Level of education: I currently hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, Drama, and Film Studies and am actively pursuing admittance to a Master of Arts in Counseling program in the near future.

Additional skills or certifications: I am Red Cross and CPR certified.

Experience: I have been babysitting and nannying since I was a pre teen and past my college years. I have over 14 years of experience. Most recently, I have worked primarily with younger children, birth to 2 years old. However, I have also worked in early childhood education facilities where I was both an assistant in the infant room taking care of up to 5 babies at a time, and a lead teacher in the 1 and 2 year old classroom. I also care for many of my friends elementary aged kids as well as my 8 year old niece, who I helped raise for the first three years of her life as we all lived together. In college, I was a nanny for elementary aged boys. One year I spent with onefamily, and 2 years with anither family. Both familys boys were highly active in sports and various school activities so there was a lot of carpooling and schedule juggling and I rocked it! I also provided a great deal of homework help and meal preparation as well as light housekeeping to keep the family moving forward. As a bonus, I am Red Cross and CPR certified, enjoy being active, running is a hobby of mine, and have passion and experience in the performing arts. I love to share these things with those I care for!

Experience with the following age groups: I have cared for children from newborn up to 18 years old, though the majority of my experience is with children from newborn to school age.

Interests and hobbies:I am a very active individual with a passion for distance running, hiking, and being outdoors. I also love theater and the performing arts as well as reading and studying about human behavior.

Describe your childcare style:I believe in the value of each child as an individual. From a very young age, children are their own people with ideas, feelings, and hopes that are unique to them and which deserve to be honored. I do my best to support the individual and unique growth and development of each child by encouraging them to share their ideas, to try new experiences, and to be willing to fail and try again as they develop. I practice a Love and Logic approach when it comes to discipline, wanting to ensure that a child understands why they have been interrupted in their behavior, hoping that by the end of each disciplinary discussion the child understands why their behavior is unacceptable, what they can do differently next time, and that even though they are in trouble in this moment, they are still loved and supported.

What activities do you like to do with children:For the younger children, I enjoy practicing sensory experiences with them. Babies up to about one year old are experiencing most things for the very first time, so places with lots of lights or sounds are very stimulating for them. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science offers several exhibits that allow these children a chance to hear and see new things while interacting with them in direct ways. I also enjoy sitting with these little ones in the grass while they feel it on their feet or grab at the grass with their hands. A particularly fun activity with this age group is what I call Diaper Painting. On a warm day, I like to take them outside in the shade, wearing their diaper, give them a large sheet of paper and some non toxic paint and let them go to town. They get quite messy but they have such a great time and they surprise themselves with what they create. With older toddlers, I enjoy taking them to places like the Childrens Museum where they can actively participate in imaginative experiences like being a fireman or firewoman, painting at easels with other kids, or grocery shopping in the mock grocery store. I also enjoy taking them to nearby parks to run and play and get our sillies out. At this age, I like to begin teaching kids the art of conversation, encouraging them to talk about their experiences and to ask questions as they learn to string two or more words together. Once children hit elementary ages, I take most of my cues from them as to what they want to do and what they are interested in. Activities at this age really are dictated by the individual child and what interests them. Activities can range from studying certain topics at the library or online, to visiting a museum or taking a class that teaches them more about their area of interest. At all ages, newborn to 18, I enjoy reading with kids, and when they are able, having them read to me. It is the easiest way for them to learn language, develop empathy and understanding of a larger world, and for them to begin forming and asking questions about the world around them.

Why are you interested in working as a Nanny or Babysitter? I have had a strong maternal instinct and loved children since I was a child. Perhaps it is because I am an oldest child, but caring for and guiding those younger than me has always felt rewarding. I prefer to be involved in a profession where, at the end of the day, I can home know I have made a measurable and lasting difference with my time. When that time is spent with children, each milestone they reach, each day they return to mom and dad happy and excited becomes a testament to myself of a job well done. As we age, we tend to lose our willingness to dream and imagine, to see the possibilities in the world, but when you spend your days with children, they remind you just how amazing the world is. I consider the chance to walk with children through their wonder and excitement a gift to all who are allowed to witness their unfolding.

What qualities are important in a Nanny or Babysitter?I believe a nanny needs to be a loving, stable, and encouraging role modell. To be this, a nanny must have a good understanding of the families culture and ideals, a healthy set of boundaries for what is considered appropriate behavior, and a firm plan to help children learn and practice these boundaries. In the same breath, however, a good nanny is able to be flexible with each child, to meet them where they are at and to tailor learning opportunities to a specific childs needs. Above all, a nanny must be safety conscious, communicative, and attentive.

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