Level of education: I have a BA in English Creative Writing from Colorado State University, and recently completed a certificate in editing and publishing at DU.

Additional skills or certifications: I am First Aid and CPR certified, and recently underwent a training on story time and early literacy with the Denver Public Library.

Experience: I have been caring for children since high school, when I was a babysitter and summer nanny for neighborhood friends and family. During my second year of college I was a live-in nanny for a delightful little girl, and when I moved to Denver after graduating, I decided to continue to pursue my passion for child care. Since then I have been a professional nanny to children from infant to elementary age, including multiples of different ages and twins, and have supervised larger groups of children as the coordinator of a local bookstores' middle grade book club (ages 8-14). With previous families I have also added household manager responsibilities to my repertoire, including grocery shopping and errands, organization and light cleaning duties, laundry and packing for trips, and meal preparation for the entire family.

Experience with the following age groups: I have worked with and am comfortable with children as young as 6 weeks and as old as 14 years. I also have a large amount of experience with toddlers and elementary aged children.

Interests and hobbies:I am an enthusiastic hobby crafter (knitting, sewing, embroidery, and I am currently learning to weave) and I do handlettering and chalkboard illustration as my primary creative outlet. I love to read and write, particularly historical fiction and sci-fi/fantasy. In warmer months I enjoy spending time outside hiking with my dog (I am an animal lover), and exploring new restaurants and attractions in Denver and surrounding areas. I love the arts, being a former thespian, and love to sing and dance.

Describe your childcare style:Caring, connected, and passionate. I believe in allowing children to do and learn for themselves, while offering them the support and tools they need to be successful (even if that means successfully learning from their mistakes). I aim always to lead by example, rather than by command, and believe in treating children as intelligent and worthy people deserving of respect and understanding.

What activities do you like to do with children:I love above all to read aloud to the children and I do great voices and accents to go along with my reading. I enjoy creative activities, particularly ones that allow them to learn more about the world around them, and encourage children to participate in learning practical skills around the house, including, cooking, tidying up, and the like. I like to spend time out and about with my charges, going to zoos and museums, as well as (age appropriate) hiking and outdoor activities. I also love introducing my charges to new experiences like theater performances!

Why are you interested in working as a Nanny or Babysitter? Kids have been my passion since I was a kid myself. Though my formal education wasn't in childhood education, I have found myself drawn back to nannying as a profession again and again, because it truly brings me joy! I find that I learn as much from my little's as they do from me, and I treasure those moments.

What qualities are important in a Nanny or Babysitter?Patience, compassion, empathy, open communication, and flexibility. Being able to wear all sorts of hats, and be a jack of all trades who can engage kids in what interests them.

Additional comments:Thank you for taking the time to read my profile, and I look forward to meeting with you and your family in person!