Level of education: Chapman University — Class of 2014 BA in Integrated Educational Studies with emphases on Elementary Education and Teaching and Learning in Schools; Minor in Applied Psychology with an emphasis on Child Psychology and Development; Minor in Language and Literacy.

Additional skills or certifications: Valid Driver’s License and US Passport CPR & First Aid Certified Fully COVID vaccinated, including Booster. I studied Spanish for 8 years from junior high into college, but have had little opportunity to regularly use it since then. At this point, I would say I have a basic understanding of the Spanish language.

Experience: Childcare: I started babysitting around the age of 12 after receiving my Safe Sitter Certification. That eventually turned into regular babysitting and tutoring jobs, and a Nanny position in college. Since then, I have worked for several wonderful families as a Nanny, where I was mainly responsible for the health, safety and development of the children in my care. I also handled light housekeeping, drove to and participated in classes and outings with the children, as well as planned fun and educational activities for the kids at home. I have also worked as a Home Educator in a nanny-share situation, where I planned and organized preschool-level lesson plans for the 4 girls who were in my care at the time. House Manager: Most recently, I was employed as a Nanny and a House Manager for the past 3 years. As a House Manager I was responsible for most of the housework, including but not limited to family laundry, light housekeeping, home inventory and restocking items, creating shopping lists and running errands, planning and cooking family meals, and organizational projects. My overall experience also includes: 9 years of Professional Nanny experience; 3 years of House Manager experience; 1 year of Home Educator experience. Experience caring for infant through school-aged children. Successful at forming beneficial bonds with the children in my care, who come to exude confidence and independence through daily tasks and endeavors. Experience putting together and following through on daily schedules and routines; supporting developmental milestones, such as potty training, introducing solids, and sleep transitions; educating through incidental and formal learning strategies; planning, shopping for and preparing meals for the entire family. Current on best practices for child safety, including sleep and car seat recommendations. Experience with High Net-Worth Families.

Experience with the following age groups: I have experience with babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children.

Interests and hobbies:I love to write, read, travel (internationally or domestically) and spend time with family and friends. I also enjoy working on house projects because I’m a fan of making things beautiful! I spend a lot of time in my backyard because I love being outside, whether I’m going for a walk or just reading.

Describe your childcare style:I would describe my nannying style as firm, yet fair and loving. I bring a calm, comfortable, upbeat energy into everyday, while also holding steady boundaries, routines and expectations. I believe kids respond best to people they can trust, have fun with, and know care about them. My goal is to create a safe, predictable, playful environment for the kids in my care. Though I am not Montessori-trained, I have similar ideals, such as encouraging and modeling independence, problem-solving, curiosity, and compassion through exposure to a variety of real-life experiences.

What activities do you like to do with children:Babies — Since babies are new to the world and are rapidly growing and learning about their surroundings, I incorporate activities to foster that development, such as: exploring textures reading, talking and making sounds tummy time baby massage and bicycle legs going on walks community classes (library story time, baby sign language, etc.) supporting milestones (rolling over, crawling, walking, transitioning to solids, etc.) Toddlers & Preschoolers — This age group is a load of fun! Toddlers and preschoolers are into everything! Exposure to a variety of places, activities and experiences is key for them. Some things I like to do with this age group are: community classes (library story time, open gym, swim lessons, etc.) going to museums, the zoo, the pool/reservoir, seasonal activities (like berry picking, ice skating, or harvest festivals) age-appropriate crafts and activities painting on and with a variety of surfaces, tools, and mediums building Easter egg towers messy play baking science experiments having picnics at a park/playground snow and nature play (just being outside!) reading supporting milestones (walking, language development, colors, potty-training, etc.) School-Aged — Once kids start school, a whole new world opens up to them. They start to find their academic strengths and interests. Supporting those things is so valuable, but you don’t want them to lose their childlike wonder. Some activities I do to embrace this stage of life are: sports, bike riding, hikes, swimming science experiments and STEM activities oobleck chemical reactions, like baking soda and vinegar sponge and straw sail boats reading and going to the library playing card and board games cooking/baking assisting with homework going to museums and attending seasonal activities activities based on their personal interests

Why are you interested in working as a Nanny or Babysitter? I got my start in childcare babysitting my neighbors and eventually tutoring elementary students around town as well. I knew I wanted a child-centered career and thought teaching fit the bill. It was during college that I started nannying. A lightbulb went on for me — this was what I wanted to do! Since then, I have worked with many kids in a variety of settings and capacities, but I can confidently say partnering with families to raise kind, confident, and independent children in the role of a Nanny has been my favorite!

What qualities are important in a Nanny or Babysitter?Nannies are responsible for the well-being of a child, as well as assisting in their growth and development. It’s important nannies are competent, mature, and patient. Along with childcare expertise, it's important for nannies to have professional and social qualities when working alongside families, like integrity, emotional intelligence, good communication skills and reliability.

Additional comments:I am excited about the prospect of getting to support another family in creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment in which their children can thrive!