Level of education: Masters Degree in Education, Bachelor of Arts in English, with a Minor in Psychology.

Additional skills or certifications: Adult, Pediatric and Infant First Aid and CPR, Wilderness First Responder, annual attendance at HAEYC Conferences (Hawaii Association for the Education of Young Children) for 5 years, continuing education training in the field of Early Childhood Education, completed Pre-Licensing course for in-home child care.

Experience: I have a masters degree in education, over 20 years of experience as a nanny and babysitter, and 5 years experience as a preschool teacher. My most recent nanny job spanned 6 years, with a wonderful family in San Francisco. The children were 15 months and 4 weeks old when I began, and are now 6 and 7 years old. I've had the opportunity to watch many children grow up. In Hawaii I was a nanny for a boy from age 16 months to 5 years. When he began preschool, the teaching staff learned of my background in education, and invited me on board as a preschool teacher. I enjoyed working with the 3 to 5 year old age group immensely. I have also worked as a senior field instructor in wilderness therapy programs for at risk youth ages 13 to 18. There we taught students outdoor skills as well as communication skills. I've done student teaching and substitute teaching at the middle school and high school level, as well as tutoring and mentoring with a variety of age groups. All of these experiences have taught me that my path in life is working with children, and bringing out the best in them.

Experience with the following age groups: Infant to 18 years old. The majority of my experience has been with toddlers to 5 year olds.

Interests and hobbies:I love activities that get me outside enjoying nature. Hiking, camping, snowboarding, swimming and scuba diving are top on my list. I am a singer and songwriter, and love playing guitar. When possible, I find ways to share my love of nature and music with children, who respond so well to both! I also love to travel and explore new places. Being an avid writer, I have kept a journal since I was 8 years old. Reading books with children is one of my favorite things in the world.

Describe your childcare style:I let children get to know me at their own pace, and gradually build rapport with them though kindness, playfulness and humor. Children are so delighted when grown ups can meet them on their level and just be silly with them at times! I believe in a healthy balance. I communicate clear limits ahead of time when it comes to safety and respect. I am firm when need be, and have never been described as a pushover. I believe children feel more safe and secure when they know there are consistent limits in place for the good of all. Once a solid relationship of mutual trust and kindness is established, children are much more likely to feel we are on the same team, and less likely to act out. Having fun and spending quality time together is the best way to strengthen our bond. I learn so much from observing children, and strive to bring out the best in them. I love getting to know them as individuals with their own unique gifts. Open communication with the parents is a necessity for me. I like to know that we are on the same page, and part of a team in giving their children the best care possible. I like to keep a notebook log of the child's daily activities, highlights, meals, naps, etc. so the parents can come home and have a snapshot of their child's day. We can also leave each other information and messages in the notebook.

What activities do you like to do with children:I love getting kids outdoors and cultivating a love of nature. Nature walks, playing near a creek, observing insects, building forts, going swimming, and playing games and sports outside is what being a kid is all about! I also love reading with children, and helping them learn to read, when they're ready. I like introducing children to a variety of musical instruments and encouraging their love of music. I like giving children access to a wide variety of art supplies and watching their creativity blossom. I like taking them on fun outings to children's museums, libraries, and special kids' events our community has to offer. I also like to find out what their favorite activities are, and let them be the guide and show me around. We help each other discover new things.

Why are you interested in working as a Nanny or Babysitter? Playing with children inspires me, and keeps me in touch with what is most important in life. I love the boundless energy, unbridled enthusiasm and limitless imaginations children possess. Their love of life is contagious. I love nurturing their joy, and comforting them during the sad times too. In many ways, children are also my teachers.

What qualities are important in a Nanny or Babysitter?Empathy, kindness, patience, respect, honesty, energy, punctuality, a sense of responsibility, a sense of humor, consistency, playfulness, spontaneity, flexibility, and excellent communication skills. I feel it's important for a nanny to be able to read a situation and use good judgement and common sense.

Additional comments:Most of my nanny jobs have been long term, 5-6 years. When I find a great family, I tend to stick with them for years. My original plan upon moving to Colorado was to open an in-home day care. However, I've decided to put that on the back burner as something to fall back on in the extended future, and focus instead on finding a wonderful family to work with as a full-time nanny.