Barbara
Rhode Island

Timing is everything, it’s true. The opportunity to become a counselor presented itself to me in 2001 at a time when I was embarking upon a career change. As I was moving out of a business environment that was rather stressful and time-consuming, opting for a “kinder and gentler” lifestyle, the position of community counselor with Au Pair in America was very appealing. The prospect of being able to make a difference in the lives of so many young women from around the world was very exciting, as was the opportunity to meet so many wonderful host families and to assist them with fundamental decisions regarding the care of their children. My role as community counselor has been, and continues to be, an extremely rewarding experience. That, in combination with my activities as a yoga instructor, makes for a very well-balanced lifestyle.

My previous experience in sales and marketing has given me the business, professional and communication skills that apply to every aspect of my role as community counselor. Also, I have traveled extensively, for both business and pleasure, throughout the United States, as well as Europe and South Africa.

Hobbies include travel, cooking, reading, writing, and all things related to the “mind/body connection.”  I live in Greenville, RI, with my husband and my cat, Jasmine.

Barbara
Arizona

Barbara started with Au Pair in America as a counselor in 1995 and she absolutely loves it!  She enjoys the cultural exchange and dealing with young people from all over the world. She has found it very rewarding to work with host families over the years. It is heart-warming to see the host families change as their children grow up getting quality in-home childcare while enjoying the extra benefit of having their caretakers share their cultures with the entire family.

Barbara grew up in the Midwest. However, the day after she graduated from high school, she went west and has never lived anywhere other than the Western U.S. since.  She attended the University of Arizona and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in broadcast journalism with a joint communication and economics minor.  Then, she went to law school. 

Barbara has three awesome children of her own, two now grown. Barbara first started with the Au Pair in America program by being a host mother.  After having nine au airs of her own, Barbara was accustomed to helping her own au pairs and their friends. It was also common for prospective and existing host families to call her for advice. So, when the position of counselor opened up, Barbara applied and continues to take pleasure in the work.

In her spare time, Barbara enjoys spending time with her teenage son, whose many activities keep Barbara going.  She also spends a lot of time with her multiply handicapped son and his roommates in his group home. Barbara also likes to travel, read, hike and lift weights.  She enjoys her book club and professional organizations, especially the World Affairs Council, which brings professionals from other countries to local organizations for cross-cultural and ideas exchange.