What are your qualifications?

I’ve been babysitting for 20 years and teaching for 17. I studied education, psychology, theater, and math at Barnard College (Columbia University) and then SUNY New Paltz. I’ve worked at multiple summer camps and after-school programs for at least a decade. I have always related well with children and enjoyed their company. I am naturally very loving and patient, which helps me in my work tremendously.
Many times after I’ve worked with a child, parents will ask me “How did you do that?” or “What did you say to him/her?” when they see their child behaving obligingly and thoughtfully. I do and say a lot of things that are difficult to convey quickly, which is why I started parent coaching (see below).

Click here for more details about Miss Birdy.


What is “Parent Coaching”?

It’s just what it sounds like. I will first observe and then advise and work with a whole family together to resolve conflicts, nourish relationships, and encourage pro-social behaviors. I call it “parent coaching” because it is the parents who seek out my help and, perhaps more importantly, it is the parents who truly have the power to change the the situation. Children are products of their environments. Grownups have developed a self-awareness that allows us to consciously decide to behave against our instincts. I expect parents first, and then children, to learn to catch their own anger and turn it into empathy, to control their tone of voice and be thoughtful and measured in their language, and to be willing to show vulnerability. The children won’t do it unless the adults in their lives show them how.


How do I control my kids?

First of all, you’re asking the wrong question. An effective and caring parent does not seek to control their children. Rather, parents should work with their children to develop their skills of self-discipline. This is difficult and requires patience and diligence. Furthermore parents must be willing to reflect upon and potentially change their own behavior. Often, children are mirroring the behavior they see at home. Parents must take responsibility for modeling kindness, patience, diligence, respect, and self control, in order to pass on these skills to their children.

Click here for more discipline tips.


How much do you charge?

Babysitting: 1 kid = $30/hr, 2 kids = $35/hr, 3 kids = $40/hr, etc.

+$5/hr on weekends starting Fridays at 5pm

*** $100 minimum per weekday ($120 on weekends) ***

Tutoring: $100-200/hr

Parent Coaching: $100-150/hr (often attached to a babysitting or tutoring job)

Birthday Parties: $150-250/hr

Camp Birdy for Kids: babysitting rate + flat rate of at least $30/day (or budget of your choice) for incidentals, meals, and crafts

(Follow the links for more info about each service).

Experience & Education:

  • 20 years babysitting.
  • 17 years teaching.
  • 18 years working at summer camps and after school programs.
  • Two years assistant teaching at Hunter Elementary.
  • Eight years attending Hunter Elementary (foundation for divergent thinking skills).
  • Six years attending Hunter High School (foundation for writing skills).
  • Studied Education at Barnard College (Columbia University), and at SUNY New Paltz with a concentration in Math.
  • Volunteered at Hogar de Vida, an orphanage in Alajuela, Costa Rica
  • Link to my full CV