Welcome to the 2017 Nanny Holiday
Ball—the event that brings together
nannies from around the world
to celebrate the work and the significant
achievements of nannies. The theme of this
year’s ball is “A Greater Love”—and I know
unequivocally that love, like a gentle yet powerful
flame that brightens the beautiful rhythm of our
hearts, has caused us to gather here today. It’s the
same love that we give so freely to our charges
daily, this deep agape type love that resides in
the core of our being. It gently reminds us of the
incredible responsibilities we have as nannies in
ensuring that children experience the best side
of humanity through nanny care.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to
Sittercity, who is the main sponsor of this year’s
ball. Not only is Sittercity is the place where the
best nannies are found, but their commitment to
our community reflects a company that values
the hard work and contributions of nannies
everywhere.
My friends, 16 years ago I packed a rusty suitcase,
left an agrarian village on the island of St. Lucia,
and boarded a flight to New York. As the plane
descended into JFK, the bright lights of the
Welcome skyline filled my spirit with hope and awakened
my soul. However, the busyness of New York
streets, the urgency in peoples’ footsteps, and
Nannies the looming skyscrapers that seem to envelop
me often gave me jitters. Ironically, these
anxieties never really frightened me, but instead
and Friends reminded me that my purpose was in this place.
Although I didn’t understand exactly what it was
then, I suspect that my heart knew. Even when
I tried to run on days when I found it difficult
to transition to American life, a determined and
forceful energy kept me here.
Sixteen years later, I now understand why this selves to homes
energy was so meticulous, calculated, and across America
involved in my journey here. It possessed a and throughout the
knowledge that I did not understand at that world. So, if we band
time, but now understand fully. I was brought together with a shared purpose,
here to serve, to fight on behalf of humanity, our strength will tear down
and to help further rouse the true spirit of those invisible, destructive walls and
who provide nanny care. I want to echo a call barriers. It will give the voiceless a voice.
nationally and internationally that those who It will awaken the spirit of the women
provide nanny care should never compromise who may be victimized in a home somewhere.
in the quality of that care. Additionally, let me It will generate respectful dialog between nanny
remind everyone of our sacred oath to ensure employers and nannies everywhere. Above all, it
that we do everything humanly possible to will spur us to become better professionals.
expose our charges to our best selves. To do
that, we must be willing to discover the best of What’s more, our strength will allow us to
who we are. We have to see value in ourselves; applaud the incredible nanny employers out
if we cannot, it becomes difficult to see value there and acknowledge our love for them as
in others. Before I arrived, I was a fatherless a community—because their preference for
and motherless girl whose spirit was very often nanny care keeps us working. So, on behalf of
crushed daily because I felt rejected. Tonight, I the nanny community, here’s a special thank-
understand why I came to America. It was to you to all nanny employers.
add my voice to the discourse about the work
and care that nannies perform, and to remind Finally, I extend my sincere appreciation to
us all that as nannies, we can never be morally all of you who have supported the work and
and ethically bankrupted. The flames that ignite mission of My Nanny Circle and enabled it to
our spirit and enable us to love should never grow. This year, I experienced the unfolding of
burn out, and the wise and gentle words that your love toward our mission in a very powerful
come from a full reservoir of affection should way—and for that, I am completely grateful. To
never dry out. I’m here to tell you that I was all nannies, the agency owners, nanny groups,
once emotionally frail because I failed to realize organizations, friends, and family who made this
my own self-worth. Therefore, I challenge each year easier, I give a special shout-out to
of you to force yourself to see your value as a you all. May all of you be richly
person and to extend that unique opportunity to blessed, and I hope that you
appreciate the value of others. This task requires always live with “A Greater
an understanding that our differences make us Love” for everyone.
stronger, and knowing without any doubt that
the nanny profession is like an orchestra, with Happy
various instruments playing multiple sounds yet Holidays
making beautiful music. We are women and men
from various backgrounds, cultures, ideologies,
faiths, races, and ethnicities bringing our finest
My name isMarlyn.I States, instead paying
me a nominal salary of
was born and $620 per month, which did
raised in the Republic of not allow any opportunity
the Philippines and have for independence. In
worked as a nanny in New exchange, I cared for
York City since 2010. I their two small children,
am sharing my story to managed all housework
hopefully inspire and and chores, and earned
empower other people in no time off. Additionally,
situations similar to mine. my employers confiscated
my travel documents
In 2007 I resigned from and prohibited me from
my job as an elementary speaking to other people
school teacher in the in our building, warning
Philippines and become me that I could not trust
a nanny in Singapore for Marlyn people in the United
a family with States, as they
two children, “...little did I know I would soon exert a bad
ages 4 and 3. influence. I
I believed my embark on a very challenging and coped with my
passion for troublesome chapter in my life...” predicament
teaching and for almost
for children two years
would and then met
translate well to my new role as a nanny, another Filipina nanny during a play
but little did I know I would soon embark date for the children. I grew to trust my
on a very challenging and troublesome new friend and confided in her about my
chapter in my life instead. situation, and she took me in when I finally
decided to leave my employers’ home.
My employers in Singapore were both
senior corporate executives and in 2010 After I departed, I connected with a
relocated to New York City. Ultimately grassroots organization that supports
they did not honor the contract we had Filipino workers in the city. I became
signed prior to our move to the United a member of the organization, learned
a great deal, and transitioned into its for the interviews. One of the women in
leadership program. The group also my circle who occasionally served as an
connected me with valuable non-profit interpreter and who accompanied me
resources in the city, including a federal to appointments also taught me some
program that helps victims of human and breathing exercises to calm my nerves
labor trafficking. I filed my case, but it and help me believe everything would be
was denied by two organizations that felt all right. These women were and continue
it was not strong enough to qualify for the to be my rock, they are my family here,
federal program. I was devastated. and we grew as close as sisters. I was also
fortunate to meet a family that hired me
Three years later, however, I continued to work, was aware of my difficulties, and
to be surrounded by women who had graciously adjusted my hours when I had
survived their own trafficking ordeals, appointments.
and within that circle were organizers
who believed my case might be approved Six months after my lawyer submitted
by another non-profit resource provider
based in Brooklyn. I completed an my second application, a T visa (issued
intake appointment with the program’s
immigration lawyer and afterward was to victims of human trafficking) was
assigned a case manager and a social
worker, who worked closely with me. The approved for me in June of this year! It
women in my circle encouraged me to trust
that my case would end positively. At times was the day I will never forget. My lawyer
I needed an interpreter to accompany
me, and the women who supported me called to tell me the amazing news, saying,
adjusted their schedules to go with me to
these appointments. The process was very “Marlyn, you did it.” I told her, “No, we
rigorous, as all information I provided had
to be validated by official records of my did it together!” I felt joy, tears, and all
entry into the country and various other
supporting documents. My case traveled kinds of emotions wash over me. I was
through the state department, where
officials interviewed me as part of the working at that time and thought,
validation process. I remember breaking
out in hives due to the stress of preparing “Yes, dear God, thank you
for giving me strength,
thank you for helping
me overcome these
challenges and
making me strong,
thank you for the
people around
me who accept
me as I am.
Thank you!”
Hi, I am Shaina much better. Also, I
Wilson, and have a beautiful six-year-
I was born and old girl who has brought
raised on the beautiful even more happiness and
island of Saint Lucia. I had passion into my heart
an affinity for children at than I ever could have
an early age. Being the last imagined.
of seven children, I always
enjoyed and absolutely I adore children of all
loved babysitting my ages, especially toddlers.
nieces and nephews. I I love playing dress-up,
constantly invented fun, reading stories, arts and
creative games, and I crafts, hide’ n’ seek, or
found that children have any game that encourages
always responded to children to learn, express
my personality and my themselves, and expand
exciting spirit. Shaina Wilson their imaginations. I
love what I
My dream was “I love what I do because I found do because I
to become found a career
a teacher; a career that is both enriching that is both
however, that and full of wonderful surprises.” enriching
changed when and full of
I moved to the wonderful
United States. surprises. I
I love being a am truly happy
nanny because when I wake up
to me, it is the and know that
most rewarding my day will
and fulfilling begin and end
career anyone could with a smile.
have. Children are a
delightful gift because
they bring great joy to my
heart and make every day so
THE OFFICIAL SPONSOR
FOR THE 2017 NANNY HOLIDAY BALL
My Nanny Circle is proud to call Sittercity a friend.
My name is to have one of the most
Fernuda Paul, amazing jobs which aid
I am originally in developing a positive
from the beautiful mindset in children. Every
Caribbean Island St. Lucia. day, I’m afforded unique
Currently, I’m employed chances to showcase the
as a professional caregiver best side of humanity – to
which I’ve done for over highlight my own human
16 years. I have been able spirit; a spirit that’s
to transform and impact conceived from love, by
the lives of many children love, and I’m able to share
positively. I’m also an that love with others,
entrepreneur who operates especially women who are
a small business in New marginalized. It’s the love
York producing organic that’s within me that allows
coconut oil and beauty me to find true purpose in
products. My long-term Fernuda Paul life, which is to help others
dream is to in whatever
be able to one “I’m afforded the unique chances capacity my
day expand assistance is
my business to showcase the best side of needed.
and have the humanity.” When I’m
capacity to
employ other not working,
workers. I enjoy
Additionally, I’m the spending quality time with
founder of an online my son and also being of
nanny group called service to others in my
Nannies for Us. community. I extend my
love and support to all
My philosophy is that who work as professional
through smart work and nannies.
determination, we all can
do anything we set our minds
to. I feel blessed and honored
Sisterhood Yasmine Gee
“Sweet is the voice of a sister in the Season of Sorrow.”
She was at rock-bottom—not only broke, but broken.
Jenny had been unemployed for years while her
husband was the breadwinner. Unexpectedly,
she became pregnant, which is when things took a turn
for the worse. After telling her husband that she was
pregnant, he started treating her like a stranger and
asking her to terminate the pregnancy. Her husband had
become her worst enemy throughout this ordeal because
he still mentally abused her. He treated her so badly that
she would cry every day. So many times, she wanted to
give up on life and terminate the pregnancy—but I just
couldn’t allow it. Her mental, physical, and spiritual well-
being was very important to me. This is when I realized
that I had to do something for her.
One morning, I heard the voice of God and I listened. It was then that I
knew I needed to save Jenny. I decided to fast and pray with Jenny during
the pregnancy. My faith in God allowed me to encourage her in prayer
“Sweet is the voice of a sister in the Season of Sorrow.”
and fasting. While in prayer and fasting, I asked God to bring peace to her
marriage and home. I prayed for a breakthrough. I beseeched God to bless me
so that I could become a blessing to her little family. Humbly kneeling before
God, I knew the power of prayer and trusted God for my friend’s deliverance.
After a month of fasting, Jenny’s husband began to act like a father and husband.
Things seemed to be getting back to normal. He finally started accepting this new
reality. What’s more, I decided to provide her every need during the pregnancy.
I bought maternity clothes, put food on her table, and made sure that she ate
healthy meals. As the months passed, I bought things that the baby needed. I was
finally at peace knowing that a baby boy was given a chance to live. The power of
God helped me to provide every necessity for her newborn. I am my sister’s keeper.
God is awesome. “A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread
to the meaning of life.”
Hazel U. Straker two children and their
was born in ailing mother. Then, she
the town of San spent 24 years with the
Fernando, Trinidad, West Schwartz family, caring
Indies on September 20, for infant two children.
1949. She attended Saint Finally, with the Fefferman
David’s High School and family, she cared for two
Saint Michael’s College. children from infancy
She is a professional for 8 years. What’s more,
seamstress who had a Hazel has four children of
boutique that catered to her own—Nigel, Nataly,
private clients in Trinidad, Dwayne, and Jelani—as
before moving to New well as her pride and joy,
York in 1979 to provide Hazel Straker her three grandchildren:
more opportunities Khadijah, Elijah,
for herself and her and Najae. Hazel’s
children. Hazel’s hobbies include
career as a childcare/homecare dancing, interior decorating,
provider spans more than 35 sewing, floral arrangements,
years, during which she cared for and landscaping. She is also a
three families. First, she was a part of the superb chef and loves entertaining.
Jacobsen family. For 6 years, she cared for
Iwas a preschool teacher for many years, but over out. One day, I received a call from the parent of a
time, the job became less fulfilling. I felt that I child I had taught. She said that a friend was looking
wasn’t able to give the best of me to 12 kids each day for a nanny and she knew that I would be great for
because we had to follow a curriculum. When that the job. I told her I that didn’t really want to be in this
job ended, I was adamant about changing careers. field again—to which she laughed and said, “Yeah,
However, I didn’t know that would look like, so I right.” She asked me to just go to the interview and
returned to nannying while trying to figure things then decide.It turns out that it was a nanny share.One
FEATURED ORGANIZATION: NALANY
Nalany is a private
support group for
all Latina nannies in the
New York area where
they can connect, tell
stories, seek advice,
plan meetings, and
share job opportunities
and professional
development. Created
by nannies for nannies
in September 2014, the
group is led by Cynthia
Crovetto, who had
the vision to form this organization with the collaboration of other nannies, because all of them
saw the need to organize the Latina community and prepare it for this profession. The group is
growing every day, and we dream that it will expand even more. During the last three years,
Nalany has offered an incredible amount of education, as well as a lot of enjoyment. Additionally,
I must mention that My Nanny Circle has been very supportive. Alene in particular has been a
wonderful coach to all of us, and we are extremely grateful for all of the support she has provided.
Finally, if you are a nanny who would like to join Nalany, please contact us.
We await you with open arms!
Cynthia Crovetto, Nalany
of the families was particularly interested in a teaching PATSY ANDALL
method that I had never heard of, which intrigued me.
Long story short: I got the job. Along with one of the
parents and the two children, we would go to classes in
the city where the Resource for Infant Educarers (RIE)
was being taught. I remember sitting in that class and
discovering that there was more than one way to help a
child’s growth and development. I turned to the dad and
said, “I get it now...I get it.” The weight was lifted—and I
knew that I was going to be the best nanny possible. Five
years and three kids later, I’m still with the family that
helped me find my “a-ha” moment.
My n a m e i s been blessed with great
Jacqueline L. families ever since. As a
Augustin. I am in professional nanny who is
my early 40s, married with pursuing a degree in early
three adorable children. childhood education, and
I am from the beautiful who hopes to operate
island of Saint Lucia, and my own family daycare
from an early age, I have or become an early
had a passion for kids. childhood educator at a
Growing up and seeing my school, I am determined
mom feeding and caring to be part of or make an
for the neighbors’ children, impact in the life of a child
including those who were or children, preparing
less fortunate, drew me them for the future.
closer to having such a
love and passion for them. It amazes me to see
Although I didn’t work with Jacqueline Augustin children I have cared
kids initially— for become
because I “It amazes me to see children I beautiful,
was a hotel intelligent
supervisor have cared for become beautiful, young
and then a intelligent young adults.” adults.
member of That is the
the Royal positive
Saint Lucia impact I
Police Force—this did not want to have upon a
hinder me from loving child. Thus, this is the
kids the way I do. reason why I love what
I do.
After immigrating to the
United States 15 years ago,
I was offered a temporary
nanny position—but I felt
abused and had to quit working
for that family. Fortunately, I have
The Year in Review
NANNY RECOGNITION COCKTAIL EVENT
Manhattan, September 2017
As a way to say thank you and to recognize the invaluable work of nannies,
My Nanny Circle hosted a free cocktail event in Manhattan for nannies
which was generously sponsored by Sittercity.
It was on the 6th I was in a new country,
of June 1989 that I with little money and
traveled to New York not much time left before
from Barbados, with no I would have to return
intention of becoming a to Barbados; I had only
nanny. This was because I booked an initial four-
had been an international week vacation. One day,
chef in my home country, while walking down 125th
working at some of the St, I met someone I knew,
most prestigious hotels and I cannot express how
and restaurants. While happy I was to see them. I
working in these places, I opened up to them about
naturally came into contact my experience here in the
with many people from the USA and the job situation.
United States of America. The person told me not to
worry about
Jema GoodluckI was told that it; I would
I could make find work. The
lots of money “...I had to put my faith in the
by moving to next Monday
the States; living God...” morning, we
this made me traveled to
excited, so I decided to sit Long Island to visit some
down with my children to tell agencies; at the first one, the
them all about the America dream. lady fell in love with me when
Oh, how wrong I was. she heard that I was a chef, because
at that time a family was looking for a cook.
It was midnight on a Wednesday when To my great surprise, the lady told me to
I arrived in the USA, and it did not take say that I had been in the country for three
long for the nightmare to begin. I dialed years and that I used to work for her. This
all the phone numbers given to me by was a lot for me to remember. However, I
the Americans I had chatted with in did not go along with her advice. I told the
Barbados, only to be told that I would truth, and I still got the job.
have to send applications to the hotels
and restaurant here, which I did with no While working for the family, I realized
luck. Both time and money were running that I would have to be strong. My
low for me; I had to find some means of working environment and conditions
gaining employment. It was then that my were atrocious, and I cried every night
life took a turn and changed permanently. because I was living in a freezing cold
basement with no heat, only a blanket to not take me where His grace could not
keep me warm. After six months with the keep me.
family, I decided to leave the job. I went Being a nanny is not for the faint-hearted,
back to the agency and told them about the especially if you have to leave your own
working conditions, but this time the lady children behind and take care of someone
at the agency needed a nanny and hired else’s. I have now been in this job for 28
me. Unfortunately, the conditions were years, and I give thanks and praise to the
no better than at my previous post. At this most high God every day; without Him, I
point, I had to put my faith in the living God do not know what would have happened
that His Strength would make me perfect to me. This is not the end of my life as a
in my weakness; I began to pray and pray nanny; ultimately, I want to make this
for deliverance. I started to ask myself, community better and stronger for the
why did I come to America? I received the younger generation in the field.
answer while on my knees; that God would
TASSECIA Growing up, I’ve always wanted Caribbean nanny have involved
SIMPSON to be a teacher—but when I sharing my culture with my charges.
immigrated to the United States and As their nanny,I can expose them to a
attended school here, I immediately society and language they may have
changed my mind. I realized that I never known.Plus,I get excited when
couldn’t do it because of the way they are intrigued and want to know
children behaved toward teachers and hear more, especially when my
and those in authority. I told myself employers encourage it and enjoy
no. As a result, I decided to study it as well. In these instances, you
social work because I now wanted can let your guard down a little bit
to advocate for those children.While more and be more authentic—or
going to school and working full time should I say free. This is not to say
in a bookstore, I saw nannies coming that we aren’t honest about who we
in with children for story times. I are. But it feels good to let your hair
thought, “A-ha! I could be a nanny. down occasionally without someone
I could still teach and advocate for judging you based on the way you
them.” It was a perfect job at that speak, or the preconceived notions
time. I was hired by my first family that they might have about your
and I have not stopped since. Thus, I culture or background. Long story
fell in love with nannying.Some of my short, I love being a nanny and I
greatest moments working as a black wouldn’t have it any other way!
My n a m e i s to share the love I have
Beverly Henry, with the children that I
and I am a wife, care for, because I believe
mother, grandmother, that by loving them deeply,
friend, and nanny—also they will learn how to love
known as best friend—and others in the same way.
one who simply enjoys life to
the fullest. Although I only Nannying work is one of
have one child of my own, the many things that are
throughout my nannying dear to my heart. I also love
career I have become a event planning and have a
mother to so many other special knack for decorating
young women who work event spaces. I love to
as nannies who consider tell others that I have the
me a role model. With that innate ability to transform
in mind, I try every day to any room. I recognize that
guide them in the best way Beverly Henry this is a gift given to me by
possible and God, and I use
motivate them “My message to nannies it as much as
as they face their I can to bring
own challenges everywhere is to always serve joy to others
in life. with honesty and dignity; to love when they
are planning
One of the things fully, just as God loves us.” special events.
upon which I My message
pride myself to nannies
is respecting everyone everywhere is to always
and being there for them, serve with honesty and
whatever they need. dignity; to love fully, just
Because of this quality, I as God loves us. To live
have been able to cultivate life, explore your fullest
great relationships with potential, and laugh as
both nanny employers and much as you can. Happy
my charges. My reason for holidays!
working as a nanny is to be able
Sisterhood Daphney Paul
Five years ago, I became friends with a nanny
sister. About three years later, we began having
playdates because our boys were going to the
same school, and one of them was in the same grade
as my one of my boys. At the same time, she was
having some health issues. It turned out that she
was diagnosed with hip arthritis. For two years, she
endured excruciating pain. Sometimes I wished I
could have bore some of her pain. Just looking at her
face, I could often tell how much pain she was going
through.
Every day for two years, I would meet her at the
subway station and walk with her to the school. That
was really a difficult time in her life. On days when it
rained and snowed, I would insist that she stay at the
subway station, so I could pick up one of her charges and drop him at the
train station for her. Eventually, the day came when she had to have hip
“Sometimes I wished I could have bore some of her pain.”
surgery. That morning, I was up very early and got on the subway to go to the
hospital. I knew that it meant a lot to her for me to be by her side. I got there
just as they were about to wheel her into surgery. I was hoping to be there when
she got out of surgery, but it took a little longer than expected, and I had to go
to work at noon. However, her husband texted me later that afternoon to let me
know that the surgery was successful and that she was in recovery. I could not
wait for evening to come because I knew that at 7 p.m., I would be heading back to
Manhattan. For the next few days, after work, I took the train heading to the city to
visit her. After she was discharged, she spent three months at home recuperating,
and I visited her a few days each week before I went to work. Her first day back at
work after the surgery was one of the happiest moments of my life. I knew that she
was no longer in excruciating pain, and could walk normally without a limp.
She always tells me that she is happy that we crossed paths—and I feel the same. I call
her my sister, my friend. She’s the one I can talk to when I am pissed. Love you, my
sister. I am so happy that we found each other.
DEON DURRANT knowing that you helped them become better. I
remember one time her friend came over for a
My name is Deon Durrant. I was born and playdate. I called the little girl and she answered,
raised in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. “What?” Now, my little one knew that in our house,
As a young girl, I would always be the one in my answering “What?” when I call them does not fly
village that the other kids would come to and with me. So, she quickly called her friend to the
always wanted to be around.I knew then that there side and said “You’re not ‘posed
was something special about that. I started doing to answer ‘What?’—you ‘posed
little jobs watching the neighbors’ children—and to say ‘Yes, Dee Dee.’” Her
I discovered a nurturing-love connection. As I got note reminded me that our
older, my passion and love became more focused words, actions, interactions
on figuring out how to teach them all while with others, and—most
keeping them smiling.I am now a professional important—the love we give
nanny working on the Upper West Side with two each day do in fact have great
very outgoing, witty twin boys who keep me on value and do matter. Above all,
my toes and always keep me in check. Before I we must remember that these tiny
got here, I worked for a family in Brooklyn with humans are watching and listening.We,as
four children now age 14 (a set of twins), and the nannies, have to set the tone for these angels
others 12 and 7, including a sweet little girl who that we have the privilege of nurturing on a daily
wrote a touching essay for a school project she basis.They are the next generation,so understand
was doing. I recently received a note from her that it is not just about our time, but it also about
about her essay that brought me to tears. I met our hearts—and if our hearts are in the right place,
her when she was just a tiny, almost 9-pound baby, we will have a great impact on the generations to
but now she is znearly 12 years old. She is smart, come. It is my love for children that has kept me
super sweet, and yes, she called me nanny. You in this field—the day-to- day interaction they have
never know how much the work you do is going with me and others; the words that come out of
to have an impact on a child’s life until you see the their mouths that are so intelligent; and the way
fruits of your labor resulting in a positive outcome, they let you know that you are breaking the rules
that you yourself gave them.It is the way that these
little babies fill you with so much joy. Watching
them, it seems as if they were just babies the
other day, but have now grown into little men and
women.Yes,continue believing in yourself and the
service that you are providing, and know that you
are sowing good seed.So,I can proudly and surely
say that, for 50 years plus, I will continue to bring
significance into the lives of these angels.
In fifty years from now I will still remember
our good times we had together.
Every day you would pick me up from the
bus stop, and we would go to the park for
about two hours together. Then we would
go home and you would give me the best
bubble bath in town with so much toys
you can’t even imagine! Then you would say
shema with me and put me to sleep.
Every morning I would wake up and you would
be there right on time to say “rise & shine.”
Then you would make me look like a princess
with all those crazy, awesome hairdos!
I didn’t know how to thank you for all the
love you gave to me my whole childhood.
Love Ya
My n a m e am still at it—teaching
is Kathy T. children to treat others
Loevner, and I with kindness, show
am an immigrant from respect, and avoid bullying.
Poland. Coming to this I have been blessed with
wonderful country in 1975 amazing families, including
was scary for a teenager. my current family. I’ve
Going to school was been with them for almost
also terrifying, because I nine years.
encountered new kids and
did not speak the language. In 2012, I had the privilege
I learned that when you of meeting Sue Downey and
are different, people treat going to the Nannypalooza
you differently. As the conference in Cleveland.
years went by, I decided Even though a whole
to go to school and study lot of information came
child development and Kathy Loevner rushing at me, well, I was
child care. After hooked. Thus, I
my education, “...after 7 familes and almost have been going
I worked in day to Nannypalooza
care as a teacher 29 years, I am still at it...” ever since
and became an because you are
evening manager. never too old to
However, that learn. Also, the
was not enough of a challenge nanny get- togethers started
for me, so I signed up with a around that time. Now, I organize
nanny agency. In 1989, I got my first it once a month so that nannies can
temporary job; it was for nine months and meet, chat, and relax. Sometimes we go to
I took care of a second-grade boy and a dinner; other times we have game night, or
13-month- old girl. After finding out that the go bowling. Being part of a nanny family has
family was moving and that the youngest been very rewarding. Our group of nannies
would be going to preschool, I decided to is not quite the same as some others. We
ask the agency to find me another family— are all older. The youngest is 47 and the
and yet another family—and so on. Today, oldest is 62, but we still have fun and we
after seven families and almost 29 years, I still love our families.
My n a m e exchange of feelings. We
is Jessy engage with the children
Jorquera. I came so fully that we enjoy
to this country from Peru seeing them when they are
11 years ago. My native growing and learning. We
language is Spanish. For laugh at their jokes. When
nearly eight years, I have they get sick, we are sad
worked for the same family and worried, yet we care
and their two kids since for them affectionately,
they were born. Thanks to and anxiously wait for
this family and my desire their improvement. As a
to become a professional result, if for some reason
nanny, I reached my dream we are separate from these
of making my two daughters children, we miss them
successful professionals. and we always wonder if
We, the nannies, possess Jessy Jorquera they are okay, because they
a great capacity to love are now a part of us. We
and a strong bonded with
dedication “We, the nannies, possess a great them and
to teach. capacity to love and a strong carry them in
We care for our hearts. In
children dedication to teach.” my opinion,
who are not a good nanny
ours, but we must be
treat them as if they were. committed to the work
In our interactions, we and to the children she
instill in them our values, cares for. The best way to
our language, our food, our achieve this is to constantly
culture, and our way of seeing the communicate with the parents.
world. We try to give them our best so that Plus, it’s important to stay updated by
they can become good men and women reading articles and books, going to
and responsible adults. Thus, we work classes, exchanging ideas and experiences,
with their parents to help them become and attending events such as the one that
respectable citizens. In return for our work, is offered by My Nanny Circle.
we not only receive remuneration but also
love, because this endeavor involves an
The Year in Review
NANNIES WALKING FOR A GOOD CAUSE
October 2017
Nannies came together and took part in “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk in Manhattan.
We believe that awareness of the disease can help save many lives.
Iam Ulanda Sinaise, children, discovering
and I am from the lovely their unique personalities,
island of Saint Lucia. and watching them grow
Growing up, I have always and face new challenges in
had an affinity for children school and in their overall
because they have always lives.
responded to my bubbly
personality, captivating smile, Besides nannying, I spend
and exciting spirit. Currently, quality time with close
I am employed as a nanny, friends and families—and I
which I have done for over 15 love exercising, shopping,
years, with ages ranging from cooking, and entertaining.
newborn to school age. I bring Additionally, I am focused
to the job a variety of skills and and determined to pursue a
competencies, which include: career as a medical assistant,
emotional support, personal which is also clinically linked
grooming, round-the-clock Ulanda Sinaise to making a critical difference
care, and light housekeeping. I in the lives of others. My
am a very creative person, which is expressed philosophy is that every child should have a
through the skills and interactions that I bring memorable experience with his or her care
to the art of child care. I truly enjoy being with provider in a safe and caring environment.
A LETTER TO ULANDA her ability. Ulanda had no space for me in her little apartment,
yet she agreed to squeeze me in; she even shared her bed with
“If you have nothing in life but a good friend, you’re rich.” me for the duration of my stay. There were nights when I
–Michelle Kwan. hardly slept because of the pain, and she would be up, too,
even though she had to get up early for work. Ulanda never
Apersonal experience in Connecticut in 2010 proved this complained. We continued along this journey, and I waited
statement so true. I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast every day, counting the minutes until Ulanda would come
home. Not once did she complain or treat me poorly. She was
cancer in 2009 and traveled to the United States for treatment. just amazing. This routine continued for months, and it was
Fate had it that one day, a close family friend named Ulanda the highlight of my recovery period. Ulanda demonstrated
came with her employer to visit me during my recovery from very positive character traits. She was caring, humble, selfless,
surgery. They found me home alone because my host family generous, and dependable, and she proved to be one hell of a
had to work. I was unable to care for myself post-surgery, and nurse. My friend was everything I needed in a person during
the two women decided they would not leave without me. I this challenging time in my life. Ulanda provided for both
reluctantly left with them because they gave me no choice— my physical and psychological needs as a patient, and for
and they were right. We packed and left for my temporary this I can never fully repay her. My experience with Ulanda
home stay and the next phase of my recovery. Ulanda took taught me that it doesn’t matter what life throws at you. What
care of me beyond anything I could ask of anyone. Although matters is the people in your corner, your support system.
she had to leave early for her job as a nanny, she constantly With a friend like Ulanda, you’re a winner any day. Ulanda is
made time to take care of me before she left. Our days started the type of friend who makes a person rich. - PETRA
with an early morning cleaning of my wound, and she always
made sure I would have food to eat during the day. That is the
type of person Ulanda is: she takes care of others to the best of
Sisterhood Jennifer Norgriff
Eight years ago, I met and fell in love with a woman at one of
the darkest times in my life. I needed an angel, a mother figure,
someone who would listen to my cries and not judge me—and
God sent me one. Ma Brown (as I affectionately call her) would hug me
as a mother embraces her child. It was so easy to reciprocate—she would
pray with me every day and she is more reliable than my alarm clock. I have
spent every day of the past eight years with her, even when I am on vacation.
Technology has made it so easy to communicate daily. Ma Brown is 95 years
young. She has become my matriarch by reaching out to my family near
and far, some of whom she has never met, and sending birthday greetings,
presents, and lots of long-distance prayers. Ma Brown has become known
among my nanny sisters in the area where I work and beyond. As a result, my
employers recently invited her to join us for their son’s third birthday celebration.
Even more exciting is that my employer’s new baby shares the same birthday as
Ma Brown. I have become the daughter that she never had; she is a cancer survivor
who never had children of her own. Additionally, I look forward to cooking special
dishes from her native country for her, even though we are not from the same nation.
However, we are one in this great big universe—and I love her dearly. #agreaterlove
ROSEANN remarkable people. I walked relationship has blossomed
into their apartment with into something beautiful. I
My charge was only two confidence. At that moment, would not trade my family for
weeks old when I met her. I knew that I was going to be the world. I love my charge,
Mom and Dad (as I call them) part of this family for a very Mom, and Dad with all my
were warm and gentle, yet long time, because there was heart. God did say, “Ask and it
a unique feeling in the air. shall be given unto you; seek
They made me feel at home and you will find; knock and it
right away. And when you are shall be opened to you.” That I
a praying person, nothing is did—and I have not regretted
impossible in your life. During it one bit. I don’t mean to boast,
these past few months with but I’m certain that I have the
my charge, Mom and Dad best family in the entire world.
have been awesome. With us,
it’s all about teamwork. Our
Born and raised herself and undergoing
in Puebla, training to make sure that
Mexico, Tomasa she can provide the best
Perez Valencia is an care to the children in her
experienced nanny who charge. Additionally, she’s
has spent more than 20 CPR and first-aid certified,
years in this field. Tomasa and also currently an INA
immigrated to the United member.
States 27 years ago. As
a single mother who All the families who have
needed to raise her own worked with her agree:
children, she decided to “Tomasa is the best nanny
dedicate herself to caring that any family would want
for children. Holding to have. She is not only
down two or three jobs loving and trustworthy,
to move her family but she is an admirable
forward, Tomasa is a true Tomasa Perez example for all of us.”
representative of Tomasa has many
the day-to-day lives “But for Tomasa, nothing qualities, including
of many nannies, friendship. Many
especially Latinas was impossible.” know her because
who leave their of her ability to
homes early to go make friends.
to work and come Moreover, she is
home after a long day. But very kind, cheerful, funny,
for Tomasa, nothing was and forgetful (especially
impossible. She has shown with names). Yet, she is always
how someone can triumph in spite willing to help and possesses a
of adversities, because she never gave cheerful spirit. Above all, she is the
up. What’s more, she created advantages friend we all want to have who is always
for her three children by making it available to listen and offer good advice in
possible for the oldest to graduate from a those difficult moments. In short, Tomasa
prestigious university—and the other two is a person with a lot of love and a sincere
will likely follow the same path. Because friend.
of her two decades of experience in this
profession, Tomasa is always preparing
The Year in Review
NATIONAL NANNY TRAINING DAY
Brooklyn, April 2017
Theme: We Are Change Agents.
True change starts within.
It’s being aware of our own self- worth and also the worth of others.
Emily Rolen is a native of Seattle,
Washington and now lives in Little
Rock, Arkansas. She founded The
Nanny Collaborative at the end of August 2016
because she has a huge love for the community.
She enjoys bringing education and awareness
to as many people as possible. During the past
three years, Emily has been a travel nanny;
previously, she had a career as a traditional
stationery nanny. Whenever she can, Emily
travels, has dinner with friends, and seeks out
whatever adventure life may present.
Emily Rolen
MARGARET ISAACS It was only a few years ago that I was invited to one
of my charge’s college send-off party.His parents
thought it would be a great surprise to not tell him
that I was coming. As I approached the driveway,
he looked at me and said that I looked almost like
his old nanny. When I got closer, he realized that
it was really me. This young man jumped over the
walls and hugged me like he never wanted to let
go. I became so overwhelmed with emotion that
tears just flowed down my cheeks. His reaction to
seeing me after such a long time was a truly special
moment that will be forever in my heart. College—
MY NANNY CIRCLE
IN THE PRESS
NEW YORK TIMES
Nanny on a Mission
“My Nanny Circle aims to [raise the bar] by increasing both knowledge and morale among its
members.”
THE DAILY TARGUM
Rutgers alumna featured in New York Times for founding nanny advocacy group
“The emotional support that My Nanny Circle provides women is the most important element
of the organization..”
Read more at mynannycircle.com/press
imagine that! Where did the time go? I felt as if it because no one was there for me as a child. Thus, I
was only yesterday that I was reading stories to have always been passionate about protecting my
this five-year- old boy who’s now taller than I. He charges from the emptiness I experienced from
and I then reminisced about good times.We were not having my parents nearby. As an immigrant
on a trip to Martha’s Vineyard. One day, I was from the Caribbean, I had to find a way to help
going for a bike ride. He came along, and we had my family financially. However, this job is more
a fun ride. The next day, there was a knock at my than just a paycheck. I absolutely love seeing the
door; four more kids were all geared up to go bike happiness I can bring to children—the nurturing,
riding. Of course I couldn’t say no. That morning, teaching, and celebrating each milestone as they
with five kids chasing behind me through the grow. It’s so satisfying, and I’m forever grateful
terrain, was an experience that gave me such joy for the opportunity I have had all these years to
and laughter.Those kids were so bubbly and wild. help shape these young minds, hearts, and lives.
That moment I knew that this was an experience It’s been such an awesome responsibility—and I
that I would never forget. Even now, the feeling wouldn’t have it any other way.
makes my heart race—and I knew that being a
nanny is my calling. Here’s something that most
people don’t know about me. From the age of
nine, I was left to fend for myself. I firmly believe
that this is why I connect so strongly with children,
Iam 46-year- old felt easier, and I stayed
Annella Maxius. I with them for eight years.
was born and raised
on the Caribbean island During all of my years as
of Saint Lucia, and I have a nanny, I created bonds
three children. My first that I cherish every single
child, a 30-year- old girl, day; for example, they have
is a registered nurse; my attended my grandkids’
second child, 25, is an birthdays as well as my
accountant; and my 17- wedding last July. As I
year- old is a senior who look back at the time I have
wants to study computer spent with such wonderful
science. As a mother who families, I cannot help but
wants the best for her chuckle at my experiences;
children, I decided to come I am now an avid Star
to the United States more Wars fan because it was
than 15 years ago Annella Maxius one of the kids’ favorite
movies. I also
My first year in “I treated them as if they were recall that one
America was winter, one of
a challenge my own because they loved me as my kids’ (for
because family.” surely I saw
everything them as my
such as the own) socks got
culture and working wet. Without hesitation, I
environment was different removed my gloves and
from what I was used to. put them on her as socks.
However, I persevered—and She was in hysterics, saying
it did not take long to figure out “Annella, you can’t use gloves
my niche as I quickly realized that I as socks!” I treated them as if
loved working with children. My first job they were my own because they loved
was as a nanny with a beautiful family in me as family. I am indeed blessed, and
New York. They were the warmest, kindest therefore I am grateful for this nomination.
people anyone could ask for. Being a nanny Although it is unexpected, I feel proud to
is not an easy job, but with this family it be recognized for my passion.
STACY-ANN with his family, I sometimes find One day, a few months into my
myself accidentally calling my child’s occupational therapy, his
Children are the most precious, current child by his name. therapist approached me to thank
precarious little wonders me for having had such a life-
that you’ll ever come across. Not No one is safe from bullying, and changing influence on him—and
surprisingly, I have met some particularly not a child who has then suggested that I go back
wonderful, amazing children special needs. Each day, I found to school to pursue a degree in
in my line of work, but my aha! myself crying for this poor boy, occupational therapy. Another
moment came about 11 years ago, understood as he was by only his time, his mother sat down with me
when I was working with one of close relatives and me. He was and began to sob uncontrollably,
the sweetest and most empathic tormented in school for having expressing her gratitude for my
7-year-olds I’ve ever met—just an a tic, an imperfection that others having come into her family’s life.
amazingly thoughtful kid. He was couldn’t see past. Daily I found They had become a better family
a special needs child, the first I myself approaching teachers, unit because of me, she said.
had ever worked with, and I will parents, and caregivers about What’s more,she had her son back:
never forget him. Even now, long their children’s having tormented He was no longer an introvert and
after I’ve moved on from working my charge.Some were apologetic, in fact was becoming more social
others not so much. Slowly but child—and she owed it all, she
surely, however, the cruelty said, to me. At that, I began to cry
diminished. First came one-on- as well: Never had I imagined that
one play dates with classmates, I would have so great an impact
then group play dates. Parents on a single person, let alone an
started saying that they saw a real entire family.
difference in him because of my
influence.
My Nanny Circle’s 2018 Activities, Training and Other Events
February 2018 Nanny Employers & Nanny Gathering – Manhattan
April 2018 National Nanny Training Day
Nanny Expo
Summer 2018 Nanny Training Workshop
July 2018 Celebrating Our Diversity Potluck
July 2018 National Nanny Recognition Week
Nanny Training Workshop
September 2018 Breast Cancer Walk Central Park
Fall 2018 Nanny Ball
October 2018
December 2018