Nanny in Collingwood, Ontario

If you are reading this, then you and your family are embarking on a big change: bringing someone into your home, and into your family life to care for your most beloved treasure: your child. It’s a big decision. Who will be the best fit? Who will keep them safe? Who can we trust? Who do we want in our home? Who will teach them the things we value most deeply as a family? Role-model to our child the qualities of goodness, patience, kindness, compassion? Inspire them to be the courageous, fun, happy little being that they are? I will. This is our time to work together. I have been supporting families and children of all ages for many years, and through many life circumstances: from the time a newborn arrives home, to when parents have to make the difficult transition back to work from maternity/paternity leave, to kids entering daycare and school for the first time. It has been a privilege to create warmth and care in the home, supporting parents by loving their children; it would be my honour to serve you and your family in whatever life stage you are in. What your child will receive: 1) Quality one-to-one time and attention, with a focus on what their little body, mind and heart needs to thrive. 2) Lots of outdoor time, growing confident, and connected in nature 3) Homemade, delicious, nutritious meals 4) Mindfulness practice, and gentle yoga What you will receive: 1) The reassurance and confidence that your child is in good, loving hands. 2) The support you need making some of the never-ending choices that seem to come with childhood growth and development 4) If the schedule allows, your dinner will be prepared for you during your child’s nap time, ready for you at 5pm. The kitchen cleaned up so your evening is stress-free, leaving your time and attention freed up for quality one-to-one time with your child. 5) That much needed break you are desperate for!! My Qualifications: 1) Mindfulness meditation and yoga teacher, specialized in techniques that encourage self-awareness, emotional regulation, positive body awareness, and calming anxiety. (Yoga Teacher Training 350 hours, Yoga Therapy Toronto 2019) 2) A trained prenatal and postpartum doula; familiar in navigating pregnancy, and the arrival of a new born, supporting mothers through postpartum care and depression, helping siblings develop positive attachment (and giving them some extra love while home-life is extra busy), and easing your whole family through the transition (Doula Certificate, DONA International 2006) 3) Fluent in American Sign Language; to teach your child basics signs to help them bridge the communication gap, easing your child's frustration (and yours!), and helping them grow as confident communicators. (Sign Language Interpreter Diploma, Douglas College, BC 2006) 4) An avid home cook, a lover of all things delicious! Teaching and exposing your child to the value in respecting the food that we eat- where it comes from, how we prepare it, and share it with each other, and of course, enjoy it! 5) Years of childcare experience for you to tap into. 6) Excellent references! Things you should know: 1) I typically work with one to two families at a time, and I am very selective on who these families are. I am working in your home and so it’s important that I feel welcomed and comfortable with the space and, most importantly, the home dynamics. 2) I typically work with one child at a time. If your family has more than one sibling, please be in touch to discuss your particular needs. 3) Meal planning and prep is available, if it aligns with your child’s nap time. When your child is awake, they get my attention 100 %. 4) Having a childcare provider in your home is a special relationship. The bonding between myself and your child takes time, especially depending on your child’s temperament, and how frequently you are in and out of the home. Please be prepared to give this some time. 5) Another special aspect to our relationship is our bond- we can’t help becoming friends! I’m in your home, I see everything, and you will get to know me as well. It’s important for this reason that we lay out our agreement with a contract, so we both feel confident and supported in our arrangement. 6) My rates are above average, and so is the quality of my care: $240/8hr day $120 half-day rate (limited spaces available). 7) I am now fully booked as of the start of Sept. 2021. If what you have read in my profile interests you, please reach out and introduce yourself. I would be happy to connect and to add you to my waitlist. 8) I have received two COVID vaccine doses and a booster, and respect COVID protocols. 9) CPR and First Aid Certificate updated August 2021 Here is how it works: 1) We connect through an old-fashioned phone call, or video call to see if we jive. 2) If we are grooving, we meet in person within the next week or so 3) We exchange references. Yes, I request references for you and your family too. 4) We draw up our contract, make our commitments to each other, and we get started! If you are curious to know more, or feel we may be a good fit, let’s connect! I’d love to hear from you. Alissa Testimonials: "Alissa is an excellent caretaker. Her love for children, imaginative and creative play, and the outdoors made her the ideal addition to our family. We could leave our home feeling 100% confident that our daughter was not only being well-cared for but also poured into. She greatly exceeded our expectations with respect to caring for our two year old daughter and also taking care of our entire family's wellbeing. She cooked incredible, healthy meals and kept our home in order. Alissa is very intentional and values her relationship with the children under her care and the family she serves. We truly could not imagine a better person to include in our family." - Stacey Jon, Parents “If Alissa is willing to work with you, stop reading this and BOOK HER! For every moment you delay, someone else is receiving her love and care instead. Don’t miss out on a very unique, and rare opportunity for you and your child. I’m glad I didn’t.” - Matt D., Dad "When Alissa steps through your door and into your life, you know on some deep level that you are okay. Not just because of her calming presence, and her experience and wisdom, but because something in her speaks directly into your own inner resources to respond compassionately, intuitively, and skillfully to the needs of your child, your partner, and most deeply, to your own well-being.” - E. Lindstrom, Midwife Mother "Alissa has the whimsical spirit of Mary Poppins, in her own quiet way is both totally magical and self-disciplined. Invite her into your life. Her peaceful presence will help bring mindfulness into the care of your family and your home, while gently inspiring your life into order.” - Rev. Allen, Dad “Alissa is truly a special woman, and I do not say this lightly. She processes a deep and genuine compassion for people; seeing things as they are and working within the given parameters. Her wonderful sense of humour and love of laughter is the icing on the cake.” - Rev. C. Bist, Mother "We reminisce often of Alissa and her time with our family over 15 years ago, and feel such warmth and appreciation for how she visited our lives when our kids were so little and absorbing all her good vibes. They carry some of her in them even today, both now young adults and thriving!” - Robbie, Mother