Amanda B.

Education

Boston Conservatory at Berklee,
BFA Contemporary Theater

Professional Childcare Experience

Nanny
Richmond, NH, 02/22 - 03/24
Age 4 months and 2

Teaching Artist for Barrington Stage
Pittsfield and North Adams, MA, 02/20 - 05/22
second grade class, and two groups of teens

On-set Child Acting Coach
Windham and Norwalk, VT and CT, 07/21 - 10/21
Age 6

Summer Nanny
Amherst, MA, 06/19 - 08/20
Age 4 months and 1

Other Experience

Producer, Sound Recordist, Voice Over Actor
Lone Horse Films, VT, MA, 03/22 - 03/24

Producer, Sound Recordist, Actor
Loopy Loup Productions, VT, CT, 05/21 - 02/22

About me

I spent my formative years in the desert-like landscapes of Southern California, where my childhood unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of outdoor escapades, roller skating, and the thrill of performing in community theater. After graduating high school, my journey led me to The Boston Conservatory, initially enrolling in the musical theater program and then transitioning my major to contemporary theater

My passion for theater extended beyond the stage into the realm of education. Serving as a teaching theater artist for second graders allowed me to foster creativity and self-expression in young minds. Additionally, I took on the role of a child acting coach on a film set, providing guidance and support to a 6-year-old actor, ensuring a lighthearted and enjoyable atmosphere while refining her acting skills. The dynamic journey continued as I spent a school year as a teaching artist for high schoolers, facilitating the creation of student scripts that culminated in a full production.

Notably, a fall season was dedicated to being a teaching artist for high schoolers with criminal records, participating in a program designed to help them clear their records through artistic expression. This transformative experience underscored the power of the arts in fostering personal growth and positive change, leaving an indelible mark on my understanding of the impact of creativity in unconventional settings.

As life presented new horizons, I delved into the rewarding role of a nanny over the past three years. Starting with 2 summers nannying for the same family and then a two-year commitment to a wonderful family, offered me valuable insights into the diverse needs of children at different developmental stages. From caring for infants and managing the boundless energy of one-year-old twins to guiding toddlers aged 1 through 4, my experiences have been both varied and enriching.

As a nanny, my goal is to support parents in achieving their childcare objectives by closely aligning with established routines. My experience encompasses a range of methodologies, including Montessori, gentle parenting, and traditional approaches.

In my most recent long-term position, our daily routine commenced at 9 am, as I facilitated the morning routine for the two delightful girls, aged 2 and 4. This involved ensuring they were dressed and ready for the day ahead. Our mornings often unfolded in the embrace of nature, as we explored the woods or engaged in playful activities on their outdoor playset. At 10 am, we'd gather for a snack, followed by an engaging playtime session in the living room. This dynamic period included a range of activities, from obstacle courses and reading books to playing with toy instruments and engaging in classic games like hide and seek.

As the older child reached the age of 3, our playtime took on an educational dimension, incorporating preschool activities aligned with a "Gentle Preschool" curriculum. Each week was dedicated to exploring a different letter of the alphabet, with activities ranging from practicing writing the letter in various mediums (paint, pencil, marker), introducing pre-phonics then phonics, and introducing foundational counting and math games. I took a hands-on approach, teaching her proper pencil grip and ensuring her younger sister had age-appropriate activities to participate in. Lunchtime usually unfolded around noon, followed by a brief 30-minute show before nap time.


Occasionally, the girls would crave an afternoon snack around 3 pm, marking the conclusion of our day together. I would then bid them farewell, having contributed to a day filled with exploration, learning, and joyful engagement.

In addition to my toddler childcare experiences, I've had the privilege of providing dedicated support to a mother who was nursing and another who was bottle-feeding her twin infants. This experience allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the unique needs and routines involved in caring for newborns, ensuring a seamless transition between breastfeeding and bottle feeding.

In my childcare journey, I've had the enriching opportunity to incorporate Montessori principles into my interactions with toddlers. Embracing the Montessori philosophy, I've witnessed the profound impact it can have on a child's development. Tailoring activities to suit each child's unique needs and fostering independence through hands-on learning experiences has been a cornerstone of my approach. From creating inviting learning environments to introducing practical life skills and sensory activities, Montessori principles have played a pivotal role in shaping my childcare philosophy. The emphasis on child-led exploration, order, and the promotion of a love for learning align seamlessly with my commitment to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for the children under my care. This integration of Montessori principles has not only enhanced the educational aspects of my childcare approach but has also contributed to creating a holistic and enriching experience for the toddlers I've had the pleasure of guiding.


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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    Teenagers
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    Twins

In 5 years, I hope to be...

Still living in NYC, producing my own projects, acting, nannying, and continuing to enjoy life!

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

I love singing and dancing with kids and playing pretend. Singing to babies is also a joy! I enjoy teaching phonics, visual arts, and sports!