I am a 28-year-old artist and caretaker, and I like to think of myself as easy going, kind, and fun. Most recently I have worked with a child on the autism spectrum for the past 6 years. He is high support needs and low verbal, so I am very well experienced in anticipating needs. I have also spent time volunteering in California inner city schools, I have experience working in elementary schools, and when I was younger I worked with SPED in my school. I've always felt drawn to this particular work. I have already been through the "sink before you swim" phase of this line of work, so I am confident in my strengths and aware of my weaknesses. I like to teach the children I work with about kindness and acceptance, and my favorite part of the job is building friendships. I am also a professional artist. I exhibit in art galleries and have a career in the art world, however I find that working with special needs individuals is essential for my sense of purpose and meaning.