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Greetings, I'm Candi Vajana, your intrepid 2017 Nanny of the Year and the brains behind The Experienced Nanny.
Having spent three decades immersed in childcare, I've traded in my nappy bag to share my wealth of knowledge with families and nannies worldwide.
My mission? To offer personalized consulting and targeted training, focusing not on the nitty-gritty of childcare but on the softer skills needed to navigate the intricacies of home life. Whether you're a family grappling with onboarding or scheduling issues, a nanny seeking guidance, or an agency or family office wrangling with team coordination, I'm here to provide solutions.
With a globe-trotting background and a penchant for adventure, I've encountered myriad childcare theories and challenges. Armed with three decades of research, experience, and a track record of success, I bring you practical advice tailored to your unique situation.
And here's the twist – if your little ones need a travel companion, The Experienced Nanny doubles as a trusted travel chaperone, ensuring their journey is as safe and enjoyable as possible.
At The Experienced Nanny, it's not just about childcare; it's about cultivating harmonious households where families, nannies, and, most importantly, the children thrive together.
Life's tapestry is woven with the threads of experience, shaping who we are, revealing our resilience, and showcasing our untapped capabilities. From my early years, an innate connection with babies and children became evident, with a pivotal moment in my late teens when my parents fostered a little girl, sparking my desire to engage with children one-on-one rather than within the confines of a classroom.
Growing up, my father's banking career led to a childhood spent traversing multiple countries, laying the foundation for my eventual career choice as an international nanny. While experience undoubtedly played a defining role in sculpting my identity, it's equally apt to say that childcare and wanderlust are woven into my very DNA.
The union of my British mother and Italian father, sparked by their meeting during her au pair days in Sicily, birthed me in the sun-soaked landscapes of Sicily. From there, our family journey unfolded through Piacenza to Reggio Calabria, each chapter contributing to the rich mosaic of my upbringing.
At age 8, the adventurous trajectory continued as we moved to Turkey, an experience that thrust me into the turbulence of the 1980 military coup d'état. This challenging episode not only solidified my resilience but also honed my survival instincts, adding yet another layer to the vibrant canvas of my life.
Our family's journey circled back to Italy when I turned 11. At 18, my adventure continued with a move to the UK. I underwent rigorous training as an N.N.E.B nanny (Nursery Nursing Examinations Board), earning the title of Student of the Year in 1992. Fast forward to 2017, when my dedication to childcare was recognized on a global stage – named International Nanny of the Year by the International Nanny Association. This prestigious honor, backed by five separate nominations, attests to my commitment to passing their stringent interview process and background checks.
In addition to my accolades, I'm a qualified newborn care specialist and adept potty trainer. My educational journey extends to being a trained and qualified Montessori Teacher, complemented by a B.A. from Anglia Ruskin University, UK.
My professional escapades have whisked me across the globe, touching down in the USA, Belgium, Austria, and beyond, working closely with families of HP and UHNW clients.
Currently calling Northern California home, the travel bug remains ingrained in my DNA. In moments of whimsy, you might catch me rearranging furniture just for the thrill. Fortunately, my husband shares my passion for travel and graciously tolerates the ever-changing layout of our furnishings.
Speaker at these events
My work gets noticed. Check out my past speaking engagements
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have you ever worked with High-Net-Worth Families?
Yes, throughout my career I have been fortunate enough to have worked with very High-Net-Worth and Ultra-High-Net-Worth clients. This is my forte and where my expertise lies.
Do you speak any other languages?
Yes, I was brought up bilingual. I speak English and Italian.
Have you ever worked as part of a Nanny Team?
I have worked as part of many different nanny teams, sometimes as the Lead Nanny or Head Nanny, other times as a Nanny. It is a differnt kind of work, you must like working within a team.
Have you ever worked as a ROTA Nanny?
Yes, I have. For the last 15 years of my career, I was a ROTA Nanny. This can be a gratifying way of working, but it can also burn you out.
Every family is different, and every child is unique!