Maria

My Summary

My Experience

As a cross-country runner and former international volleyball player, I have what it takes to keep up with the most energetic little ones. At the same time, I can get quieter children excited with books, arts and crafts. Having exhibited at British Embassy, I organise children's private classes from painting to sculpture. I have written and illustrated award-winning children's stories. Perhaps I could create a dedicated book for - or with - your children?

I would happily sneak educational merit into play, being multilingual and having studied MA Architecture (Hons) at the University of Edinburgh and on a full academic scholarship at a boarding school in England.

Subject to your preference, I am keen to take your children for outdoor adventures and prepare bespoke healthy meals and snacks. I have extensive experience in nutrition, including minimally-processed food, plant-based diets and special requirements.

I love children - there is so much to learn from them about curiosity and enjoying the moment! I do my very best to act as a role model for them while making sure they are happy and nurtured.


EXPERIENCE

Temporary private nanny (ages 2 and 5), 2020, 2018, Edinburgh

• Juggled urgent parents' business travel with children’s school & extracurricular schedules and was thanked for improving naptime conditions
• Delivered professional art classes (modern style, letter and instrument crafts)
• Taught the youngest how to count to 12 with illustrated books
• Established immediate rapport with Property manager and mums at library toddler group
• Praised for building a gentle and warm relationship with children from start when given a house tour by the 1-y.o.

Private nanny (ages 4, 7 and 9), 2018-2019, Edinburgh

• Nurtured sibling relationship through positive reinforcement & balanced activities from age-inclusive to tailored to each of three children, eg. Lego stories, developing a new board game, karate & animal crafts later exhibited throughout the home
• Requested to ‘play’ Maths by children themselves after facilitating educational outings
• Enjoyed a dedicated private Frank Sinatra concert by the eldest

Resident assistant, Residence Life, Accommodation, Catering & Events, University of Edinburgh, 2018-2019, Edinburgh

• Managed 12+ keys and handled 5+ day & night emergencies, commended by Residence Life Coordinator for ‘remaining professional when responding to challenging situations with students’
• Organised 22+ events attracting even 40+ students, e.g. Cramond Island clean-up, wall-climbing, study sessions, Farmer’s Market, Christmas crafts, Open Doors, alpaca meet & greet; commended for 'exceptional creativity and enthusiasm'
• Contributed to the training of subsequent under-/postgraduate Resident Assistants following exceeded standards

English, Maths and Art tutor (ages 6 and 9), 2018, Palma de Mallorca, Spain

• Taught English during origami, drawing, logic games and meal outings, whilst enabling parents’ urgent business meetings
• Received a thank-you video by the girls

School volunteer, Grove Park, 2016-2017, Crowborough

• Co-organised activities for teenagers with learning difficulties, praised for school-wide impact of exhibited testimonials
• Commended by Programme Coordinator for ‘great courage and ability in relating to others’

Host to French girls on an exchange, 2016, Bielsko-Biala, Poland

• Welcomed the guests who remain in touch, having bonded over home-cooked meals and sightseeing

Playworker, Activities Day, visiting London primary school, 2016, Mayfield

• Facilitated densely-scheduled workshops and games in-/outdoors, described by a participant as their best day in life
• Gained immediate popularity as face-painter and inspired colleagues' designs

Nursery volunteer, Little Tinkers, 2015-2016, Mayfield

• Made parents proud with gifts created by children during Japanese calligraphy to play with natural materials
• Ensured safety of multiples by farm animals, pond and long-queued slide
• Named ‘faithful in her attendance’ and ‘a valuable part of the team’ by Programme Coordinator

German, English, reading, writing, Maths, Physics and Art tutor and nanny family and friends, 2008-2017, England, Poland and Germany

• Helped children to enjoy learning and score top marks, eg. explained polynomial equations with a fruit metaphor in two minutes
• Organised safe outdoor adventures and was congratulated on children’s manners in public
• Cooked bespoke meals assembling natural dietary approaches: Blue Zones (longevity), Fuhrman MD (nutrient density), Gerson MD (anti-cancer), Hay MD (food combining), Brogan MD (well-being impact), organic/raw food, healthy versions of treats (pizza/desserts)

Start-up Manager, children’s private art school, 2017-2019, remotely

• Supervised a winning proposal for an educational art enterprise offering age-appropriate activities from frottage to ceramics
• Led in-/exterior design, ensuring safety and Montessori-inspired ergonomic standards

Access & Outreach Ambassador, British Alumni Society Scholarship Programme, 2015 - 12/2017, Bielsko-Biala and remotely

• Liaised with principals of leading schools and presented to 100+ prospective students and their parents
• Managed a team of 5 designing a promotion brochure until completion, delivered ahead of schedule
• Helped to double the ratio of scholars admitted to Oxford and Cambridge Universities over one year

If you have a Gold Membership, please find below in 'My Documents' my full CV and two additional references. Private-message or email to arrange our initial meeting.

Warmest regards,
Your Maria Poppins

My Qualifications

FIRST AID/ CARE TRAINING

• Save a Life Scotland, First Aid, 2018
• Residence Life, week-long, covering confidentiality & the Risk Factory, 2018
• Mayfield School, early years induction, 2015
• First Aid curriculum, A*/A-equivalent, 2012-2015

EDUCATION

The University of Edinburgh, MA Architecture (Hons):

• Class Representative 2017/2018
• The University of Edinburgh Principal's GoAbroad Award 2018
• Early elective: Student-Led, Individually-Created Course
• David Gardiner Hardie Prize for the best performance in Technology & Environment in Year 1
• Nancy Rosemary Henderson Prize for the best performance in Technology & Environment in Year 2
• Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners Scholarship among the entire year cohort

Coursework included:

• Library ‘growing’ along with children, with bookshelves creating play areas
• Broughton Primary’s ‘Walkway to Wellbeing’ based on interviewed children’s ideas for physical and social activities out in nature
• Family home published by Royal Institute of British Architects and Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland

St Leonards-Mayfield School, full academic scholarship:

• A-Level, A*/A: Mathematics, Physics, German, Polish, Extended Project Qualification
• Cambridge Pre-U Diploma, A*-equivalent: Art & Design (Ceramics, Drawing, Painting)
• Gold Medal: Senior Mathematics Challenge by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust
• English C2-level certificate (highest proficiency)

My Availability

My Fees

• Babysitting from £14.00 per hour
• Nannying from £14.00 per hour (gross)