Hi! I'm Valerie: former elementary school teacher, writer, artist, and creative caregiver. I enjoy empowering others to thrive, especially people who need specialized care. I was a nanny for a child with special needs for 2 years while in college. Then I taught a huge variety of subjects: elementary school in Florida, international teaching in Thailand, cooking, art, yoga, laughter yoga, and circusy skills. Outside of work, I'm a lifelong learner and creator. I design games and educational resources, and I write poems, songs, and stories with my original monkey characters that teach emotional awareness, calming strategies, and body safety. Having recently moved back to Florida to be near my family, I'm seeking caring work where I can invest my energy and continue perfecting and personalizing my caregiving practice. I would love to discuss your child's needs and how I am aligned to help.