Level of education: MA Early Childhood Education BA Psychology

Additional skills or certifications: CPR & First Aid Certifications. Rankin Institute at The Fletcher School: 35.2 continuing education credits earned for professional development. Focused on learning disabilities/disorders, behavioral challenges and ADHD. Mindful Schools; Completed Mindful Educator Essentials course, Mindfulness Fundamentals, and Mindfulness and ADHD workshop; Dr. Mark Bertin. Certified Mindfulness and Guided Imagery Specialist for Children; Completed Child Meditation Facilitators Training. Qualified to facilitate mindfulness classes and techniques based on the five senses. Promoting better focus, increased self-regulation, social awareness and guided imagery based on the five senses. Orton Gillingham trained; A multisensory approach for reading and dyslexia.

Experience: 14 years teaching K-1, nanny for past two years and raised my own two children. I was also the neighborhood babysitter and nanny during high school and college. K-1 teacher for children with dyslexia, sensory processing, executive functioning, dysgraphia, ADHD and developmental disorders for nine years. I developed a "Mindful Balance for Kids" Program in 2017 to teach classes and promote mindfulness techniques, helping to ease challenging emotions and become in touch with nature.

Experience with the following age groups: Infants Early Childhood (Pre-K-3rd) Elementary school

Interests and hobbies:I enjoy hiking, reading, meditation, yoga, rock climbing, spending time with family and participating in workshops/classes to keep current/engaged in my field.

Describe your childcare style:Through my teaching experience, nannying and raising my own two children, I have found it important and helpful to have clear behavioral expectations established in advance. Positive reinforcement, structure and providing healthy choices are great ways to to keep the focus positive. Using sticker charts, a treasure box, special time with caregivers doing a favorite activity, visual timers, and mindfulness tools/ coping strategies encourage autonomy and a desire to grow and learn. Having the child draw pictures is also useful to discuss what happened in a calm manner and help clarify what the child understands about the situation. Follow up with encouragement and praise when he/she makes a better choice the next time.

What activities do you like to do with children:I enjoy watching children discover and learn new things. Some fun activities include going for walks, collecting leaves/ rocks, having picnics at the park/playground, reading a special book under a tree or in a hammock, riding bikes, sidewalk chalk games for fun and learning, painting with water on the driveway, wagon rides, and playing "I Spy" with colors, letters, numbers, counting and shapes. I also enjoy teaching pre-reading and reading skills using multisensory activities and reading to/with/by children. Puzzles, coloring, arts and crafts, imaginary play (yes, I will dress up too!) are some other ways to engage the mind and senses, which children seem to love. It's so important to have a variety of learning experiences and to enjoy the activities! I like to encourage children to have choices within their activities to facilitate autonomy over their learning and to discover their own likes and interests.

Why are you interested in working as a Nanny or Babysitter? My heart is so fulfilled when I get to see a child discover his/her true potential. As a teacher of children with cognitive learning disabilities and ADHD, I have witnessed so many families struggle with trying to help and understand their loved ones with learning challenges. Parents/caregivers are often left very frustrated without answers and I have discovered many ways to assist families with these challenges. I have also watched the incredible increase of anxiety in my students over the years and knew I wanted to continue to bring tools, strategies, and guidance to families in need. This is important to me and something I have always been passionate about.

What qualities are important in a Nanny or Babysitter?The ability to provide a safe, loving and nurturing environment for a child are some of the most important qualities a nanny can have. Children thrive in a nurturing environment where their heart, spirit and social/emotional well-being are encouraged. Other important qualities include patience, open and ongoing communication, trustworthiness, punctuality, flexibility and enthusiasm.

Additional comments:Looking forward to meeting you!