About me

Growing up in California I babysat often for kids ranging from 6 months to 10 years old. I spent summers working at a circus and performing arts camp where I taught art, face painting, magic, and clowning! In 2011 I moved from my home in California to NYC, where I earned my B.A. in Urban and Food Studies at The New School. During school and for several years after, I worked as a pastry cook. After a few fun years in the kitchen, I moved on to become a full-time nanny and family assistant.

For the next four years, I worked to develop skills in this area. The first family I worked for had a 9 year old (who loved experimenting in the kitchen), and a 13 year old (with Aspergers and exceptional STEM skills). Here, I developed my patient but firm communication skills, helping both children become more self-sufficient. Next, I worked for an energetic family of six: a 2 year old, 6 year old, and twin 8 year olds. I provided homework help (especially for one child with ADHD), scheduling and travel assistance, staff management, and extensive household administrative tasks. Most recently, I worked for a family with a 9 year old (who loves presidential facts and making music videos). Once covid flipped our world, my role required lots of creative flexibility! I took care of their needs in the city, hosted read-alongs over Zoom, sent at-home activity idea lists, donated outgrown clothes-- sewing the sentimental items into masks -- and used FaceTime to show the boy his home city under quarantine.

During Summer 2020, I began a 2 year Master's program in Forensic Mental Health Counseling. Upon graduation, I hope to move on onto a doctoral level program to spend more time on my research. My academic interests are rooted in my interests in childhood development. For me, one of the most satisfying aspects of working with children is my ability to help them learn independence, emotional security, and behavioral regulation. It amazes me how all this is supported through everyday interactions: as we learn to tie shoes, resolve conflicts, and whip up batches of homemade marshmallows!