Maria A. Care Companion in New York, NY 10128

I come from a large family, the eldest of 7 kids. From childhood, I've been taught and brought up to take care of my siblings since both my parents had to work to support the needs of our family. I worked my way through school by getting scholarships. I have a bachelor's degree in Social Work and a Masters degree in Special Education.

As mommy to a 21-year old child with autism, I have first-hand experience caring for special needs and developmentally disabled children --of all ages. I work in administration at a Sports, Physical Therapy and Rehab facility but I am also a part time care-giver on weekends. I am a Residential Habilitation Counselor for a non-profit association that assists mentally-challenged children. I provide one-on-one care to individuals with special needs by teaching them activities of daily living, recreation and social skills, academics, music appreciation, and art therapy-- in the comfort of their own homes.

In addition I am also currently enrolled as a second year student of Traditional Oriental Medicine. My aim is to combine my knowledge of special education with alternative and complementary health care practices which utilize natural healing methods and herbal therapies whenever possible.

Personally I am a very positive, patient, compassionate and hard-working person. I am intelligent, dependable and practical. Friends describe me as friendly, sympathetic , understanding, loyal and a very good listener.

I am proud to have good, happy and lengthy relationships with my clients, patients and office/ work mates. I think that a healthy care-giving relationship should be based primarily on respect and trust.

- Maria Altarejos