GENUINE NANNY: DIANA O.
Full-Time - Marin
MEET OUR RELIABLE,CREATIVE & PATIENT GENUINE NANNY DIANA O.!
Hi there! I'm Diana, originally from Colombia and now living in the USA since 2011. I graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems. While I've worked in tech companies and the non-profit sector, my real passion was discovered after assisting a friend helping run an After School Spanish Program in San Francisco. Since then, I've worked with different families as a nanny and family assistant, creating activities and programs to enjoy with kids.
I've worked with kids as young as 10 months old and as old as 12 years old, mostly speaking to them in Spanish if their parents are okay with it. I love coming up with new songs and rhythms when I'm with babies, as well as going on walks with their strollers. With toddlers, I enjoy trips to the library, the park, and dancing. And with older kids, I do early morning drop-offs and pick-ups, take them to after-school activities, help with homework, and have smoothie chats.
In my free time, you'll find me working out, cooking healthy meals, going on bike rides and hikes, and walking downtown with my 11lb Shih Tzu-Poodle mix dog, Santo. I adore pets and enjoy spending time with them. I also love dancing and am part of a Colombian folklore dance group that performs in the city once in a while.
Fun fact: I used to cosplay, and I still have my Wonder Woman costume!
I'm looking forward to meeting you!
MY BELIEFS AS A GENUINE NANNY
I believe... That we all have the ability to learn new things once we find our true inspiration.
I believe... That everyday life can be full of surprises when you view it through the eyes of your inner child.
I believe... That emotional responsibility is a skill that we must teach children to have great adults.
PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY, STRENGTHS,
WORK ETHIC, AND VALUES:
I am very friendly and create a welcoming vibe. I make sure I'm someone others can trust and rely on. I'm also pretty creative and always coming up with new ideas for activities. I'm flexible too, ready to work overnight or adjust my schedule as needed. I believe in empathy and patience, understanding that everyone has their own background and fears. I think it's important to provide a supportive environment for personal growth. In social situations, I'm good at meeting new people and enjoy chatting with others, whether they're adults or kids. I've got a lot of energy, which I put into activities like dancing, singing, yoga, and going for walks. Staying healthy is a priority for me, so I try to avoid negative behaviors or situations like poor communication, assumptions, being late, or being disorganized.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE A NANNY?
I believe that the foundations of being a great human are established in childhood. These include creating good routines, maintaining a balanced diet, learning to connect with others, and respecting animals and the environment. Additionally, teaching values of inclusivity and respect for diversity, regardless of background, is crucial. I enjoy mentoring these foundations to children, strengthening them through our daily routines.
On the other hand, it inspires me to be the person whom a child knows they can turn to and trust with their most intimate feelings and emotions. Being a guide in someone's life and simultaneously assisting parents who seek the best for their children fills me with great happiness and pride.
I am a very patient and observant person. I am also very empathetic and seek to help others. By helping them to understand their feelings from their own perspectives, I try to guide them to channel their emotions in a positive way that, instead of causing more frustration, helps them to grow as individuals.
AVAILABILITY & COMPENSATION
Spoken languages: English & Spanish
Compensation: $45/hr.
Available start date: May 27, 2024
Preferred Schedule: Full-Time (M-F, weekends, evenings, traveling w/ the family)
TRANSPORTATION DETAILS
Neighborhood/Area: I live in Marin & willing to travel within 10 miles
How will you commute to work? Vehicle I own
Are you comfortable driving a family car with children? I would prefer to use the family vehicle
FAMILY PETS
Are you allergic to any pets/animals? Love them!
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
College Degree: Yes
Child Development: No
CPR Certificate Training?: Yes
Montessori: No
WORK EXPERIENCE
Twins Experience: 1 year
Multiple Children/Siblings Experience: 2 years
Family Assistant: 1 year
Infant Experience: 6 months
Toddler Experience: 1 year
School Age Experience: 2 years
MOST RECENT CHILDCARE POSITION
Full-time Nanny | 1 year | 2 children (7 & 11)
Reason for position ending: I relocated
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for the safety and well being of two children
School pick up
extra school activities drop off
preparing healthy snacks
meal prep
late night nanny care
homework help
light housekeeping (laundry, tidying up, etc.)
Will we be able to speak directly with this family for a reference call? Yes!
Full-time Nanny | 6 months | 1 child (2 years old)
Reason for position ending: child went to preschool
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for safety care for 2 year old toddler
Change diaper
daily activities: library, walking downtown, etc.
Meal prep, snacks
nap time
read books together.
Will we be able to speak directly with this family for a reference call? Yes!
Full-time Nanny/household manager | 1 year | 2 children (8 year old twins)
Reason for position ending: Family hired an Au Pair
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for safety and care of 8 year old twins
prepare Breakfast & lunch box
school drop off and pick up
took them to their after school activities
drove them to their dads (parents were divorced),
late night nanny care
light housekeeping (laundry, tidying)
Grocery shopping
Will we be able to speak directly with this family for a reference call? Yes!
YOU CAN FIND DIANA’S RESUME HERE!
WHAT IS YOUR COMMUNICATION STYLE WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR EMPLOYERS? ANY EXAMPLES TO SHARE?
When it comes to my communication style, I prioritize honesty and transparency. If I encounter challenges or frustrations with my responsibilities, I believe in addressing them directly and openly, and I expect the same level of honesty from my employer. I believe that uncomfortable conversations can lead to stronger relationships. Additionally. I value periodic one-on-one conversations with parents to ensure that we remain aligned regarding the children's raising.
In terms of day-to-day communication, I can use text messages, sharing calendars, spreadsheets, and documents. I am comfortable with video calls or phone calls throughout the day as needed.
WHAT TYPE OF NANNY ROLE ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AND WHAT ENVIRONMENT YOU WOULD BE MOST SUCCESSFUL IN
I am interested in a live-out nanny/house keeper position where I can contribute to school drop-offs and pick-ups, prepare nutritious meals, maintain a tidy living space, and encourage children to tidy up after playtime. Additionally, I also do laundry and can handle this task during their nap or quite time or when they are at school.
I enjoy creating engaging activities for children, such as visits to the zoo, park, library, or even enjoying an ice cream together. I also love discovering local activities that can enrich their experiences, like storytime at the library or engaging in yoga or dancing sessions.
Based on my experience, I believe I would success in an environment where parents are actively involved in their children's development. Effective communication, shared goals, and mutual respect are key elements that I value. I prefer to be treated as part of the family rather than just an employee, as this helps a better working relationship and improves communication. This approach allows me to perform my duties effectively and provide the best care for the children.
PLEASE DESCRIBE HOW YOU HAVE TAKEN INITIATIVE AS A NANNY OR WHILE WORKING WITH A FAMILY?
I enjoy spending time with children to learn more about their interests and behaviors. I like talking to them, reading their favorite books, and playing with their favorite toys. This helps me come up with ideas and solutions to everyday problems some of the kids I've worked with have encountered. For example, I once cared for a pair of 8-year-old twins and had to do school drop-offs and pickups every day. I understand how tedious it can be for adults to wake up early, take public transportation, and go to work. For kids, it's similar: waking up early, getting into a car, and being taken to school. The only difference is that adults have cellphones and can get distracted, while kids get bored and bother each other. I identified each kid's personality and suggested toys to their mom that could be used only in the car, such as a Hasbro Gaming Bop It! for the competitive kid and a Slide Puzzle Game for the focused one. This motivated them to jump into the car every morning, focused on beating their best score or solving the puzzle.
In addition to creating educational activities, I have experience assisting with household management tasks. For example, I ensure the kids' laundry basket is clean at least once a week. I am also trusted to do grocery shopping and pick healthy options for their snacks. I prepare breakfast, lunch boxes, and healthy snacks. I also do light cleaning, such as cleaning the table after meals and washing feeding bottles, bibs, and seating chairs.
I value open and sincere communication with parents. If I see or feel that something is not right, I will let the parents know immediately. I keep them informed about our daily activities and any new adventures we might be exploring. For example, I took care of a 2-year-old toddler who loved music. We would take a speaker with us and play music, dancing on our way to the library every day. I shared this activity with her parents, and it made sense to them why she kept asking for the speaker when they went out for walks.
I also love learning new skills and improving the ones I already have. I worked with a child with ADHD and did research on the symptoms, how to manage them, and how to help improve them. I read about the topic, listened to podcasts, and had many conversations with his mother about ways to help him. This helped me understand him better, and we had a good relationship while we worked together.
WHAT ARE YOUR DISCIPLINE PHILOSOPHY AND CHILD-REARING VALUES?
My approach to discipline is all about creating a positive and caring environment. I believe in using encouragement and clear communication to help kids make good choices and learn from their actions. Instead of just punishing, I like to guide them towards understanding why certain behaviors are important.
When it comes to rearing values in children, I value empathy, patience, and being consistent. I think it's important to help kids understand their emotions and build their confidence. I try to build trust with kids so they feel comfortable expressing themselves and dealing with life's ups and downs. I also believe in working closely with parents to make sure we're all on the same page and meeting the child's needs together.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AS A NANNY OR WHILE WORKING WITH A FAMILY?
Setting boundaries with parents about transitioning from being seen as a friend to being seen as a guide to the children.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES & INTERESTS?
As a person my hobbies are very aligning with the style I like to work as a nanny. I enjoy going into outdoor adventures like hiking and biking, as well as enjoying a good movie at home. I love cooking foods from scratch, baking, and dancing by myself and with the kids.
I love spending time with my own 11lb poodle mix and have no issue in sharing my affection with any family pet I might work with. I also enjoy talking to my grandma who is in Colombia.
As a nanny, I enjoy creating fun and educational activities for children, including arts and crafts, and storytelling. I also like to explore local parks, museums, and other child-friendly places.
WHAT MAKES YOU SPARKLE?
What makes me sparkle is the joy of connecting with children and witnessing their growth and development. I enjoy creating engaging experiences for them, whether through fun activities, educational games, or simply being there to support and guide them. Seeing their smiles, hearing their laughter, and knowing that I'm making a positive impact on their lives fills me with happiness and fulfillment.
