Maria, au pair : Port of Spain

My name is Maria and I am 44 years young.
I began my career, my passion, of working with children at the age of 17 when I became a nanny/ au pair. Engaging with children of many different ages and abilities who saw me as their mentor, encouraged me to do courses in Childcare, Elementary Education and Special Education. This experience and knowledge, enabled me to begin working in Montessori and elementary schools. For the past 19 years, I have also been tutoring children at the secondary level.
In 2014, after teaching in the mainstream system for over 13 years, I once again became a nanny and I began tutoring children privately who were homeschooling as I saw that there was a need to create a space for children who learn differently.
I have 3 children of my own; 2 girls, ages 21 and 15, and a 9 year old boy. Being a mother and a teacher, together with my nurturing personality and my educational experience has afforded me the wonderful opportunity to work alongside a diverse group of children. I am of the firm belief that all children from the time they are born, learn at a different rate and in different ways, and it is possible to make a difference in a child’s life with love, commitment, passion and perseverance.
My philosophy is based on the belief that children must always grow and thrive in a positive environment, with a supportive family and by extension the community.
I live by 6 life rules that I like to instill on the children that I come in contact with: “Always remain positive, believe in yourself, be open minded, maintain communication, do the right thing and be happy”.
I am currently the main private tutor and Principal at the Purple Pine Foundation, until June of 2020 when I will be migrating. You can learn more about me on my page Purple Pine Foundation.
I speak both Spanish and English fluently. I was born in Venezuela to a Trinidadian mother and Venezuelan father. I lived between Venezuela and Panama until the age of 17, then moved to Trinidad where I am presently located.
My hobbies are reading, babysitting my cousins, watching documentaries, painting, learning about various cultures and spending time with my beautiful children.