Level of education: Earned my Bachelor of Science in Penn State University’s Community, Environment and Development program in May of 2015.

Additional skills or certifications: CPR (re-certifying). Previously Wilderness First Aid certified. Skills in environmental education, arts and crafts.

Experience: I have been working with kids consistently since high school. Throughout college I worked with a number of families, including my own younger siblings, with kids ranging from newborns up until age 13. I spent a summer working as a camp counselor at a nature camp teaching environmental education to kids ranging from ages 5 up to 13. The following summer I worked at another camp strictly with 5 year olds teaching a range of activities including crafts, swimming, sports, etc.

Experience with the following age groups: All ages from newborn through high school.

Interests and hobbies:Exercising and getting outside regularly are important to me. I love biking, hiking, yoga, climbing and most importantly eating right. I enjoy preparing healthy meals for myself and others. Even better if the food comes from a garden I get to dig my fingers into. I am striving to live an intentional life full with music, art, silliness and children.

Describe your childcare style:I seek to learn from and with children. I love when kids ask why and want to know how things work. I have a patience for curiosity and an ability to inspire it in children. I enjoy creating structure so that kids can figure things out for themselves and in this way develop confidence and self esteem. At the same time, I am innately nurturing and am happy to teach, show and play along. I am very attentive to the needs and aspirations of children. I’m consistently alert, paying attention to their well being and safety at all times. I have a very good sense of when inappropriate or attention seeking behavior is being displayed and enjoy working with kids to overcome these challenges. I maintain strong boundaries and cannot be easily manipulated.

What activities do you like to do with children:I enjoy being outside with kids learning in nature. I love doing high energy activities such as playing sports, biking, singing, dancing, running around etc. As well as low energy activities like crafts, movies, board games and pretend. I love teaching kids to cook or do something new. I am happy to help with hobbies or homework. I can follow a structured schedule or make one up.

Why are you interested in working as a Nanny or Babysitter? I really enjoy spending time with kids. They inspire in me a sense of curiosity and silliness. In return, I am skilled at creating structure and relationship that promotes a sense of well being and growth in children. I hope to learn from parents and children equally and continue to ground myself through these kinds of meaningful interactions.

What qualities are important in a Nanny or Babysitter?Being present and attentive, kind and loving, silly and adventurous, supportive and encouraging, firm and also understanding. Honest, organized, and patient!

Additional comments:I look forward to getting to getting to know and having fun with your kids!