About Bernadette

My wife Tristin and I feel like we won the lottery when we found Berny! We knew that we needed someone extraordinary. Tristin had been widowed and we were newly married. Raising a family of four children, with twin boys that were barely 5 years old, a daughter that was 7, and a son that was 8, would have been challenging had we have been together from the beginning. However, ours was a new family that started in July of 2013 when we married less than 5 months after we met and then joined together our two families under one roof. The loss of a son's father, the loss of a prior family structure for three others, and the determination that one twin was in the autism spectrum added complexity to an already challenging assignment for a nanny. Add that these two parents came from different perspectives on parenting and have very active lives, and we truly needed a Super Nanny! We interviewed many potential nannies and had several visit to care for our children under our supervision. A prior nanny had cared for my three children for five years prior to Berny, and my expectations were very high. We both knew after watching Berny respond to a child catastrophe on her first day that we had found the answer to our prayers. My daughter was stung by a bee while the four kids and Berny walked three pups. Amidst all of the drama that my 7-year old girl could deliver, Berny was quick to respond with calm, confidence, and love. She showed us the benefit of hiring a mature, experienced nanny that was drawn to caring for children not of necessity, but of true heart and affinity. We feel that Berny became a member of our new family, and we miss her! She knew that these two parents were juggling much and overwhelmed at times, and she never hesitated to take on the evolving needs of our family. Berny would arrive in the morning before kids awoke, help them start their day and then drive them to school. She would visit with teachers when needs arose, pick up sick kids from the nurse's office, and bring four kids home from school to snack and start on their homework. She would take them to swim team after school, or pick them up after cross country. When my wife and I scheduled a date, Berny was tucking them into bed after reading a story. Throughout the 2+ years that Berny cared for our children, she lovingly fostered the growth of our kids and built some cohesion among us. Berny has great love and empathy, and the confidence and maturity to retain the authority needed to effectively deal with the inevitable squabbles and melt downs. She always left our world better than when she arrived, was where she needed to be right on time, and never in a hurry to depart when we were available to chat about the kids and the household. Berny supported kids in learning and accepting responsibilities, rather than just picking up after them or putting their dishes into the dishwasher. Berny made it look easy! I strongly encourage you to give Berny an opportunity to spend time with your children, so that you, too, can see just how exceptional she is as a person and as a caregiver. Please do not hesitate to contact me or Tristin, should you wish to learn more about our terrific experience!

Steve M.

2/10/2016