Level of education: BS in Hotel Administration, University of New Hampshire AOS in Culinary Arts at The Culinary Institute of America.

Additional skills or certifications: Have taken First Aid numerous times. Currently CPR certified. Former chef, former ski instructor. Baby Sign Language

Experience: I have over 8 years experience as a childcare provider. I operated an in home childcare in Lakewood for over four years and I have raised my own two children, my oldest being 8.5. I loved playing, reading and interacting with the kids in my care. I utilized a preschool program so all kids who went on to kindergarten were ready with basic skills and social understanding. I provided afterschool care for K-2nd grade.

Experience with the following age groups: Infant through school age

Interests and hobbies: Being outdoors and active, biking, hiking, camping, walking, running, gardening, playing with my kids, skiing and swimming. I LOVE my kids and enjoying making crafts, baking, cooking and playing games with them.

Describe your childcare style: I am fun, active, loving, kind, respectful and responsible. I am the kind of person who will get on the floor with all ages and participate in their dress up or play acting or silliness. I love to make children feel loved, laugh and be excited to learn new things.

What activities do you like to do with children: I believe in following a daily routine which includes play time, story times, craft and activity times, outdoor active time and healthy meal times. I enjoy bringing them to new environments to engage their minds such as the parks, zoo, museums, library, or age appropriate special events. When I had my childcare, we had a daily craft or activity, such as playing with shaving cream or baking soda and vinegar. We would color, trace, cut and paste. We made necklaces with pasta, followed recipes and baked healthy snacks together. We would create obstacles courses in the backyard, climb, run, bike, and play hide and seek. The kids in my care did not want to leave at the end of the day because we had such fun together all day, every day. That is my ultimate goal, that I am loved, because I am so loving, interactive and fun with the children in my care.

Why are you interested in working as a Nanny or Babysitter? I love to laugh and be in the joy of life. Being with children keeps me laughing and fully present to life all day long. I learn and grow and enjoy life more when I am around children. My former childcare parents have told me I have a gift for understanding, loving and teaching children. I have great references from these parents who did not want to see my childcare business come to an end. I LOVE my own kids and want to be more available them in the evenings and weekends. I believe nurturing and being there for our children is very important and I want to be a better mom by being there more for my own kids than I am with my current job and schedule.

What qualities are important in a Nanny or Babysitter? Being respectful to both the parents and the children by being responsible, kind, loving, patient, fun and fully present to their needs.

Additional comments: It is important to allow children the opportunities to learn and grow while establishing and maintaining safety and boundaries. I believe in following the principles of Love and Logic by Jim Fay and allowing children to learn the safe consequences of their actions.