Level of education: Certified Professional Nanny, Northwest Nannies Institute BS Biomedical Science, Texas A&M University, Cum Laude BA Biblical Studies: Family & Youth Ministry, Sunset International Bible Institute, Honors

Additional skills or certifications: CPR Newborn Care Specialist training, Northwest Nanny Institute Advanced Infant CPR and First Aid Food Handling 2nd Degree Black Belt, Shaolin Ch’uan Fa Making homemade organic baby food Babyproofing the home Researching up-to-date baby care practices and nursery items

Experience: I am a Certified Professional Nanny with specialized training as a Newborn Care Specialist. I have 2 college degrees and over 27 years experience working with children, and over 390 hours working with newborns and infants, including overnights. My last position was the full-time care of a one month old baby until she was almost 2 years old, as well as working as a House Manager/Personal Assistant. As a CPN, I am fully trained in Child Development, nutrition, health, safety and child behavior, as well as planning stimulating cognitive and physical activities. I am certified in advanced Infant CPR/First Aid and Food Handling. I have also worked as a Prenatal Assistant, Personal Assistant, Household Manager and Senior Care Giver. I am a Pet Caregiver, so pets are welcome!

Experience with the following age groups: All ages, especially newborns, infants, and toddlers; also pre-school, school age, and teenagers.

Interests and hobbies:Reading and singing to children; puppet shows; games; Martial Arts; dance; arts & crafts; organic gardening; tennis; dog training; horseback riding; animals; hiking; camping; sports; Relay for Life; Christian works & missions; scrapbooking; learning French; quilting; and writing

Describe your childcare style:My childcare style is to be loving, supportive and a positive role model. I am patient, upbeat, fun, and active yet relaxed. I practice attachment parenting: I read and respond to Baby’s cries and cues quickly and cheerfully, building Baby’s trust and confidence, while providing for his physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs with plenty of love, communication and stimulating age-appropriate activities. I help parents get Baby into a healthy routine, including eating and sleeping. I help new parents learn about newborns, if needed. As Baby grows, I use nurturing, encouraging words, allowing him to try new things at his own pace, assisting him when needed, but mostly letting him experience things for himself in a safe environment. I like to get a good understanding of what the family wants in a nanny and their parenting values and goals, then I adjust my skills to meet their needs. I like to keep stress to a minimum and deal with challenges in a calm and positive manner. My goal is to assist parents in their infant’s development in a nurturing and loving way!

What activities do you like to do with children:I choose activities that will both stimulate and interest them! We might walk around the home and learn the names of objects, have some Tummy Time, or do some “Babercise”, gently exercising their tiny muscles. We will always plenty of conversation, talking about daily activities, as well as reading books and singing silly songs. We will have new experiences every day and get plenty of outdoor time, when weather permits! I like to expose Baby to new things that will stimulate his thinking and challenge him, while being fun, such as showing him pictures of animals and talking about them or piling up soft blocks and allowing him to knock them over. I supervise Baby closely at all times, to keep the him safe. For toddlers, we might play with water and plastic cups or throw rolled socks into a basket. For preschoolers, we might craft a fish from tissue paper and a paper plate, paint free-style to classical music, or go on a nature hunt for bugs. For school age kids, we might “dig up” some “dinosaur bones” in plaster-of-paris, make our own board game, or plant a small garden. I aim for a balance of physical and thought-promoting activities. And for all ages, I like to read books according to the child’s interests and age level!

Why are you interested in working as a Nanny or Babysitter? I thoroughly enjoyed my three children as a stay-at-home mom and decided to continue caring for and guiding children as a Nanny. I went back to school and became a Certified Professional Nanny, learning many things that I wish I’d known when I was raising my own babies! I delight in newborns and young children as they come into their new world and experience everything for the first time. I enjoy seeing the wonder in their eyes and being able to provide a safe and gentle environment for their curiosity and discovery!

What qualities are important in a Nanny or Babysitter?A nanny first and foremost must have a passion for children and their families! She must be committed to their health and safety and to providing quality care and age-appropriate developmental stimulation. She should have specialized training in the care of infants and children. She must be responsible, honest and dependable. She should be creative, energetic, and fun, yet be able to gently enforce house rules. She should guide children, while encouraging them to develop independent thinking. And she must be willing to respect and follow the family values and lifestyle…and to love her little charges with all her heart!

Additional comments:Children are a blessing! I look forward to working with the wonderful families of Nannies of the Rockies, to love, nurture and care for their little one(s) as they would themselves!