Dara Epstein

Childcare, Opera, NY Real Estate – these are the fields that continuously inspire me.

In 2005, I graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Music degree and solid liberal arts education. Throughout my four years as an NYU student, I held long-term babysitting positions for several wonderful families – including an intensive summer in 2004 where I lived in the Hamptons and sat for ten different families. After I graduated from NYU, I moved to Rome for a year, studied 19th century Bel Canto opera technique in Naples, and – of course – babysat for two incredible families. Immediately upon moving back to the states, I was hired as a camp counselor at Belvoir Terrace Fine and Performing Arts Camp in Lenox, MA. In this position, I worked as a driver as well as the assistant horseback riding teacher. In the fall of 2006 I moved to Denver to sing Mimì in a production of La Bohème at The University of Denver. I sat for quite a few families that year as well. One family I interviewed with and never heard from – until 6 months later. Apparently I had made such an impression on the mom during the interview that she hadn’t stopped thinking about me as “the one who got away.” We have since kept in very close contact and, to this day, she is one of my favorite people and a very close friend. I believe that the sitting experience should lead to permanent friendships and bonds amongst sitter, parents, and children.

The summer before I moved back to New York, I stayed with my parents in NJ and spent the entire summer searching for a sitting job. After talking with over three hundred families and interviewing with about forty, I finally decided on a most incredible family – a family I am proud to say I am still sitting for today.

This year, I will complete my final semester at Brooklyn College, where I will fulfill a Master of Music degree in Opera Performance. Aside from performing in major roles in many of the Conservatory's operas, I have become the resident National Anthem singer at Brooklyn College Commencement ceremonies, a highlight of my year!

In addition to my music and child care experiences, I completed a course at New York Real Estate Institute in the summer of 2011. Upon completing the examination and permitting process in the coming month, I plan to hold my Real Estate License with Halstead Property in New York City.

Because of my remarkable experiences sitting in New York and beyond, I have a profound understanding of the needs of parents – New York City parents in particular – and of sitters. This asset is invaluable when coupled with my knowledge of NYC kid-friendly activities and a strong network of seventy-five child-adoring friends I trust within the Smartsitting network. I look forward to playing “matchmaker” with many families and sitters for years to come!