Bonjour!
Hello future family!

I’m an American woman who loves to work with children and enjoys traveling in order to experience another lens of the world. I’m a sister to two brothers (one of them is my twin) and a friend to many. I’ve jumped around the U.S. a bit throughout my late teens to mid twenties and the last city I lived in was Philadelphia, PA. Similar to locations I’ve moved through different career paths, but most of them have involved working with kids in some capacity. I have been an au pair in New Zealand, lifeguard, rowing coach to middle schoolers, barista/bartender, and English teacher. Doing some reflecting in 2021 I realized I missed learning through travel and working with children on a daily basis so I decided why not combine those two and become an au pair again.

I have professionally worked with children from ages 11-18 year olds in an academic sense; however, most of my home childcare experience has been ages 1-8 year olds. Through the unique experience of childcare in varying environments I have learned that creativity, listening, boundaries, and patience are needed no matter if you are working with kids in a school or at home. For example, I would like written expectations between host family and myself with monthly check ins about how expectations and daily routines are being achieved for both parties.
My philosophy and focus is giving children the autonomy to choose activities and use their imagination and critical thinking skills to come up with narratives and games. As an adult, I think the biggest aspect that needs to be treasured and nurtured in children is their individual voices, gut instinct, and personal vision. It is so easy to lose that when growing up and incorporating technology which can easily tell us how to act and feel based on comparison. I really enjoy spending time outdoors and carving out creative time with kids.

I am a very thoughtful and curious human who will want to be apart of the family life and traditions from food to music. I love to bake and cook and hope to share those moments with you. I am a silly person but I can be a little bit shy in the beginning of meeting new people. Once I am comfortable I will probably be singing, dancing, and very expressive in general (I talk with my hands).

I'm a fierce friend and focused on self improvement through reading and new experiences. I’m half creative and half athletic. I’ve been sewing since I was eight years old. I also paint and sketch sometimes (poorly) and journal often. Music is a big part of my life and I played piano and guitar when I was younger. When it comes to being active I love water sports. I swam competitively in high school, started surfing, and in college I had a rowing scholarship. I love being in nature and going on hikes. Books take up most my room and lately I've been really into learning languages (I’m teaching myself Japanese and Arabic). My french is nonexistent but I would like to learn while I’m living there.

After au pairing I plan on continuing my studies in refugee and migration work in either London or Cairo. I also would like to continue designing and constructing clothes on a more regular basis. I hope to find a sewing machine or take some construction classes during my stay.

Thanks for reading my ramble,

Jess