Level of education: Bachelors of Education Degree in Music Therapy.

Additional skills or certifications: I have a CPR/First Aid/AED certification for infants, children and adults. I am fully Covid vaccinated. I have my TAC Certification (Training in Adoption Competency). I have training in seizure protocol and have trained others. My skills include being a music tutor, vocal performer, and educator/therapist.

Experience: I have been a Nanny/Babysitter for 10 years. I have served as a long term Nanny for families with infants/newborns, toddlers, pre teens and teens. Over the last four years I have been working as a Music Therapist contracting with five public and private schools (infant-Pre K-12). In addition, I served as the Music Coordinator for a Pre-K to Kindergarten Center for Early Education. Over the past year I have seen clients online in the morning and Nannied full-time for a family in the afternoon. This next year my client load will be minimal as I am passing off clients to in person therapists. The environments I've worked in also included infant family classes, charter schools and international settings. For the past three years, I have supported children in foster care with private and group music therapy sessions. As a Music Therapist and caretaker, I work with children of all ages abilities and exceptionalities in schools and home settings. I am comfortable and proficient in caring for infants, children and adults with learning difficulties, children on the autism spectrum, special behavioral and emotional needs, and attention deficit. I am looking to bring peace to a family routine.

Experience with the following age groups: Newborn to Teenagers.

Interests and hobbies:My interests are vast and keep growing, as I am a quick learner who is always ready for a challenge and new experiences. Music is the center of my life. I have a minor in vocal performance (opera), but my real love is singing folk-pop R&B or musical theater songs. I travel with a guitar and also play piano. In the next year I am cutting a sleep album for infants based on past parent requests. Tutoring students in voice, piano, guitar and holding audition workshops is a joy for me. Prior to going to college, I was lucky enough to do music theater professionally for 10 years in 40+ productions. My focus shifted away from theater when I realized I could be creative and use music to achieve non musical goals with infants-adults. I take pride in being creative with my personal and professional life. Travel is another passion of mine. In college I studied abroad in Thailand. Today I enjoy exploring the U.S, singing in other countries and learning about other cultures. Right before the Covid lockdown I visited Spain, France, Italy and Mexico. Other hobbies and interests are hiking, dancing, swimming, horse riding, art, cooking, reading, yoga, and running. I also love animals. Most of my family lives on farms throughout South Dakota. We are not afraid of hard work and the more horses/animals the better! I am adventurous and always ready for new opportunities!

Describe your childcare style:Based on my experience with various personalities and ages, it’s important to guide and engage children based on their maturity levels and abilities. Planning and discussing parent’s preferences and goals are a priority. Knowing the family’s needs will help me bring harmony to the family, remove stress from parents, and insert appropriate activities to improve each child’s routine. I am happy to assist with any household tasks such as laundry, dishes, meal prep, house organization/upkeep, grocery shopping, running errands, pet care etc. I am a loving, compassionate, empathetic friend, and children can sense that sincerity. I want them to feel safe and protected while encouraged to have fun, try new things and make new discoveries. I will always be kind and balanced with being firm when necessary.

What activities do you like to do with children:Children are curious and should learn new things every day. I hope to go on walks/hikes, visit parks and take mini-excursions, such as local events and exhibits as permitted. At home, we will do activities with books, toys/games, music, art/crafts, cooking and of course, clean-up and rest time. I am hands-on and will help children feel engaged to learn though creative ways at all ages whether that is working on developmental mile stones, working on specific goals or simply singing a story book, noticing the details in illustrations, and asking questions about their perceptions. Singing, Dancing, exploratory play and over all fun will be guaranteed with me! I will continuously be crafting and adapting to your child needs/abilities.

Why are you interested in working as a Nanny or Babysitter? My nanny is still a very close friend to our family and like a big sister to me. My best personality traits are being enthusiastic, empowering, understanding, and ethical. I want to surround children with opportunities to explore new activities and to have a positive outlook on each day. I want them to feel empowered in their education, behavior, and personal growth. I want every child to feel their emotions are valid and acceptable while encouraging positive behavior and coping techniques. I have a passion for working with children and I want to provide the tools to support a healthy well rounded lifestyle while exceeding family household needs.

What qualities are important in a Nanny or Babysitter?Being enthusiastic, empowering, knowledgeable, honest, adaptable, a quick thinker, aware, kind, organized and ethical. Having an open communication and positive collaboration is extremely important.

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