Hello! Please introduce yourself.
Hi! I’m Allison, the owner and founder of Career Nannies and Household Staffing. I have over 15 years of experience as a career nanny myself, with the privilege of working with numerous wonderful families throughout the Chicagoland area, including Libertyville. After attending the University of Alabama, I also had the amazing opportunity to live and work abroad as a nanny in both Germany and England. These experiences really shaped my understanding and love of childcare and are what encouraged me to start my agency.
Where are you from? What brought you to the area?
I was born and raised in Lake Bluff though I currently live in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago with my husband, Casey and our two cats. My parents and extended family still live in the area (Gurnee and Lake Bluff), and I will always consider it “home”.
What are your favorite things to do in the area? Date night?
Although I don’t currently live in the area, I visit often and hope to move back someday. When I’m in town, I love making the most of Independence Grove and taking our family dog, Qwin on walks through Sunset Park in Highland Park. Every year, we also make sure to make it back for the Lake Bluff 4th of July parade and Libertyville Days. When it comes to dining, breakfast at The Liberty is a favorite, lunch at Bluffington’s in Lake Bluff and for family birthdays, we enjoy celebrating at Jimmy’s Charhouse or Tsukasa, followed with live music and fun at Mickey Finn’s- we even held our rehearsal dinner there!
What are your favorite places to travel near and far and why?
My husband and I love to travel and do it often. Our favorite place for a long weekend is Door County, Wisconsin. We both grew up visiting annually with our families and it is also where we got engaged so it holds an extra special place in our hearts. Some of our other favorite destinations have been Monterrey/Carmel-by-the Sea, California-the drive down to Big Sur is absolutely stunning. Internationally, we love Germany specifically Bavaria, London and are very excited for our first trip to Italy where we will visit Rome, Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
Tell us about your business/organization.
Career Nannies and Household Staffing is my boutique nanny agency serving families throughout Illinois, with a focus on Chicagoland and the northern suburbs. I specialize in matching busy families with professional, highly qualified caregivers through a thorough, timely, and discreet screening process. I pride myself on taking a very personalized approach-working one-on-one with each family and caregiver to ensure the best possible match. Every candidate undergoes a rigorous multi-step screening process, giving you the confidence that you’re welcoming an experienced, trustworthy caregiver into your home.
What makes Career Nannies different from other agencies?
I think what sets me apart from larger agencies is my firsthand experience as a career nanny for over 15 years. Having worked in a wide variety of households, including internationally, I have a strong understanding of the dynamics that make a nanny-family relationship truly successful. This personal insight allows me to thoughtfully guide both families and caregivers in identifying their real needs and creating the best possible match for a lasting and fulfilling partnership.
On top of my firsthand experience, I take a highly personalized approach to every search. Unlike larger agencies that generally and continuously onboard candidates then just send over resumes, I conduct a tailored search for each position. I personally interview and vet candidates based on their interest in a specific role, ensuring they are not only qualified but also genuinely aligned with the family’s individual needs before I ever send them over for review. This approach has been both efficient and highly effective, allowing me to help make stronger, longer-lasting matches. While I of course have a network of experienced caregivers and regularly take discovery calls, I believe a customized search is essential to finding the best fit for both families and nannies.
Why do you love your job?
I love my job because it’s truly my passion. Being a career nanny has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life in more ways than I can count. From helping children grow into independent, happy, and healthy individuals to forming lifelong connections with families around the world, it has been an incredible journey. Now, with my agency, everything has come full circle. Being able to support other caregivers and help families thrive in the community I love is such an amazing feeling.
What is your favorite thing about the Libertyville Area Moms Network?
I love Libertyville Area Moms because it is such a great resource and support system for moms, families and small businesses. It’s inspiring to see all that moms are accomplishing around us. We all succeed when we support and prop each other up as a community and Libertyville Area Moms does a wonderful job with that.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
The best advice I’ve received from other business owners is: You can’t care for or help others if you don’t take care of yourself first. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and make time for self-care—it’s not a luxury, but a necessity.
Are you involved in any volunteering or philanthropy? Do you have a favorite local non-profit or charity?
Before founding Career Nannies, I interned and volunteered at Stand Up For Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to serving homeless LGBTQ+ youth. My role involved organizing donations and coordinating volunteers, as well as developing specialized programming to support and empower the young people we served.
Interested in learning more? Contact Allison at [email protected].