The Fire Behind Stanford Park Nannies
Allow me to introduce myself—my name is Jennifer, and I have been with this agency for about 11 months. I am not writing this blog to give readers expert nanny advice, nor am I an expert in the childcare industry. I wanted to take the reigns on this blog post because I was truly touched by this story, and wanted the opportunity to share it. I love working for Stanford Park Nannies, I care about what this agency stands for, and I respect the way Daryl and Maggie operate. This agency is run with integrity, a personal touch, and the heart of people who genuinely care; this story is proof of that!
Rowan and Amber at the Job Fair
My story begins at the West Valley College Career Fair last month. As a recruiter, I attended the fair with my coworker, Rowan. We set up our SPN table, spoke to many inquiring students, and handed out our flyers.
Toward the end of the fair, a firefighter from the Santa Clara County Fire Department table approached us somewhat hesitantly. She told us that she has been thinking about coming by our table all day; she said, “I was a Stanford Park Nanny 20 years ago!” My jaw dropped instantly, and we excitedly introduced ourselves. The then-nanny, now-firefighter, Amber, let us know that she had moved to the area from Montana in the 90’s, and found herself at our agency, where Daryl and Maggie placed her with two families. Amber went on to say how much she appreciated Daryl and Maggie, and how supported and safe she felt working with them.
Amber’s 1994 Database Photo
When we asked for her full name, she laughed; she was sure Daryl and Maggie would not remember someone from so long ago! My coworker and I looked at each other, knowing the type of people our bosses are, and assured Amber that they would remember her. We quickly contacted Sarah back at the office, and had her look up Amber in our database and send us her old database picture. Amber, Rowan, and I got a kick out of her turtleneck, her throwback hairstyle, and the PAGER code listed on her file! Before parting ways, Amber gave us her phone number. She humbly mentioned that, if they would like to, she would love to catch up with Daryl and Maggie.
Rowan and I could not wait to tell them the story! When we arrived at the office, I began by saying we met someone who used to work for us. I started to say that she is a firefighter now, and Daryl instantly interrupted me. She knew exactly who I was referring to, name and all!
Daryl called Amber and we jokingly referred to their conversation as a “love fest!” Those two chatted about the old days, and were touched by one another’s memories. After their long conversation, Amber invited our team to the firehouse for lunch and a tour!
As we sat down to eat Amber’s homemade chili and cornbread, she let us in on her experience. She told us how wonderful Daryl and Maggie were to her, and also about the families we placed her with. She explained some of her own personal struggles she was enduring at the time, and told us that the family we placed her with was more of a support system than her own family.
Amber also told us of how she came to be interested in becoming a firefighter. She was on the job with her charges when they saw a fire engine in a grocery store parking lot. She took the kids to see the engine and had a friendly conversation with one of the firefighters. After speaking with him for quite a while, she just knew that was her path in life—she knew she needed to become a firefighter! She continued to work as a nanny for SPN while she took EMT and fire classes, and has been a firefighter for 14 years now!
What is even more astonishing, in my eyes, is the fact that Daryl remembered this. Daryl distinctly remembers Amber glowing as she spoke about her dreams, and she remembers knowing, without a doubt, that this nanny would reach her goal.
She took us on a tour of the firehouse, we told stories and laughed, and we took tons of pictures! We refer to our firehouse visit as “the best day ever!”
I knew I was working for a great agency, but after meeting Amber and hearing her story, I realized just how great it actually is. SPN is great because of Daryl and Maggie, and that is evident to nannies, families, and our team. It is great because the people behind it believe in what they do, and genuinely want to make a difference. There is heart in this agency, and that is something that is so incredibly rare these days. As I mentioned previously, I have only been here for 11 months—but I can tell you that I am excited for my future here, and I am beyond proud to call myself a part of Stanford Park Nannies!
