Level of education: I hold bachelor's degrees in elementary education and writing arts and a masters degree in educational therapy.

Additional skills or certifications: I was a Maker Fellow at a community college Fablab where I explored maker education and how to implement designing, building, and thinking routines in a school setting. I also will be renewing my CPR/First Aid training.

Experience: I began babysitting at the age of twelve then continued on to work for two different after-school /summer programs in my community. I then worked for an Art and Crafts store as a birthday party coordinator. Following that, I took a job as a full-time nanny for a family of five in New Jersey and stayed with them for seven years. I left in the middle to dedicate myself to school and returned after completing my degrees. Four years ago, I moved to California to earn my masters in educational therapy. During that time, I worked in K-5 elementary general education, special education, and resource as a co-teacher in Oakland. I moved on to work in a middle school reading classroom at a private middle school serving students with learning challenges such as dyslexia and ADHD. I held an additional position there as a individual educational therapist during one summer, then before and after school during the year. The previous summers, I worked as the Nature and Adventure teacher at a social skills ranch camp.

Experience with the following age groups: All ages infant to school age. I also have some experience caring for elderly individuals.

Interests and hobbies:Family, nature, animals, hearing live music, hiking, camping, reading, creating, crafting, building, art, hula-hoop dancing, cooking, baking, traveling, exploring, teaching, learning new skills, internet research and technology

Describe your childcare style:My childcare style is laid back and cheerful yet vigilant. I try to approach situations and conflict with curiosity and a desire to diffuse or help rather than make assumptions or issue commands. I set high-expectations with support to achieve them and show respect first in order to earn it from others, adults and children alike. I also try to work from a place of clear expectations and boundaries. With all this in place it is always my goal to have fun, laugh, play, and be good friends with a lot of trust built over time.

What activities do you like to do with children:Cooking, baking, reading aloud, helping them research and execute their ideas and interests, making, crafting, building, exploring nature, going to the library, playing in the park, puzzles, games, art projects, anything they want to explore!

Why are you interested in working as a Nanny or Babysitter? I truly cherished my previous experience as a nanny and that family became my family. I was given the gift of perspective when I left and then returned to that job and realized just how much I enjoyed my work and time with the kids in that intimate way. Working with and supporting young people is my purpose in life, but I want to step away from traditional school teaching for a time and transition into a new life and lifestyle. Becoming a nanny again feels like a perfect role to step back into with all my new experience and it will allow me to focus a bit more on my passions as well in my free time.

What qualities are important in a Nanny or Babysitter?Patience, a calm and peaceful demeanor, respect for children's feelings and needs as one should have for any adult, childlike curiosity and love of play, attention to detail and safety, readiness to get dirty and make joyful messes and the ability to clean up thoroughly, organizational skills, adaptability, flexibility, a nurturing and supportive spirit, the ability to jump in and help with whatever arises

Additional comments:I look forward to meeting you!