About me

I believe our childhood experiences and memories make us who we are. I thank my lucky stars that my childhood was a happy time and that my memories of it can still make me smile. I grew up in Stamford, Connecticut, not far from NYC. As a matter of fact, my father was an anesthesiologist in an NYC hospital. My mother was a stay-at-home mom, probably as busy as he was. I am the middle child of six siblings; four sisters and one brother. Needless to say, my mom had her hands full, especially during summer break. She encouraged all of us to resolve the inevitable conflicts that arose among us. She would intervene, of course, at our request if we had tried, but could not settle the situation. This taught us all to be confident and independent and secure in the fact that, if all else failed, she was there to help us out. It helped us develop the art of concisely communicating our thoughts and feelings, compromising, and being able to negotiate and secure a mutually beneficial outcome. Of course, we didn't see it that way back then. If we got what we wanted; we won; if not, we lost. Not only did her method teach us to express and defend our needs and wants, but it also taught us to listen to others' needs and wants respectfully. It taught us empathy. This is something I have tried to instill in my daughter and my students throughout the years. To me, these qualities of open communication, truly listening and empathy, are as important as the Golden Rule.
Since my parents were ex-pats from Peru living in the USA, I grew up in a bilingual home. My parents tried to keep certain Peruvian customs and traditions such as a spectacular seafood meal at midnight on the 24th of December. My childhood friends marveled at my mom's cooking and her accent. I recall traveling to Peru every summer (their winter!) to visit family. These experiences instilled in me at a young age, a respect for cultural differences and traditions. It also gave me the sense of adventure and love of travel I have to this day. Attending PACE University, I did a "study abroad" in London and student teaching in Barajas, a suburb of Madrid, to be precise. I have traveled to different regions within European countries and to many countries in South America and still yearn to go to new places and return to my favorite sites. Living in Costa Rica for 5 years before my daughter was born, we explored and traveled around the country often. After our daughter was born, we introduced her to our favorite exotic discoveries. Every summer since our daughter was 8 months old, I would fly to the USA with her for two months at a time in order for her to get to know her "American" roots and family. So, I have the experience of traveling with a child, keeping them occupied and entertained at airports and depots and aboard long journeys via trains, planes, and automobiles! Always have on hand the just-in-case outfit, snack, and sundries.
As well as being a mother/parent, I have over two decades of experience with a broad age group due to my tenures as an Elementary/Lower School Teacher, High School Principal, and private tutor/educator. I have worked in Montessori-based classrooms and am knowledgeable in RIE and Gentle Parenting techniques. Along with the many years of experience comes the ability to detect some learning disabilities that necessitate intervention. I have developed modified curricula - IEPs (Individualized Educational Programs) for children with learning disabilities, as well as for a child on the spectrum. In doing so, it was not so these children could receive an A+, but rather for the child to feel successful and confident that he/she did their best. As a teacher, I am able to successfully stimulate and know when to introduce new concepts (reading, arts and crafts, exploration...). Despite having worked with adolescents as a principal and tweens as a fifth-grade teacher, the majority of my expertise is centered around young children and infants.* Although I graduated from PACE University with a B.S. in Elementary Education, my emphasis is on Early Childhood Education. I understand that each child approaches learning new concepts and handling life situations in their own unique way. Children need a guide and mentor to self-explore, answer, and research questions and reach solutions to problems, but they also need a nurturing adult who is empathetic to their needs and emotions; someone with whom they feel comfortable. I can be that someone. I believe it is important to keep an open line of communication with the child(ren). Going over the plans for the day, the dentist appointment next month, or Grandma's upcoming visit gives the child a sense of stability. However, life happens and if a scheduled event can not occur, an explanation and some alternate options are a part of my repertoire. Children take their cues from us (adults). If we are not rattled by the unexpected, they won't be either. As a nanny/caregiver, I believe a child, and the family, can benefit from my past experiences with children.
I was a live-in newborn/infant caretaker for four months in Braintree, Massachusettes.
In order to get to know the parents, Yvonne and Matt, and their routine before their daughter was born, I arrived at their home on June 1st, 2019. We discussed my duties and what was expected of me and I got to know the lay of the house and where everything belonged. When Elena arrived from the hospital with Mom, I slept in the nursery and took care of all her needs during the night so Yvonne would be well-rested for her day with the baby. During the day, as Yvonne and the baby bonded, I cleaned up a bit, did laundry, went grocery shopping, and kept the inventory of diapers and other baby needs. After Labor Day, Yvonne went back to work and Elena began going to daycare three times a week in the mornings. I continued the daily routine of house maintenance and would then pick Elena up from daycare. We took walks, went to the park, listened to music, and read books. As we had previously discussed that I would only be able to stay four months, I left the first weekend of October. It was gratifying to see this little family stable and content in their new routine.
Since I am an avid swimmer and tennis player, I am physically capable of keeping up with young children. I lead a healthy lifestyle. I have been inoculated and vaccinated against Covid - 19 with 1 booster. I love to cook and can create a spread for twenty and/or a healthy nosh for kids. I enjoy reading historical novels (Minor in History). At the end of the day, I relax by doing the NYT crossword puzzle, and word games and (reluctantly) open up the cell. I am flexible in regard to time - late nights, weekends, summer at the beach, and travel domestically or internationally. I am passport ready! I would prefer to live in, but am open to living out.
I have much experience with multitasking as my tenures as a Lower School Teacher, High School Principal, private educator, and mother, required much of it. Keeping the household running, staying on top of my child’s needs and wants, and fulfilling my job requirements, all entailed being super organized and using “spare” time efficiently.
I have a go-with-the-flow personality and am fun-loving. I can kid around with children yet still be “the adult”. Manners and courtesies are a top priority for me. I keep an openness that both children and adults appreciate. I am quick on my feet but like to plan; I usually have a plan B, C, and even D up my sleeve. I can share ideas and opinions, as well as accept others’ and theirs. I play piano and am learning the flute. I am also willing and able to commit to 3+ years. In short, I believe I’d be an asset to any family searching for a responsible, mature, and experienced candidate.