About Michele

I'm writing this referral for our long-time nanny/household helper/friend, Michele, with a genuinely heavy heart, yet one filled with gratitude. After nine incredible years, our family is in a position where we cannot offer Michele the hours she needs (and deserves!), and I pray that she will find the perfect family to bless. Michele started working with us when our youngest was 2 months old – he'll be 9 years old in February. She has been there for every stage with all three of our children (now 12, 10, and almost 9), and I'm not exaggerating when I say she has been absolutely transformative for our family. She saved me when I was drowning trying to handle three babies so close in age, and she has continued to save me throughout the years in more ways than I can count. There are so many things that make Michele extraordinary. She doesn't just watch kids – she SEES them. She gets down on their level, plays with them, and brings out creative sides of my children I didn't even know existed. The elaborate art projects, the imaginative games, the way she turns homework into something engaging – it's magic. She's the fun one in our house, and one my kids light up for. Michele has extensive experience working with children; she even previously ran a pre-K out of her home, and it shows in everything she does. She's patient, creative, crafty, wise, respectful, and has this incredible ability to connect with children of all ages and developmental stages. She helps with homework (including those giant art projects that make parents want to hide), and she's dependable, honest, works incredibly hard, and has become family to us. We trust her completely – so much so that not only does she help with pet sitting and house sitting for us, but my entire extended family calls on her for the same. That's the level of trust we're talking about. Michele has also been invaluable in navigating something I simply don't have time to figure out – online gaming safety. She sits with my kids, plays the games with them, learns the ins and outs, and reports back to me on what parental controls need to be adjusted or what to avoid altogether. She's teaching them how to game safely while actually being present with them. This alone is worth its weight in gold for busy parents trying to navigate the digital world. The moments when I'd come home to find my kids deeply engaged in some elaborate creation I never would have thought to do are moments I will miss the most -- the way she makes ordinary days special. She understands kids, and she shines when engaged with them. Nothing intimidates her when it comes to childcare, and she values and appreciates the uniqueness of each child. She genuinely cares about who my children are becoming, and they truly love her. If you're looking for someone who will love your children, engage them, inspire them, and treat them like they're the most important people in the world – she's your person.