Find an emergency babysitter in River Falls, WI

Hello, I'm Ella and I love caring for children. I'm trustworthy, caring and reliable. I have years of caregiving experience. I used to work as an Early Childhood Teacher and as a Teaching Assistant at St. Paul Public Schools. I look foward to working with your family.

I absolutely love kids! I’m a mom of 4 and a former teacher, principal, and superintendent. Patience and compassion are my strengths, while still maintaining control through calm. I savor time spent with kids of all ages, with babies being the sweetest. I also enjoy spending time with and taking care of toddlers all the way to teenagers. Yes, I said teenagers! I have a way of connecting with them and building appropriate relationships. In addition to caring for kids, I can help with homework. My teaching experience is in middle and high school English Language Arts, Math, Biology, and Science. My tutoring experience is in all the age groups with an obvious focus on the areas I’ve taught. Other than the content, one of my strengths while teaching was in classroom management, because I have the ability to use expectations, logical consequences, and relationships to impact student behaviors. And one of the most effective and compassionate, yet effective ways of managing inappropriate behaviors is through using Restorative Practices. I have many years of experience addressing child behavior this way and helping people, both kids and adults through conflict using this approach.

My experience taking care of children started as an older sister that babysat and changed diapers. I babysat for families at my church and in my neighborhood. I became a lifeguard and swim instructor at age 16 and taught 3 year olds to 12 year olds how to swim. I worked with children that had Down syndrome, extreme autism and a 5 year old with no limbs except for a stub as an arm and a foot where a leg normally is. I trained cub scouts to get their life saving merit badges. I have helped with two women in their 90s with dementia. I love cooking and crafts and have many fun hobbies. I am willing to clean and care for animals as well.

I have done a variety of caregiving jobs from age 18 to currently 25. I have three years of professional experience on Wag! as an animal caregiver, caring for more than 400 pets. This includes walking, feeding, sitting or boarding, medication management, “aggressive” breeds, senior animals, and puppies. I currently take care of my own grandmother who is 83- experience extends to household care, deep cleaning, decluttering, trash hauling, heavy lifting, animal care in conjunction to senior care, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and administering medication. I have been a Nanny and a camp counselor lead for 4 seasons which includes care from ages 4-17, special needs (ASD), 24-hour care, enrichment activities, transportation, medication management, swimming lessons (lifeguard certified), and tutoring. I also have extensive experience in household care as my mother owns and operates a cleaning company- it’s in my blood! I have worked on projects that include hoarding, major reorganization, building small furniture, deep cleaning, extensive plant care, garden maintenance, and everyday upkeep. I prioritize functionality and sanitation.

I'm a mother who raised my son with gentle parenting rooted in child development. As a single mom, I co-raised children with a trusted group of single mothers. I've cared for nieces, nephews, and cousins my whole life. I've also been a professional housecleaner. I'm trauma-informed, certified in health coaching, and believe in meeting children, pets, and senior adults where they are with patience, creativity, and respect.