All About Me
Qualifications and Experience
My Story
I was working for DaVita Healthcare when my first daughter was born in 2003. When my maternity leave was over, I had no choice but to find the best possible childcare for her. I did my research and placed her with a large, reputable center. It was extremely difficult to return to work and be apart from her. I loved my job, but I loved my daughter so much more.
Every day when I came to pick her up, she was on the same baby swing, looking like a person with no soul. Her diaper was always full and dirty. One day I showed up early and observed a caregiver harshly thrust my poor, crying baby into her crib. The caregiver looked angry. I took my daughter away and never returned.
I was lucky enough to become a full-time mom by the time my second daughter was born. Since I didn’t have to work anymore, I dedicated myself to becoming the best possible mom for my children. I took interactive Early Childhood Development classes at Long Beach City College for one and a half years and read parenting books to expand my knowledge.
I started teaching my daughters at a very early age, reading to them every day, and finding new activities for them. We spent our days mostly playing with toys, building blocks, puzzles, and flashcards; spending time in the backyard, going to the park and to the beach; reading books; arts and crafts; and lots of pretend play. TV and electronic devices were extremely limited.
My daughters have very different personalities, but they have both made my husband and me very proud. They went through the GATE program at Valencia Elementary and Honors classes at La Paz Middle School. They are on their way to AP classes and the IB Program at Laguna Hills High School. They’ve held positions as President, Vice President, and Secretary in the Lion’s Heart service organization. Most important of all, they are kind, thoughtful, confident, and generous young women.
I opened MindfulCare for Kids because in my heart I want to provide a place where I raise kids the same way I raised my own children. I want to go beyond the centers where some caregivers are just doing a job, and be more like a real mom, where my kids feel comfort, care, love, and understanding when they’re around me. My mission is to make sure they are safe, nurtured, and respected, and to stimulate mental and social development, all while having fun, with lots of hugs, kisses, snuggling, and love.
Here are some of the things I strive to develop, when age appropriate:
- Licensed by the State of California for Small Family Child Care Home since 2013
- For 8 years prior to 2013, I provided part-time care for 6-8 children of friends and relatives
- 1.5 years of classroom learning and hands-on co-op preschool experience through a community college Early Childhood Development program
- Certified in CPR and First Aid
- Participant in continuing early childhood education through a program sponsored by the State of California
- Associate of Arts Degree plus 2 years at Cal State
My Story
I was working for DaVita Healthcare when my first daughter was born in 2003. When my maternity leave was over, I had no choice but to find the best possible childcare for her. I did my research and placed her with a large, reputable center. It was extremely difficult to return to work and be apart from her. I loved my job, but I loved my daughter so much more.
Every day when I came to pick her up, she was on the same baby swing, looking like a person with no soul. Her diaper was always full and dirty. One day I showed up early and observed a caregiver harshly thrust my poor, crying baby into her crib. The caregiver looked angry. I took my daughter away and never returned.
I was lucky enough to become a full-time mom by the time my second daughter was born. Since I didn’t have to work anymore, I dedicated myself to becoming the best possible mom for my children. I took interactive Early Childhood Development classes at Long Beach City College for one and a half years and read parenting books to expand my knowledge.
I started teaching my daughters at a very early age, reading to them every day, and finding new activities for them. We spent our days mostly playing with toys, building blocks, puzzles, and flashcards; spending time in the backyard, going to the park and to the beach; reading books; arts and crafts; and lots of pretend play. TV and electronic devices were extremely limited.
My daughters have very different personalities, but they have both made my husband and me very proud. They went through the GATE program at Valencia Elementary and Honors classes at La Paz Middle School. They are on their way to AP classes and the IB Program at Laguna Hills High School. They’ve held positions as President, Vice President, and Secretary in the Lion’s Heart service organization. Most important of all, they are kind, thoughtful, confident, and generous young women.
I opened MindfulCare for Kids because in my heart I want to provide a place where I raise kids the same way I raised my own children. I want to go beyond the centers where some caregivers are just doing a job, and be more like a real mom, where my kids feel comfort, care, love, and understanding when they’re around me. My mission is to make sure they are safe, nurtured, and respected, and to stimulate mental and social development, all while having fun, with lots of hugs, kisses, snuggling, and love.
Here are some of the things I strive to develop, when age appropriate:
- Academic skills, from basic shapes and colors to learning the alphabet, reading, and math
- Love of learning
- Kindness and consideration
- Respect for themselves and others
- Politeness and good manners
- Responsibility and self-control
- Freedom of expression
- Confidence
- Critical thinking
- Curiosity
- Environmental conservation
