My name is Cynthia, I am 27 years old, and I live in Kisumu, Kenya, a beautiful country in Africa. I am an open-minded, hard-working, easy-going, dedicated, trustworthy, helpful, patient, and responsible person. I love taking care of kids, and their health, safety, and happiness are the most important things to me.
I come from a large family of 7 children and am the fifth child. My family runs a family business, so we see each other a lot! I am part of a very close family, and as a result, my close inner circle of friends is also often viewed as ‘family’. I cherish and value my friendships; choosing to surround myself with loyal and fun people.
I love traveling, learning new languages and different cultures, meeting new people, and definitely making memories. My calm, collected, patient, and quick learning nature always comes in handy when dealing with challenging situations.
I have the ability to bond really well with kids and blend in very easily. As a result, I am able to be their mentor in different aspects of life and be like their big sister.
With five years of experience working as both a Nutritionist and caregiver, I have had the opportunity to provide well-rounded care for children while promoting healthy eating habits and ensuring their nutritional needs were met. Here's a breakdown of my work experience:
Nutrition Planning and Meal Preparation:
In my role as a Nutritionist, I developed personalized meal plans for children of various age groups, taking into account their nutritional needs, preferences, and any dietary restrictions such as food allergies, intolerances, or specific cultural diets. I focused on creating balanced meals that included essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients to support healthy growth, cognitive development, and energy levels. Over the course of five years, I successfully prepared healthy meals for children in daycare centers, schools, and home settings.
Promoting Healthy Eating Habits:
I took an active role in teaching children the importance of healthy eating. I used interactive methods such as engaging them in meal prep, explaining the benefits of certain foods, and making nutrition education fun. This helped foster an understanding of healthy food choices from a young age, encouraging children to develop positive relationships with food and make better eating choices.
Addressing Special Dietary Needs:
Over the years, I’ve worked with children who had special dietary needs, including food allergies (e.g., nut allergies), gluten intolerance, and vegetarian or vegan diets. I ensured that their meals were tailored to meet these needs while still providing a variety of delicious and nutritious options. This attention to detail helped minimize the risk of food-related issues and promoted safe, healthy eating for all children in my care.
Supporting Cognitive and Physical Development:
Understanding the critical role nutrition plays in a child’s development, I ensured that meals were not only balanced but also designed to support both physical and cognitive milestones. For example, I provided meals rich in omega-3 fatty acids for brain development and iron-rich foods to support physical growth. I closely monitored the children’s energy levels and mood, making adjustments to their diet as needed.
Comprehensive Child Care:
As a caregiver, I was responsible for the children’s daily well-being, which included ensuring a safe environment, organizing playtime, and providing emotional support. I also created a structured routine that included meal times, rest, and educational activities. I worked to foster social skills, emotional regulation, and physical activity, all while ensuring that the children felt comfortable and cared for.
Collaborating with Parents:
I maintained open communication with parents to align on the children's nutritional goals, discuss any concerns, and share insights into healthy eating practices. This collaboration ensured a consistent approach both at home and in my care, reinforcing positive habits and ensuring that the child’s specific needs were being met.
Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Plans:
I regularly assessed the children’s growth and development to adjust their meal plans as needed. Whether they experienced growth spurts, changes in activity levels, or developed new tastes, I made sure their diet was flexible and responsive to their evolving needs.
Through these experiences, I have developed a deep understanding of how nutrition directly impacts children’s health and development. My work as both a caregiver and a Nutritionist has allowed me to provide a nurturing, educational, and health-focused environment where children can thrive.
First Aid Training, CPR Training, College, High School, C.N.A. Certification (Certified Nurse Assistant)
