Joana O.

Joana has worked with us for the last year and a half and we love her! Our twin boys were born seven weeks early, and she has been with us since the day they arrived home from the hospital. Over the last year and a half, the boys have fallen in love with her and she has become part of our family. Although we’re excited about our move, we’re sad to be leaving Joana. As a nanny, Joana has many wonderful qualities that make children feel happy and comfortable to be around her. She is cheerful and warm, but also sets clear boundaries. She sings songs, reads books, and works on the boys’ communication skills by teaching them basic sign language and words. She is calm and patient when the boys are difficult, and comforting when they are fussy. She provides the boys (and us) with a consistent and regular routine. She makes it easier to leave the house in the morning because the boys are so happy to see her. As an employee, she is a pleasure to work with. She is always reliable and on time. She takes initiative and does light choirs around the house without being asked. She communicates well. As new parents, we often found that Joana’s advice and recommendations to be useful and timely, but never pushy. Joana takes pride and ownership in her work, and has often described her work with children as a “calling.” We have come to see her as a valuable partner in raising the boys. I was pregnant when I interviewed Joana, and was impressed by her resume because in her previous job, she took care of triplet boys. She worked with the triplets for seven years — since the day they came home from the hospital. When I spoke to her previous employer, both parents raved about Joana and said they missed her everyday. (Joana had to leave that position because the family moved to Hinsdale, which was too long of a commute.) We recommend Joana without reservation and would be happy to chat about her further.