I have been working in the field of Occupational Therapy for 33 years, 17 of them in the schools with children with special needs. I have raised three children of my own and have 5 delightful Grandchildren. I like to plan fun age and developmentally appropriate activities to assist in developing self-esteem, creativity, self-expression, curiosity, character and compassion. I enjoy seeing and assisting children thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. My Grandchildren know that "Nana's" most important job is keeping them safe. I encourage children to problem solve and to communicate openly. Communication is key in all my relationships no matter the age. I was a life guard as a young adult, a Girl Scout leader and volunteered for outdoor adventure companies that work with the physically challenged population. I even taught adaptive PE for a term. I co-owned an organic farm CSA for 10 joyous years. We also made herbal products and sold them at the Farmer's Market. I am an animal lover as well so be assured that your pets will also receive attention. Some call me the dog or the cat-whisperer... (Side note: I am a petsitter as well). I don't watch much TV as there are too many other choices as my interests are numerous from backpacking, kayaking, traveling especially in the developing world, volunteering, spending time with animals, my family and friends and of course my Grandchildren, reading, music, the performing arts, skiing, crocheting, yoga, crafts, gardening and trying to make this world a little more kind, more fun, lighter... Life is to be celebrated as it is a gift to share and enjoy with others and possibly to make their life a bit easier along the way.

Hi I’m Andrea! I am 27 and currently live in the Portland area. I have been baby sitting for the past several years and really enjoy the time I get to spend with kids! I have worked with the tutoring agency Kumon when I was a student at PSU and tutored kids from ages 2-10. I am also very comfortable with animals and have grown up with pets since I was a little girl and love to spend time in the sun outside!

My life's work has always been working with children. I have worked as a preschool teacher (both for infants and toddlers), elementary school teacher, nanny, tutor, and mentor. Additionally, I've volunteered in many capacities involving children, including working with children in foster care and in precarious living situations requiring compassionate outreach. My experience includes working with differently abled children, both physically and/or mentally. I have extensive experience with autism, ADHD, and generalized learning/communication diagnoses that require special attentiveness and flexibility to every child's needs. This experience has given me many strategies for supporting children's socio-emotional and/or academic learning. My passion in working with children lies in my innate belief that children crave age-appropriate autonomy, consistency with boundaries and communication, and adults who are responsive and able to flexibly adapt to children's needs. I love to play! I lead with humor and curiosity, which helps children feel safe and seen from the start. I love to sing, play guitar, write, draw, and create/participate in sensory-seeking experiences. I find true joy in watching children develop their confidence and sense of self, and consider it a privilege to facilitate these life skills by building relational trust with children and their families. Additionally, most of my experience that has taken place outside of non-academic settings has entailed house-cleaning, shopping and cooking, transportation, pet care (mostly dogs and cats), and house/pet-sitting when needed. When I work in a family's home, my goal is to integrate care for the space and each family's overall needs with caregiving itself. I find these are intertwined more often than not! I enjoy helping in any way I can.

i love the opportunity to make peoples day to day life a bit easier and get to know you and your family! open to pretty much all extra chores, cooking and driving pickup/drop off, errands!