With over two decades of experience as an educator, I have had the privilege of teaching and supporting hundreds of nannies, parents, and children. My journey has been driven by a profound passion for learning and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Throughout my career, I have immersed myself in studying diverse philosophies, methods, theories, and frameworks related to teaching and raising young children. My dedication to the field is reflected in the hundreds of certificates, diplomas, and specializations I have earned in neonatal care and early education.
From a young age, I dreamed of living in the United States. To make this dream a reality, I worked tirelessly since I was young - I was only 11 years old when I started work to save money to come to the US. I "gave up" my teen years, choosing to focus on work and studies for nine years. In 2003, I achieved that dream and began a new chapter in my life. The fast-paced, high-achieving lifestyle quickly became a part of my identity.
For over a decade, I juggled an average of 100-hour workweeks with college studies, earning a bachelor's and two master’s degrees. My dedication to the field earned me numerous awards and recognition for my work in the care industry. Despite the success, the relentless pace took a toll on my mental health, leading to a decision to reduce my hours for good. At that point, I didn't even have to work that much! However, when the pandemic hit, I found myself back in the demanding cycle, which further impacted my well-being.
In search of balance and peace, I embraced an opportunity to move across the country to the serene landscapes of the Olympic Peninsula. The natural beauty and tranquility of the area were transformative. Here, in this peaceful setting, I felt a deep connection to the wisdom I had accumulated over the years. It was as if all my studies and experiences converged, revealing a harmonious blend of philosophies and methods.
This new chapter of my life inspired the creation of Raising Sisu. The concept of “Sisu” is Finnish and has fascinated me since my teenage years. It represents a blend of resilience, courage, and inner strength—qualities that resonate deeply with my own journey and the ethos I wish to impart through my work. Raising Sisu embodies the integration of diverse cultural, professional, and educational philosophies and background experience into a unified approach to nurturing and parent education.
