Level of education: B.A. in Communication Studies from Iowa State University.

Additional skills or certifications: CPR/first aid. Licensed Massage Therapist (am seeking to take an infant massage instructor training).

Experience: I have experience in babysitting, temporary nanny positions, day care settings, summer camp, church nurseries, after school programs, in classroom teaching, and full, permanent nanny positions. I also traveled abroad to Germany, Japan, and Hawaii working with American children on US military bases for weeks at a time. I am truly looking for a great family to commit a few years to. My favorite aspect of what I do is watching the growth and learning of a child over a period of time.

Experience with the following age groups: 6 weeks through school age.

Interests and hobbies:Anything outdoors and Colorado: hiking, camping, backpacking, kayaking. I also love cooking fresh, healthy food and spending time with my husband and dog!

Describe your childcare style:My passion is getting children excited about life by presenting a positive, uplifting experience, constant smiles, praise, and love. And lots of hugs!

What activities do you like to do with children:I love to be outside. My favorite days involve going for nature walks, to the park, playing games or creating new games. I love collecting small pieces of nature and encouraging children to make art from it. I like to get kids crafty, with paint, writing, colors, scissors and glue, anything that stimulates the imagination.

Why are you interested in working as a Nanny or Babysitter? I have ALWAYS been intrigued by young minds. I come from a large family with several cousins. My favorite people in the world were my older cousins who uplifted and encouraged me to be a good person, told me story after story, and created art with me. I wanted to give that back, so I did. I started my higher education as an Elementary Education major. I got three years through the program and was doing my practicum in schools, when I realized our education system and such a formal, focused setting wasn't what I wanted. Unsure of where to go from there, and not wanting to give up on all my hard work, I chose to finish with a general major that can be used in any professional setting. I adore being a nanny because I get that one on one time with a child and can really spend the time to get their imaginative juices flowing. While structure is important, I love that my job is (mostly) about the fun part of it. My passion is caring for and encouraging others!

What qualities are important in a Nanny or Babysitter?I truly believe a nanny has to have great communication skills. Parents and caregiver need to work together to ensure the most success for a child. And of course, patience, kindness, a big heart, lots of love to give, and above all, creativity. A person who has the ability to love, see, remember and understand a young mind.

Additional comments:I am truly looking for a great family to commit a few years to. My favorite aspect of what I do is watching the growth and learning of a child over a period of time.