Nanny Spotlight

A Nanny for U has had the pleasure of working with Ally Meyer since August of 2011! She first started as a full time backup care nanny, working with a variety of families and children and earning many requests back! Having studied elementary education while in school, Ally’s passion is teaching.  She was most recently placed as a toddler teacher in the charming Exploration Academy preschool, and has earned high regards and praise from both fellow teachers and parents! We are honored to showcase Ally this month as both a nanny and teacher!

Describe your background and education in the childcare realm and beyond.
 I went to the University of Montana in Missoula and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education (K-8). Throughout college I had several jobs where I had the opportunity to work with children. For four years I babysit two young children from the ages of 3 months until 4 years old. I also worked at a daycare for two of those years, planning extracurricular activities and lessons for kids ages 3-11 years old. I joined the Flagship program which let me participate in after school activities with elementary aged children. It was not only a good opportunity for myself, but also for the kids to have someone to look up to and offer them activities that are positive. For example, writing a weekly newsletter for the school, cooperation games, and working on homework. My last semester of college was spent student teaching in a third grade classroom with 21 students. It was a great opportunity to be able to work with that many kids independently and figure out a behavior management strategy that worked best for me and the students based on their personalities. I moved to Seattle in August of 2011 and started working for A Nanny for U doing backup care. I met so many amazing families and was able to gain experience working with children ranging in ages from 3 months to 12 years old. Before my time with A Nanny for U, I had limited opportunities to work with children outside of the elementary school setting. This really gave me the ability to increase my confidence in working with children of all ages.
 
What is your favorite part about being a teacher at the Exploration Academy?
I love the environment of the Exploration Academy. It is friendly, positive, and allows the children to explore their surrounding environment. Every teacher works together to make sure each student has the best experience possible and that they are constantly learning. It is amazing to see the students grow and make good choices regarding not only themselves, but the other students as well. They are learning a lot of key elements that they will need in elementary school and that is great to see!

Describe your childcare philosophy.
My childcare philosophy is to help each child reach his or her full potential and gain confidence while doing it. Each child is different and has something special to offer. It's my responsibility to provide a nurturing environment where the child is able to find a strong sense of self worth and purpose.
 
What are your hobbies and passions outside of being a teacher?
 I'm originally from Montana so I absolutely love the outdoors. I enjoy hiking, swimming, biking, and camping. I love going out and exploring what Seattle has to offer. The scenery is absolutely beautiful and it gives me a lot of motivation to keep painting. I don't think a day goes by where I don't draw or paint something; it's a very relaxing activity for me. I also enjoy watching and playing sports, especially on a nice summer day! Living in Seattle I quickly learned it's important to take advantage of the sun while it's out.

 What teachers are saying about Ally:
“As an employer, Ms Ally Meyer’s contribution to our organization has exceeded my expectations. “Ms Ally” as she is known at our center, has been consistently reliable and dependable; however, Ms Ally’s greatest attributes are arguably her communication with children and families and her unwavering commitment to children in support of advancements in learning and development encompassing the social, physical, emotional, and cognitive realms. Ms Ally's positive personality, professional demeanor, willingness to take initiative - all married with a strong intuitive sense, propels me to nominate her for the highest form of distinction and recognition.” – Michelle, current employer

 

 

Previous Spotlighted Nannies

	Kim Martinson What parents say about her: “Kim Martinson has worked with our family for a number of months and is by far the most accomplished, efficient and positive person that we have engaged to care for our children. She is our “go to” person for so many things, from helping us understand emotional teenage angst to unearthing the best services and places for our family’s needs; most specifically, my daughter’s developmental requisites as she finds her place in the world. Kim’s communication and organization skills are outstanding. We feel that these qualities are crucial as my husband and I frequently work long hours, travel for business and support nonprofit interests. We all value Kim’s perspective, sense of fun and kindness - our three dogs and two cats are charmed as well.” (Current Employer)
	Jody Morrow What parents say about her: “We feel truly blessed to have Jody as our Nanny and, what we consider to be, part of our family.  Jody is extremely knowledgeable, innovative, playful and professional and is always researching new developmental and fun activities and tools for our children.   Our 2 ½ year old son’s most common phrases in the evenings and on the weekends are “more Jody;”  “I want to show Jody this;” and “Jody to my house today?”  And, even better, when she arrives our 7 month old daughter kicks and smiles with joy and our son bellows out her name from the top of the stairs “JOOODY.”  It does not get better than that!”  (Current Employer)
	Robin Greenwood What parents say about her: “We are so grateful to have Robin helping us take care of our little girl. It is such a relief to be able to do errands or catch up on projects and know that she is with someone who not only is incredibly reliable, but who also is very creative and fun.  Robin's experience is amazing-- I can't imagine anyone with better qualifications to help our daughter navigate safely whatever the day brings, whether it be playground equipment, or learning not to throw tantrums.  Robin has been working with us part-time for over a year now, and has been an incredible partner in helping our little girl grow up!” (Anna, Temp Client)

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