All About Raven

It all started with a spark of curiosity and a heart full of compassion. Hi, I’m Raven—a quirky, playful, deeply passionate childcare professional and co-founder of The Heart State Nanny Agency. Let me take you on a little journey into what fuels my passion for creating meaningful connections through childcare. If you’re reading this, welcome! I’m thrilled to have you here and even more excited to share a little about myself… because if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years as a nanny, it’s that every connection tells a story. And I’d love for us to start writing ours together.

What Makes Me, Me

Over the past decade, I’ve been on a journey through the many facets of childcare. I’ve lived with families as a nanny, supported children with special needs as an ABA therapist, became certified as a doula, and taught in early childhood education settings—or, as I like to call it, where the magic of learning and play come together. This journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Battling an eating disorder profoundly shaped me, teaching me resilience and a deeper understanding of how important it is to nurture healthy relationships with food and body image. This personal experience drives my desire to help shape little minds in a way that fosters self-love and confidence.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was a live-in nanny for a family of five. When they decided to move closer to their relatives, they relocated to Rhode Island. Finding a nanny job during the pandemic was incredibly challenging, and after some fun times living with Megan, I eventually moved to Rhode Island as well. That year turned out to be one of the hardest of my career. With everything shut down, I had to become extremely creative to keep the kids engaged and entertained. Many days were spent exploring our imaginations indoors or enjoying endless adventures at the beach. Despite the difficulties, those experiences taught me invaluable lessons about adaptability and resilience.

After a year, my heart called me back to Ohio. I felt a pull toward something bigger, even if I didn’t know exactly what it was at the time. Returning to Ohio brought me to the amazing  family I currently live with and work for, but more importantly, it set the stage for what was to come. That "something bigger" turned out to be The Heart State Nanny Agency—a dream I didn’t realize was already taking root.

When I’m not pouring my heart into childcare, I’m finding joy in the little things that make life vibrant and full. You might catch me dancing with carefree energy in a fitness class (because working out should always be fun!) or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen! Travel is my soul’s refresh button, with Scotland holding a special place in my heart for its beauty and charm. Along the way, my love for giraffes grew—they’re elegant, a little goofy, and completely themselves, much like the way I approach life. Music has been a constant companion, especially the lyrics of Taylor Swift, which inspire me to embrace every chapter of my story. I even have a sleeve of Taylor Swift-themed tattoos that tell the story of how her music has been a soundtrack to so many pivotal moments in my life! And whenever I can, I seek adventure—whether it’s discovering a new place or rediscovering myself through travel.

Why Childcare?

People often ask me, “Why did you choose childcare?” The truth is, childcare chose me. Growing up, I always gravitated toward kids. There’s something magical about seeing the world through their eyes—everything is a discovery, a joy, a chance to grow. For years, I’ve been drawn to the idea of creating something bigger than myself. I’ve worked with children from all walks of life, and along the way, I noticed a need: families searching for reliable, compassionate childcare and nannies needing mentorship and advocacy. That’s where the dream for The Heart State Nanny Agency began.

But it’s more than just a business. It’s a vision—a community where families and nannies alike feel supported, valued, and connected. Through our agency, we aim to create meaningful matches that feel less like a transaction and more like a bond. Every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and encouraged to grow, and every nanny deserves to feel respected, appreciated, and empowered in their role.

This passion for childcare isn’t just about today; it’s about building a future where children thrive, families flourish, and nannies shine as the incredible caregivers they are. At the heart of it all is the belief that when we invest in our children’s well-being, we’re investing in a brighter world for everyone.

Behind the Scenes

Running a nanny agency comes with its fair share of excitement and challenges. From designing merchandise and planning events like “Nanny Night Out” to mentoring new nannies, every day brings something new. This journey has been years in the making—I used to tell Megan all the time that one day we’d run an agency together. Megan and I have been friends for so long, and over the years, we’ve dreamed, planned, and envisioned what this could look like. Finally, the timing felt right, and we decided to take the leap. I’m constantly inspired by the people I work with—from my co-founder Megan to the incredible families and nannies we serve. The support and enthusiasm from this growing community motivate me to keep dreaming bigger and working harder.

On a personal note, my love for hosting shines through in everything I do. Whether it’s planning a fun event for nannies or organizing a small gathering for friends, I’m happiest when I’m creating spaces where people feel welcome and connected. This love for community is what drives me to ensure The Heart State Nanny Agency isn’t just a service but a source of support and friendship for everyone involved.

Let’s Connect

So now you know me—quirks, passions, and all. I’d love to get to know you, too! Whether you’re a family searching for the perfect nanny or a caregiver looking for opportunities, we’re here for you. This agency is a labor of love, and we can’t wait to see how it grows into a supportive community for everyone we work with.

Drop us a message, share your story, or just say hi. Your journey matters, and together, we can create moments that inspire joy, connection, and growth. Let’s build something beautiful, one heartfelt connection at a time.

With heart,
Raven ❤️