Level of education: I am currently in my senior year of college at the University of Colorado.

Additional skills or certifications: I have a valid CPR certificate.

Experience: As the youngest of four girls, I always wanted a little sister or brother to take care of. Since my parents said four was enough, I started to play with the younger neighborhood kids to fulfill the big sister role. I had so much fun with them that I started my own day camp for 6 neighborhood kids when I was about ten. After having so much fun with kids, I started volunteering at my old preschool where I helped with the curriculum, leading art projects and story time and most importantly played! I stayed there for a summer and got to know several families, some of whom I still sit for frequently. Working at my old preschool really sparked my interest in babysitting and I started to understand what an integral part a babysitter/nanny could have in a childs life. I continued to sit for families around Boulder as well as work in the nursery of my church, always gravitating towards kids and thoroughly enjoying my time with them. I have held dozens of babysitting jobs throughout middle, high school and college, most recently becoming an after school nanny to a family I have know for many years. It has been such a joy watching the two kids grow from diapers to their first sleep away camp… and similarly they have seen me go from braces to a senior in college!

Experience with the following age groups: The youngest child I have cared for has been 4 months, while the oldest just turned 12. I love each stage of child development and feel comfortable interacting with children of any age.

Interests and hobbies:I love going to concerts, running, hiking, practicing yoga and being with friends and family. I recently have becoming interested in event planning, which has opened up internship and committee opportunities with several companies, including wedding planning, a childrens hospital and a nonprofit volunteerism group. Working with such amazing organizations has brought out a passion for philanthropic work, which I hope to continue throughout my life. I am also an active member in my sorority and have gained extensive leadership experience throughout my time in organization.

Describe your childcare style:I have found my style with children to be similar to the way my sisters and I were raised, to support self expression through a healthy and creative way, while being true to yourself. I have also done my best to follow the guidelines of child development by encouraging independence so children can learn how to do things themselves and gradually become self sufficient under guidance. I know as a nanny I spend a significant amount of time with kids so I have always tried to always encourage and instill the values of being safe with yourself and others, being honest and most importantly being kind.

What activities do you like to do with children:As an after school nanny, the kids had multiple after school activities so most of our days would consist of school pick up, preparing a snack, a few minutes of play or homework and then getting ready for the afternoon. While going back and forth to various activities, we played a lot of pretend, we also played street hockey, went on bike rides and nature walks, went swimming and to the zoo, played in the park and read tons and tons of books. With other kids, we have written and acted out plays (that parents always love to come home to!), done fun cooking activities, lots of arts and crafts and explored around Boulder.

Why are you interested in working as a Nanny or Babysitter? I have been interested working with children for as long as I can remember because it is so refreshing to work with fresh faced optimistic kids that see the best in the world, qualities often hard to find once we grow up. I never want to lose my kid at heart mentality and genuinely always having a good time when I am caring for them. I have also gained a lot of value from the relationships I have built with the families over time. I always want to be the best role model for whomever I am around, and because kids can be impressionable at a young age it forces me to be at my best at all times which hopefully inspires them to be at their best.

What qualities are important in a Nanny or Babysitter?A nanny should be someone who has the love and compassion necessary to take care of children, as well as the attitude and spunk to keep up with them! A nanny needs to be someone who can have fun regardless if we play dress up or a game of basketball. I have learned through all the kids I have been with that they are just looking for someone to look up to, feel safe with, respect and trust but also, and most importantly have fun! I have learned through my years of caring for children that communication and respect between the parents, children and the nanny is the only way to keep everyone happy. I always want to reinforce the parenting style of the family and come into a home as a helping hand and positive energy, not making things more difficult or complicated.

Additional comments:I am excited to meet new families!