About me

Hi, I'm Mikena! I grew up in a small town about 30 minutes south of Boston. I grew up with two older siblings who I learned a lot from and laughed a lot with. Ever since I was a kid, I've been known to be a very silly, outgoing, playful person who loves to perform. It is one of my greatest passions and strengths. Despite my love for acting, comedy, and performance, I recently finished my degree in English. I love writing and literature. I hope to write a memoir someday in the not-so-distant future.

The parts of my personality that are very playful and silly are always present and at the forefront of my childcare approach. I lead with compassion and empathy. My approach is very holistic and intuitive and I never respond to children with punitive actions. I believe children and their needs must be understood and genuinely considered to set them up for success. I believe in striking a balance between routine and flexibility. I respect the unique wishes of each family and always maintain as much collaboration and communication as a family prefers. Lastly, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a social justice-oriented person, I strive to cultivate an environment for children in which negative norms and stereotypes are not reinforced, and children are celebrated for play, curiosity, and exploration.

In my last long-term role, I cared for a baby from 5 months old until he was almost a year and a half old. I took him to the park and the library each week, where he was encouraged to "socialize" with other babies/toddlers and learn new cognitive, motor, and physical skills. The baby learned to walk while I was his nanny, which was a truly magical experience! I put him down for 2 sleep-trained naps/day and adjusted his nap schedule as needed and problem-solved if sleep wasn't happening. I changed his diapers, introduced him to new foods/solids/bottle fed him, gave him baths, played with him, redirected him when he was having a fussy moment or day, and overall kept him safe and made sure he was having as much fun as possible! While the baby slept, I tidied the household and put away the babies toys.