Kelly A.

Education

East Carolina University,
B.S. in Child Life

Saint Joseph's University,
M.S. in Health Administration

Professional Childcare Experience

As needed babysitter
, NJ, 01/09 - Present
multiple positions with children ages 3months-teen

Certified Child Life Specialist
, NJ/NY, 01/14 - Present
birth-22

Gymboree Play and Learn Teacher
, NJ, 01/08 - 04/18
3months-5years

Child Development Lab Teacher
, NC, 01/11 - 04/14
classrooms 2, 3 and 4

Other Experience

Certified Child Life Specialist
, NJ/NY, 01/14 - Present

About me

I grew up in North Brunswick, New Jersey with my parents, younger sister and Westie puppy named Lulu! I currently live in Jersey City and work on the Upper East Side. I obtained my undergraduate degree from East Carolina University majoring in Child Life and continued on to receive my Master's degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University. As a professional Certified Child Life Specialist, I have worked for 7+ years in the pediatric healthcare setting. Child Life Specialist's are experts in child development and help infants, children, youth and families cope with the stress and uncertainty of illness, injury, and treatment. We provide evidence-based, developmentally appropriate interventions, including therapeutic play, preparation and education to reduce fear, anxiety and pain.

My professional experience as a Child Life Specialist has given me a great deal of experience working with children and families from ages birth to 18. However, prior to my healthcare career, I have worked in a variety of setting caring for children. I have experience working as a teacher in a Child Development Lab (classroom ages 2-4), 10 years experience as a Gymboree Play and Learn teacher (teaching ages 3 months to 5 years) and babysitting experience with a variety of families (children ranging from birth to teens). In my babysitting experiences I have been responsible for feeding, sleep schedules, individual play, play dates with friends, zoom school and homework help.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends.. And playing with my family dog, of course! I spend most of my time outdoors when the weather is warm and love to travel- my last international trip was to Iceland! I speak fluent Portuguese and conversational Spanish and enjoy learning new things. My most recent learning accomplishment has been completing a "Spanish for Medical Professionals" course at a University. I value positive relationships, communication and trust both in my professional and personal life.

I look forward to the possibility of working together in the future and best meeting your family needs. I attest to provide quality and fun when working with your family!


I have professional child care experience with...

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    Infants
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    Toddlers
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    Preschoolers
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    School-aged (K-5)
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    Preteen
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    Teenagers
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    Twins
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    Multiples
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    Special Needs

In 5 years, I hope to be...

Building upon my professional career as a Child Life Specialist. I look forward to continuing to learn new things everyday and incorporating them into my practice. I aspire to always be an active learner by taking on things that challenge me, learning about different people, cultures and views and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.

Activities & skills I love to teach & share with children...

I am professionally trained to understand development and how to encourage developmentally appropriate and positive growth in children. I enjoy watching children learn through play and creative expression and look forward to the opportunity to work with children of a variety of ages.