Jessica Grimes is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at Victoria University. She is currently enrolled in a PhD focused on care, play, and joy in early childhood education, drawing on feminist, critical, and philosophical perspectives. Her research interests include the creative arts, intercultural understanding, and the role of philosophy in early childhood teacher education. Jessica has contributed to research on play in urban environments and brings a strong commitment to values-driven teaching, collaboration, and reimagining education for more sustainable, inclusive futures.