Level of education: Bachelor of the Arts from the University of New Mexico with a Major in Psychology and a Minor in Sociology.

Additional skills or certifications: I have experience teaching children of all ages swim survival skills and stroke development. I am CPR and First Aid certified. I have my certification for completion of the Pyramid Plus Approach training. This is an evidence based approach that creates the framework for setting children, and those who work with them, for success. It promotes social and emotional development in infants and young children. Additionally I speak Spanish.

Experience: I have experience in many educational settings teaching all age ranges. Currently I work between ten and twenty hours a week as a nanny to a three and six year old. Before this I worked at an Early Childhood Learning Center in Boulder with a classroom team of four in an Infant room for two and a half years. Together we established curriculum goals, created daily lesson plans, and encouraged development opportunities. I enjoyed weekly curriculum planning, parent/teacher communication, and discovered my desire to take a more active role in the personalized side of early childhood education. I have worked effectively with children in multiple settings since 2010. My first experience came when I accepted an Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist position to teach children diagnosed with Autism. In addition I have worked in multiple special education classrooms, providing one on one assistance with individuals to positively encourage appropriate behaviors and meet individual education goals. In 2015 I had the opportunity to work in Madrid, Spain and teach English with elementary children. All of my experiences have provided me with the ability to work effectively with different groups and handle situations that arise with confidence. Additionally I have acted as a house manager performing the following duties: family laundry, errands, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and supporting the family in whatever way is needed.

Experience with the following age groups: Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, Middle school.

Interests and hobbies:I dedicated my 20's to traveling as often as possible. I still maintain this passion alongside many others. I enjoy reading, painting, and am a huge animal lover. I am a very active individual and love to be outside with my dogs as much as possible. I practice yoga and believe that health starts with the way we eat.

Describe your childcare style:I have always believed that how you treat children tells them a lot about who they are. If we set up an environment where children are comfortable and feel that they can try things themselves, regardless of success or failure, they will learn that they truly are strong and capable. I like to create a space where children can attempt things that may intimidate them, while knowing they are supported. I encourage self discovery and exploration. One of the main teaching philosophies I have learned along the way is this, "If a child is not learning something the first time then we are teaching it wrong". There are multiple ways to support growth and development. By allowing children to attempt on their own we in turn learn how to teach them. I am also a great supporter in open communication and modeling desired behaviors. Children absorb everything, even when we think they are not listening. We must model the words and actions we wish to see in them. I enjoy teaching children to express themselves using their words and identifying their feelings, as I believe this is something that is often overlooked.

What activities do you like to do with children:I am a very active individual and love to bring this to the children I work with based on their ages. For babies, developmental activities, visual stimulation and language and of course, play! For older children, indoor and outdoor activities including arts and crafts, imaginary play, cooking, going on "adventures" to the park, library, or even trails. I believe one of the ways we learn the most is by exploring the world around us and using all our senses. I enjoy sensory activities and crafts.

Why are you interested in working as a Nanny or Babysitter? I have worked in many schools but always come back to in home care. I love being able to provide the one on one attention that can not be found in a school system. I genuinely enjoy being part of the growth and development in a child's life. There is nothing more rewarding then when you know you help someone accomplish a goal that will set them up for success in the future. I believe we are all in this journey together and the more we help each other the more we help ourselves.

What qualities are important in a Nanny or Babysitter?The number one rule I have with children is safety. We must feel safe and supported at all times. I believe in always maintaining open and honest communication, even when it is difficult. It is just as important to be very patient, encouraging, and understanding. Children need to know they will be heard and respected. I love to create environments where children know their boundaries and understand that they are loved unconditionally. I pride myself on being punctual and reliable. All of these are qualities that are necessary to a successful, and positive, experience for everyone involved.

Additional comments:I look forward to meeting your family! Please contact Nannies of the Rockies 303-513-7733!