When I was 16, I started working at Ausable Valley CMH in West Branch, MI. I worked there doing in home care, respite care and community outings until I began to have children of my own at 21. At that time I did child care for a toddler with autism for a couple years until he went to school. Then a few years later I cared for a teenager with an impairment I can not remember. She was non-verbal and though she could walk, she was very unsteady so often crawled or scooted. My aunt has down syndrome and we have often helped in her care. Later I provider care for my friend's infant who had severe medical conditions. I have also been a school bus driver in Rochester Hills, doing both special needs and general education routes. For a number of years I was a CPR and First Aid instructor for the American Red Cross. My certification has expired, but I am willing to renew it.