Kari R.

“ I first began to nurture children when I was just a child myself. At age 11, and again at age 12, I became an older sister to my half-siblings. As a teenager, I became an aunt twice over and began using my childcare skills to earn an income. I worked in the nursery at a YMCA for two years before starting college.

While I studied full time at the University of Missouri, Columbia, I supported myself by working...

I first began to nurture children when I was just a child myself. At age 11, and again at age 12, I became an older sister to my half-siblings. As a teenager, I became an aunt twice over and began using my childcare skills to earn an income. I worked in the nursery at a YMCA for two years before starting college.

While I studied full time at the University of Missouri, Columbia, I supported myself by working as an elementary school tutor for 3.5 years and as a live-in nanny for 9 months. Two more nieces were born to my family during those years, and two more in the years after graduation. My 'fan club' back at home swelled!

Understandably, I learned a lot about guiding and caring for children as the little ones in my family grew and changed. While working with children in more professional settings, I grew in my understanding of how children learn and interact with each other. Today, I view myself as a creative, energetic, auntie figure, even with children who aren't related to me.

I believe I have a real gift for seeing a child's needs, and empowering them to be creative in meeting their needs (in age appropriate ways). Children have an incredible capacity for creativity that our adult minds sometimes see as too silly. In my experience, however, to nurture and direct that energy into positive outlets rather than suppress it, not only builds trust and confidence in the child, but gives them tools to be good lifelong learners.

On a more personal level, I have lived a wide variety of experiences, traveled more than average, and love music, art, and nature. I am serious about spiritual growth and feel a lot of love in the world. Professionally, I was a distinguished student years ago and have plans to continue my education in the coming year. I would like to become a naturopathic doctor and researcher. I idealize living close to the land and imagine myself as one of those old-time doctors one day.

My story is unique and these few words only begin to point to that end. Overall, I believe I am a responsible, dynamic, and uplifting individual--capable of so much in the world--and I'd like to offer my time to the right family.

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