Caring for children has always been more than a career—it’s a core part of who I am. From the earliest days of babysitting in my neighborhood to working with hundreds of children across different families, I’ve found joy and fulfillment in helping kids explore their potential. Along the way, I discovered a beautiful overlap between my love for childcare and my passion for storytelling through multimedia projects. With parental permission, I’ve often included the children I work with in creative endeavors—acting in films, starring in music videos, and participating in photo series like . Watching these kids light up with excitement as they see themselves on screen or in print has inspired me just as much as it’s inspired them. Some have gone on to audition for plays, delve into photography, or even pursue roles in film—all sparked by our time together.

"The Loosening Mystery" Music Video

Acting In Films

Inner Heroes Photo Series

Believe it or not, my first taste of caregiving happened in Iceland in 2015. Our tour guide brought his young daughter along on the trip, and I found myself completely captivated by the joy of playing with her and helping care for her during the tour. When I returned home, I couldn’t shake how fulfilling the experience had been, so I reached out to family friends to see if they needed help with their kids. At just 13 years old, I started doing small mother’s-helper tasks—reading to kids, organizing playtime, and assisting with everyday routines. Over the next couple of years, I built my confidence, earned certifications, and officially began babysitting. Since then, my role has evolved into that of a childcare provider. What I do now is far more than babysitting—it’s about creating meaningful experiences, fostering growth, and building lasting relationships.

Iceland, 2015

One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been watching the kids I once cared for grow into their own roles as caregivers. I’ll never forget when one of them wrote to me, “I’m taking CPR classes this summer because I want to be an amazing babysitter like you!” Moments like that remind me of the lasting impact this work can have. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing and celebrating countless milestones. From a child taking their first steps to another performing their first solo in a school play, these moments remind me why I love what I do. A personal highlight has been combining my multimedia expertise with childcare. Projects like Inner Heroes allowed kids to see themselves as larger-than-life characters, boosting their confidence and encouraging self-expression. Watching one of my kids land a lead role in a play after gaining confidence from a short film we made together was a moment I’ll never forget.

Letter from 2024

My commitment to families goes beyond simply being a caregiver. I aim to be a trusted individual—someone who not only keeps your children safe but also encourages their creativity, growth, and individuality. I’m dedicated to fostering environments where kids feel loved, supported, and free to explore their imaginations. Every child is unique, and that’s the beauty of it. My childcare philosophy centers on embracing individuality, fostering creativity, and encouraging curiosity. Whether it’s building a rocket ship out of cardboard boxes or sitting down to help with a tricky homework problem, I strive to meet children where they are and help them grow in ways that feel natural and exciting to them.

No two days are ever quite the same in my work, but every day is filled with moments of joy, discovery, and connection. A typical day might start with a morning craft project, where we bring stories to life through art. Afternoons could be spent outdoors, exploring nature or organizing a backyard photoshoot where kids can direct and star in their own stories. Evenings often include quiet time for reading, homework, or a mini “film festival” of their favorite projects. Through it all, my focus is on creating a balanced, enriching routine that leaves kids excited for what’s next.

When I’m not working with children, I’m often behind the camera, creating multimedia projects that tell stories that matter. Whether it’s producing music videos, capturing candid photography, or writing songs, my creative work continually fuels my approach to childcare. I love sharing my passions with kids, showing them how to capture their own stories, and inspiring them to try new things.

Music Production

Photography

Filmmaking

Sound Design for Theater

I’m proud to hold certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Advanced Childcare Training, as well as training in Play-Based, Montessori, and Cognition-Based philosophies. My specialized experience also includes supporting children with medical and neurological differences, such as ADHD, PTSD, GAD, ACEs, and others. I bring these skills to every interaction, whether it’s calming a shy child by inviting them to direct a short video or using my training to help kids overcome challenges in creative ways.

Working with children is a constant learning experience that I treasure. They teach me as much as I teach them, and this inspires me to continually grow in my approach to childcare. To stay current with best practices, I regularly attend workshops and explore innovative methods in childcare and creative learning. During my final two years of college, I’ve delved deeply into my minor in Adaptive Brain & Behavior, expanding my understanding to better support families and children in meaningful and individualized ways.Connection and creativity form the foundation of my philosophy. My studies and research have explored the impact of communication and holistic music on child development, offering insights that I incorporate into my work.

Presenting Studies

Beyond direct caregiving, I’ve applied my multimedia expertise to create videos and photos for child-focused businesses such as Free Union Country School, Kim and Company Dance, and Blacksburg Dance Theatre. My commitment to supporting children also extends to volunteering with organizations like the Virginia Discovery Museum, College Mentors for Kids, and Camp4Real.By taking the time to truly understand each child’s unique personality and needs, I build strong relationships grounded in trust, growth, and lasting memories. These connections are at the heart of everything I do, and they continue to inspire my work every day.

For me, childcare is more than a career; it’s a purpose. Seeing a child’s face light up when they learn something new or watching them take pride in their creativity fills me with purpose. Knowing I’ve played a small part in helping them build confidence, explore their passions, and create lasting memories is why I do what I do. Families often tell me how much my work has meant to them. One parent shared with me, “You made our family feel cared for in ways beyond what we expected. Our kids still talk about the projects they worked on with you!” Another noted, “The creativity Maxwell brings to childcare is unmatched. My daughter is now exploring photography thanks to his encouragement.” Moments like these are what make this work so meaningful.

Through every interaction, I aim to provide children with care that goes beyond expectations, helping them grow, create, and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment. Every family leaves an impact on me, and I aim to do the same for them. Building trust, maintaining open communication, and creating lasting memories are at the heart of everything I do.