Sydney and found a centre that resonated with my core values and provided opportunities for professional growth. I assumed leadership roles in the Toddler and Preschool rooms and was appointed the Creative Arts Leader for the entire centre, advocating for the integration of Music, Art, Drama, and Dance in early childhood education. This hands-on experience has equipped me with valuable insights into creating supportive environments for children and collaborating effectively with schools and centres.

I have now found my calling at Nurture Cottage in my hometown, specialising in Early Intervention and offering tailored support to children with additional needs in one-on-one or small group settings. My dedication lies in promoting emotional well-being and fostering connections with the children and families I work with. I am here to provide guidance, support, and encouragement on their individual journeys creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can feel a sense of belonging and discover the joy of learning through play.

More About Simone:

Creative Play Facilitator & Early Childhood Educator

I’m Simone, a Creative Play Facilitator and Early Intervention Educator at Nurture Cottage. I’m deeply passionate about supporting children and their families, and I believe that every child is capable, curious, and full of potential when they are supported in ways that feel safe, respectful, and responsive.

My journey into the early years began in disability support work, where I supported individuals with high care needs and their families within the community. I later worked closely with children with disabilities in after-school care and extracurricular settings. Building strong, trusting relationships with these children and their families shaped the way I work today and sparked my love for early childhood education.

I completed my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education in Canberra before relocating to Goulburn, where I went on to complete my Diploma. This journey gave me a strong appreciation for play-based learning and the importance of meeting children where they are.

At Nurture Cottage, I value the opportunity to slow down and truly connect with each child through small group and one-to-one sessions. Messy and sensory play are at the heart of my practice, as they allow children to explore, regulate, express themselves, and build confidence in a way that feels natural and engaging. I also enjoy weaving STEAM experiences into play to spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving.

I believe in finding the right balance between gentle support and meaningful challenge, allowing children to take risks, build resilience, and develop a strong sense of self. I feel privileged to walk alongside children and families during their time at Nurture Cottage — supporting each child’s development while creating moments of joy, connection, and discovery.