Up Close & Personal: An Interview with A Nanny for U’s Corporate & Temporary Placement Director, Danielle Downey!
What was it that led you to join the team at A Nanny for U?
Every job I’ve had has been centered around children, beginning with working as a babysitter through middle school and high school. In the last few years, I’ve started working in more administrative roles, so combining administrative work with work being centered around families and children is a dream!
What’s your favorite part about working at ANFU?
Being a part of a really amazing team of caring and wonderful people! The team at ANFU is seriously AMAZING and I’m so proud to be a part of it!
Tell us a little about your family.
My husband and I have 2 wonderful girls. We are PNW natives and love it here! Scarlett is 7 years old, going into 2nd grade. Nova is 20 months old and growing like a weed! My husband works for Puget Sound Energy and is in the Air Force Reserves. We also have a rat terrier, named Arrow. We live in downtown Everett and love being a part of the music and art community there!
If you could give families and nannies one piece of advice, what would it be?
Like in any relationship, communication is key! You can never communicate too much!
Finish this sentence: In your free time, we will likely find you…
We love the PNW and being outdoors enjoying this beautiful state. You can find us anywhere from the beach, enjoying the waves on the coast, to the mountains, hiking and camping! Our kids love tagging along with us on our outdoor adventures, too! We also do lots of art projects, play board games, watch some of our favorite TV series, like Game of Thrones or Doctor Who (fantasy nerds :p) sing karaoke, and read a few good books!
What is the funniest thing that happened to you recently?
Nova has really gotten into being commando lately. Just the other night, I went to go check on her after laying her down for the night. She was sleeping, heavily, all scrunched up in a ball completely buck naked! No jammies! No diaper! Eek! So, then comes the debate in my mind! Should I wake up a sleeping child (a big no-no in my book regularly) or prepare to clean up a big mess in the morning! I ended up waking her and putting a diaper and her jammies back on, but it took me a minute to decide on that one! Luckily, she fell right back to sleep! Whew! Bullet dodged!
Who has inspired you and your life and why?
This may get cheesy, but I would definitely say my husband. He is one of the hardest working people I know. He is so patient and understanding. He is a wonderful father. We have been together for about 9 years now. He has pushed me, stretched me, and inspires me on the daily to be my best self. I wouldn’t be who I am today without his love and support over the years.
Thank you so much, Danielle, we couldn’t be happier to have you as a member of our A Nanny for U Team!
