About me

Hello there! My name is Jessica Benson and I’ve been living and caring for children in New York City for 5 years now. While it was theatre that brought me here (after graduating with my BFA in Musical Theatre from Millikin University), I still find myself incorporating my experience and love for working with children into my life.

A native of Rockford, Illinois and the oldest of three siblings, I grew up with a family of caregivers and teachers. My mom is the most creative, intuitive, caring and hard working preschool teacher I know and I am proud to have that connection with her as a SmartSitter now. 

My experience with children started with visiting my mom’s preschool as a child myself. It wasn’t long before I found myself following a path of care giving on my own whether it was looking after my younger siblings and cousins, mentoring children through theatre, or helping at local summer camps. At the age of 13 I became Safe Sitter certified and my career as a sitter has continued on since!

I have worked part-time for a family on the UWS for almost four years now looking after two energetic, active, strong willed, thoughtful and creative boys now 8 and 11. I have worn many hats working for them over the years, but some of my responsibilities include: Picking the boys up from school and bringing them to activities and appointments, light cleaning and tidying, walking the dog, homework assistance, coordinating use of crafts, making sure they have physical activity daily, ensuring bath time and nail maintenance, packing school bags, cooking dinner, ordering groceries, running errands, assisting in returns, wrapping presents, packing for trips, personal assistant work and general organization of the apartment. 

Through the SmartSitting network I have gained experience with children of all ages, but the majority of my experience remains with school-aged children. I also have experience in traveling with families including The Hamptons, Florida and Montana. Additionally, I am fortunate enough to have gained experience with children on the autistic spectrum. 

As a performer, I am driven by a desire to positively affect the masses whether that be by entertaining, educating or shedding light on the human experience and I believe it is a similar core value that carries over into my mindset as a SmartSitter. It brings me joy to care for others, to help them through life's challenges and share with them life's delights. More than the simple happiness it brings me to look after kids and witness their amusing antics, is the happiness it brings me to make a positive difference in their lives, even if for one day.