About me

Howdy! My name is Olivia Swasey and I am originally from Houston, Texas. I grew up in a family of five with a younger brother and sister. My family means everything to me and taught me how to be the person I am today! I also graduated college in Houston from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. Go Coogs! I was acting professionally around town after college but moved to NYC to challenge myself both artistically and personally. Working with kids allows me to explore a part of my creativity that isn’t a normal consideration during my process. Kids see the world in such a pure and unbiased way. I admire them!

I have been working with children since I was 14 years old. Whether it was babysitting my neighbors, lifeguarding & teaching at my local community pool, or leading theatre intensives for elementary school kids, I have been immersed in childcare for quite a while. I’ve worked with kiddos as young as 18 months and as old as 15 years. It’s been quite the learning experience! I’ve picked up skills like changing diapers, tear-free nap times, CPR, swim lesson instruction, imagination theatre games, and even how to play tea party & cowboy saloon. While I was in college I picked up a minor in Spanish. I have been able to share some Spanish with the kids I work with and it is a delightful time. Sometimes they don’t even realize they’re learning life skills! Because I was a lifeguard for 8 years, I’ve picked up CPR, Lifeguard, and Water Safety Instruction certifications. I feel very confident in my professional ability to keep kids safe in any scenario. I’ve also traveled with families on multi-week trips and have been in charge of the children 24/7. I’m looking forward to any new skills and tools I can learn how to use here in NYC!

As an artist, I am consistently stunned by all that I can learn from kids. Their hearts are so full and it’s very fulfilling for me to help them express whatever big emotions they’re feeling. I often am unsure who is teaching who. I believe that by integrating skills like imagination, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness into daily life that children can become the most important part of our future.