With qualifications and a background in finance and accounting, Sandamini Munasinghe didn’t come to education support work at Emerson with the inbuilt knowledge that she had found her path in life. Instead, at the time she felt uncertain and confused, questioning her ability to shift careers from finance to working with special needs children.
But from the moment she began working at Emerson, Sandamini discovered a sense of joy in what she does and now simply cannot imagine doing anything else.
“This is my path now,” Sandamini says. “I love working with children, and especially those with special needs. The satisfaction when you see the progress the children make is something that can’t be valued. That satisfaction is priceless.”
Sandamini moved to Australia from Sri Lanka at the age of 19, leaving behind her parents so she could study as an international student at Deakin University. She completed her bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance and financial planning in 2011 before applying for permanent residency and starting work at Holmesglen TAFE in the International Centre’s compliance area.
She married in 2015 and took time off to have her son in 2018. Then Covid hit, and she found herself at home with a young child and feeling uninspired by the thought of returning to finance.
“My cousin Yasasrini, who works in Middle School at Emerson, suggested I do a course in education support. She was certain I’d love it, but I wasn’t sure I would be able to manage such a role. It was so different to anything I had ever done previously.”
Her cousin had shared stories about Emerson being a lovely, flexible and rewarding place to work, so in the end Sandamini chose to undertake the course, which she completed during Covid lockdown. She says her lecturer was supportive and gave her a new perspective on working in schools, and particularly in special schools.
Sandamini is naturally reserved and without confidence in her own abilities, and credits working at Emerson—and particularly the support of SSP classroom teacher Luke Bowen—with finding the self-confidence to grow both professionally and personally.
“I had two placements at Emerson, one in Junior School and then another in Senior School. On my last day in Senior School, Luke invited me to play a piece for his class and the kids loved it. That led to being invited to play for staff including principal John Mooney in the lunchroom, and eventually to an interview and a position in education support. I couldn’t be happier.”
Sandamini says Luke’s patience, the way he teaches, and his ability to use music to reach the students are all things she admires and tries to emulate.
Luke also encouraged her to become involved in school production which she has done for the past three years, where she works backstage in helping to design and build the props.
“Emerson is an amazing place. It feels like a family, where everyone genuinely cares for and supports each other. The acknowledgement of differences in culture as well as ability is also a huge bonus.”
Sandamini says Emerson principal John Mooney has much to do with the positive culture at the school. “He is a wonderful principal who encourages respect but doesn’t maintain or enforce hierarchy. He is very approachable and his door is always open. I feel like I could talk to Mr Mooney about anything.”
Sandamini is halfway through a Master of Primary Education at Curtin University in WA and is loving her new career path. She hopes to finish her studies next year.
When asked if she misses finance and accounting or would consider going back to it, Sandamini is adamant that she would not give up her current work for anything.
“I have rediscovered my passion for both music and art and learnt that my skills are of value in the classroom. I’m so grateful I found my way to Emerson. This is a wonderful place.”
[interviewed July 2026]
