About
Ology Early Education Consulting Sydney
Karen Barnes
CEO and Ologist
Karen Barnes – CEO and Ologists
Karen is a blue-sky thinker. Her mind doesn’t work within limitations—it moves through possibilities. She sees what could be and creates without boundaries, always imagining new ways to support the people she works with. Her ideas come from more than just intelligence. They come from deep traits that define creative thinkers: curiosity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to take risks.
But Karen believes the real power lies in how children are supported to grow. Emotional intelligence is the foundation. Children need safe, secure environments led by adults who have integrity and empower them with voice and choice. With the right support, children can develop a strong sense of self, confidence in their abilities, and the emotional regulation needed to thrive—not just in learning but in life.
Karen still remembers being the child who didn’t want to put her hand up in class. Not because she didn’t care, but because she doubted herself. That same feeling showed up again as an adult when she began studying early childhood in her mid-twenties. University readings felt overwhelming—words jumped off the page, and self-doubt crept in. But she learned to listen to her self-talk. To notice the voice that said “you can’t” and choose to keep going anyway.
She persisted, through course after course, driven by a vision to change the way children, families, and professionals are supported. She started with her Certificate III, working as an assistant. From there, she worked across both profit and not-for-profit services, eventually owning and operating her own. Along the way, she’s taken on roles that reflect her experience and deep commitment:
• Authorised Officer assessing quality and compliance in early childhood services
• TAFE teacher and Head Teacher, supporting students from Certificate III through to Degree level
• Consultant and Subject Matter Expert, guiding developers through council and court processes, supporting services to operate, and empowering families to take an active role in early education.
Through it all, Karen has never stopped learning. Her work now brings together every skill, role, and lesson into courses that create real change. Her Calmology series is a perfect example: it blends therapy, education, and emotional development to help children feel empowered and capable of regulating their emotions.
What drives her is simple: the belief that we are all wired for connection, that learning never ends, that confidence is built when we’re seen, heard, and supported by people who believe in us, and that the best kind of mentoring is the kind that reminds people, children and adults alike, of who they already are.
Some of Karen’s Qualifications
BA of Education Early Childhood (Primary Pathway 0-8 Years)
BA of Children’s Services
Graduate Certificate in Creative Therapy
Graduate Certificate in Counselling
Graduate Certificate in Child-Centred Play Therapy
Diploma in Counselling
Diploma of Quality Auditing
Diploma of Management
Diploma of Business
Diploma of Vocational Education &Training
Diploma Training Design and Development
Lego Play Therapy Facilitator
Lego Serious Play Facilitator
Certificate Mindfulness & Meditation Teaching 3-17 years of age and Parents
Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator
Circle of Security Classroom Facilitator
