Linda R.

Meet Linda

• Speaks English
• Comfortable with pets
• Has a car

I am a married mom with one daughter. I became experienced at caregiving when my daughter arrived and I found myself surrounded by children for the first time since my childhood!! My fondest memories are of volunteering in kindergarten classes even though my daughter was in yet another one. I soon discovered I was intrigued with how the kids learned to read. The principal approached me one day and asked me to apply as a Special Needs Assistant. My primary job was to "sit" with a 5 year old boy with mild autism since he would not sit down in the classroom. They brought me in the classroom and I had absolutely no experience with autism. Actually, I studied hearing impairments and sign language in college. Well, I thought he didn't like me. The teacher was amazing and I learned so much from her. She had a niece with autism. Read more I soon learned this boy was very bright and he wanted to be like the other kids. The teacher explained to the class that I was there and he was to sit by me. He accepted that and did. I'll call him Kyle (not his real name). Kyle taught me so much. People say that but it's true. I found out later from a staff member that they picked me for Kyle's aid because they thought I was nurturing. After years of administrative jobs, I found my cup of tea, finally. Kyle went into first grade and so did I. However, at some point I had to say Kyle didn't need me any longer. He learned how to refocus himself. I was assigned other classrooms and observed many teachers. I worked with lots of kids. My favorite kids were generally the ones who needed some extra help. I knew I was a caregiver at that point. So many kids needed a little encouragement. Lots of kids needed help with reading. Many kids needed a little extra attention because the classrooms were large. The kids could really make my day. Their parents surprised me too as they were so supportive. I remember being tired when I came home and my daughter still had to read to me and do homework. One mother told me her son would probably never forget me. I was surprised as her son didn't really like school. She told me he had to repeat kindergarten but I had helped him that second year. I learned so much from those kindergarten teachers. I guess I love being a nurturer since my priorities have changed now that I've been a mom. It seems nothing is as important as seeing kids through difficult times. People say I like a challenge and can make the necessary sacrifices.

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