29yrs

female

Speaks English

I have years of experience in relating to and caring for children with special needs. In my home town, my 15-year-old neighbor, very close friend, and confidant has down syndrome. Growing up, we spent many afternoons playing together after school-mimicking super heroes, jamming on the drum set, and playing game after game of basketball in the front driveway. He is the best listener, always says the right thing, and knows me so well. I babysat him frequently, but he was and is much more than a child I babysat for. He is my brother - we shared too much life together not to be related! One summer, I worked at a horseback riding camp for him and several of his friends. We bathed the horses, cleaned their shoes, their stalls, and rode around the stable all afternoon. It was just as much fun for me as it was for them! Throughout high school, my two oldest sisters managed a summer camp for special needs children which also led to them nannying for several of the children in my home. I was exposed to special needs at a very young age and my heart instantly expanded.