Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Tania Cocola

Melbourne,VIC

Summary

Versatile and self-driven professional with a unique blend of education, business management, and customer service experience. With over a decade as the founder and operator of one of Melbourne’s first indoor play centres dedicated to preschoolers, I bring a deep understanding of community engagement, inclusive environments, and early childhood development. Passionate about building positive relationships, streamlining systems, and working collaboratively to deliver meaningful outcomes. Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, adapt to changing needs, and lead with care, innovation, and accountability.

Professional with extensive experience in founding and managing businesses, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic planning capabilities. Proven track record in creating and implementing effective business strategies, fostering team collaboration, and driving growth. Known for adaptability and results-focused approach, excelling in dynamic and fast-paced environments.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Founder & Operator

Playshed Café
01.2014 - 01.2025

Established and managed a successful hospitality and play centre business catering to young families and community groups

  • Oversaw all areas of operations, including HR, rostering, finances, stock management, marketing, customer experience, and compliance.
  • Created and maintained policy frameworks covering child safety, food handling, and employee responsibilities, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards and workplace best practices.
  • Recruited, trained, and mentored staff, fostering a supportive and accountable team culture.
  • Implemented booking systems and online customer engagement tools to improve service flow and responsiveness.
  • Coordinated special events, school holiday programs, and inclusive activities for young children and their families.
  • Maintained high standards of cleanliness, food safety, and OH&S practices.
  • Developed innovative menu concepts to enhance customer experience and drive engagement.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring high standards of service and product quality.
  • Implemented cost control measures to optimize resource allocation and reduce waste.
  • Conducted market research to identify trends and adapt offerings accordingly for competitive advantage.
  • Created marketing strategies that increased brand visibility and attracted new customers through social media campaigns.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and effectively resolving issues.
  • Secured sufficient funds to cover business obligations by tracking expenses and budgeting accurately.
  • Evaluated daily operations, identifying areas for improvement to enhance efficiency.
  • Provided on-the-job training to newly hired workers and team members.
  • Accurately documented all operational data, ensuring up-to-date records for review and analysis.

Primary Classroom Teacher

Various Primary Schools
01.2006 - 01.2010
  • Planned and delivered engaging lessons across multiple year levels in alignment with the Victorian Curriculum and school frameworks.
  • Adapted teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning needs, including students with varying abilities and backgrounds.
  • Managed classroom behaviour and fostered a positive, inclusive learning environment.
  • Collaborated with school leadership and colleagues to support curriculum continuity and student wellbeing.
  • Assessed student progress and provided feedback to students and parents through reports and meetings.
  • Implemented school policies effectively, including child safety, attendance, and assessment procedures.
  • Participated in professional development activities to enhance teaching skills and stay current with educational best practices.

Education

Bachelor of Education - Primary (Graduate Entry)

Australian Catholic University
01-2006

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)

Victoria University
01-2002

Skills

  • Outstanding customer service and stakeholder communication
  • Workflow management, task prioritisation & time management
  • Staff supervision, team collaboration, and independent problem-solving
  • Confident decision-making with strong sense of initiative and responsibility
  • Conceptual understanding of policies, procedures, and compliance
  • Highly proficient in MS Office Suite, POS systems & online booking tools
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Creative thinking and commitment to continuous improvement
  • Emotionally intelligent, culturally aware, and community-minded
  • Team leadership
  • Strategic thinking
  • Marketing
  • Entrepreneurial and innovative

Timeline

Founder & Operator

Playshed Café
01.2014 - 01.2025

Primary Classroom Teacher

Various Primary Schools
01.2006 - 01.2010

Bachelor of Education - Primary (Graduate Entry)

Australian Catholic University

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)

Victoria University
Tania Cocola