Laura D.

Hi! My name is Laura Duda (pronounced like “Zip-a-dee-DOO-DAH…”) but children usually call me Laura or Ms. Laura. I’m 39 years old and recently moved from Houston, Texas to Kettering, Ohio with my husband for his job, but I’m originally from Detroit, Michigan, so I know what to expect for winter! I don’t have pets but I enjoy them as long as they don’t have a tendency to bite, and I don’t have my own children but have loved working with children of all ages my entire career.

My priorities when working with people include:
- providing a safe environment
- respecting boundaries and preferences
- individualizing experiences and care
- encouraging confidence by fostering independence
- supporting family passions and goals
- promoting learning amidst everyday occurrences
- communicating openly, clearly and with detail
- helping people explore life with creativity
- balancing structure with improvisation
- focusing on abilities.

I have a Bachelor of Music degree and am a board certified music therapist. My work experience includes 13 years as a pediatric music therapist at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, 1+ year as Community Engagement Manager at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and 1 year as a Project Specialist in the Center for Performing Arts Medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital. When I first moved to Houston, I worked at the Houston Zoo taking photos of visitors, including children, families and school groups, as they entered the zoo and when they fed the giraffes. I also enjoyed being a nanny a few days a week for two young girls – they brought me such joy! I still remain in touch with them and love learning from them as they grow. Their parents are happy to serve as a reference for me as needed. I was CPR certified for that role.

I enjoy working with people of all ages and have a passion for interacting with people who have special needs, helping them to focus on their abilities, promoting opportunities for success, adapting situations to create accessibility and engaging them in creative experiences. I am interested in occasional or part-time work, preferably mid-late morning through early-mid evening during the week. I appreciate flexibility when needed, giving ample notice, and I make every effort to accommodate scheduling needs of families. I have my own reliable transportation. Please let me know if you have any questions, and I look forward to learning more about if I might be a good match for your needs! Thank you!

Languages spoken: English.

Additional services: Meal preparation, Laundry, Light housekeeping, Crafts, and Potty training.

Rate: $15/hour – $20/hour

Child Ages:

3 weeks - 14 years

Smoker:

No

CPR Certified:

No

Hours of Operation:

Early morning: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Late morning: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Early afternoon: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Late afternoon: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Early evening: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Late evening: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Overnight: Saturday and Sunday.