Level of education: Bachelor's of Art, specializing in Painting Master's of Art, specializing in Clinical Art Therapy

Additional skills or certifications: During my years working in social services, I was required to attend numerous professional trainings in the field of child development and psychological health and development. I have a listing of the trainings available on a separate page of my vitae.

Experience: I have a full vitae available on request. I have been a part-time nanny in private 4 private homes at different time periods. Children 6, 10 years, 3 days a week, duration 1.5 years. Child 16 months old, 1 day a week (relief nanny), duration 1 year. Children 3 months and 3 years, 3-4 days a week, duration 1.5 years. Children 1.5 years and 4 years, 3-4 days a week, duration 4 years. I worked for 4 years as a Children's Program worker at a social service agency. I worked with children 6 weeks to 15 years. I worked with children in age appropriate activities, and taught the children's program of parenting classes. Served as the Children's Program Director for a residential drug treatment house for 1 year. I developed programs for the children and taught parenting classes. I spent 1.5 years in graduate program internships working with children 6 years-15 years. Six months in a in-patient psych unit, and one year in a Chicago public elementary school as an art therapist. I worked as an Art Therapist for 3.5 years, working with children 4-18 years old at a Chicago social service agency. 2009-12 week individual art therapy for a 10 year old girl. 2010-2012 I conducted summer mural programs for a community art center in Berthoud CO. Each summer I worked with a group of 8-10 children, ages 8-18 to paint a large exterior mural. March 2010-January 2012 worked as a nanny for a family with 3 boys; starting ages-5 m, 2.5 y, and 3.5 years.

Experience with the following age groups: I have experience working children as young as 6 weeks, up to 18 years old. Most of my experience is working with school age children. My favorite ages to work with are 4 years to 14 years old.

Interests and hobbies:I enjoy keeping active. In the warm months I like to bike, walk, and hike. I have a chocolate lab, Henry, who likes to do these activities with me. My husband and I are novice scuba divers and try to do that every year. I like international and domestic travel, exploring undiscovered places and experiences. I frequent art exhibits and galleries, and on occasion, live theater. I am a amateur gardener, and I also love food and cooking and consider myself an above average cook. I enjoy this so much, that if you wanted me to plan and prepare meals for you, I would welcome the opportunity! I love cooking with kids too!

Describe your childcare style:I play on the floor! I believe in consistency as a foundation for exploration and education and fun. This means that a consistent attitude and expectation allows the children to learn and experience healthily and without worry. My method of working with kids is very child-centered, I let them lead, I provide safe boundaries, redirection when necessary, and encourage imagination and critical thinking. I promote healthy expression, and try to encourage wonder and curiosity.

What activities do you like to do with children:Imagination is a very important word! I like nature walks, reading and the library, physical activity, creative expression. I love to introduce children (and their adults!) to new experiences; trying a new food, seeing a new "thing", going to a new place, and especially seeing and experiencing a familiar thing in a new way.

Why are you interested in working as a Nanny or Babysitter? I have always enjoyed working with children. I am a caretaker by nature. I am enthralled with a child's resiliency, their curious nature, and the things that affect their development. I think keeping in touch with children helps us (adults) keep young at heart!

What qualities are important in a Nanny or Babysitter?I am organized, and a very capable multi-tasker, qualities that I think are important of running a household. I am patient, empathic, disciplined, happy, and loving. Flexibility is a must as well. These are just some of the qualities that are important, and I must be able to adjust the "dose" of each of these qualities to interact in a safe, healthy, and fun way with the family.

Additional comments:Thanks for considering me as an addition to your family. My experience with children is vast and solid. I will make a good choice for the care of your children, and I will help your make your life less stressful and run more smoothly!