About MariaBack to Top

I can only imagine how precious your children must be to you. I would love to be the person who makes them smile! My experience across all ages ranges from Private Nanny to nursery care, with my supervisors commending me for 'great courage and ability in relating to others' and 'exceptional creativity and enthusiasm'. 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), [removed], 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, [removed], 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, [removed], 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, [removed], 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, [removed], 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, [removed], 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, [removed]/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 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, [removed] 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 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) Please message me and I will send you my CV, testimonials and portfolio of crafts by students and children I cared for. Warmest regards, Your Maria Poppins

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Available To Work