Prior to her academic career, Kym was a primary school teacher. She taught in both government and Catholic schools in North Queensland and England. Her PhD examined young children’s participation in extra-curricular activities and School Age Care. After completing her thesis Kym was a lecturer at James Cook University where she received a Teaching Award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning. Kym joined the University of Canberra in 2013 where she teaches undergraduate and postgraduate education units. She regularly delivers professional development workshops to primary teachers in Papua New Guinea.