Meet Rez
Hello! My name is Rez Zenith, and I'm a professional Nanny and Newborn Care Specialist serving Seattle, WA. I am a proponent of respectful care and connection through play. I am proud to practice an evidence-based approach. I believe in the potential and capability of every child, and I consider it a great honor to serve the families in my care.
Keep reading to learn more about Rez...
About Me
Growing up in the East Bay Area of California, I acquired natural leadership skills and an inherent sense of responsibility as the oldest in a family of eleven children. (Yes, you read that right! I've changed a LOT of diapers in my day.) My mother homeschooled most of us up until high school, so I was constantly taking care of my younger siblings at home. This equipped me with a strong set of pre-requisites to the professional caregiving world. In 2011, I officially began my first nanny position, caring for an infant in the beautiful hills of Oakland, California.
Since then, I've primarily cared for families with infants and toddlers. I have a deep love for babies and I am constantly amazed by their growth processes. I studied Child Development at Merritt College during my time in the Bay Area. Since moving to Denver, I have continued my education through online coursework with the University of Colorado, Stanford University, and also through other programs like Newborn Care Solutions. Ongoing education is very important to me, because I want to do everything I can to help the young people that I serve. I take pride in having an evidence-based practice, and I am involved in many childcare communities, sharing information and scientific research that is relevant to my field. I also have attended events such as International Nanny Training Day, and the Nannypalooza conference. I am committed and enthusiastic about ongoing education and my communities.
Outside of nanny work, I have experience teaching in Denver public schools, as well as instructing groups of young people in mural-making. I am a life-long artist, and I enjoy sharing that passion with others. I have also provided care for adults with disabilities, including being a live-in care provider for an adult with a spinal cord injury for three years. I'm proud to be a multi-faceted individual and to bring a plethora of experience to the table.
My Nanny Style
The primary responsibility that I uphold is safety. I am a big nerd about safe sleep protocol, car seat safety, and more. Not only do I create physical safety for the children in my care, but I also foster emotional security. I do this through providing structure and routine, and also by co-regulating and connecting on an emotional level so that they feel heard. I thrive on establishing a healthy and secure attachment for the kids in my care.
I believe that the act of play is a vital space for children to process the world around them and to create their own narratives. I like to engage their sense of wonder and curiosity by asking questions to promote deeper thinking. Using play and storytelling as a safe container for processing reminds me of how science fiction can sometimes grapple with big, heavy topics, and they are easier to digest and understand through this framework. Applying this to my work with children has enabled me to connect and to provide perspective in a special way, by meeting children at their own individual level and engaging with their stories and imagination.
I am committed to being a present care provider. When I am present with the children under my wing, it sends a message to them that I care about engaging with them, and that they are my priority and focus. I do my best to model mindful behavior, which includes monitoring my own self-talk as well as speaking to others with kindness. This includes pets and robots in the home. One work-from-home parent used to laugh at me for addressing their Alexa device with "please" and "thank you." It may seem a little silly, but I am immensely aware of the impression that I can make on the babies and kids in my care, and want to set a good example. This carries over to mealtime as well - modeling an open and positive attitude toward nourishment and self care, with an emphasis on trusting our bodies. I appreciate being able to share that perspective with my nanny kids, while also showing them how enjoyable it can be to eat a variety of fresh, healthful foods.
Another aspect of my care style is community engagement. Over the past few years, I have been involved in a regular play group with like-minded nannies, and sometimes parents, too. Having regular playdates has provided excellent social opportunities for everyone involved, and can be invigorating to experience, since childcare is sometimes an isolating field. Being able to get outdoors and engage in the world around us is a priority to me, and very beneficial to the children in my care.
Some of my favorite activities to participate in with children include singing, art-making (prioritizing the artistic process rather than the outcome), outdoor exploration (I definitely lean toward the "no bad weather, only bad clothing" mentality), and imaginative play. I loves to find the magic in the mundane, such as turning a simple cardboard box into an enchanted castle. I also love to provide enrichment and facilitate experiential learning through outings to places like the library, museum, playground, zoo, and more.
Chalk art created by Nanny Rez
Searching for my unicorn family!
I am currently seeking full time employment in Seattle WA, within relative proximity to the Cap Hill neighborhood. My ideal start date is April / May 2025. I am hoping to find a family that values good communication, mutual respect, and enthusiasm about working as a cohesive care team. I would love to find a family that I can stay with long-term, if possible.
I am honored to work with LGBTQIA+ clients, folks with disabilities, people with cultural backgrounds different than my own, and those living with neurodiversity.
If it sounds like we are in alignment, I'd love to hear from you. Thank you for your interest!