Georgia, USA
My name is Marie-Theres, and I am an Apex Care Professional and a trained Physical Therapist from Germany. Through the Apex program, I have had the incredible opportunity to combine my professional background with cultural exchange while supporting a child and their family in their daily lives. From the moment I arrived, my host family created an environment of warmth, respect, and appreciation. They welcomed me not only as a caregiver, but also as a professional and a member of their household. Even their three dogs loved me from day one, which immediately made me feel at home.
One moment that showed me how welcoming they were happened on my very first full day in the United States. My host dad and the older host child invited me to go to the movie theater with them. It was a simple activity, but it helped break the ice and made me feel included right from the start.
What makes my host family truly exceptional is the way they empower both their child and me as a care professional. As a physical therapist, I was able to contribute my professional knowledge while supporting their child’s daily routines, mobility, and independence. The parents always valued my observations and ideas and involved me in conversations about strategies, routines, and developmental goals. This level of trust motivated me to give my best every day and allowed me to grow professionally by applying my training in a real-life home environment.
Communication and teamwork are a central part of our daily life. My host parents set clear expectations and goals while encouraging open conversations and feedback. They created an environment where I felt comfortable sharing my professional perspective and asking questions. Through this collaboration, I learned how important it is to work closely with families and adapt professional knowledge to each child’s individual needs. This experience strengthened my confidence as a physical therapist and helped me develop skills that will benefit my future career.
Beyond the professional aspect, my host family made a great effort to include me in their lives and introduce me to American culture. Only four weeks after I arrived, they invited me to join them on a family vacation to the Bahamas. This meant a lot to me because it showed how quickly they had welcomed me as part of their family. Spending time together outside of our daily routine allowed us to build a strong bond and create unforgettable memories.
Another highlight was traveling together to St. Augustine during fall break. Visiting such a historic city gave me the chance to learn more about American history and culture while sharing a meaningful experience with the family.
They also introduced me to many aspects of American life that I had previously only seen in movies. We attended baseball games and football games together, and experiencing the energy and excitement of a stadium full of fans was unforgettable. Another fun memory was going go-kart driving with my host dad and the older host child. Moments like these allowed us to laugh together and build a connection beyond my professional role.
Holidays were especially meaningful during my time with the family. I had the opportunity to celebrate birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter with them. Being away from my own family during these special moments could have been difficult, but my host family made sure I always felt included and appreciated.
Another reason their home is such a wonderful place to work is the appreciation they consistently show. They recognize the effort and dedication that goes into caring for their child. Simple gestures—like kind words, encouragement, or taking the time to check in—made a big difference in helping me feel supported and valued.
Through this experience, I grew tremendously both personally and professionally. Living and working in another country helped me become more independent, adaptable, and confident. Professionally, I gained valuable hands-on experience working closely with a family and supporting a child’s development in a home environment.
Most importantly, my host family truly embodies Apex’s mission. They empower their child to grow, learn, and build confidence while also supporting the professionals who care for their child. They created an environment where collaboration, cultural exchange, and personal growth are part of everyday life.
I am incredibly grateful to have been part of their family. The experiences we shared—from everyday routines to vacations, sports events, and holiday celebrations—have had a lasting impact on me. This journey has shaped me not only as a physical therapist but also as a person, and I will carry these lessons with me throughout my life and career.
Start Your Own Apex Journey
At Apex Social, we believe in care that transforms, not just for the children we serve, but for everyone involved. If you’re inspired by the Southerland family’s story, now is the time to start your own Apex Social journey.
Interested in becoming a host family and welcoming compassionate care into your home?
