About me

My name is Sylvie, and I was born and raised in Cotonou, Benin, West Africa. I am the youngest of six children, with three sisters and one brother. Growing up, I was surrounded by family, spending most of my childhood in my mother’s house alongside many uncles and aunties. I loved listening to stories, playing soccer, and acting, all of which instilled in me a love for creativity, connection, and teamwork. After graduating from Notre Dame Cotonou in 2005, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the National Institute of Economy in 2008. When I moved to the United States, I shifted my focus to the healthcare field, completing an associate’s degree at ASA College. Working as a Medical Assistant in a pediatric clinic was a turning point in my journey. It was there that I discovered my deep love for children. Their energy, curiosity, and honesty inspired me to explore childcare further. I went back to school and began volunteering at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) childcare center. Babysitting came naturally, and it has been my passion ever since. Over the years, I’ve worked with several wonderful families. In 2019, I worked with the McKinsey family, caring for their 6-year-old daughter during evening shifts and on some weekends. From 2022 to 2023, I worked with the Grant family, providing full-day care for their newborn and 2-year-old boys several days a week. I continue to occasionally work with them today. Currently, I am with the Coundoul family, where I pick up their 9-year-old daughter from the school bus, help her with homework, and ensure she has a safe and structured routine until her parents arrive. Babysitting inspires me because it allows me to inspire the children I care for, filling me with pride and purpose. I believe children are the future leaders of the world, and being part of their journey is both an honor and a responsibility. Educating and nurturing children gives me great hope for a brighter future. Knowing that I can play a small role in shaping their lives—whether by encouraging their curiosity, teaching them new skills, or simply being a steady presence—is profoundly rewarding.