Certified Full-time Care Professionals for Youths with Cystic Fibrosis

Alexandra (Alex) is a 24-year-old Special Needs Care Provider (SNCP) with qualifications in both infant care and special needs care. With over 5,000 hours of childcare experience, including 3,000 hours working with children under the age of 2. Although Alex was recently in Rockville, MD caring for 3 children, ages 6, 4, and 1 yr old, including the oldest with autism, Alex flew back to Germany to spend the holidays with family. The good news is that she already has her visa and she brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her role as a SNCP. She describes herself as focused, determined, warm, and empathetic, qualities that help her create meaningful connections with the children and families she supports. In her free time, Alex enjoys spending quality moments with friends and family, listening to music, performing on stage, participating in parades with a fanfare group, and traveling. With seven years of near-daily driving experience, she is confident navigating larger cities and challenging weather conditions. Alex is excited to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to your family starting now! Note from Apex: Alex is due 10 paid vacation days, 4 paid holidays, $500 in educational stipend, and she has her Social Security card. Her program end date is 8/5/2026 and she is open to extending for the right family!

Available Now! Melanie is a 27-year-old Early Childhood Educator with a Bachelor's Degree and over 6,000 hours of childcare experience. She holds qualifications in both infant care and special needs care, with extensive experience working with large groups of young children. Her background includes supporting children with autism, developmental delays, epilepsy, and sensory processing disorders. Melanie has been supporting an Apex Host Family in NJ with 2 children; ages 12 and 8 years old since her arrival in April. Melanie describes herself as empathetic, creative, and calm under pressure. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding, reading, ballet, listening to podcasts, and traveling. She has lived away from home and has had a Driver's License for 7 years. She is comfortable with family pets and excited to support your family now! Note from Apex: Melanie will be due 7 days of vacation, 2 holidays, and $0 towards her education. Her program year will be complete on April 20, 2026.

Veronika is a 22-year-old Educator with over 3,000 hours of childcare experience. She is qualified in both infant care and special needs support and is always eager to expand her skills and embrace new learning opportunities. Veronika is passionate about empowering children and celebrating their unique qualities. She describes herself as energetic, attentive, and positive. In her spare time, she enjoys staying active, exploring the outdoors, spending quality time with family, or getting lost in a good book. With two years of daily driving experience, she is confident and comfortable behind the wheel. Veronika is excited to make a positive impact on your family starting in June!

Nathalie is a 22-year-old Occupational Therapist with qualifications in special needs care. She has gained valuable experience working with children in a variety of settings, including occupational therapy practices, hospitals, a foster home, and through teaching both first aid and swimming courses. Nathalie is also a certified lifeguard and has volunteered as a first aider, further demonstrating her commitment to helping others. Described as honest, cheerful, and curious, Nathalie brings a positive and engaged attitude to her work. In her free time, she enjoys reading, drawing, cycling, dancing, and swimming. She has been driving for one year and considers herself a cautious and attentive driver. Nathalie is excited about the opportunity to support your family starting in January 2026.

Rike, a 22-year-old Occupational Therapist who is special needs care qualified and is passionate about working with children and supporting their development through creative, empathetic, and individualized care. She lives in a cozy village apartment with her cat Moritz and enjoys spending time outdoors, especially riding horses—a hobby she has loved since childhood. Rike actively assists in therapeutic riding sessions and is currently completing an internship focused on pediatric therapy, where she combines playfulness with clear guidance. Known for her determination, warmth, and strong sense of responsibility, she brings both professional knowledge and heartfelt dedication to her work. Drawn to the idea of a year abroad, she hopes to broaden her therapeutic approach, improve her language skills, and grow personally and professionally by immersing herself in a new culture. In her free time, Rike enjoys horseback riding, unique local sports like "Autoringstechen," exploring new activities with friends, and spending holidays at her family’s cherished home in Sweden. With five years of daily driving experience in all weather conditions, she feels confident managing transportation needs and is eager to become a supportive, active presence in a host family’s life beginning in January 2026!

Celine is currently training as an Occupational Therapist, with an expected completion in 2025. Through her internships, Celine has gained valuable experience supporting children with Down syndrome, ADHD, and balance challenges, helping them develop essential skills and confidence. Her extensive babysitting experience, caring for infants and older children, has strengthened her ability to create nurturing, supportive environments tailored to each child's needs. In her free time, Celine enjoys horse riding and teaching riding lessons to children, combining her passion for animals with her joy in working with kids. Known for her friendly and reliable nature, Celine is excited about the opportunity to join a family in January, contributing to the development and happiness of the children while embracing new cultural experiences!

Michel is a 22 year old Physical Therapist who is special needs care qualified and has experience working with cerebral palsy. He brings a combination of empathy, energy, and experience to his work with children and young people. Michel has built a strong foundation in caregiving through years of hands-on practice, including a 320-hour practicum with children and an international internship in Málaga. For the past seven years, he has coached youth football, earning the trust of children and teenagers by serving as a reliable, older-brother figure both on and off the field. He also tutors elementary school students. Known for his positivity, patience, and ability to connect with children at their level, Michel creates supportive, joyful environments that encourage growth and confidence. His passion for physical activity, health, and development is evident in both his professional and personal life. Michel is excited to learn new perspectives when he joins your family beginning in January 2026.

Laura is a 25-year-old Nurse from Germany who brings a wealth of experience in both healthcare and childcare. She is infant care and special needs care qualified and has been inspired by her brother's needs and her mother's nursing career. Laura pursued and completed her nursing apprenticeship in 2023, and now works on a palliative care ward while studying for a bachelor’s degree in health and nursing education. Her nurturing spirit extends beyond the hospital—she has cared for newborns, enjoys spending time with children, and thrives in both structured and spontaneous caregiving environments. Known for her patience, empathy, and strong communication skills, Laura is also an avid cook, nature enthusiast, animal lover, and enjoys reading, swimming, and connecting with friends. Her calm demeanor under pressure, adaptability, and passion for cultural exchange make her an ideal candidate for a host family abroad beginning in January!

Nele is an Infant Care and Special Needs qualified Educator who grew up in a close-knit family environment that shaped her into a family-oriented individual. Inspired by the educators she admired as a child, she pursued vocational training as a social assistant and gained experience in multiple childcare facilities, working with diverse groups. Known for her empathy, patience, and adaptability, she tailors learning experiences to children's interests and prioritizes their well-being. In her free time, she enjoys creative activities, cooking, reading, and birdwatching. Holding a driver’s license since 2022, she has experience with daily commuting and long-distance trips. Eager to make a meaningful impact, she looks forward to contributing as a responsible and nurturing caregiver in your family beginning in January!

Theresa is a 25-year-old Occupational Therapist with specialized qualifications in special needs care. She has experience working with children diagnosed with ADHD, autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, Down syndrome, and epilepsy. Since 2022, she has been working full-time in a pediatric occupational and speech therapy practice and also enjoys spending time caring for her nieces. Described as patient, solution-oriented, and empathetic, Theresa is committed to providing thoughtful and individualized support. In her free time, she enjoys Zumba, exploring nature, cooking, playing games with friends, and traveling in her camper. Having lived independently for several years, she is a confident and experienced daily driver. Theresa follows a gluten-free diet and is comfortable around family pets. She is excited about the opportunity to support your family and further develop her professional skills starting in January!

Anna is a 25 year old Occupational Therapist with over 2000 childcare hours who is warm, dedicated, and experienced with a deep passion for working with children and supporting their development in a safe and nurturing environment. With a strong professional background that includes working with children of various ages and abilities—particularly those with special needs, developmental delays, and sensory processing challenges—she brings both empathy and expertise to her role as a care professional. Her journey began during a voluntary year in a residential group home, where a powerful experience supporting a non-verbal girl with autism confirmed her calling. Anna is motivated not only by her love for children but also by her enthusiasm for cultural exchange and personal growth. She enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new places, and connecting with animals, family, and friends. With seven years of driving experience, including international travel, she is confident behind the wheel and adaptable to new environments. Anna’s patient, reliable, and joyful nature makes her an ideal addition to a host family, where she looks forward to becoming a trusted source of support beginning in January!

Silas is a 21-year-old certified Physical Therapist with qualifications in special needs care. He has hands-on experience supporting individuals with cognitive, developmental, and physical disabilities across a variety of settings, including physical therapy and fitness centers, a primary school, and through private babysitting. Known for his fun, curious, and caring nature, Silas brings a positive and engaging approach to his work with children. In his free time, he enjoys staying active—whether it’s at the gym, playing sports, traveling with friends, or enjoying meals with family. Silas has been a licensed driver for 4 years and is confident navigating diverse traffic and weather conditions. He is excited about the opportunity to support your family starting in January 2026!

Sophie is a 21-year-old Special Needs Caregiver who brings a unique blend of warmth, structure, and professional experience shaped by her upbringing in a large, lively household with seven siblings and a foster-parent mother. Her training and hands-on work with individuals on the autism spectrum and those with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome have equipped her with both deep empathy and practical skills, allowing her to connect meaningfully with people of all ages and support needs. Sophie is calm, balanced, and resource-oriented, believing strongly in the power of consistency and trust to support a child’s development. Her decision to work abroad is driven by a desire to grow personally and professionally, build close relationships with children, and immerse herself in a new culture. Outside of work, she enjoys being active and creative—whether through painting, reading, or exploring nature—and is always eager to learn. With solid driving experience and a strong sense of responsibility, Sophie is prepared to be a reliable and nurturing presence in a family's daily life beginning in January 2026!

Lea is a highly motivated Occupational Therapist from Germany who has a plethora of experience with various diagnoses, including but not limited to ADD & ADHD, anxiety disorder, autism, bipolar disorder, blindness, CP, depression, DD, Down syndrome, epilepsy, OCD, ODD and SPD. She is also Infant Care Qualified and goes the extra mile to achieve her goals. She has experience with infants up to age 18 yrs old, including challenging behaviors. She has been driving for 3 years in all types of weather, and has driven children, as well as the elderly. She describes herself as reliable, caring, and enjoys working with children. It is easy for her to build trusting relationships, and to bring patience and humor into everyday life. She also has babysitting experience and is excited to join your family starting in mid-January!

2nd Year Apex Alum!! Hannah is an Occupational Therapist who is special needs care qualified and has over 2,000 childcare hours. She is currently in Maryland with a Host Family who has a 5 yr old boy with autism, ADHD and SPD, but is looking for a new opportunity to learn about a different diagnosis. Through her federal voluntary service, she had experience working with children that had ADHD, ADD, autism, and learning disabilities. Hannah describes herself as a balanced person who enjoys all kinds of activities but then can find relaxing activities too! She enjoys spending time with family, friends and a variety of activities from sports to crafts, baking, animals, and nature! Hannah describes herself as calm, patient, and empathetic and is looking forward to learning from your family and making a contribution to your family in return. Hannah has been driving for 2.5 years and has experience in all kinds of weather. She is vegetarian but comfortable with serving meat to others. She is looking forward to joining your family in the South or on the West Coast, beginning in January 2026! Note from Apex: Hannah will be due 15 paid vacation days, 5 paid holidays, and a one-time $500 educational stipend. Her program ends on 1/16/2027.