SITTER BIOS

{Alexis}
Hello! My name is Alexis Schuette and I just finished my senior year of college at UW- Madison and will be beginning my student teaching semester this coming fall. I am going to school for Elementary Education with a minor in health. I am originally from Manitowoc, WI where my parents still live along with my 3 sisters. I stayed in Manitowoc for my first year of school and transferred here after the first year. I absolutely love Madison and am so excited to spend my first summer here!  My experience with children started when I became an older sister to my younger sisters. I became their babysitters on a regular basis along with many of my cousins. From there I became the neighborhood babysitter gaining a lot of experience with kids at a young age. I was also very involved in the nursery at my church along with teaching Sunday school, giving me my first experiences as teacher. Babysitting turned into nannying, which was my past summer jobs for the last three summers. During the school year, I work at an after care program for St. James School in downtown Madison. The age range I work with there are pre-k through third grade in an educational and fun leader role. Through my major, I have been placed in many different schools for the past two years. I really enjoy seeing children in both an educational and non-educational setting.  I really enjoy life and being goofy is one of my favorite things to do with children. I like to play, use creative play, use our imaginations, be active, read, and have fun with children. I also really enjoy challenging kids and adding in educational aspects to play, asking children why and how, and taking their knowledge and understanding one step further. I think every child has such great potential and I thoroughly enjoy getting to know every child as individuals and have their needs met. I really enjoy seeing how children's minds work and think there is so much we can learn from children!  Some of my activities and hobbies are music, arts and crafts, exercise, and school! I thoroughly enjoy learning especially since it's all based on the student and child. I have learned a lot about kids through schooling, but am always learning something new and exciting through experiences with children.


{Amber}
Hello! My name is Amber Whitehouse. I am formerly from Traverse City, MI, but I have lived in Madison since graduating from college in 2003. I love Madison!   My background is Business Management and Marketing and I am currently an Administrative Assistant at a small company in Middleton.  My twin sister and I are the oldest of 7 children, and I have been babysitting for many years, so I have a lot of experience with children from newborn to twelve years. I am very comfortable and confident with all ages.  I let the children know in my interactions with them, that I am an extension of their home when they're parents leave. I am there to make them feel secure and comfortable. I love creating little projects with kids, as I think it's a wonderful way for them to use their imagination. I love baking, reading, playing outside, and biking as activities, too. I am very active with the children I babysit - whether it's going to the park, making up a game outside, or walking to get ice cream :)   I just love to play with them.  I really like being real with children and little ones because they see through everything, and their insight is priceless. I'm confident you'll leave feeling completely comfortable that your kids will have a great time!


 {Brianna}
Hi there! My name is Brianna (or Bri), and I’ve been loving my time as sitter with WYOB since September of 2008! I’m originally from the small town of South Wayne, WI, but now call Madison my home. After graduating from UW-Madison in 2010, I started my career at Filament Marketing, a strategic marketing agency rooted in the agricultural industry, and I love it! When I'm not busy working or volunteering through the many agricultural organizations I’m involved with, I love spending time with children. I have experience with infants through school-aged children, and have babysat since I was 13. I began babysitting my cousins from the time they were born (they are now 15, 10, 7, and 5 – Wow! How time flies!), and then spent numerous summers sitting for other children in the area. I am also a leader in 4-H working with children ages 7 and up and have been a camp counselor. I am very comfortable handing multiple children at once as well as many age ranges. I love playing games, coloring, making forts, baking, doing arts/crafts, and going to the park when I sit; after all, I'm still a kid myself.  When I have time away from work, I enjoy going for runs, traveling, exploring the outdoors around Madison, spending time at home with family, and watching the Badgers. Go Bucky! I look forward to meeting you and your family soon!


 {Carissa}

Hello! My name is Carissa Franz. I am 21 years old and I just transferred from UW-La Crosse to UW-Madison for spring semester. I am an early childhood to middle childhood education major with a concentration in global perspectives. I will be certified to teach birth through sixth grade upon graduation. My hometown is Manitowoc, Wisconsin, a town of about 30,000 people right on Lake Michigan. However, my parents recently relocated to Middleton and bought Orchids by the Ackers, which prompted my decision to transfer to Madison. My experience with children began as a teenager. At a young age I knew that I wanted to be a teacher, therefore I took many opportunities to work with children throughout my teenage years. I began babysitting for families throughout the Manitowoc area at the age of 14 and continued to do so until I moved to La Crosse to attend college. I was also a dance teacher for the Manitowoc Parks and Recreation Department during the summers, instructing children from the ages of three to fifteen. In addition, I volunteered as a camp counselor during the summers of 2004 and 2005 for the 4-H organization in Mishicot, Wisconsin. One of the best experiences I started at the age of 16 was becoming a volunteer Big Sister through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization. Upon moving to La Crosse I was re-matched with another Little Sister through the organization, and now am in the process of being matched with a new Little here in the Dane County area. Lastly, I was given the opportunity to be a teacher’s assistant in a kindergarten classroom every morning for three hours my senior year of high school.  During my college years thus far I have taken many opportunities to gain more experience with children. I am currently employed through the Wisconsin Youth Company’s before and after school program as a lead program specialist. In addition, I worked for a year and a half for the La Crosse YMCA in their before and after school program, and also in their day camp during the summer of 2007. Through this program I was able to develop great relationships with many of the families and babysat for them often. I am still in contact with many of them today! I also took the opportunity to be gain more experience in classroom settings both in a first grade classroom in Sparta, Wisconsin and in a Head Start classroom in La Crosse during the spring of 2008. In addition, this past summer I was employed as a nanny for a family in Sun Prairie, as well as babysat for many families throughout the Dane County area. Also, through being admitted early to the education program at UW-La Crosse in fall 2007 I have many classes that deal with child development and education. Some of these classes include, Child Development, Educational Psychology, Introduction to Early Childhood Education, Introduction to Elementary Education, Education in a Global Society, Physics for Elementary School Teachers, Math for Elementary School Teachers, Health Info for Teachers, and many others. I am continuing developing my knowledge through courses here at UW-Madison in the education program.  Some of my hobbies include dance, crafts and art!!!, reading, swimming, and sledding in the winter. However, I am a very flexible person and I love to try new things. I am constantly looking for new activities and enjoy variety and options.  As a caretaker for your children I believe safety is my number one priority. I believe a quality babysitter puts children as their first priority, especially their safety, is a positive role model, and assists the children in coming up with fun and exciting activities so the night is a fun and positive experience! I look forward to establishing positive relationships with you and your family!


 {Carrie}

Hello, my name is Carrie. I was born in Forth Worth, Texas, and moved to Illinois with my parents when I was 5 years old. During my Sophomore year in High School, I was surprised by the news that we were moving again, this time to Wisconsin. I have learned to adapt to change quite well. After Graduation in 1999 I began a wonderful path of determination. From 2001-2003, I attended Madison Area Technical College in the complex Medical Assistant Program. Within the first year, I accomplished getting my Health Care Provider, CPR Certification, and extensive training in Medical Emergencies. The following and final year, I accomplished training in Law & Ethics, Phlebotomy, Hematology, and working with families in a Clinical setting. At the end of my two-year program, and close to graduation, I decided that my true calling is working with children. I thought I knew then, but I know now more than ever. I feel from what I have learned and experienced throughout my schooling that this will be a wonderful tool to use in any working position, and that none of it will ever go to waste. I have always found working with children to be extremely rewarding. I have been a Certified Live-out Nanny since 2002. I was also a Teacher at Play Haven Childcare Center for one year with all age groups from Infant-School age. During that time I also worked as voluntary tutor at McFarland Primary School, tutoring first graders by holding independent reading groups and working one-on-one with students on a variety of skills. I am proud to say that, on February 24th of 2007, I completed the Heart saver Pediatric First Aid with Adult & Child CPR & AED with flying colors! As a Certified Nanny, I am required to update all my certifications every 3 years. Working with children brings out the best in me and my life. Being a Nanny or any kind of childcare provider is what I feel is my calling and I wouldn't have it any other way. Children are our future, so innocent looking out to a gigantic world for knowledge and comfort. To be able to be a part of a child's learning process is truly remarkable. To watch a child grow day to day is a wonderful experience. I would love to be a part of that in any home. I feel that I am more than qualified to be a childcare provider that will be funny, playful, a listener, a teacher, a friend, a safe haven, a shoulder to cry on, and most of all a part of the family. Some of my Hobbies include: Playing the Piano, Quiet get-togethers with friends and family, running (Relay for Life), listening to music, writing poetry, Continuing Education classes, and scrap-booking.


 {Denise}
Hi! My name is Denise. I currently live in Fitchburg and am a 4 year old Kindergarten teacher in Lodi.  I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Early. I have taught 4K for 5 years and absolutely love it!! Other than my teaching experiences with working with children, I have also worked in child care centers with a variety of ages and have babysat for many families in the Madison area. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, running, reading, going to concerts, singing, dancing, and attending and volunteering for different sporting events. I look forward to meeting your families and hanging out with your children.


{Donna}
Hi, my name is Donna, and I live in Madison. I was a certified childcare provider in my home for 10 years, while my 2 daughters were growing up. I was a Girl Scout leader for 4 years, and a room mother for both of my daughters at their school. I have 6 grandchildren, and I have been very involved with their childcare and activities. The oldest grandson is now a sophomore in college, and the youngest granddaughter is 6 years old and in kindergarten this year. I started working with Cheri in 2004, when she was just starting "While You're Out Babysitting." I left in 2005 when I accepted a full time management position. I started back working with Cheri this past September, after taking early retirement in August. I have had extensive training in first aid, safety, security, and CPR. I am a caring, patient, and kind person, and I love spending time with children. I look forward to meeting you and your children.


 {Heather}
Hello, my name is Heather and I am a 21-year-old Senior at UW Oshkosh, working to get my degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Women Studies. For the summer and every other weekend during the school year, I live at my parent’s house in Middleton. I have worked at a daycare in Madison for over 4 years and babysat since I was in middle school. I have a lot of experience working in children of every age. I originally was going to school for nursing and wanted to work in the pediatric unit. I love being active and enjoy being outside, going on vacations, camping and playing volleyball. I love doing anything outside or just nature in general. I can’t wait to meet you and your family.


 {Jaime}
My name is Jaime Stebbins. I am 25 years old and live in Middleton. I have my BSN in Nursing and graduated from UW Oshkosh College of Nursing in 2009. I have worked in many settings as a nurse including the ICU, Surgical Rehab, and Long-Term Care. I started babysitting when I was 10 years old for various neighbors and friends of the family. This prompted me to get my Assistant Child Care Teacher License in high school while working at a local day care and children's education center. While in college I continued to work as a nanny and babysitter with many vast types of families. As a nurse I have also worked with children in various clinical setting. I also have many friends and family members with children whom I love to take care of as well. Children and Child Care has always made me happy and given me a sense of purpose in life and I would love the opportunity to get to you know your children as well While You're Out.



{Jessica S.}
Hi! My name is Jessica S. I am 20 years old and am a sophomore at Madison College studying phlebotomy and clinical lab science. My plans for the future are to become a children’s nurse and perhaps transfer to UW Madison. I love kids and have been a babysitter since I was about 11 years old. I took the American Red Cross babysitter course in the summer of 2003 and passed. I am very involved with youth and have been for some time in varying areas. One area was through my church AWANA Clubs, nursery and Vacation Bible School (VBS). I have volunteered in VBS for about 5 years, AWANA Clubs for 7 years and nursery also 7 years. This brought on a variety of ages, all of which I was very comfortable with. I have also been in my local 4-H group for 4 years and, upon graduating out this year, I have decided to become a youth leader for the horse and pony project as well as an assistant general leader. I have also volunteered my horse and I for a project called “horseless horse”. This means that I would volunteer my time and services to a youth in 4-H and teach them how to ride, allow them to use my horse for shows including fair and state and just be there to help the individual learn. In addition to work with youth and horses, I have worked at a youth day camp every summer for the last 6 years and plan to continue doing so. This camp has a diverse age range and I always enjoy working with and getting to know every individual choosing to come to camp.  I am very patient with children which I feel makes a more fun environment and really encourages the child to ask questions and get to know me as well. I am a very good swimmer and love being outdoors. Therefore, taking a child/multiple children to the pool, park, on a walk, playing in the snow or leaves, etc. is a very fun experience for me and the children as well. I am energetic so I feel that I can keep up with just about any child fairly well. In short, I just love being around kids. They are awesome and a wonderful blessing to have around. Thanks for taking the time to read my bio. 


 {Jill M.}
My name is Jill Meyer. I am currently 38 years old. I have any Associates Degree in Early Childhood from Northeast Iowa Community College. I am currently working full-time for a traveling childcare facility. For that job, I travel 26 weeks throughout the year and reside in Madison on the weeks that I have off. My current position allows me to set up a new safe and engaging environment every week in a different city. I have many years of experience in childcare both in teaching and administration. My experience started in my hometown of Dubuque Iowa in a preschool program with a mixed age group of 3-5 year olds. I was also included as the on-site director of the before and after school program; which included a summer program both on site and in the community. In this position I implemented a weekly lesson plan which consisted of a Christian curriculum. I then moved to Arizona where I worked in an infant program also implementing a weekly lesson plan, which was based on the Creative Curriculum. This curriculum allows children and educators to develop the whole child through age appropriate activities. Through the company, I transferred into a position here in Madison where I taught in a preschool age program, age 3-5. After 3 years in Madison I was promoted to Assistant Director. Through this position I not only was able to interact with the children I was able to learn the ins and outs of running a childcare facility. After 2 years as Assistant Director I made a lateral move into a Program Coordinator position with the traveling center I am currently employed by. I currently work with ages 6 weeks- 12 years and provide safe and stimulating environments through consistency of teachers and the Creative Curriculum. I come from a big family; I am number 6 out of 7 children. I have 14 nieces and nephews and I have babysat every single one of them over the years. I have now moved my babysitting onto my nephews triplets whenever I can. I love to travel, read books, and hang out with friends in my free time. I look forward to the opportunity of taking care of your children and offering them a stimulating but safe environment.


 {Joan}
Hello, my name is Joan. I am originally from Chicago, and I have two younger sisters who I am very close with. Being the oldest grandchild on my Dad's side, I have had the opportunity to watch and help raise my younger cousins. That gave me a lot experience working with children of all ages. I also enjoy playing and spending time with my godson. Watching him grow and explore the world all on his own is exciting. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in Asian American Studies. I've done many volunteering jobs from observing and watching children develop cognitively and learn various skills to working with children of families in a domestic abuse shelter. My background and experiences make me a qualified sitter. Some of my hobbies include traveling, cooking, shopping, and learning about different cultures and trying new food. I enjoy working with children, and I look forward to meeting your family and building wonderful memories.


 {Kassy}
Hello! My name is Kassy Sweet and I'm a Senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I am 23 years old, and grew up in Whitewater, Wisconsin. I enjoy reading, painting, baking, swimming, water skiing, tennis, and vacationing to new and exciting places. I am currently studying Psychology at Madison and plan on getting my BA degree in the subject next year. I have a good amount of experience with child care from being a nanny for three summers for three wonderful girls to being a Vacation Bible School teacher for a class of 12 Kindergartners. I have always loved working with kids and am comfortable handling many kids at once at any ages. I enjoy making kids laugh and have fun whether through exploring outside, doing arts and crafts, playing games, or even through helping them with their homework. Although I enjoy having fun with the kids the most, I do know when to be serious and when to take control of certain situations. Overall, I am very excited to be a babysitter through While You're Out, LLC, and am looking forward to meeting wonderful new families!


 {Katie B.}
Hello, my name is Katie B. I am 25 years old and in my second year as a 6th grade Math, Reading, and Language Arts teacher for the Madison Metropolitan School District. I have not babysat with While You're Out since starting my career but am excited to return. I am originally from Middleton, WI but enjoy traveling to warm places. :) I also enjoy reading, doing crosswords, eating unique foods, being active outside, playing board games, and spending time with my friends and family. I look forward to meeting you and your family!


  {Katie O.}
Hello, my name is Katie O'Brien. I was born in Madison and have lived here all my life. I attended the Dental Assisting program at M.A.T.C in 1996. I graduated at the top of my class. I currently work 4 days a week at a Dental Office in Monona. I have been there for 9 years working as a Dental Assistant for Dr. JoAnn Miller D.D.S. I have been babysitting since I was 12 years old. I have 4 younger siblings and that is where it all started. I have had a lot of babysitting jobs over the last 20 years. I enjoy caring for children of all ages ranges from infants to teens. I love going for walks or playing in the park. I love playing games, making crafts, cooking, and in general just having fun. I enjoy teaching new things and bringing joy to children's little faces. I like to help with homework, school projects, or anything your child needs help with. I'm CPR Certified for Adults and Children and I'm also First Aid Certified, so no worries when you child is with me. I try to make every child feel like they are having the time of their life every time I babysit for them. I have a lot of hobbies playing volleyball, soccer, softball, and in general trying to be outdoors as often as the weather permits. You never know how Wisconsin is going to cooperate. I feel very comfortable with newborns and I also have a lot of experience with twins. I love to watch them grow and learn new things. I'm very dependable, honest, trustworthy, and I also have a great personality with a smile on my face all the time. I have a driver's license and current car insurance. I'm open to taking your children where they need to go, if needed (of course with car seats). I'm open to making meals, giving baths, and lots of love and fun. When I care for your children I believe that being safe and having fun is number 1. I do also tidy up when the children are in bed or taking a nap. I love to empty the dishwasher, do dishes, sweep -- just anything that will make your life a little easier. I'm a very organized person and one for following the rules. As a babysitter working for you, I will give 100% to make sure your children are safe and have the best time ever. I look forward to meeting you and your family and hopefully not only being just a babysitter but also a friend.


   {Kira}
Hey everyone!! My name is Kira, and I am excited to have a chance to be a part of your child's life, even if it is only for a few hours. I have been back in Madison about 3 years and have my own business as a life coach, but much of the last 10+ years of my life has been spent working with children. I ran a day camp in South Korea, and worked at camps in Iowa, California, and New York. I was the Youth Program Director for two cruise lines (Royal Caribbean and Holland America) and used to be the Youth and Teen director for the YMCA here in Madison. I love my new business venture but will always miss working with kids. That is why While You're Out Babysitting is such a perfect match for me.


   {Lisa K.}
Hi, my name is Lisa K. and I am special education teacher in the public schools. I have many years of experience working with children of all ages. I am also CPR/First Aid certified and a very advanced swimmer. I have worked in public schools for over 7 years and have been providing childcare for 15+ years. For two years, I was an on-call nanny for the Longboat Key Club, a five-star hotel in Sarasota, Florida. My goal is to provide a safe, fun, and enjoyable experience for your children while you are out enjoying your evening, day, or weekend. My outgoing personality and interest in their well-being build quick connections. I will adhere to your rules and how you do things in your home.  A little more about me... I enjoy many things in life, including music, movies, theater, dining out, reading, boating, kayaking, scrabble, water skiing, snow skiing, aerobics, and all types of dancing (including ballroom, swing, and salsa). I love spending time with my family, especially my adored nephews and niece. I look forward to getting to know your family!


{Liz}  
Hi my name is Liz Hill and I am 29 years old.  I grew up in Marshall, WI and graduated from Lakeland College in Accounting.  I currently work for the University of Wisconsin Foundation in finance.  I also am a running enthusiast and work part time for the Madison Mini Marathon as well as run many local races. My other hobbies include playing volleyball, baking, spending time outside with my dog and reading.  I’ve been married to my wonderful husband for four years and live in Sun Prairie.  I have three adorable nieces and one handsome nephew that I enjoy spoiling like crazy.   I love children of all ages and promise when I am in your home I will treat your children and home with respect.  I will give your children all of my attention and do the things they find fun whether that be playing games, reading, being outside or using their imagination.  I can’t wait to meet you and your family.


  {Margaret}
Hello! My name is Margaret. A lot has changed for me in the past couple of months. I graduated from UW-Madison in 2009 majoring in Elementary Education and Psychology, taught two years at Johnson Creek Elementary (3rd and 4th grade), and am now pursuing a career in personal training and teaching group fitness classes. I currently live in Lake Mills, and love making the short trip to Madison any chance I get. I have experience with children from ages newborn to 10 years, and I love working with every age group. I have done all day, evening, overnight, and even long-term child care and I am confident that you will be comfortable leaving your children with me. I am not an expert chef, but I do feel comfortable cooking meals, as well as giving baths, nap time, and bedtime. I am a huge fan of being active, getting out and doing things. Weather permitting, I love going for walks or bike rides to nearby parks or libraries, playing tag or basketball, or anything else that includes being outside. I am also very fond of the Children's Museum and the zoo. As a nanny, I feel that my job is to keep the children entertained, be that fun person that gets to come when the parents leave, but I also want your children to feel as secure with me as they do with you. I am close to some of the past families I have babysat for as I am with my own family. I look forward to getting to know you and your children, and hopefully becoming a part of your family!



MeghanMBabysitting.jpg   {Meghan}  
Hello! My name is Meghan. I am 25 years old and I just graduated from Edgewood College in May of 2011. I received my teaching license (ages 6-13) and my ELL/ESL (English As A Second Language) license. I plan to sub in the Madison Metropolitan School District and surrounding school districts. Eventually I hope to become an elementary school teacher around the area.  My love for children began years ago, when I was a young child. For four summers while I attended Waunakee High School and some of college, I worked as a counselor at Crystal Lake Day Camp, working with children 3 to 5 years old. Immediately after graduating high school, I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for two and a half years, taking classes to fulfill my Bachelors of Science. Once I had decided I wanted to make teaching my profession, I transferred to Edgewood College. I began taking classes for elementary education, ELL/ESL, and early childhood. However, after a few semesters I decided to just complete my elementary education and ESL.I have had many wonderful opportunities to work with children both for my schooling and work. As I have previously stated, I worked with 3-5 year olds at Crystal Lake Day Camp (Lodi, WI) for four summers. While I was in college, I worked at After School Programs through Wisconsin Youth Company in the Madison Metropolitan School District. For the past four summers I have worked at Summer Day Camps through Wisconsin Youth Company with various school aged children (5-6, 7-8, and 9-12 year olds).Some of my hobbies include reading, hiking, traveling, playing tennis, and spending as much time outdoors! In the winter I love to sled, snowboard/ski, and ice skate. I am very open to trying new activities!I absolutely love working with children! Not only do I love to teach and watch children grow, I love playing with them. I think it is very important to get at their level, make connections with one another, relate to one another, have a mutual respect, provide safety, and to be a positive role model. I am a very creative, honest, sincere person, which I think are some qualities babysitters must have! I believe a quality babysitter puts children as their first priority and builds a positive relationship with not just the child, but the family also. I look forward to working with you and your children! :)


   {Melissa K.}
Hi, I’m Melissa. I am currently a nanny and have been for the past five years for the same wonderful family. I work with three girls; a five-year-old and four-year-old twins. I started working with this family when the oldest girl was 6 months old and have been happily working with them ever since. I started babysitting when I was 13 for children in my neighborhood and loved it; so I never really stopped. I have experience with children of all ages. I started taking care of the twins I nanny for when they were only a few days old and have babysat for kids all the way up through the ages. In my free time I love to read anything and everything that I can get my hands on. I also love spending time with my Labrador retriever at the dog park and on walks. I have a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Psychology with an emphasis in child development. I plan to pursue a Masters in psychology so that I can continue my work with children. I hope to always be able to work with children in one form or another.


 {Nettie}
Nettie has been in the childcare industry on a PT/FT basis since 1998. She has certification in Early Childhood and a minor in Music Ed. She is also a trained lifeguard. She has worked in the capacity of a preschool teacher as well as nanny and home manager for many families across southeast Wisconsin. She loves doing creative, messy learning projects related to cooking and science with children and is never short on laughs and a positive attitude and energy. She is the former owner of a nanny placement agency, currently owns Nettie Weber Presents..., a PR, marketing, and events agency, and is the booking & PR manager for The Blue Olives, a successful regional & national touring blues, rock & funk band. In her spare time, she loves to travel to anywhere with an ocean, some sand, and blue water.


{Rachel B .}
Hi! My name is Rachel B. and I am excited to be a part of While You're Out! While new to WYOB, I am no stranger to children or babysitting! I have a degree in Elementary Education, and taught first, fourth, and third grade in the Dallas, TX metroplex. I have worked with teachers and students in various capacities around the world, including training teachers and students in an Ethics Curriculum in St Petersburg, Russia, where I lived and worked for nearly 4 years. I've traveled to almost 20 countries, including serving on mission trips to the Philippines and Africa, where I worked and/or lived with teachers and children. I started babysitting when I was 10 years old and took my first babysitting course at 13! I've been a camp counselor and babysat my way through high school and college, and worked for a babysitting agency in Dallas called Mom's Best Friend. Originally from the Midwest, I moved to Madison in 2005 and worked for a local organization in events and operations. I am currently a second grade teacher in the Madison School District. I am active in my church and love the outdoors, cycling, the mountains, good coffee, the Madison Farmers Market, and am thankful for my family and great friends.  I look forward to meeting you soon!


  {Rachel S.} 
Hi! My name is Rachel S. I'm 24 years old and live in Verona. I am currently finishing up graduate school degree through UW-Stevens Point, in Speech-Language Pathology. I am in my last semester, doing my externship (student teaching) in McFarland with 1st-5th graders. I received my undergraduate degree at Minnesota State University, Mankato, in Communication Disorders. I will be certified to work in the schools, at a hospital, or in a nursing home. I am really enjoying working in the schools right now, and will begin looking for a job this spring!I have been working with kids ever since I was in middle school. I have three younger siblings I babysat for growing up, as well as many neighbor kids. In high school I worked at a summer church camp where I was responsible for children ages 5-14. During the school year, my family took in newborn babies that were going to be adopted, so I gained quite a bit of experience with that age as well. Throughout my college years I volunteered with Sunday school programs at the church I was attending, teaching children ages 5-10. I also volunteered with the 3-4 year olds once a week with their AWANA program at the church. During undergrad in Mankato, we held "Kids Day Off" events where we set up games for kids when they were off of school. While in graduate school, I worked with clients ages 8-14 and am currently working with 1st-5th graders during my externship. I also worked for a high school in Stevens Point coaching both cross country and track and field. I have had great experiences with kids of all ages and enjoy every one of them! I have been surrounded by kids my entire life, and am going into a profession that will allow me to continue to do that.  I love sports of all kinds, both playing and watching. I competed in college cross country/track so running would be at the top of my list! :) I love to read, do arts and crafts, and all outdoor activities! I love to try new things, which is one of the great aspects about kids, they're constantly thinking of new activities and games! The most important thing to me is your child's safety, followed by them having a fun and enjoyable experience with me. I'm excited to get to know you and your family!!


 {Rhiannon}
Hi, my name is Rhiannon. I currently teach 6th grade at O'Keeffe Middle School in Madison but also taught 4th grade in the Milwaukee Public School District. While I was earning my degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I worked for MSCR's Safe Haven after school and summer program on Allied Drive. I minored in Elementary Health Education and am CPR and First Aid certified. My experience with While You're Out dates back to 2008 when I was in my last year of college. I loved my experiences working with all of the wonderful families and am eager to get back in touch with them and hopefully meet new families, too.  


   {Sara P.}
Hi. My name is Sara Paepke and I am 27 years old. I love watching and being around children. I am the oldest of 5 kids in my family. I have 2 wonderful niece's that I love to watch. I am a full-time nanny and I also work part time as a Medical Assistant at the American Family Children's Hospital in Madison at University Station in the Pediatric After-Hours Clinic. My hobbies include being outdoors, playing volleyball and softball, and photography. I love to watch children because you never know what they are going to do next. I love watching them grow and play. I love being a nanny because it is not a job to me, it is doing what I love best. I hope to see all of you and start a new friendship.



{Shandra}
Hello, my name is Shandra and I’m recently married to an amazing husband and living in Milton, WI. I work full time for Johnson Bank as a relationship banker in downtown Madison.  I have been babysitting since I was 13 years old, and most recently was a nanny for a wonderful family in Chicago with six children.  I worked for North shore Nannies in the Chicago area for 2.5 years until moving back to help take care of my Father in Janesville who was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  I have an associate’s degree in Arts & Science from UW-Rock County.  In my spare time I love reading, playing volleyball, going to movies, and playing board games. I am very patient and love children.  I can’t wait to start a family of my own!  I will make your children feel comfortable while you are away while making it very fun doing crafts, games, and activities. I can’t wait to meet your family :)



  {Sue Atwood: **2011 Sitter of the Year!!**}
Hello, My name is Sue. I have 23 years of experience working in the childcare field. I am an infant and toddler teacher employed by a hospital where I have gained years of experience working with young children as well as interacting and communicating with parents on a daily basis. I have three grown children and five grandchildren. I enjoy keeping busy and staying active. Children love my sense of humor and my positive attitude. Honestly and reliability are extremely important to me and as a parent myself I appreciate that in others as well. I truly love being around children; I love playing games, doing crafts, reading to them and just being silly with them. In my free time, I enjoy dancing, reading, decorating, watching sports, and making people laugh. I look forward to meeting you and having the honor of playing with and taking care of your children



20111126_233547.jpg   {Susan} 
Hello! My name is Susan.  I’m a native of El Paso, Texas and a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a degree in Behavioral Science. Upon graduation, I accepted a position at an educational leadership firm in northern Virginia and traveled all over the country facilitating leadership conferences for high achieving middle and high school students. After two years of constant travel, I was delighted to begin my teaching career at a small private school in Washington, D.C. and taught kindergarten for a year and was the school’s reading resource teacher for another.  I recently received my Masters of Arts in Teaching degree from Liberty University and am certified to teach Social Studies in grades 7-12.I’ve been baby-sitting since I was thirteen and was a nanny for a single-family throughout college. While in college, I spent two summers as a residential summer camp counselor in Asheville, North Carolina and worked with girls ages 6-15. I have extensive experience working with younger children, including infants, as well older children. I love to be active and plan creative activities to do with children of all ages!  


 {Val}
Hi! My name is Valorie (or Val for short). I am a licensed child care provider with over 30 years of experience working with kids of all ages. I started baby-sitting for my younger siblings at age 8 years, and at age 11 years began baby-sitting for one family in Madison for over 16 years. I also taught gymnastics for 12 years, opened my own home child care and, most recently, helped establish a local drop in child care for parents at a local fitness facility. I love being outside when weather permits and enjoy singing children's songs, dancing, and playing games with the children. I love to make learning fun and teach children through play. For quiet time, I love a great art project, a fun book or two, or quiet cuddle time - as one family calls me, "The baby whisperer." I am patient, honest, responsible, and reliable. Your children come first for me. My hope is that your children have fun, grow, and learn while in my care. I look forward to meeting you and your family.  My experience with children started when I became an older sister to my younger sisters. I became their babysitters on a regular basis along with many of my cousins. From there I became the neighborhood babysitter gaining a lot of experience with kids at a young age. I was also very involved in the nursery at my church along with teaching Sunday school, giving me my first experiences as teacher. Babysitting turned into nannying, which was my past summer jobs for the last three summers. During the school year, I work at an after care program for St. James School in downtown Madison. The age ranges I work with there are pre-k through third grade in an educational and fun leader role. Through my major, I have been placed in many different schools for the past two years. I really enjoy seeing children in both an educational and non-educational setting