MEET NANNY: DENAY
Full-Time - East Bay and San Francisco
Hello! My name is Denay. I am 43 years old, a seasoned early childhood educator, and a forever student. I was born and raised in the Bay Area and currently live in Oakland.
Something that is important to know about me is that I am a proud queer person of color and use they/them pronouns. I believe that my education, work experience, and my intersectional identity are assets and give me a wonderfully unique perspective on the world around me. I pride myself on creating a safe space for people to be their true selves around me, trying my best to make everyone feel heard and seen, and advocating for those who struggle to advocate for themselves.
In addition to working with children, I spend a lot of my free time volunteering with queer elders in San Francisco. Offering grocery delivery, supporting with events, participating in “friendly visitor” programs, assisting with housing placement, and providing management support for the associated nonprofit. I feel like I get the best of both worlds by working with people young and old, as intergenerational connections are extremely important to me and a vital part of any community.
I would say that I lead and teach with compassion, patience, and enthusiasm. I can be both silly and structured, excitable and calming, organized and function well in chaos, eager to succeed while also practicing grace.
A fun fact about me: I am in a pool (billiards) league, and I love socializing with my friends around a pool table. I’ve played pool competitively for about 6 years. And, while I am not nearly as good as I would like to be, I have so much fun playing!
ABOUT ME
Neighborhood/Area: Oakland
College Degree: BA in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley
Compensation: $45-$55
Preferred Schedule: Full-Time
Available: May 11, 2026
EXPERIENCE
Twins Experience: 8 years
Multiple Children/Siblings Experience: 5 years
Family Assisting?: 5 years
Infant Experience: 20+ years
Toddler Experience: 20+ years
School-Age Experience: 20+ years
MY BELIEFS AS A GENUINE NANNY
I believe... that before anyone, regardless of age, is able to receive new information, be impressionable, and feel comfortable welcoming change, they must feel safe and seen. This especially applies to children. Treating children as "small people", respecting them as individuals with autonomy, emotions, and rights, rather than viewing them as incompetent or incomplete, allows me to develop a deep connection with them. Offering children respect, validating their feelings, and fostering independence while understanding their development needs for dependency and guidance creates a connection built on safety and acceptance, and celebrates the whole child. Their human experience belongs to them. As adults, we are here to support and scaffold them, not control and restrict them, in the hope that they have the best childhood experience possible.
I believe... that while I may have extensive experience working with children and an education to back that, you are the expert on your child(ren). It is through collaboration, communication, and understanding that we are able to build a partnership that is focused on the healthy growth and development of your little one(s).
I believe... that there is an endless fountain of knowledge to be gained from intergenerational connections. Children are constantly growing, adapting, and learning how to navigate life, just as I am. Children teach us about forgiveness, compassion, imagination, and patience. They remind us to live in the moment, to find joy in the small things, to dream big, and to be amazed by life and our capabilities as humans. In my relationships with children, we are experiencing parallel growth and walking side-by-side through this journey. I am forever changed and grateful for what I have learned from my time spent with little ones.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE A NANNY?
I have had the privilege of working in a variety of learning environments throughout my 20+ years as an educator. Teaching in a formal school environment can be complicated, especially considering the state of the world. I am finding that I have a strong desire to create deep and meaningful connections that make an impact in my life and the lives of the families I work with. The relationships I have built in intimate home settings while providing tailored care for children have been incredibly fulfilling, and I am so lucky to have been considered a member of their families during our time together.
To be trusted with your most precious possession (your children) and to be welcomed into your sanctuaries (your homes) is truly an honor. And, I diligently strive to be an asset, confidant, and to amplify the lives of any family I partner with.
PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY, STRENGTHS,
WORK ETHIC, AND VALUES:
I am a passionate, proactive, and thoughtful educator with demonstrated experience cultivating and growing dynamic relationships as a leader and community organizer. As a Bay Area native, I am dedicated to the advancement of education and social growth within my community. I have a deep commitment to elevating marginalized and underrepresented voices and creating equitable experiences throughout. In addition to my ethical principles and community relationships, I posses a strong focus on strategic planning and operational management, with a goal-oriented mindset.
