Anah J. › SmartSitting

Family Application

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I am currently a student at Fordham University Lincoln Center getting my Bachelors Degree of Science in Psychology. My expected graduation is this December 2011, which pleases me because it allows me to pursue what I love – working with children. I love children, and made sure to choose my classes in my academic career to accommodate my eagerness to learn about them. In addition to my academics, I also am in charge of the care for a child with special needs. I assist with the treatment and care of a child with Pervasive Developmental Disorder. From experience and knowledge gained through my undergraduate studies, I use Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) to help with her condition. I care for her 4-5 times a week and work with her behaviorally and assist with learning through play. It is my hope to find a family for whom I can provide stability and confidence by caring for their child/children.

Originally from San Diego, I left home to begin my studies in neuropsychology at Fordham University in New York. Although my class schedule has been rigorous and demanding, I have been babysitting for several families throughout my time here. My short-term goals are to pursue a Master’s degree in neuroscience and education and then to go on to a PhD in neuropsychology. My long-term goals are to work with children in neuro-oncology to assess their treatment and to help them cope with their disease. As somebody who struggled with my health all throughout my childhood, I feel that I have the best qualities needed to help children from all kinds of backgrounds. Furthermore, my experience with being sick led me to make friends with a little girl named Elizabeth. Unfortunately, Elizabeth lost her battle with cancer and passed away before I was able to say goodbye to her. I feel that this made me stronger and gave purpose to my life. Additionally, it allowed me to see my favorite characteristics of empathy and compassion in myself.

My hobbies include reading and listening to music. I recently started taking Krav Magaa classes and am learning how to play the guitar. I enjoy cooking because I am a vegan and enjoy learning new ways to cook my meals. I have always looked up to Audrey Hepburn due to her work as an ambassador with UNICEF so I spend a lot of my down time (if any) watching Turner Classic films.

Education

Fordham University, graduated 2011

B.S. in Psychology

Childcare experience:

1 semester at the child development center where I cared for the children for 2-4 hours a week in accordance with the course in which we learned about child care.
More recently, however, I have been in charge of the care of a 9 year old girl who has lived with Autism.

Availability:

For the 2012-2011 school-year, I will be available Monday through Thursday and am flexible with time.
I am also available for occasional weekend sitting.

Long-term availability:

Available until December 16, 2012

I will be SmartSitting while...

I will be SmartSitting while potentially attending either Columbia University or Fordham University as I intend to pursue a M.S. degree in Neuroscience and Education or Applied Psychological Methods on my way to receiving a PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology. In addition to my academics, I am a research assistant at Columbia University where I work with a neuropsychologist studying a protocol for children and adolescents with various types of cancer.

My childcare expertise lies in working with…

My childcare expertise lies in pre-schoolers, school-aged children, toddlers, and special needs children (particularly Autism).

Activities and skills I love to teach and share with children:

The activities and skills I enjoy teaching and sharing with children are reading, writing, crafts, music appreciation, and how to bake/cook!

Most memorable childcare experience:

Perhaps my most memorable childcare experience is with the child I currently care for, Natalie. Natalie is a special needs child with Autism. I met Natalie while I was studying at a local Starbucks by my University. She was in there with her mother and just ran to me and immediately hugged me and gave me the sweetest smile. Her mother subsequently asked if I can help babysit from time to time and I, absolutely taken by Natalie's presence, immediately accepted the offer.

In 5 years, I hope to be...

In 5 years, I hope to have finished my Masters Degree and in to a Doctrate Program where I will receive a PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology. I also hope to continue my role as a research assistant working with children with medical and neurological disorders.