Mary

Birthday: September 20th

Hometown: Davie, FL - but Tallahassee feels like home now!

Other languages: conversational American Sign Language (ASL), and working toward fluency

Favorite Crayola color: Cerulean

Background: In response to the local need for reliable childcare, I founded Seminole Sitters in 2007. While earning a Bachelor's in Science in Psychology from Florida State University, my coursework focused on child development whenever possible. During that time, I participated in two research studies: one on redirecting children exhibiting disruptive behaviors using ABA, and another on pediatric diabetes. I've worked closely with children since I was thirteen years old as a neighborhood babysitter, elementary school tutor, preschool teacher, full-time nanny, and substitute teacher (Pre-K through 9th grade). I was nanny to Casey and Dylan from 2006 - 2016; if I have just one child who grows to be anything like them, I'll consider myself beyond blessed!

My experience includes caring for children who have ADD / ADHD, adjusted ages, asthma, autism, behavioral issues, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, food allergies, learning delays, pediatric diabetes, and vision loss. I’ve received certification in Pediatric CPR and First Aid multiple times, and have more recently been trained in Seizure First Aid from Epilepsy Florida as well as Safety-Care® management and intervention. For one school year, I worked alongside RBTs and BCBAs in an ABA school for students with Level 3 autism. I have received training on how to support children and teens with ASD from the FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). I have a deep respect for the Deaf community, which includes two children I love like family.

Although I infrequently babysit, I enjoy connecting families with our wonderful Seminole Sitters!

She’s cared for children as young as: a premie, only a few days old!

Future plans: I’m pursuing a Masters in Social Work, expected to graduate in 2025! My end goal is to become a LCSW and offer support and counsel to those experiencing grief/loss and navigating other challenging transitions. I am “Aunt Mary” to many children, “Bunna” to my niece and nephew, and I hope to someday become a mother, too.

When she's not running Seminole Sitters: I love sharing meals and going on adventures with friends and their kids. Living in Tallahassee deepened my love of the outdoors; I make good use of an annual pass to Florida State Parks and take a “nature trek” whenever I can, even on cold and wet days! As a certified Activity Leader with the Florida Trail Association, I love introducing others to my favorite trails. Tallahassee also introduced me to the joys of geocaching and contra dancing, pastimes that have gifted me with community and adventure for years. I love reading, though I finish books at a much slower pace than when I was a kid! When I’m not reading assigned chapters in a textbook, my favorite genres are personal growth, Christian theology, and fiction from a century ago or more.

Defining quote: "Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes." - Maggie Kuhn

And for the Deaf community - even if your hands shake. 🤟