My name is Odessa, I’m 22 years old, and I’m currently studying Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University. I’ve always had a passion for working with children, and over the years, I’ve gained experience in a variety of roles, from babysitting and school placements to being a full-time camp counsellor. I’m also certified in CPR and First Aid. During my time at Empire Public School and Waterloo Cooperative Preschool, I had the opportunity to support children with a wide range of learning needs, including those with special needs. I often worked one-on-one with students, used positive behaviour strategies, and focused on creating a space where every child felt safe, included, and supported. I’ve learned how powerful it is to build strong, trusting connections with kids, whether that means helping them through a tough moment or just showing up every day with kindness and consistency. One of my favourite memories is from my summer at TMS Discovery Day Camp, when a camper asked me to sign her book so she could remember me. It was such a sweet reminder that the little things we do can really make a difference. I’m a warm, welcoming person who loves making sure everyone feels included and cared for, especially children. I have a high level of emotional intelligence, which helps me quickly notice when something’s off or when someone needs extra support. I bring a lot of energy to everything I do and genuinely enjoy fun, hands-on activities, which makes it easy for me to connect with kids and keep up with their pace. Growing up with lots of younger cousins gave me early experience having meaningful conversations with children and tuning into the topics they love. Over the years, working in classrooms, camps, and homes has only sharpened those skills in a more professional way. I’m now able to apply what I’ve learned in my Psychology degree, particularly around child development, behaviour, and emotional regulation, to real-life situations. This combination of academic knowledge and hands-on experience has helped me grow even more understanding, patient, and responsive. I’ve learned how to read social cues, handle behavioral challenges with care, and build strong, trusting relationships with the children I work with. It’s incredibly rewarding to truly connect with kids and support them in ways that matter. Working with children has helped me grow both personally and professionally, and I’d love the opportunity to bring my energy, care, and experience to your team.

I have approximately six years of hands-on experience working with children in a variety of settings, including classrooms, preschools, summer camps, and private homes. My background includes supporting children from infancy to school age, including those with special needs, through both structured learning activities and unstructured play.I’ve worked as a babysitter, camp counsellor, classroom assistant, and preschool volunteer, gaining experience in emotional support, behaviour management, and building strong, trusting relationships with children and families. My time in school placements has given me experience implementing inclusive, play-based learning strategies and supporting individual learning needs one-on-one and in small groups. Through these roles, I’ve developed strong communication, patience, and adaptability, as well as the ability to recognize social-emotional cues and respond to children’s needs with care. These experiences, combined with my academic studies in Psychology, have helped me build a strong foundation in child development and professional caregiving.

Currently completing a degree in Psychology with a focus on child development, emotional regulation, and learning through play. Courses have explored cognitive development, behaviour, and early learning strategies, all of which have deepened my understanding of how children grow, think, and interact with the world around them. I’m certified in CPR and First Aid and have gained experience in a variety of roles, from babysitting and school placements to working as a full-time camp counsellor.