When Maggie first learned about Young Parents College, she immediately knew it was where she wanted to be. Throughout her teaching career, she developed a passion for the role education can play in breaking the cycle of disadvantage and creating opportunities for people to thrive. The mission of Young Parents College aligned perfectly with that calling, quickly becoming her dream workplace.
Working at YPC has also opened Maggie's eyes to the realities many families on the Central Coast face. While statistics and research can provide information about disadvantage, she says nothing compares to hearing people's stories firsthand and walking alongside students through their experiences. It has given her a deeper understanding of challenges she may never otherwise have encountered.
Before joining Young Parents College, Maggie held educational leadership positions in mainstream schools, primarily within the welfare space. While that experience provided a strong foundation, she reflects that nothing could have fully prepared her for the unique environment at YPC. Instead, her confidence came from a deep sense that this was where God had called her to serve.
One of the greatest challenges Maggie sees is not a lack of motivation from students, but the many external barriers they face while pursuing their goals. She speaks passionately about the determination and resilience of YPC students and the importance of walking alongside them through life's obstacles. With support from a strong network of partner organisations and services, students are given the opportunity to access the help they need, while continuing to do the hard work themselves.
Of all her experiences at YPC, one moment stands out as particularly meaningful. Maggie recalls a student excitedly sharing that she had secured employment and become one of the first people in her family to have a superannuation account. It was a simple but powerful reminder of the life-changing impact that education, support, and opportunity can have.
Despite the challenges many students face, Maggie says one of the most important lessons she has learned from them is that joy can be found in any circumstance. Their resilience, optimism, and determination continue to inspire her every day.
Despite the challenges many students face, Maggie says one of the most important lessons she has learned from them is that joy can be found in any circumstance. Their resilience, optimism, and determination continue to inspire her every day.
Maggie Healey
Building trust with students is another cornerstone of Maggie's work. Recognising that many have experienced instability in different areas of their lives, she strives to provide consistency, authenticity, and dependable relationships within the college environment. Her goal is to ensure students know they are supported from the moment they walk through the doors.
What Maggie enjoys most about her role is partnering with highly motivated young people who have clear goals and strong reasons for wanting to succeed. Whether students aspire to further study, employment, or focusing on raising their children, Maggie believes success is about equipping them with the skills and opportunities to pursue the future they choose.
When students feel overwhelmed or consider giving up, Maggie doesn't rely on a prepared motivational speech. Instead, she starts with a simple question: "Why?" By listening first and understanding the challenges behind those feelings, she is able to work alongside students to find a way forward.
When asked to describe Young Parents College, Maggie points to feedback recently received from a partner organisation that described the college as "truly life changing." For her, those words capture the heart of YPC and the impact it has on students and their families.
She also wishes more people understood just how much young parents have to offer. Beyond the challenges they face, they bring valuable perspectives, strengths, and experiences that can enrich the wider community.
For new staff joining YPC, Maggie's advice is simple yet profound: the work is as rewarding as it is challenging. To navigate both the practical and emotional demands of the role, she believes it is essential to remain grounded in a relationship with Christ, who provides the strength and sustenance needed to serve others well.
At Young Parents College, Maggie Healey embodies the compassion, dedication, and faith that sit at the heart of the community. Through her commitment to walking alongside students, she is helping to create opportunities, build confidence, and support life-changing futures every day.
Young Parents: Beyond the challenges they face, they bring valuable perspectives, strengths, and experiences that can enrich the wider community.
Maggie Healey
