My name is Elizabeth Ann. I am 34 years old and was born and raised in Lakewood, OH, a vibrant and growing suburb of Cleveland. I have a wonderful and healthy relationship with my parents, as well as with my brother who is married with three beautiful children. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in both Theatre and Studio Art from Baldwin-Wallace College. While in college, I also focused on dance performance and choreography. I graduated with honors from both Baldwin-Wallace and Lakewood High School, where I excelled both academically and musically. I am a member of the National Honors Society, and had the opportunity to participate in over ten chorale groups in high school. I play the piano, sing, and am very enthusiastic about all forms of music. Physically, I enjoy many sports, with favorites being volleyball, swimming, and skiing. Academically, I did extremely well in all areas, especially math and science, with chemistry and physics being my preferred classes. Spiritually, I have been active in the Catholic Church for most of my life and I continue to participate in many aspects of my faith. Annually, I help to direct the area youth in a living version of the Stations of the Cross, which is presented each year on Palm Sunday and Good Friday. In May of 2011, I was given the incredible blessing of traveling to Rome on a pilgrimage with the Sisters of Notre Dame. This experience completely renewed my faith, as I had the opportunity to reconnect to my Catholic roots and walk in the steps of St. Peter as I visited many of the area churches. Being in Rome gave me a feeling of home and a sense of religious security I have not felt before or since. It was this experience that led me to seeking out employment opportunities in Italy. Currently, I am employed as an au pair for a wonderful family outside of Florence, Italy. Before taking this position I was a full-time preschool teacher, educating students between the ages of two and five. I also have over 17 years of experience working with children as a private nanny, babysitter, and teacher of fine arts. While having no children of my own, nothing excites me more than the thought of spending each day with young minds who are so eager to learn, and so oblivious to the problems that plague the minds of many adults. The joy I see in the eyes of children does not compare to the exhilaration I feel when I see a child suddenly understand something that may seem so simple to me, but is so new and exciting to them. Nothing compares to the light a child transmits as he walks through the world: everything is new, everything is stirring, and everything is possible. I love to read and I am always writing down quotes that inspire me, a favorite is by Ralph Waldo Emerson and it parallels my thoughts of the wonder of a child. “We find a delight in the beauty and happiness of children that makes the heart too big for the body.” Emerson truly understands the love one can feel for a child, when their innocence is honest and pure. Understanding a child is absolutely necessary to being able to work with them, or even communicate with them, but most importantly, to love them. There is so much going on in the world today that, as adults, we must be aware of the needs of children and what it takes to grow up in a healthy, happy environment. Another author, Dorothy L. Nolte, writes the following, powerful words about the needs of a child.

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn. If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight. If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy. If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty. If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient. If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence. If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice. If a child lives with security, he learns to like himself. If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world."

It’s almost startling that it may just be this simple…but as adults, we do tend to overcomplicate things. One of my mantras is just that “keep it simple.” I think this may be why I have had such great relationships with children.

To me, family and faith are the most important aspects of my life. I know I would not be who I am today without these two very important values. My personal mission statement states that my goal is “To grow spiritually, mentally, and physically in a way that not only helps me to improve my own life, but to have a positive impact on the lives of others around me.” I believe the best way to accomplish this is by maintaining focus on family and faith…it’s the surest place where unconditional love can be found.